Grade II-listed Porthledden in Penzance built for a real-life Poldark on sale …

Grade II-listed Porthledden, in Penzance, offers some of the most breathtaking views in the south west of England
Stunning 12-bedroom clifftop home was built at the turn of the 20th century by local mining captain Francis Oats
He later used his influence to champion the cause of Cornish miners – just like Ross Poldark does on BBC show
Now, after a 10 years of restoration work, the sprawling family home has been put on the market for £3.5million

Stephanie Linning for MailOnline

Published:
11:59 GMT, 15 September 2015

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Updated:
12:06 GMT, 15 September 2015

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Perched on a windswept clifftop, this stunning 12-bedroom mansion offers some of the most breathtaking sea views in the south west of England.

The Grade II-listed property was built at the turn of the 20th century by local mining captain Francis Oats, who championed the cause of the Cornish tin miners – much like the character of Ross Poldark in the hit BBC period drama.

In the decades since, Porthledden, near Penzance, has been used as a hotel and school for evacuees during the Second World War. Now, following a 10-year restoration, the sprawling home is on the market for £3.5million.

Windswept mansion: Grade II-listed Porthledden, near Penzance, is perched on top of a clifftop and boasts breathtaking sea views

Extra living space: As well as the main home, the property comes with a separate three-bedroom apartment (kitchen pictured above)

Character: The dining room, pictured, boasts original period features that the owner was careful to restore over the last ten years

Elegant: Boasting large windows and hardwood floors, this drawing room offers a sophisticated space to entertain guests

Intimate: Two large sofas, wood panelling and an impressive fireplace bring warmth to this hall at the bottom of the main staircase

People’s champion: Francis Oats, right, fought for the welfare of Cornish tin miners, much like the TV character of Ross Poldark, left

Born in 1848, Francis Oats grew up in the mining district of St Just, Cornwall, was made a mine captain by the age of 20, and would later hold a significant shareholding in local mines.

But Oats made his real fortune in the gold fields of South Africa where he became chairman of luxury diamond jewellers De Beers and a close ally of mining magnate and politician Cecil Rhodes

Oats used his influence to champion the welfare of the Cornish miners who followed him to South Africa, pushing through housing policies and introducing measures to improve their working conditions.

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Oats bought Porthledden, which sits on Cornwall Cape, just one mile away from his childhood home of St Just, with the money he earned overseas. The project was completed in 1909 and was enjoyed by Oats for nearly a decade, before his death in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in 1918.

The gentleman’s residence was then used as a hotel in the 1920s and 1930s and boasted a pioneering landing strip, where part of the Golf Club now lies. It has also been a gentleman’s club, a wedding venue and a school for girls evacuated from the cities during the Second World War.

The stunning property was left empty for more than two decades until 2003, when it was bought after being given a Grade-II listing.

The windswept property has undergone a meticulous restoration over the last 10 years and now boasts marine-grade window and door frames to protect it from the coastal elements. It also offers a separate three-bedroom apartment and three spacious reception rooms.

Coastal charm: The property, pictured, has been used as a gentleman’s club and school for evacuees during the Second World War

Modern touches: The bathrooms, pictured, were among the rooms that were updated during the owner’s 10-year restoration project

Spacious: The sprawling 12-bedroom home offers more than 11,000sq ft of living space, including this bright and airy family kitchen

Attention to detail: A roll-top bath brings a touch of charm to this large bathroom, left. Right, the property’s ornate main staircase

Luxurious: With an en suite bathroom (seen right) and space for a small seating area (seen left), this bedroom offers an oasis of calm

There is also plenty of space outside, with a walled garden, three paddocks and a stable all included in the price. There is even a schoolhouse on the grounds – the perfect draw for homeowners in search of something a little out-of-the-ordinary.

Its present owner, who painstakingly carried out the renovations, has now put it on the market with estate agents Savills.

Jonathan Cunliffe, of Savills, said: ‘Francis Oats was a bit like the Poldark character. He started off mining in Cornall and owned a mine before he went further afield to make his fortune.

‘It is a big property that in many ways is more in keeping with the countryside yet is in a rather unusual setting right by the sea. It has mesmerising views. On a clear day you can clearly see out to the Isle of Scilly. It is the sort of place where every day the weather is different.

‘The present owner has meticulously restored Porthledden over the last few years. The window fittings have been built to marine standard that will withstand the elements and the salt from the sea.’