An incredible chance to own a totally private waterfront estate in Daphne du Maurier country
Bellscat Farmhouse has been within the same family for almost half a century, and its launch onto the market offers an exciting and unique opportunity to create a home in one of England's most sought-after areas, near Fowey in Cornwall. Penny Churchill takes a look.


The town of Fowey is one of Cornwall’s most charming and historic seaports, which evolved over the centuries from a fisherman’s village to a medieval port and a busy base for pirates. This is Daphne du Maurier country par excellence and the exceptional coastal property has links to the author.
Truro-based agents Lillicrap Chilcott are handling the sale, for the first time in almost half a century, of Grade II-listed Bellscat Farmhouse and its two-bedroom barn set in some 37 acres of undulating grounds and woodland, half a mile inland from pretty creekside Golant on the River Fowey, the first village upstream from the bustling harbour town.
Offers around £2.25m are sought for the captivating small estate, the main house of which is thought to have originally been two cottages, built in about 1840. The farm itself may once have been part of the Menabilly estate owned by the Rashleigh baronets, descendants of John Rashleigh of Penquite House, Bellscat’s nearest neighbour, which can be seen some miles away across the cliffs.
Said to be the inspiration for Manderley in Rebecca, Menabilly was leased in 1943 in a dilapidated state by du Maurier, who restored it and made it her home before returning it to the Rashleighs in 1969.
Bellscat, with its farmhouse and barn, represents an exceedingly rare opportunity to create a magnificent and totally private waterfront estate in a truly spectacular setting, the agents suggest.
Approached off a discreet private lane, its nearly 1,000ft driveway overlooks grounds that include woodland to one side, with tantalising glimpses of the creek through gently descending pasture and paddocks.
At the bottom of the valley is the railway line linking Par with Lostwithiel and, on the other side of the line, a precious sliver of waterside land owned by Bellscat Farm fronts the River Fowey.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The farmhouse currently comprises a kitchen/diner and three reception rooms, with four bedrooms of modest size and two bathrooms on the first floor. The barn, previously used for holiday lets, has a kitchen, a large reception room, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Both houses now need renovation and refurbishment.
Bellscat Farmhouse is currently for sale for £2.25 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Fowey: What you need to know
Location: The port town is situated at the mouth of the River Fowey in south Cornwall. St Austell is approximately 8 miles away and there are mainline rail services from Par (4 miles) and Lostwithiel (7 miles).
Atmosphere: The epitome of Cornish coastal charm. Fowey continues to be a popular destination for sailors, holiday makers and those looking to escape to the country. The bustling high street is home to a number of independent shops, restaurants and pubs — becoming an epicentre for all things water-based during the summer season.
Things to do: If visiting the nearby spectacular beaches, river and coastal walks seem too obvious, then head to St Catherine's Castle at the entrance to the Fowey River. There is also a five mile circular 'creeks and coves' walk, plus numerous gardens to explore.
Schools: Fowey Primary School and Tywardreath School are both rated 'good' in Ofsted reviews. Secondary options include Fowey River Academy.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
A woolly mammoth skeleton is among the curiosities for sale to save fire-ravaged Parnham Park
The auction of the owner James Perkins' collection, hosted by Dreweatts, tomorrow (May 13), will be used to fund renovation works at Parnham Park in Dorset.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
The ‘utterly unique’ skincare brand that’s used in the ‘world’s best hotel’ spa
The Seed to Skin brand was the byproduct of one woman’s length fertility journey — it’s so good that today it’s used in a hotel voted the ‘world’s best’.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Five Cotswold dream homes on the market from £3m to £18m, as seen in Country Life
This week we have a Cotswolds-themed rundown of some of the finest homes to come to the market in this beautiful part of England.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A modern masterpiece for sale in Cornwall that's just one mile from the beach
Hay House combines location, elegance and modern family living to create a special home for the 21st century.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rollercoaster, Bauhaus department store and Brutalist football stand top the latest Buildings at Risk List
The latest Buildings at Risk List from the Twentieth Century Society has been announced. Sunwin House department store and Blackpool’s Grand National Rollercoaster both feature.
By Jack Watkins Published
-
Lutyens's last masterpiece comes up for sale in Oxfordshire, with 27 bedrooms and a cricket pitch
Middleton Park in Middleton Stoney is a vast country home that must surely be among the nation's best
By James Fisher Published
-
A 10-bedroom manor house in the heart of the Cotswolds with all the trimmings
Waterton House sits on the edge of Ampney Crucis, and is as elegant as can be.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A seven bedroom Buckinghamshire rectory that might be a little haunted
Grade II-listed the Old Rectory is a home of astounding charm and beauty, and comes with a friendly visitor.
By James Fisher Published
-
Over the Hills and Far Away: Robert Plant's Welsh hideaway is up for sale
Other notable residents of The Argoed in the Wye Valley include George Bernard Shaw and Beatrice Webb.
By James Fisher Published
-
Period charm and contemporary tastes collide in an eight-bedroom listed home in Durham
Morton House is a rare example of a home where you can have the best of both worlds.
By James Fisher Published