Our History
1796 – 1842
The Beginning – ‘Parkanhal’
1843 – 1866
The Etymology – ‘The Penventon’
1867 – 1893
The New Occupant
1893 – 1934
The Last Private Owners
1935 – 1968
A New Purpose
1969 – Present
Penventon Hotel 1970 Limited
Historic Hotel In Cornwall With A Storied Past…
Explore the illustrious history and storied past of Penventon Hotel, a Cornish gem that has hosted a parade of owners and guests since the late 18th century, acting as a social epicentre for Redruth. Born from the vision of John Penberthy Magor, who infused the estate with European elegance and Regency grandeur. And despite the ebb and flow of chance, Penventon has always been a hub of social vibrancy and architectural beauty.
Over the centuries, it has transformed under various custodians, each adding their chapter to its rich narrative, creating a fantastical tapestry of stories. From spirited soirees and lavish gardens to its pivotal role during wartime and its eventual rebirth as a luxurious hotel, Penventon Hotel remains a testament to timeless celebration, elegance, and the enduring spirit of gathering with friends and family to toast the moment. Find out more about our historic hotel in Cornwall.
1796 – 1842
The Beginning: ‘Parkanhal’
John Penberthy Magor (1796 – 1862)
John Penberthy Magor (JPM), a Cornishman born in 1796 returned from his European Grand Tour excited to share his knowledge of Europe’s cultural heritage and different architecture, ready to tell stories of the people he met. Inspired by his travels and the trends in British society, JPM set out to design a new home for his family, which became known as ‘Parkanhal.’
his Vision
Built between 1811-1820 and upon the foundations of the previous building that tragically burned down in a blazing fire, Parkanhal reflected JPM’s time in Europe and the popular motifs recurring in the Regency period. A time for high fashion, of freedom and extravagance, the Regency period introduced distinctive architecture, luxurious materials, meticulously crafted furniture and decorative arts that are still appreciated today.
Inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, Regency designs featured pillars, and pediments, large windows lighting up rooms filled with rich hues of deep greens, reds and yellows became popular. Ironwork railings were a hallmark of the time, and porticos and verandas graced the front of houses. The home that JPM dreamed of was finally realised and he set out on his next task, creating great gardens.
Creating the gardens
His passion for botany drove his desire to have gardens that matched the beauty of his new home. But he didn’t stop there, once his gardens were complete, JPM established the iconic Cornish garden, Lamellen. And in 1838, JPM was recorded in the Edward’s Botanical Register as the first to bring orchids to Britain. Filling his own garden with vivid orchids and rhododendrons, the grounds burst with vivid colours which filled every guest with wonder.
Frivolity and Flair
Parkanhal quickly became a hub of social activity and acted as the backdrop for many celebrations. Somewhere known for feasting, drinking, fun and frivolity. JPM’s friends soon travelled from all over Europe to attend his legendary parties, which would rival even those depicted in ‘The Great Gatsby.’
Brewing up business
JPM maintained his wealth by being a partner in the local brewing company neighbouring his home, later to be referred to as ‘Redruth Brewery’. Kept in line by JPM’s sons, John and Reuben, along with the Davey family of Redruth and Bochym Manor, situated in Helston. This brewery is now the Cornish archives, Kresen Kernow, housing Cornwall’s largest collection of historical materials, including rare books, photographs, maps, and archaeological records.
A New Chapter
In 1842, JPM set out to sell his beloved home and move on to the next journey in his life, and in 1843 he sold Parkanhal to Sir Molesworth. Not much is known about his later life, but we hope he stuck true to his nature of living life to the fullest.
1843 – 1866
The Etymology: ‘The Penventon’
A New Name
Sir Molesworth married a young daughter of St Aubyn, a renowned family from South Cornwall. Although happily married, the couple faced a challenge due to Sir Molesworth’s estate being located in North Cornwall. Given the limited travel options of the mid-nineteenth century, commuting from South to North Cornwall was impractical. To accommodate his new wife’s desire to stay close to her family, Sir Molesworth acquired Parkanhal as their marital home. Subsequently, Parkanhal was re-named ‘The Penventon’, meaning ‘top of the valley’. Molesworth then purchased nearby land, causing the expansion of the estate, occupying the West side of Redruth.
