05 Sep 2022
The Steward's House, the beautiful, listed building located in the middle of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, is reopening this autumn after a full refurbishment project to bring this wonderful historic property back to life.
Nestled in the heart of the gardens, surrounded by pom-pom hydrangeas, blooms of lilacs in blues and cream, The Steward's House has undergone a beautiful restoration, transforming it into the perfect destination for all-day dining, from early birds through to those enjoying the last golden moments of the day. In time, the House will also welcome events and intimate weddings, and host beautiful, stylish celebrations surrounded by the magic of the Lost Gardens.
“Following an extensive renovation, during which we have celebrated 30 years of the Lost Gardens being open to the public, we are delighted to once more be able to invite visitors to enjoy The Steward's House. Designed and sensitively restored by our own amazing team, working closely with two Heligan-inspired Cornish artists, and using materials from Heligan's woods wherever possible, we have been able to return this historic treasure into a beautiful space again. Situated at the heart of the Heligan estate, the interior design of The Steward's House connects past and present, and inside and out.
"The historic house and its redesigned garden are already being enjoyed on a daily basis as a dining space, but is now also available for special celebrations. We look forward to sharing it with our guests, for many years to come" says Managing Director Ramon Van de Velde.
The Steward's House was built around 1850 as a home for the Farm Steward of Heligan, John Way, followed by Samuel Gillard, James Wonnacott, John Martyn and then George Hay Henderson. The building was extended to at the start of WWI when Squire Jack Tremayne moved in as Heligan House was converted for use as a Convalescent Hospital for officers of the Royal Flying Corps.
Since then, The Steward's House has been used as seasonal tearoom and offices, until last autumn, when it was closed to carry out these exciting and forward-thinking renovations by the Garden's skilled restoration team led by Andy Wilson, and local builder Damon Whetter. Using beautiful Farrow & Ball colours to reflect the beautiful surroundings, the team have created a space that offers a warm welcome, with inspiring interiors and wonderful artwork. Exposed brickwork and an original cob wall, rub shoulders with soft blue tones and warm French Gray to ensure a relaxing, stylish atmosphere.
At the heart of The Steward's House is the exquisite tree sculpture by Cornish artist James Eddy, which weaves and bends its way through the walls and ceiling, as though the nature of Heligan has magically grown up through the house. Each branch glistens with handmade leaves and acorns, by St Ives-based artist, Sharon McSwiney - their rich red copper & golden patinated brass hand-drawn shapes shimmering in the flickering candlelight, each leaf unique.
The emphasis in The Steward's House is to relax and envelope guests in a Heligan welcome, with deep leather armchairs, pastel-coloured woven blankets to keep the chill at bay. Fresh flowers cut from Heligan's gardens adorn each table, bright and colourful against the slate flooring, with soft light from St Eval candles gently dancing over the room. There is a nod to Heligan's famous fruits, with a Pineapple Lantern hanging proudly in the entrance hall.
Surrounded by the blooms of the garden, from dahlias of all colours and shapes, hydrangeas and more – on a summer's day guests can spill out from the conservatory onto the garden. As the nights draw in, and the candles and fire are lit, there is no better place to cosy up with warming soups and homemade delights from the Heligan Bakery.
The menu is full of Heligan's favourite dishes – with the ingredients sourced from their own Productive Gardens, just a short walk from the kitchens, the field to fork measurement is a matter of metres. From early morning coffee and breakfast, through to delicious lunches and teas, The Steward's House is the go-to for a taste of Heligan hospitality.
ENDS
Press Contact:
Diana Massey and Charlotte Allen
The Massey Partnership
Tel +44 7939584215
Notes to Editors
IMAGES: All images by John Hersey https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9jy0aw62k7jxt8i7jxysw/h?dl=0&rlkey=mon8achaw30k4xo8x9hfup5m3
Renovation notes:
Colour of conservatory walls: Farrow and Ball French Gray
Colour of Stewards house internal walls (blue): Farrow and Ball Oval Room Blue
Colour of Stewards house internal walls skirting / detail (dark blue): Farrow and Ball Oval Room Blue (tinted)
Curtain fabric: Victorian Glasshouse Spruce
Pineapple light fitting: Hinkley plantation pineapple light
Entrance light fitting: Kichler Halleron 3lt Londonderry Outdoor Lantern
Flooring: Brazilian Tumbled grey slate
Work surfaces: Quartz worktops (white Arabesque)
Front of cabinets: Hand made with timber grown at Heligan using rhododendron, turkey oak & Douglas fir
Paint colour of cabinets: Chilcomb Slate Grey
Antique bench: Antique shop find
Oak tree installation: James Eddy
Acorn & Leaf artist: Sharon Mcswiney
Styling notes:
Coloured dinner candles – St Eval Candle Company in Charcoal, Bedruthan Blue, Burnt Gold, Olive and Terracotta
Pillar candles – St Eval – Church Pillar Candle 3x8
Throws – Weaver Green – diamond in Gooseberry, Shell and Chinchilla
Vase – Nkuku – in aged brass
Candlesticks (metal) – Nkuku – Mbata Brass Candlestick in Antique Brass
Candlestick (wooden) – Jon Arnold Woodturner at Heligan.
Cushions – Walton & Co – Linen (black), Handwoven Jute Stripe Cushion, and Bali.
THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN
The Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered from the brambles of time by Tim Smit and John Willis, who were the catalysts for a 30-year project that continues to this day. Heligan remains one of the most loved and romantic gardens in the UK, appreciated as much for its beauty and mystery as for the ground-breaking restoration project.
Over 200 acres are now a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic. Victorian Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds beckon, along winding paths laid out over two centuries ago. The Jungle takes you on a sub-tropical journey through bamboo tunnels and under majestic tree ferns, giant rhubarb, and bananas whilst the estate reveals a lost world of traditional and rare breeds, wildlife and ancient woodlands.
Heligan is a garden for all seasons, so whether you plan to visit in the hazy buzz of mid-summer, or the tranquillity of winter, you are guaranteed a unique experience.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a member of The Great Gardens of Cornwall, a group of the finest Cornwall gardens. Open 364 days a year, pre-booking is essential currently.
