Four bedrooms, tiered gardens and exquisite views over Fowey Harbour
The Old Vicarage is a charming Victorian clifftop villa with spectacular gardens and bags of character.


For sale for only the third time in its history, this charming, mid-Victorian clifftop villa, known as The Old Vicarage, commands sensational water views at the mouth of the Fowey river, was built in 1877 for local sea captain John Lamb.
It's for sale for £2.5 million with Strutt and Parker and hits the market for the first time since 2005. It is unlisted. It is beautiful. It has been lovingly restored by its current owners.
Situated in the village of Polruan, the property is a fine example of Victorian seaside living, thankfully with modern touches. There is much to love about the Old Vicarage, but a good place to start would be the interiors.
Take this study for example. Imagine sitting here and absolutely nailing some spreadsheets, or writing the next Great American Novel.
Intricate period details abound throughout this four-bedroom home, whether in the intricate original cornicing and ceiling roses, the Victorian fireplaces, high ceilings and window shutters.
The Old Vicarage has all the hits. A spacious kitchen/dining/living room, a nice drawing room, and four evenly sized bedrooms on the first floor.
Naturally, as nice as this house is on the inside, it's the gardens and the view that are the highlight. Just look at this.
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.
Situated in about 1/3 of an acre, the westerly facing gardens and sea views are 'simply spectacular', say the agents. The manicured gardens include a walled terrace, tiered vegetable garden and a divine alfresco dining spot.
Views include, but are not limited to, Fowey Harbour, St Catherine's Castle and Readymoney Beach. I bet you are wondering: 'but does it have gated steps that descend from the garden to what feels like a private beach?'. The answer, of course, is yes.
The village of Polruan is a nice place to be, too, in case you weren't already tempted. There's a primary school, store, post office, tea rooms, two pubs and a boatyard.

James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
Graham Norton's elegant East London home hits the market, and it's just as wonderful as you would expect
The four-bedroom home in Wapping should be studied for how well it uses two separate spaces to create a home of immense character and utility.
By James Fisher Published
-
Sign of the times: In the age of the selfie, what’s happening to the humble autograph?
When Ringo Starr announced that he was no longer going to sign anything, he kickstarted a celebrity movement that coincided with the advent of the camera phone and selfie. Rob Crossan asks whether, in today’s world, the selfie holds more clout than an autograph?
By Rob Crossan Published
-
Graham Norton's elegant East London home hits the market, and it's just as wonderful as you would expect
The four-bedroom home in Wapping should be studied for how well it uses two separate spaces to create a home of immense character and utility.
By James Fisher Published
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealed
New research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of England
Come for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published