A Centre of industry
At this time, Redruth was acclaimed as a world centre of metal production particularly noted for its extensive tin and copper mining. For over 2000 years, Redruth played a crucial role in metal trading. Remarkably, much of the tin and lead produced in Redruth was used over two thousand years ago to build a piped water supply in Pompeii, making it the first city to have a functioning piped water system.
Copper boom
While tin mining had been Cornwall’s primary industry for centuries, the early 18th century discovery of substantial copper deposits marked a significant shift. Copper’s demand surged due to its importance in industrial processes and brass production. The geological formations around Redruth, especially in the Gwennap district, were exceptionally rich in copper ore, making it one of the world’s richest copper-producing regions during the mining boom.
Frivolity and Flair
Parkanhal quickly became a hub of social activity and acted as the backdrop for many celebrations. Somewhere known for feasting, drinking, fun and frivolity. JPM’s friends soon travelled from all over Europe to attend his legendary parties, which would rival even those depicted in ‘The Great Gatsby.’
Honouring Redruth’s mining history
In 2018, Penventon Park Hotel sought to pay homage to Redruth’s rich mining history by designing the Copper Bar. This tribute celebrates the town’s significant contributions to the industrial era and its lasting legacy in metal production.
1867 – 1893
The New Occupant
A Community figure
John Hayle, JP, served as a prominent county magistrate in Cornwall during the late 19th century. His ownership of The Penventon estate from 1867 to 1893 underscored his influence and status in the region. As a Justice of the Peace, Hayle was responsible for upholding local justice, overseeing minor legal matters, and contributing to community governance.
Witnessing Change
The Penventon estate was a significant property symbolising Hayle’s wealth and societal position. During his ownership, which spanned a period of economic and social change in Cornwall, Hayle likely witnessed the transformation of local industries and the broader impact of Victorian-era developments.
A Lasting Impression
Overall, John Hayle’s tenure at The Penventon left a lasting imprint on both the estate itself and the local community, reflecting his multifaceted contributions to Cornwall during a pivotal period in its history. And his involvement in community affairs and potential philanthropic endeavours would have further cemented his legacy beyond his role as a magistrate and landowner.
1893 – 1934
The last private owners
Continuing the ethos
The last to own The Penventon as a private residence were Sir Arthur Carkeek and Lady Edith, they were to sell when their wealth was hindered in the infamous depression in 1934.
In their time of owning The Penventon they continued this thread welcoming wealthy, influential and titled families to enjoy weekend breaks at the house and celebrations in the great gardens. Consisting of tea treats, the playing of instruments by a local band and marquee events, The Penventon was once again alive with social events and soirees. Lady Edith was known for being a vivacious lady who entertained extensively and was a social and active hostess.
Wrestling legacy
A notable aspect of the Carkeek family history includes one of their sons emigrating to America and went on to become a renowned wrestler. In 1884, as fate would have it, he wrestled and defeated James Pascoe, a fellow Cornish wrestler on the Pacific coast, and ancestor of the current owners of Penventon.
A tribute
The spirit of Lady Edith’s extravagant parties lives on at Penventon Park Hotel, naming one of their three event rooms ‘The Lady Edith Suite’. Paying homage to the wonderful parties and elegant events she hosted, and allowing her legacy to live on.
1935 – 1968
A New purpose
Government Utilisation
Following its private ownership, The Penventon transitioned to a government facility in 1935. Initially abandoned, its spacious halls found renewed purpose serving various community needs. Over the years, it fulfilled several roles, notably as a hospital and later as a school. During World War II, The Penventon housed maternity ambulance drivers who operated around the clock, providing essential transportation for expectant mothers. worked tirelessly, ensuring they were on-call 24/7 to respond to labour emergencies. Despite the demanding nature of their work, they found moments to rest within The Penventon’s halls between shifts.
Capturing the past
In 1946, a photograph captured ambulance drivers and officers of the war, highlighting the significant role The Penventon played during wartime. Additionally, The Penventon hosted notable figures such as one of the Dambuster pilots, though specific details about their residency remain limited.
