CAERHAYS CASTLE

Caerhays Castle

Caerhays' magnolia trees flower profusely in Spring, and it is then that the garden is open. Holding the National Collection of magnolias means having at least 75% of all species listed of that particular plant, clearly labelled and displayed for the public to view. As part of their work, the gardeners at Caerhays constantly look for new cultivars, raising and adding to the collection of magnolias.

Gardening was not always the most significant aspect of Caerhays. The estate has a long history. It belonged to the Trevanion family from 1370 to 1840, and in the early nineteenth century John Bettesworth Trevanion employed the architect John Nash to redesign the house. Nash created an imposing castle - but at great cost, especially to Trevanion, who fell heavily into debt and eventually fled, leaving Caerhays to fall into disrepair.

The castle remained empty until 1853 when it was bought by the successful businessman Michael Williams, who began the transformation as we see it today. The estate is still owned by the Williams family, and it is they who have introduced the camellias, daffodils, rhodedendrons and magnolias which have cumulitavely become one of Britain's most significant botanical collections, drawing garden enthusiasts from across the globe.