This is the Cornish home where Daphne du Maurier wrote her first novel.

She wrote “The Loving Spirit”, published in 1931, at this former boatyard on the River Fowey in Bodinnick, southeast Cornwall, England. After its publication, Daphne said that the novel was inspired by “the sense of freedom” the home brought.

The building was constructed of local granite in the early 1800s, serving as a shipwright’s workshop, yard and quay, and is an important survivor of Cornwall’s maritime heritage. After it was bought by the Du Mauriers, the original quay was turned into a domestic garden, the sail loft became bedrooms and a bathroom and the former boat store was changed into the family sitting room. The building’s Grade II listed status reflects the home’s connection to Du Maurier and its wider architectural and historical significance.

We lived in Cornwall when the children were young, a wonderful place to bring up the kids, so much to do & see. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Cornwall I’d highly recommend it.

Visit my Etsy shop, https://GordonMclemanArt.etsy.com to see this and the full range of original paintings and prints currently available for sale (sales to the United States are now ‘Delivered Duty Paid’).

If you can collect your purchase directly from me, in Peterhead, Scotland, please email me at sales@gm-art.online with details of your order instead of going through the Etsy checkout and you’ll get a 20% discount on my Etsy prices. Payment by cash on collection, PayPal or bank transfer.