Carclew House, English country house ruins in Mylor, Cornwall, Great Britain
Carclew House is a ruined English country house in Mylor featuring a central granite structure with an Ionic portico and two-story walls that retain original cornices and window openings. The surviving masonry still displays details from its classical design period, though vegetation and weathering now define much of its appearance.
A merchant named William Lemon acquired the estate in 1730 and had it redesigned with classical elements like colonnades and pavilions, completed by 1750. A fire in 1934 destroyed the building and left only ruins, which local people later used partly for building materials.
The building reflects the architectural tastes of wealthy merchants from the 1700s who favored classical Palladian design. These design choices were a sign of wealth and refinement among English landowners of the time.
The site is freely accessible, but the condition of the ruins requires care when exploring as loose stones and uneven surfaces are present. Wear sturdy footwear and take extra care when visiting after rain as surfaces can become slippery.
The ruins are on the Heritage at Risk register, indicating their fragile condition and the need for preservation work. Despite the decay, the remains offer a rare glimpse into a structure built about 300 years ago for a wealthy merchant.
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