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 exclusive hire, weddings and B&B stays.
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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Private Hire Special Offers
Plan a private hire stay, sleeping up to 22 guests in our 11 luxury bedrooms, and enjoy the atmosphere of real Cornish living.
Book an early spring adventure for a stay in February, March, or April 2025 and save up to £200 per night!
Stay for longer and make the most of additional savings when booking 5 nights or more.
From £3,800 for 2 nights.
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Say "I Do"
Pentillie Castle offers an idyllic setting that exudes romance and elegance. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, Pentillie Castle provides the perfect backdrop to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Our dedicated team understands that every couple's vision is unique, and we are committed to bringing your wedding dreams to life.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help to create the wedding of your dreams!
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Events & More
Our Garden Open Days are back! Join us this spring to explore the 55-acres of historic woodland gardens. Whilst visiting, why not treat yourself to Afternoon Tea in one of our elegant reception rooms.
This summer, we invite you to lay down a rug and enjoy those extra hours of sunshine, with Outdoor Theatre performances of The Gondoliers and Hamlet on the lawn.
Looking to host your own event? Whether a group lunch, business meeting, christening or wake - get in touch to discuss your plans.