Duke admires buildings old and new on visit to the Westcountry

The Duke of Gloucester has paid a visit to one of Cornwall’s historic houses which has been restored to its former splendour.

For the past ten years experts have been toiling at Boconnoc House, Lostwithiel, a Grade 2-listed building.

  1. The Duke of Gloucester (centre, right) at Boconnoc House, Cornwall

    The Duke of Gloucester (centre, right) at Boconnoc House, Cornwall

Amongst other architectural delights the team have restored the 18th Century painted staircase.

Anthony and Elizabeth Fortescue who own Boconnoc Estate introduced the Duke to members of staff and employees who have worked on the project.

The house will now open its doors for weddings and events.

Mr Fortescue said of the visit on Tuesday: “We were honoured to have the Duke of Gloucester see all the hard work that has taken place.”

The royal guest also officially opened two new buildings at Truro College – the White Building, and new centre for art and design, and the Seaton Building, for automotive, construction and engineering.

David Walrond, principal of Truro and Penwith College, said: “We were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to the college. His particular interest in architecture and automotive engineering was much in evidence.”