A HISTORIC Grade II* listed Georgian country house near Penzance has been gifted to Cornwall Heritage Trust, securing its long-term future and enabling its heritage to be shared with communities through greater public access.

Nancealverne, home to the Scobell Armstrong family since the 1750s, sits within more than 20 acres of parkland, including formal gardens and a small lake. Once a focal point for community events such as gymkhanas, performances and gatherings, the house has served more recently as a family home and holiday accommodation.

Cornwall Heritage Trust protects historic places across the Duchy, and was contacted last year by Nancealverne’s owner Kester Armstrong with a view to handing over the property. Mr Armstrong inherited the property from his father, John Scobell Armstrong, 25 years ago and has since worked tirelessly to maintain Nancealverne, parts of which are believed to date back to the Elizabethan period.

“We have always considered ourselves to be the custodians of the house and its history,” said Mr Armstrong. “Having spent a significant part of our lives working to maintain and restore the house, its gardens and its historic contents, we are so pleased to know that it will be expertly cared for in the future by Cornwall Heritage Trust.”

Nancealverne also reflects Cornwall’s rich industrial and maritime past, with connections to mining, farming and the legal profession, as well as notable military and naval history. A number of family members were some of the earliest tin mining entrepreneurs in Cornwall in the 1700’s. Two family members fought with Lord Nelson at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. The resulting prize money was used to fund additions and renovations to the house.

“We were deeply moved by the Armstrong family’s decision to gift the property to Cornwall Heritage Trust,” said trust chief executive Cathy Woolcock. “This extraordinary generosity means we can protect Nancealverne’s unique history and begin once again to share it more widely, ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Nancealverne contains a remarkable collection of portraits and mementoes that tell the stories of the family who lived here for nearly 300 years. Trust engagement manager Sophie Meyer revealed plans were in development for an extensive archival and interpretation project. “Over the coming months we will host community consultation days and will be inviting local people to share their memories and ideas to help shape the future of this incredible place.”

The transfer of ownership is expected to be complete in May 2026. Cornwall Heritage Trust plans to continue offering holiday accommodation at Nancealverne while developing longer-term plans for public access and interpretation. “It is important this historic house can support itself as we plan for the future,” said Ms Woolcock. “Reopening the holiday accommodation will help cover essential costs while we explore additional ways to ensure its long-term sustainability.

“There will be a careful balance between opening to the public and enabling appropriate commercial activities to take place. But our priority will always be to preserve and strengthen its history and heritage.”