Probably originating circa 1300, the main phases of building appear to have been started by Sir Richard Edgcumbe from 1485?89 and followed by his son, Sir Piers Edgcumbe, from 1489-1520.[1] This house is one of the least altered of the Tudor houses in the United Kingdom. The outbuildings include a stone dovecote in a remarkable state of preservation.[2] For centuries a home of the Edgcumbe family, it was the first property to be accepted by the Treasury in payment of death duty. The house and estate are now under the care of the National Trust.[3] Notable contents include the Cotehele cupboard[4] and the Cotehele clock.
