The Story of Emily

Emily Hobhouse was an extraordinary Cornish woman, who challenged the social norms of her time, to advocate for the welfare of others.

At the Victorian Rectory, we open a window into the past revealing the everyday life of the Hobhouse family. Come and explore their home, which was restored by experts and decorated in detail, with all the splendour of the Victorian era.

We invite you to surrender to the embrace of warm hospitality, and South African heritage recipes, in the restaurant. Through the window, the kitchen garden offers a tranquil vista, that pairs beautifully with our seasonal dishes. Begin the day with a warming breakfast, and a cool cup of refreshing rooibos ice tea. Linger languorously over lunch to sample our menu, one dish at a time.

The War Rooms share the resolve and courage of Emily Hobhouse and the Boer women and children before, during and after the Anglo-Boer War. Exploring the complexities and impact of war. With your high-tech headset, you will experience installations, animation, film, and virtual reality, and see décor, historical pictures, and artefacts.