Few places can claim so unusual or romantic a setting. Dozmary is a lake in a high remote hollow where valleys from Bodmin Moor run south to the sea. Dozmary is not just of European archaeological importance, but also the subject of myth and legend. Stories tell that the water can rise and fall like the tide, that King Arthur's sword Excalibur was cast into the lake, that cattle cross it dry shod, that treasure lies beneath and that Giant Jan Tregeagle was sentenced to drain it with a sea shell. Once the site of annual festivals, the last “great revel” was in 1773. Dozmary is at the end of a long rebuilt track and although one other small cottage is close by, you are surrounded by fields and moor and feel miles from anywhere. In the 18th century, ice was cut and stored here for use in Fowey; you can still trace the granite ramps. The house looks over the lake, the valley and five thousand years of history. The balconies, terraces and garden catch the sun and you can walk for miles around the house. You may fish in Dozmary. Colliford Lake, with many facilities, is close by. Since the main highway is only a couple of miles away, it is easy to reach the coast, to visit Lostwithiel, Bodmin, Launceston or to tour Cornwall - but most will want to stay, explore this enchanting rare place, and enjoy a fine and comfortable house.

The house was renovated in 2006. Built against a bank, it has terraces to both sides. The owners have finished the house to a high standard and specification, including slate slab floors on the ground floor and the large first floor terrace. All upstairs floors are of oak boarding. The large combined sitting room and kitchen is well equipped. The sitting room has a wood burning stove and flat screen TV with DVD. There are three bedrooms and the one downstairs has its own shower room. A second bathroom with shower over the bath is upstairs.

The kitchen has modern units with granite worktops; a square sink, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, electric hob, double oven, fridge/freezer, and large pine table with benches. Oil fired central heating. The private drive slopes down to a large parking area with a stone outbuilding. There are walled lawns between house and lake, and a walled south terrace. The entrance side has lawns & granite steps to the first floor terrace. The lake is a few feet beyond the low garden wall. Good views over the lake and around the valley. Dogs allowed.

DOZMARY POOL

Extract from: Richard Carew’s Survey of Cornwall 1602

“In the midst of the wild moors of this hundred, far from any dwelling or river, there lieth a great standing water called Dosmery Pool, about a mile or better in compass, fed by no perceived spring, neither having any avoidance, until (of late) certain tinners brought an adit therefrom. The country people held many strange conceits of this pool, as, that it did ebb and flow, that it had a whirlpool in the midst thereof, and that a faggot once thrown thereinto was taken up at Foy haven, six miles distant. Wherefore, to try what truth rested in these reports, some gentleman dwelling not far off, caused a boat and nets to be carried thither overland. Fish they caught none, save a few eels upon hooks: the pool proved nowhere past a fathom and half deep, and for a great way very shallow. Touching the opinion of ebbing and flowing, it should seem to be grounded partly upon the increase which the rain floods brought thereinto from the bordering hills (which perhaps gave also the name, for doz is come, and maur great), and the decrease occasioned by the next drought, and partly for that the winds do drive the waves to and fro upon those sandy banks. And thus the miracle of Dosmery Pool deceased.

Of this wonder he said:

"Dosmery Pool amidst the moors
On top stands of a hill;
More than a mile about no streams
It empt, nor any fill.”