Our Wedding Visit to Gonwin Manor

Another venue we were keen to visit on our trip to St Ives was the 5 Star accommodation and wedding reception venue, Gonwin Manor. This is a set of 6 luxury cottages, restored from granite barns and built within the grounds of an old manor house. The site is set on the edge of a cliff top, along the stunning Cornish coastline, two miles from St Ives and has direct access down to Porthkidney Beach.

The Manor House at Gonwin

Our initial impression of Gonwin Manor was that it is in a fantastic location. The views from the lawn behind the accommodation are breath taking and totally unspoilt. A marquee can be set up on this site for the wedding reception.

Gorgeous site for Wedding Reception Marquee

On walking around the site, however, it did feel somewhat like a film set. There was something that felt very unnatural about it. The site looks quite new and was certainly well kept and maintained but it felt bereft of any real character. There is what appears to be a man made lake (though I could be wrong) behind the cottages which is where I assume the wedding party would congregate. Whilst I think this is a nice idea in theory, it did look a little bit odd just placed in the middle of a field and not in keeping with the rest of the surroundings.

Gonwin Manor Lake

We were in two minds about this venue for a reception. Obviously, alternative plans would need to be made for the ceremony. This isn’t a major factor for us as we are possibly considering a church wedding. However, a marquee reception will require a lot more planning.

The Self Catering Cottages at Gonwin Manor

As do most things, the final decision will always come down to the cost and unfortunately, Gonwin Manor is a 5 star resort and expensive. The venue requires all of its accommodation to be booked out for the wedding. Whilst the cottages are gorgeous and probably well worth the money, this is an added extra expense that would have to be considered as well as all other costs!

Private Gate leading to a path down to Porthkidney Beach

I would say Gonwin Manor is an ideal venue for those who are after scenic photographs and do not mind the extra stress of coordinating a marquee wedding. I can guarentee that anyone who takes a moment to absorb the views will not be disappointed. I cannot imagine a better site for a marquee in this area of Cornwall and I am completely in love with the coastline here. I can imagine the most beautiful wedding photographs up on the cliffs and also, down on the beach. This is nearly enough to sway me.

View of Porthkidney Beach from the Gonwin Manor Site

However, I can’t help the odd feeling I got at Gonwin Manor. It seems to be a vast space, isolated with no real personality. Whilst I appreciate the views are this venues main attraction, I do feel the site itself needs to blend into the surroundings more. I think I expected Gonwin Manor to be wild and rugged, the accommodation to be rustic and dated. I wanted genuine and natural charm. The field would be wonderful with wild grass and flowers as opposed to a perfectly manicured lawn. I am confused as to the identity of this place. Old or new? Natural or man made? It almost feels as if the owners wanted Gonwin Manor to be true to Cornwall and its architecture but the site is yet to settle and weather, and so is currently appearing too polished. I should like to go back and visit in a few years and see if the exposure to the climate has erased the artificial and structured feeling of this place into what I think one day will be less synthetic and a more believable venue. I only wish I could get those beautiful views out of my mind…

Breathtaking Views from Gonwin Manor

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