Boconnoc is a privately owned estate close to Lostwithiel; it is occasionally open to the public for various charitable events.
It contains the oldest example of a medieval deer park in Cornwall and some of the trees are particularly old. Some interesting mosses and lichens are to be found on and around these trees, many of which were planted in the 16th century. Much of the garden was developed following the purchase of the estate by Thomas Pitt in the 18th century. Apparently, the money with which he purchased Boconnoc came from the sale of the famous Pitt Diamond (perhaps better known as the Regent Diamond and now in the Louvre Museum in Paris).
Landscaping and other enhancement was carried out towards the end of the same century: this included the building of two shrines and a stone bathing pool. The Dorothy Garden contains some lovely trees, including yews, tulip trees and a plane, and in constructed around an attractive fountain. Other areas include a quarry filled with Japanese azaleas, a rockery and the Stewardry Walk, which has a small waterfall. There are lovely views of the gardens from the house.
