Bonython Manor
OS Grid reference: SW 696 211
Bonython Manor is located near to the village of Cury Cross Lanes on the Lizard Peninsula and lies five miles (8 km) to the south of the town of Helston
The estate dates back to the thirteenth century, the present granite house dates to the Georgian era. The aristocratic Cornish Bonython family owned the manor up until the beginning of the eighteenth century. Ancient records reveal that Stephen Bonython was in possession of the family lands in 1277. The family lost its fortune and Manor in the mid-Victorian period.
The present owners, Mr and Mrs Richard Nathan, purchased the estate in 1999 and transformed the gardens which had fallen into a sad state of neglect.
The now superb garden at Bonython covers 20 acres and its plantations of Montrerey pine and beech trees were planted in the 1830s. There is much for the gardening enthusiast to see at Bonython.
The sweeping drive is lined with colourful hydrangeas, and there is a colour themed herbaceous walled garden with clematis covered walls, a potager with vegetables and flowers and three lakes in a lovely wooded valley planted with ornamental grasses, tree ferns, perennials and vivid South African flowers. The herbaceous borders of the walled garden are lined with alliums, catmint and carefully selected varieties that enhance blue, purple, yellow and white colour themes. Even the herb garden has been sprinkled with 'picking flowers' to infuse it with vibrant pink.The view that stretches over the orchard of Cornish apple trees towards Lake Joy is superb.
There are panoramic views of Poldhu Cove and the Marconi Monument from the gardens's sweeping lawns.
The manor house itself is not open to the public. Home made cakes, tea and coffee are served in a thatched summerhousewhich overlooks a lake.