The Gardeners’ House brings people and nature together
A once derelict coach house in West Cornwall has been transformed into a living library of land-inspired art, a community hub for the lonely and a wellbeing space for people living with dementia
A town revitalised
At the far southwestern tip of England, lies the ancient market town of Penzance. Known for its geothermal lido, striking architecture and sweeping views of Mounts Bay, Penzance marks the end of the Great Western Railway line, which curves past the iconic St Michael’s Mount before arriving in the town centre.
Like many Cornish towns, Penzance has faced challenges with poverty and limited long-term employment, partly due to its reliance on seasonal tourism. However, in 2025 the town secured a £21.5 million investment from the Government’s Town Deal Fund. This has seen new businesses emerge, traditional trades renewed and a restored sense of hope but, as ever, it is the people, the community, who are driving this change.
Restoring the Gardeners’ House
The Gardeners’ House in Penzance is a restored coach house and former dwelling
Studio West Architects Ltd led the design but the project was a collaborative one. Thoughtfully designed, the architecture is striking, with geometric timber window beams and accessible spaces both inside and out that balance beauty and function. Local schools, day centre residents and local craftspeople have joined forces to help transform this historic building.
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A curved walkway leads to accessible buildings through sensory planting
A curved walkway leads to accessible buildings through sensory planting
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A series of multi-functional rooms and buildings host nature-based workshops
A series of multi-functional rooms and buildings host nature-based workshops
When I visited in December, The Gardeners’ House was holding its Winter Fayre. The building was gently decorated with tiny fairy lights and an enormous wreath to welcome visitors. Inside, the building has the feel an art gallery and is filled with the warm tones of golden-coloured timber and whitewashed stonework. A series of multifunctional spaces host workshops in crafts such as mindful wreath-making, foraged ink making and creating nature-based wrapping paper. Kitchenettes tucked behind precision-crafted timber doors provide tea and coffee making facilities, while downstairs there is a large room with sliding glass doors that open to the gardens for hosting events. Visit their website to see what’s in store for 2026.
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The Gardeners’ House is situated in Morrab Gardens, which date back to 1889
The Gardeners’ House is situated in Morrab Gardens, which date back to 1889
The Gardeners’ House also houses a unique archive of documents, books and illustrations donated by the Hypatia Trust. This collection celebrates the stories of men and women who have shaped the landscape of West Cornwall over the past 200 years, offering inspiration for researchers and visitors alike.
Director for The Gardeners’ House, Miki Ashton explains, “This is a place where all are welcome - to learn new skills, share stories of the West Cornwall landscape and connect with others. We run workshops all year round and everyone is welcome, from 0 to 100 years old. We offer an inviting space for the lonely, to meet and make friends, a place where people can talk about our landscape, learn new nature-based crafts and be part of something special.”
Matthew Mckeague, CEO, the Architectural Heritage Fund said: “We know that communities benefit enormously from improved public realms and access to green spaces, especially in deprived areas, and this is exactly why the Architectural Heritage Fund is delighted to have supported Morrab Gardens.”
