Our Story
And so it began…
Pentillie Castle was built in 1698 by Sir James Tillie, agent to the nearby estate of Sir John Coryton. Taking advantage of the stately location on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar, Pentillie is a house that has stood the test of time.
Location, location…
Well, if it’s going to be your forever home it wants to be pretty fabulous right? Sir James Tillie built his manor house high above the River Tamar on the site of an old fortified turret house, incorporating the turrets into his designs.
Terracing was vital to embrace the steep slope to the river Tamar, and an impressive approach was paramount. Evidence of the terraces and driveway shown in this plan from 1692 remain to this day.
Lasting legacy
When Sir John mysteriously died aged only 42, Tillie married his widow, joining the two estates and considerably improving his wealth. As a successful barrister he had rather grandiose ideas and commissioned a statue of his likeness to stand outside the Castle.
Tillie also left instructions in his will to be interred in a purpose-built mausoleum so that he would be ready for his resurrection.
While this never happened (his remains were discovered in a vault under the mausoleum in 2013) statues of him still stand at both the castle and the mausoleum today - his legacy certainly lives on.
The Coryton family
While Sir James Tillie had no children, his great grand niece eventually married a descendant of John Coryton, bringing the land back into the Coryton family. The family (headed by John Tillie Coryton 1773-1843) had ambitious plans, employing renowned landscape designer Humphry Repton (on the recommendation of local landowners) to review the landscape at Pentillie. Repton’s Red Book of Pentillie (illustrated here) is still held at the castle.
A significant investment
Repton advised the countenance of his friend and associate, architect William Wilkins (National Gallery, University College London) which led to the gothicising and englargement of the house, the creation of the Repton landscape and the influence of garden designer Lewis Kennedy in the American Gardens.
This project lasted from 1809 to 1830 at a cost of some £50,000 - an eye-watering sum in today’s money.
The 19th Century
Inheriting the land from his father, Augustus Coryton was a magistrate and keen businessman. Without issue, he invited his nephew William to learn to farm the estate. Proud of his dairy herd’s tuberculous free status, William founded Three Town’s Dairy Ltd in Plymouth in 1880.
Responsible for the reclamation of Lloyd George’s Land at St Mellion, William (pictured) was a well-liked country squire, acting as master of the Dartmoor Hounds from 1895 until his death in 1919.
William married Evelyn of Delamore, Cornwood and had six children, John (Captain Jack - Ted’s great uncle), George, Ruth, Mary, Alec and Joan.
A riotous family
William’s six children were educated at home, and their learnings survive in the form of three home-made books - the Merry Magazine, a Riotous Family and the Bluebird Magazine.
They relate the stories of growing up on the estate, including the visit of Edward VII, on 6th April 1902.
Ruth, pictured standing, was Ted’s grandmother.
Downsizing
Like many country houses, the great wars did not go unnoticed. Many estate workers left for the front line and sadly did not come back.
Peter, Captain Jack’s beloved elder son, was killed in action in El Alamein in 1942, while the Castle was requisitioned as a maternity unit during the Blitz enabling the safe arrival of hundreds of wartime babies between 1941-1945.
Peter’s younger brother Jeffery, awarded the MC for gallantry in Belgium in 1945, inherited the estate on their father’s death in 1965.
Surplus to requirements, the three Victorian wings were demolished, returning the house to a similar footprint to Tillie’s original manor house.
Aerial views of the castle both before and after the demolition in 1967. Pentillie was listed Grade II* in 1968.
From pilot to TV star
Ted Coryton, Jeffery’s cousin, was invited to learn the ropes of the estate in 1978 with a view to him inheriting. Leaving his career as a helicopter pilot and moving to Cornwall with his young family, Ted embraced the challenges before Jeffery unexpectedly passed away in 1980.
Jeffery’s widow, Kit, and Ted did not get on. 27 years passed before Ted returned to the castle. This time as its owner, with a £5million inheritance tax bill!
An appearance on channel 4’s Country House Rescue came just at the right time.
The 21st Century
After much deliberation, the Coryton family (left to right, Oli, Sammie, Sarah, Roonie and Ted), decided to share the magnificent castle and gardens, opening for events, exclusive hire, and weddings.
While Oli and Roonie continued their careers elsewhere, Sammie joined her parents working on the development of the castle business in 2009, taking over from Ted in 2017.
Today
With exclusivity and privacy the very essence of the Pentillie offer, we are delighted to welcome you for exquisite weddings, special celebrations, corporate retreats and memorable holidays.
The secluded and private nature of the estate, the walled swimming pool garden, and the direct access to the River Tamar combine to make Pentillie the destination of choice.
The Next Chapter
Pictured with her husband Marc, and two gorgeous sons Charlie and Hector, Sammie took over the helm in 2017.
As custodians, the family will continue to look after the Castle and Estate, developing it sustainably for future generations.
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Special Offer - Private Hire
Escape to the countryside this February or March 2025 and enjoy exclusive hire of the Castle from just £1,600 per night.
Perfect for unforgettable holidays, celebrations, or corporate retreats.
Your stay includes accommodation in 11 luxurious bedrooms and exclusive use of the castle and grounds.
Call us on 01579 350044 or email contact@pentillie.co.uk to start planning your ideal getaway.
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Weddings at Pentillie Castle
Explore our breathtaking riverside venue set amidst the stunning Cornish countryside. With exclusive use of the Castle and gardens, your wedding can be as unique as your love story.
Say "I do" in romantic settings, from the charming riverside Bathing Hut to the picturesque wisteria covered Pavilion.
Contact us on 01579 350044 or email weddings@pentillie.co.uk to discuss your dream wedding or book a viewing to experience the magic for yourself!
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Events & More
Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming events on the What’s On page!
From Garden Open Days, Afternoon Tea and Outdoor Theatre’s, we can’t wait to welcome you to Pentillie!
Looking to host your own event? Whether a group lunch, business meeting, christening or wake - get in touch to discuss your plans.