It has a rich history and today is well known for its 'green' projects.

The historical Trelowarren Estate can be found at the heart of The Lizard in west Cornwall.

It is a privately owned estate, surrounded by a thousand acres of woodland and farmland between the Goonhilly Downs and the river.

The 'Halliggye fogou' are a series of strange Neolithic underground chambers the use of which is unknown. Today they are home to bats and spiders and are well worth a visit due to the sheer mystery.

Halliggye Fogou

They are usually found west of the Hayle river. It is unusual to find one on the Lizard.

The family run business is not only proud of its past, but concerned about the future.

Trelowarren has employed environmental architects to convert its buildings. They use rainwater harvesting systems, superinsulation and the family are aiming for a unique zero-C02 rating.

There are CO² neutral emissions, organic paint has been used, and eco dishwashers and washing machines are all keeping the historical Trelowarren site safe and green for the future.

The family has won several awards for its innovative environmental tourism projects.

The steps at Trelowarren

It's hoped that by 2005 all the energy required for the running of Trelowarren will be produced on the estate.

The earliest known owner of the Manor of Trelowarren, which is recorded in the Domesday Survey, would appear to be Earl Harold who was slain at Hastings.

Moving forward to 1328 and Vyvyan family were excommunicated from Penwith.

The family has owned Trelowarren since 1427 and is still their home today.

They were staunch Royalists during the Civil War and Sir Richard was knighted by Charles 1 in 1636, but even before that Hannibal Vyvyan had been referred by Elizabeth 1 as one of her most trusted men in the west; he was then govenor of St. Mawes Castle.

The historic gate at Trelowarren

During the Great War, the house was taken over by the army and the family had to leave temporarily. After the war the family discovered their beloved home needed a lot of TLC to restore it to his former glory.

Now Sir Ferrers Vyvyan is at the helm of the estate which today welcomes day visitors, campers and time-share holiday-makers.

Trelowarren is home to the The Cornwall Crafts Association. It was formed in 1973 to support craftworkers living and working in the County.

Its aims are to encourage high standards of workmanship and design; to promote the interests of craftworkers wherever possible; and to provide a focus for craft activities and the exchange of ideas and information.

The courtyard is home to the restaurant, shop and gallery

Trelowarren is open to the public for day visits to the garden, woodland walks, craft shop and much more. See the opening times at the bottom of this feature.

Today a mix of preserving the past and safeguarding the future makes Trelowarren a popular place for day visitors and those who choose the location as a holiday base.