Your most frequently asked questions:

What is the accommodation like?

You have unrestricted use of this beautifully furnished large country house, nestled in the Porthluney valley, with stunning views over Caerhays Castle gardens. The manager and team of housekeeping staff and local chefs service our accommodation as required by you.

To what standard is the property furnished?

Large living rooms, comfortable beds, well fitted white en-suite bathrooms; state of the art plumbing and wiring are minimum requirements. Antique furniture and beautiful pictures furnish all the rooms.

Will we share the property with anyone else?

No. The house is exclusively yours for the duration of your stay. To comply with the licensing laws the Manager/Housekeeper will sleep at the property or in a nearby cottage.

What is the minimum booking period?

The minimum let is one night subject to availability.

What catering arrangements can you provide?

In contrast to a hotel you will have the flexibility to choose when and what you want to eat and drink.A large breakfast is included in the price and cooked for you by our breakfast Chef. For the remainder of the meals we can organise local chefs in advance of your stay to provide anything from a formal meal to a beach BBQ on Porthluney beach.You will only be charged for food and drinks you order, giving you the scope to dine out in the evening if you so wish.

How many guests can your property accommodate?

The Vean can accommodate up to 16 people. We have an additional lodge at the end of the drive, which can accommodate 5 people if required. We can also recommend local B & B’s which can be booked on your behalf. If any of our other holiday accommodation is available then this can be yours too for a large family gathering or special occasion.

What additional services are you able to offer?

We can arrange to collect guests from train stations, airports and arrange taxis for evenings out. By prior arrangement helicopters can be landed.  We can offer a large range of activities for you during your stay including, golf, clay pigeon shooting, sailing, fishing, and many other activities subject to notice and availability.  We have our own excellent in house masseuse for relaxation and pampering.

How far away is The Vean from the sea?

Porthluney beach is about one mile away from the Vean in one direction and East and West Portholland are about two miles away in the other direction. You can walk along the South West Coast Path to reach Portholland if you are feeling energetic.

Can we have our personal laundry done for us?

We have our own laundry in the basement and, for a small charge, any personal laundry can be done for you.

What is your policy on small/young children?

Although our policy is to be flexible and to respond positively to individual requests The Vean is furnished to a standard where it is not really suitable or equipped for large numbers of holidaying children under the age of about 12. The Vean is, however, equipped for babies who are not yet on the move! We would expect to accommodate children for weddings, family reunions, anniversaries and other special events. Please outline your plans with The Vean Manager when discussing your booking.

What is your policy on pets?

Pets are not allowed indoors at the Vean. We do however have fully heated kennels just outside the back door of The Vean.

Why are Caerhays Gardens famous in horticultural terms?

The origins of this historically important collection of Chinese plants can be traced back to the work of the great plant hunters Ernest Wilson ( 1876 – 1930 and George Forrest (1873 – 1932). J.C. Williams of Caerhays (1862 – 1939) gave up politics and became passionate about gardening. He funded or helped to fund many of these plant hunter’s expeditions to China.

Will my room be cleaned and serviced every day?

The Vean is fully staffed and your room will be cleaned daily and bedding and towels refreshed where necessary.

What special offers do you have?

From time to time we will have special offer midweek breaks which you will find on our website.(Click here)

Why is Porthluney such a special beach?

Porthluney Beach has the magnificent backdrop of Caerhays Castle. It is a real family beach where the launching of boats and jet skis is prohibited to ensure the safety of small children. There is a beach-café/shop for light refreshments and toys. The car park is right there so there is no long trek to get all the family onto the sand. It is almost unique in Cornwall in that it is a large stretch of sandy beach, which is not overlooked by any buildings.

What other country and field sports can I participate in on the Caerhays Estate?

By prior arrangement you can have a couple of hours clay pigeon shooting with excellent tuition from our skilled instructor. At certain times of the year there is excellent fishing off Porthluney beach. For details of partridge and pheasant shooting on the estate it will be necessary to liase with the Shoot Manager.

Can guests at The Vean have access to the castle gardens and the rest of the estate?

There are public footpaths through a large part of the estate. Also wonderful walks along the coastal path. Access to the castle gardens is free during the months of February to the beginning of June when the gardens are open to the public. At all other times of the year you will need to contact the Estate Manager, Jaimie Parsons, to organise access to the castle gardens.

If your question is not answered here please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Sally Gammell who will be pleased to help.