The National Trust is marking 70 years since a woman's remarkable donation of her Cornwall family home. Ida Copeland gifted the entire 300-acre Trelissick estate near Truro to the conservation charity in 1955.
Uniquely situated on its own peninsula within the Fal Estuary, a villa on the land was first built in the 1750s. Each family that subsequently occupied the home added floors and facades, giving it a unique patchwork history.
Today the National Trust says visitors can explore its "vibrant gardens, rolling parkland and take in stunning coastal views from the ground floor rooms of the main house".
It is celebrating Ida’s donation with two exhibitions this year digging into its archives. Both are aimed at capturing the essence of the Copeland family's Trelissick and the place visitors see now.
The first, "Trelissick 70", tells the story of Ida Copeland and her time at Trelissick. Featuring archive images of the estate, the exhibition recalls World War II, the Copeland family’s influence on the garden and their time in Cornwall.
Jen Pina, property operations manager for Trelissick, says: “It feels important to mark the anniversary of Ida Copeland’s generous gift to the National Trust.
"The exhibition celebrates the Copeland family’s time here and how Ida and Ronald influenced the garden that we know and love."
For a second exhibition this autumn called "Your Trelissick", visitors are being invited to share their memories of the estate by creating a postcard-sized piece of art or writing that will be displayed in the house.
Jen added: “We’re asking visitors to share what Trelissick means to them. We’d love to know where their favourite spot is, how they like to spend their time here and any special memories they have.
"The deadline for submissions is August 10 and blank postcards can be collected from the Visitor Reception and House.”
‘Trelissick 70’ is open daily from 11am – 4pm in the main house until September 15.
The exhibition is free for National Trust members and included in normal admission prices.
Find out more here.
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