Penhallow Manor, a Georgian, wisteria-clad home that Daphne du Maurier later placed at the centre of Jamaica Inn, has been listed for £1.6 million, revealing a house closely connected to Cornwall’s literary past.
The house, set in Altarnun, occupies a key location in the area that influenced du Maurier’s 1936 gothic novel. The story, set in the early 1820s, used the isolation and rugged beauty of Bodmin Moor to build its tense plot. The manor now offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort.
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Du Maurier drew inspiration from Altarnun and its vicarage, weaving the village’s atmosphere into her work. With its tall church spire and moorland views, the setting became the backdrop for Jamaica Inn. While the novel’s mood is dark and windswept, the manor today feels welcoming. Its interiors balance tradition with practicality, avoiding the stiffness of a preserved museum.
The kitchen stands out as one of the most inviting rooms. Pale green units, a stone alcove with a range cooker, and a polished clock reflecting window light give it a cozy feel. An island anchors the space, while small details—pictures in frames on the walls, a bowl of fruit, an orchid—add a lived-in touch. The hallway, with its curved staircase and grandfather clock, sets the tone for the rest of the home, where each room encourages relaxation.
Upstairs, the bedrooms mix bold colours with simplicity. One room, painted soft pink, includes a floral headboard and a garden view. A bathroom features a coral freestanding bath surrounded by framed paintings and shelves of small curiosities. Different textures—wood, enamel, glass, wicker—combine effortlessly, creating an informal atmosphere.
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The sitting room downstairs centres on a leather armchair facing a dark fireplace. A gilded mirror above it reflects the room’s character, while a second living area extends the connection to the outdoors. Tall sash windows frame flowering plants and a large lawn, with floral curtains and patterned sofas adding depth.
Another living room, painted in soft blues, ties together with the lush green of the garden. The property is listed through Inigo with no chain. For those interested in Cornwall’s literary heritage, it presents an opportunity to own a piece of that history.