This is essentially the biography of a house and the generations of the Nicholls and Le Grice family that wandered through it.

Beginning with ambitious 17th century barrister, John Nicholls, who transformed Trereife into a proper manor house, and concluding with the author.

The author allows you to major of events of modern British history through the experiences of his ancestors.

The most fascinating character in the book, as far as I’m concerned, is Val Le Grice. A failed writer turned tutor, who arrived at Trereife at 23 with the task of teaching the disabled heir to the manor, the unfortunate 8-year-old William Nicholls.

In short course, the Lord of the Manor died. Val married his widow (he was 24, she was 35). Their own son was born. And soon after the disabled heir was encouraged to sign over his entire inheritance to his half-brother. There’s much more to the story, but I’ll leave that for readers to discover on their own.

The story of the Nicholls/Le Grice inheritance is really the stuff of gothic novels.

Many thanks to Netgallery for providing me with an advance copy of the book to review.

This book is a slightly repetitive, deep look into the evolution of a house and its inhabitants over several centuries. Overall, an informational read on a Cornwall historical staple.

I have really enjoyed reading about this house and it’s history. A delightful insight into both the problems incurred by the upkeep, and the heartbreak which the families found themselves involved in. Very well written.