The history of Budock Vean

The earliest record of Budock Vean shows the land held jointly by three men, who paid traditional dues for farming and livestock.

Ownership passed to Henry and Margery Penrose.

Benjamin Pender leased the land for 99 years; it stayed in the Pender family for nearly two centuries.

Anna Maria Creek was named after Anna Maria Pender, a nod to the family's lasting influence on the area.

The estate was sold to tenant Mr Dunstan, ending the Pender family's long tenure.

Mr Dunstan sold most of the land to Mr Taylor, who hoped to develop a country club; other parts were sold for housing.

Harry Parkinson and Eddie Pilgrim began restoring the manor house with backing from Walter Bartholomew.

Budock Vean Hotel first appeared in The Sphere as a registered British hotel, with tennis and golf facilities to attract visitors.

Harry Parkinson returned to London; Eddie Pilgrim expanded the hotel with more bedrooms and suites.

Virginia Woolf stayed at the hotel and praised the local area in letters to her nephew.

Walter Bartholomew’s share was bought by Canadian H. Whiteside, who aimed to make it feel like a family country house.

Budock Vean welcomed war-weary guests, Navy sailors, and later US troops. It temporarily operated solely for the military in 1944.

The hotel became a regular haunt for film producers like the Woolf brothers, known for The African Queen.

The Barlow family purchased the hotel, beginning a new chapter in its history.

Martin Barlow took over the running of Budock Vean from his parents.

Budock Vean Hotel & Spa joined the Philema Hospitality Group, entering a new era alongside fellow South West properties.