The commercialisation of Trelissick

Dear Editor,

You may have already been notified of the plan to create even more car parking at Trelissick, as this has recently been in the local Cornish newspaper. If not, here is the outline:

Trelissick sits in a rural site on the river Fal, overlooking the Carrick Roads near Falmouth, opening to the sea, in Cornwall. The beauty of the location, the extensive walking paths around the creeks, all make it appealing for greenness, peace, walking and wildlife.

Access is either via a narrow country road, not wide enough for two vehicles to pass for most of its length, or via the King Harry Ferry from the Roseland Peninsula, therefore difficult. Like Greenway, near Paignton, with narrow and difficult access - as many country properties must be - then visitors must be encouraged to travel by bus, as they are at Greenway.

Since Trelissick House opened to the public, visitor numbers have significantly increased, such that it has now become a crowded, busy place, and is no longer a peaceful spot. There is a new plan to cover some of its green space with car parking. Extending car parking is contradictory to the reasons people go to tranquil National Trust green spaces. Extending car parking is about increasing visitor numbers, and a commercial move, counter to the enjoyment of peace and nature.

Another commercial decision, taken some years ago, was the cynical purchase of hard, uncomfortable chairs for the then-new courtyard cafe with its bright, hard surfaces. These are known in the catering trade as '20-minute-chairs' because people won't sit on them for long. Visitors to Trelissick had formerly enjoyed coffees, lunches, and cream teas in a gorgeous old barn with a central, gently burning log fire and wooden tables and chairs, where family and friends could while away a relaxing hour. The lovely barn is now bookable for functions and Sunday restaurant service.

The cafe does brisk business and the gift shop is thriving. Walking some distance from the busy car park and commercial ventures should take you away from all that.

Yours faithfully,

Kim Pritchard
Cornwall