Lanherne Carmelite Convent

Carmelite convent, formerly the house of the Arundell family. The building dates from the early 16th century, possibly incorporating earlier structures. Additions were made in the 17th century, with a rear range constructed in the late 17th century around 1700. Further additions followed in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the chapel. The front rainwater heads are dated 1708. The building has served as a Carmelite convent since 1794.

The construction is of slatestone rubble with granite dressings, with a slate roof featuring crested ridge tiles and gable ends. Gable-end stacks have rendered shafts. The rear range is built in coursed stone rubble with a slate roof, gable ends, and a modillion eaves cornice.

The plan comprises two parallel ranges to the front; the inner range appears to be the earliest, with a parallel range built in front around the mid to late 16th century. A chapel was added to the right end in the 19th century. A courtyard occupies the centre, with wings extending to the rear right and left. A range of circa 1700 closes the courtyard at the rear. At the time of survey in May 1987, only the exterior of the building was accessible.

The front elevation is two storeys, presenting an asymmetrical range built in three phases. The left-hand range has four windows. The ground floor features panelled double doors with a four-centred arched fanlight, a moulded surround with cushion stops, and a brick and stone relieving arch. To the left and right are three-light granite windows with four-centred arches, hollow-chamfered with floating cornice; the cornice continues to the right as a string course. At first-floor level, a similar four-light window appears to the right with king mullion and hood mould. Two similar two-light windows with hood moulds occupy the centre, with an image niche between them. A pair of fine lead rainwater heads is dated 1717. At first floor to the right is a three-light granite window with cusped lights and hood mould. A granite cornice with lead top runs across, embattled, with a frieze below. The gable end of the left-side range is visible above this section.

The next phase to the right features a ground-floor eight-light window that is hollow-chamfered with a four-centred arch, king mullion, and floating cornice. Above this, corbelled out, is a similar eight-light window with a blind angled light at the left side. Slate hanging continues above with the lead frieze extended. The chapel stands at the end to the right, with its gable end facing the front. The ground floor has a five-light window with hood mould, matched by a similar five-light window at first-floor level. Two courses of ashlar sit above with the lead frieze continued. Slate hanging covers the gable end above. Attached to the front of the chapel is a low garden wall with a re-used four-centred arched granite doorway. Set back at the end to the right is a chapel porch of a single storey with loft, featuring a four-centred arched doorway with double plank doors and an image niche above. A single chamfered light sits to the right. The right gable end contains a two-light chamfered window at first-floor level. A straight joint marks the end of the main range on the right side.

The later range to the right displays panelled double doors in a rusticated surround with floating cornice. At first-floor level are three 19th-century mullion and transom windows and early 18th-century sashes. A rainwater head is dated 1708.

The rear elevation presents a symmetrical nine-bay front of two storeys built over a cellar, with a moulded plinth and attic storey. Cellar windows are two-light granite windows with chamfered mullions and segmental arches with keystones. The casements vary, some retaining crown glass. Ground-floor windows are mullion and transom types with 21 panes below and 9 panes above, fitted with L-hinges, segmental arches, and keystones. First-floor windows are early 18th-century 32-pane sashes with thick glazing bars and voussoirs. A three-storey addition at the centre contains a door and two-light casements at first and second-floor levels. The third bay from the right features a plank door with floating cornice. Lead rainwater heads and band courses run at ground and first-floor levels. Hipped dormers to the attic contain sashes. A cupola with clock stands above, topped with an ogee lead roof and weathervane. Dormers continue along the right side. Brick arcaded panels decorate the chimneys.

The building is said to have been refaced at the rear by Sir Christopher Wren. The house was built by one of the earlier Arundells, whose family held the Manor since 1231, when it passed to Sir Humphrey Arundell through marriage to Lady Alice Fulcar, heiress of Lanherne. The building is said to contain good plasterwork, and an arched-brace roof may survive over the wing along the left side, with probable other interesting internal features.