1969 – Present
Penventon Hotel 1970 Limited
The auction and acquisition
In 1969, The Penventon sat empty, filled only with echoes of its storied past. Its fate changed when local auctioneer and estate agent Richard Eddy approached brothers David and George Pascoe to participate in an upcoming silent auction. The prize? The Penventon itself.
a joint effort: the basset count house
David and George, along with their wives Paola and Joan were no strangers to transforming abandoned buildings. In 1965 they pooled their money to buy the derelict Basset Count House (BCH), formerly an office for the Basset Mine between 1896 to 1918. Despite its initial state—home to bats, rats, and spiders—they envisioned its potential as a social venue for the Redruth community (where treasured memories would be made). Realising the vision was easier thanks to George’s talent as an architect and his co-ownership of Bell and Pascoe, his own building company. Once complete, the BCH quickly became well known in Redruth as a welcoming place where you’ll get excellent service delivered with warm hospitality.
a place for the community
David and Paola, initially continued their jobs as a teacher and waitress, but eventually dedicated themselves full-time to running BCH. They sold their bungalow, moved into the BCH with their children, and, alongside George and Joan, created a bustling community hub. Everyone pitched in: David managed the bar, Paola the restaurant, Joan the housekeeping, and Paola’s mother, Flora, was in the kitchen with the chefs cooking authentic Italian dishes like Pollo San Marcos. BCH quickly progressed from a Restaurant and Bar to hosting weddings and special celebrations, becoming the heart of the community.
‘The running of the Basset Count House was very much a group effort. No one really had a job description, we all just jumped in and went where the help was needed’. Paola Pascoe.
Without knowing their future ties with the Penventon, their ethos of creating a special place to socialise and enjoy spectacular moments aligned seamlessly. Creating this atmosphere came naturally to them, and they continued to foster it wherever they went.
written in the stars
Almost as if destined to continue the well worn thread of creating a place where people feel special and seen, somewhere to socialise and revel in experiences, the next step in their journey seemed fated. After being the highest bidders in Eddy’s silent auction, the Penventon was signed over to David, Paola, George and Joan. Renamed to ‘Penventon Hotel 1970 Limited’, they set out to fulfil their new goal of building a hotel in Redruth carrying on their own ethos and that of the Penventon’s previous owners.
georgian glamour
Bell and Pascoe were back with their next job: converting the Penventon into a working Hotel with a Restaurant and Bar. With a deep appreciation for the Penventon’s Georgian roots, the Pascoes were determined to preserve as much of the building’s historical character as possible, restoring features where necessary. While retaining what made the Penventon so iconic, the Pascoes wished to add their own touch, embedding a part of themselves in their new dream.
David, an artist who spent much of his spare time painting, aimed to have a new sight to see at each turn within the hotel. Much like the old times of Grand Tours, Paola, a Venetian who loved travelling home, introduced elements from their travels over time. Hanging on a wall in the Dining Galleries Restaurant are various authentic Venetian masks they gathered over the years, a testament to their love for travelling and for Italy.
One of their first tasks was to reverse a recent alteration that had lowered the ceilings. Bell and Pascoe aimed to restore them to their original Regency grandeur, filled with stucco facades and pediments worthy of hosting royalty. To enhance this, they hired a talented artist to hand-paint the ceilings with a feather, creating a stunning marble effect. This technique, popularised during the Renaissance in Italy by masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, perfectly encapsulated David’s love for art, Paola’s Italian heritage, and the Penventon’s inclination toward extravagant design. Today, hand-painted ceilings with features remain a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, often seen in upscale homes, historical buildings, and cultural institutions where the preservation of traditional decorative arts is valued.
These influences inspired not only the renovation but also the future designs of the hotel. Much of David’s own artwork is featured throughout the hotel today, honouring his vision and talent, and ensuring that every corner of the Penventon reflects a blend of historical reverence and artistic excellence.
A New beginning
After four years of running and loving the BCH, they couldn’t begin their new venture with the Penventon Hotel whilst still retaining the BCH, so it was time to sell. It sold quickly, and David and Paola being community driven people, they continued to help the new owners with guidance and advice for 12 months. Much of what made the BCH so special and popular turned out to be the love for the Pascoe’s way of hospitality and service, their exuberance for life and the bloody good nights they hosted. So many of the BCH regulars started attending the Penventon once opened, glad to be in the Pascoe’s warm embrace again. Sadly, in 1972 George passed away, leaving his family and all the guests he had met with many happy memories and a lasting impression.
The Last Chapter
Under the stewardship of the Pascoe family, since opening in 1970, the Penventon Hotel has become a symbol of warm hospitality and community spirit. Their journey from the Basset Count House to The Penventon underscores a commitment to preserving history while creating vibrant, welcoming spaces for guests to enjoy.