Our story and Ennys

Our Story

Ennys was love at first sight!  From the moment we rounded the corner and caught our first glimpse of the house, the spell was cast.  And the love affair continues to deepen.  The peace is palpable and the location, sublime. 

Originally from the east of the country, we have been frequent visitors to Cornwall for many decades and had long considered a permanent move when the time felt right.  A few years’ ago we decided to test the idea and bought a small cob and thatch cottage for restoration close to Truro.  This became a much-loved holiday destination for us - and confirmation if indeed we needed any! – that Cornwall was where we wanted to make our home.    The challenge was, with six adult offspring and an extended family who all like to visit, we needed more than two tiny bedrooms! 

And that was how the search for Ennys began. 

Finally, last Easter, when the bluebells were bursting into bloom along the drive, we made our first foray to the house as the new owners.  This year we are looking forward to seeing the seasons repeat.  There is much to do from house to cottages to gardens to re-gild parts of the lily - and we are embracing it all. 

We feel so fortunate to be living here. 

Ennys –
in a few words

Ennys means ‘remote’ or ‘island’ and, aptly named, the earliest record of a property here is as a hermitage to St Michael’s Mount.  Part of the present house was built in 1688 as a gentleman’s residence for Humphrey Millett, a tin merchant from Marazion whose initials are carved in the granite lintel over one of the doorways. The family owned the property for over 200 years and in the 18th century, the discovery of tin and copper on the land enabled them to extend and remodel Ennys into a Georgian manor to reflect their new prosperity.   

Subsequent fortunes have seen Ennys become a manor farm, a boutique hotel and latterly a private residence with four or so pretty holiday cottages.  Over the years the gardens have developed and evolved.  The site has been used as a location for a Rosamund Pilcher television series and is an idyllic setting from which to explore all that West Cornwall has to offer. 

From DH Lawrence to Ted Hughes – West Cornwall’s coastline is renowned for its wild, unspoilt beauty. The region has some of the best beaches and coastal paths in the country, allowing visitors to discover the locations and witness the inspirations of classic British literature throughout the ages. Today, Ennys is the perfect hideaway for those seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation.