A historic Grade II* listed Georgian Country House near Penzance has been gifted to Cornwall Heritage Trust, securing its long-term future and enabling its heritage to be shared with Cornish communities through greater public access.
Nancealverne, home to the Armstrong Scobell family since the 1750s, sits within more than 20 acres of parkland, including formal gardens and a small lake. Once a focal point for community events such as gymkhanas, performances and gatherings, the house has more recently served as both a family home and holiday accommodation.
The gift marks a significant moment for the charity, which protects historic places across Cornwall, and ensures that Nancealverne’s rich heritage can be preserved and shared with the public.
Cathy Woolcock, CEO of Cornwall Heritage Trust explains: “We were contacted by Kester Armstrong, the current owner of Nancealverne, last year, and were deeply moved by his family’s decision to gift the property to Cornwall Heritage Trust. This extraordinary generosity means we can protect Nancealverne’s unique history and begin once again to share it more widely, ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Kester Armstrong inherited the property from his father, John Armstrong Scobell, 25 years ago. Since then, he and his wife Diana have worked tirelessly to maintain the property, parts of which are believed to date back to the Elizabethan period.
Speaking about the news, Kester Armstrong said: “Our family is delighted that the future of Nancealverne will be protected and that it will become an asset which can be enjoyed by the community in the years ahead. We have always considered ourselves to be the custodians of the house and its history. Having spent a significant part of our lives working to maintain and restore the house, its gardens and its historic contents, we are so pleased to know that it will be expertly cared for in the future by Cornwall Heritage Trust.”
Pictured: Diana and Kester Armstrong (seated) together with their three children.
Nancealverne also reflects Cornwall’s rich industrial and maritime past, with connections to mining, farming and the legal profession, as well as notable military and naval history. A number of family members were some of the earliest tin mining entrepreneurs in Cornwall in the 1700’s. Two family members fought with Lord Nelson at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. The resulting prize money was used to fund additions and renovations to the house.
Richard Trant, Chairman of Cornwall Heritage Trust, said: “We are honoured to be entrusted with such a special property. Following the success of our 40th anniversary year, this is an exciting step forward in our continued mission to protect Cornwall’s heritage and make it accessible to more people. We are extremely grateful to the Armstrong family for their generosity and for placing their trust in us. We are committed to securing a strong and sustainable future for Nancealverne and look forward to enabling public access to the heritage and history within its walls and grounds.”
Pictured: Nancealverne House Drawing Room
Cornwall Heritage Trust plans to continue offering holiday accommodation at Nancealverne while developing longer-term plans for public access and interpretation.
Cathy Woolcock explains: “It is important that this historic house can support itself as we plan for the future. Reopening the holiday accommodation will help cover essential costs while we explore additional ways to ensure its long-term sustainability.
There will be a careful balance between opening to the public and enabling appropriate commercial activities to take place. But our priority will always be to preserve and strengthen its history and heritage.”
Pictured: Nancealverne House Reception Hall
Sophie Meyer, Engagement Manager at Cornwall Heritage Trust, added: “Nancealverne contains a remarkable collection of portraits and mementoes that tell the stories of the family who lived here for nearly 300 years. We are developing plans for an extensive archival and interpretation project and exploring how best to share the property with the public. Over the coming months we will host community consultation days and will be inviting local people to share their memories and ideas to help shape the future of this incredible place.”
The transfer of ownership is expected to be complete in May 2026.
Get involved
A series of public consultation sessions are planned for July 2026, during which community groups and members of the public will be invited and encouraged to share their memories of Nancealverne along with their ideas on how the house could be opened up.
If you would like to find out more and get involved in the conversations, please click the button below to sign up to receive our e-newsletter and you’ll be the first to hear about the consultation sessions we’re planning. We’d really love to welcome as much input as possible.
