The Egyptian House

The Egyptian House Open Days with the Landmark Trust

This summer, step inside one of Penzance’s most recognisable buildings and find out more about its past and the work of the Landmark Trust. Entry is free but donations towards our work are gratefully accepted.

Information about the history and restoration will be available with Landmark Trust staff on hand throughout the weekend.

The Egyptian House is a rare and unusual survivor of a style that enjoyed a vogue after Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt in 1798. It dates from about 1835 and the front elevation is similar to that of the former Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, designed by P. F. Robinson. Comprised of three separate flats over four floors, the ground floor is a shop and above it are three apartments.

It was built for John Lavin as a museum and geological repository. Although picked over by Victorians, the beaches at Penzance still hold every kind of pebble. When Landmark acquired the building in 1968, its colossal façade, with lotus bud capitals and enrichments of artificial stone, concealed two small granite houses above shops, solid and with a rear elevation but very tired interiors. During the work to the front, we reconstructed these as three compact apartments, the highest of which has a view, through a small window, of St Michael’s Mount.

In spring 2026, The Egyptian House will undergo its latest upgrade with further refurbishment to the facade and interiors.