Old Cornish Home Brought Back to Life

In the third episode of our West Country tour series, Roger spotted an exciting project and chatted with the owner Fiddian.

Set in one of North Cornwall's most famous locations, this wonderful former manor house had fallen into a state of disrepair, but luckily, the brave new owner has the resources and energy to take on this project.

Bossiney Court, located in the picturesque village of Tintagel on the rugged North Cornwall coast, is a site rich in history and local significance. Bossiney, sometimes known as Bosenyth or Bossinney, lies just to the northeast of Tintagel and is now primarily absorbed into its larger neighbour. Bossiney Court itself was a historic manor house which once stood as a symbol of medieval power and nobility in the region.

Historical Background

Bossiney was once a key location, evidenced by its mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the hundred of Trigg. Over the centuries, it evolved from a simple manor into a thriving settlement. The manor house of Bossiney Court played a central role in the local community, serving as the residence of influential families and a hub of local administration and justice.

The court’s history is intertwined with the larger narrative of Tintagel, a place steeped in Arthurian legend and myth. Bossiney was an important location during medieval times, serving as one of the “rotten boroughs” that sent representatives to Parliament, a practice that continued until the Reform Act of 1832. This political significance underscored its influence in the governance of the area.

Architectural Significance

While the original structures of Bossiney Court no longer stand, their architectural legacy provides insight into the medieval and early modern periods of English country house design. The manor would have featured traditional stonework, reflective of local building practices, and possibly elements of Tudor or earlier styles as seen in other manors of the period.

Modern Legacy

Today, Bossiney is better known for its scenic views and natural beauty, including Bossiney Cove, a stunning beach accessible at low tide. The remnants of Bossiney Court are a reminder of the area's vibrant past. Visitors to Tintagel often explore the surrounding countryside, which echoes the historic landscape that once framed Bossiney Court. The site remains a point of interest for those delving into Cornwall's rich tapestry of history and legend.

Country Life feature:

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#tintagel #homeimprovement #cornwall

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[DrExpresso]

Would be great if you guys did a follow up when its done

[Oli_Hudson]

Skill Builder at the Cinema! Looks like a great project Fiddian has got his teeth in to!!

[petemoring]

What a lovely place ... Looks like they're putting the Soul! right back into it :-)

[gingerelvis]

Roger is like a kid in a sweet shop on this project! My place is the other side of the border (Grew up in Cornwall) and is entirely built from late even though it's a mid terrace, apparently all of the material came from a long gone query that used to be at the top of the hill that the house is on.

[Dave-dm]

I love the timber frame idea skinned with local stone. You get the classic look but with today's performance.

[johnjones]

Despite being a world away in South Africa Roger, I love watching your videos. A lot to learn or even re affirm what I've taught myself. Our building methods and regulations are probably way different to what you have in the UK, but still I take note, seeing as we did at one time have some very British rules in force here! Edit: Skill Builder is an apt name for your channel, it's all about skill and, most important, common sense.

[sharonclaridge]

I remember this place going up for sale ... looked like a bargain at the time, now, not so much looking at how much work is needed! Beautiful house and I hope they get it how they envision it looking.

[RubenKemp]

I could watch hours of Roger driving about the countryside bothering diy'ers and professionals. K. McCloud, eat your heart out

[andyc]

Nice to hear an apparently pragmatic & balanced approach to a restoration too many fall into one of two camps, beautiful historic property !

[jamesmay]

Lovely video Roger and the team. I feel like I’m on holiday with you! 👏👏👏👏

[johnchincottaqwdb]

Interesting projects keep them coming Roger

[frankmckie]

Really enjoying these videos, would love varous shots around the work site maby some drone shots to get the lay out of the site etc. As well as interviews... still missive thumbs up tp all involved 🙂👍

[alec]

Another great video, didn't know that cofnish slate can deteriorate from salt air, edinburgh must have a different regional slate . Roofs in the city haven't been touch in a couple of hundred years . Wish the Cornish renovation all the best, they have their work cut out for them . Quality content as always Rog 👌

[heathclitheroe]

Beautiful, bless him ( and his money, ) :) hopefully someday the government will help more to daring caring people who dare take on a listed build renovation. Props to the man . An kid in a sweet shop roger😅

[Britonbear]

Imagine how much all that stone for the walled garden alone would cost these days.

[georgerobartes]

A typical lobby entry mini manor of the 17thC judging by the tracery over the windows, built in slate over the usual killas . This one appears to have a kitchen as an addition rather than seperate . Properties of this type could be found empty all over the Duchy during the 80s and early 90s . The armour in a garland signifies a group of families intermarried of lesser status and not of the major families of Cornwall. Looks like the original granite stonework that would have surrounded the opening in the main residence has been robbed out but a number of examples of this period can be found in publically accessible buildings all over the county to enable reproduction and restoration. For ideas visit The Miners at Mithian for stunning ceilings and details .
Too late now probably, but when dealing with replacement floors, check whether the building is sited in an area that requires radon gas evacuation or not as although the work here is under permitted development, for the benefit of future occupation, the construction of an underfloor sump and vent system might be a good idea .

[Dave-dm]

My next door but one neighbours have a couple of bats that flit around in the evenings. We live 50 yards away and never see them. (Newton Abbot Devon)

[friedrichschmidle]

i try to find donation link to say thank you, you once mentioned a charity for little boy you meet at backyard football but i could not find that anymore, can you provide us with list of your favourite charity for people who want to say thank you for this great and helpfull channel

[madgebishop]

the aspect ratio on this was like watching a film

[andyraven]

Alaskan saw Mill is the name of the chainsaw guide you were referring to.