Choosing the Perfect Garden Gate for Your Cornish Home: A Local’s Guide
Your garden gate is more than just a way in and out.
It’s a welcome, a boundary, and a little piece of character that says a lot about your home. Whether you’re in a cosy cottage near the moors or a coastal retreat with sea views, the right gate adds charm, security and that all-important first impression.
We’re Goonvrea Gates & Carpentry, a family-run carpentry team born and raised in Cornwall. Over the years, we’ve built gates for all sorts of homes across the county, and we’ve learned a thing or two about what works (and what doesn’t) in our unique corner of the world. If you’re thinking about a new gate, here’s our friendly, local advice to help you choose one you’ll love for years.
Pick a Material That Loves Cornwall as Much as You Do
Cornwall’s weather is beautiful but demanding, salty air, winter gales, and soft rain that finds its way into everything. Your gate needs to be more than just pretty; it needs to be a partner to this landscape, standing strong while aging with grace.
For us, the answer has always been timber. There’s simply nothing else that feels so right here.
Why Timber is the Heart of a Cornish Gate:
It Belongs: A wooden gate doesn’t just sit in the landscape; it becomes part of it. A quality hardwood like oak slowly weathers to a soft, silver-grey that mirrors our misty skies and lichen-covered stone.
It’s Naturally Resilient: Properly sourced and seasoned timber has a flexibility and strength that handles our coastal winds beautifully. It breathes with the humidity, reducing the risk of rot when crafted correctly.
It’s Full of Character: Every piece of wood has its own grain and story. It can be crafted into anything from a sturdy five-bar gate for a farm track to elegant, contemporary horizontal slats for a coastal garden. The possibilities are as varied as Cornish homes themselves.
It’s Warm and Welcoming: A timber gate has a tactile, organic warmth that says ‘home’, whether it’s your full-time residence or a beloved retreat.
Our tip for locals & second-home owners alike: The key is in the quality and the craft. Choosing a durable, locally-suited hardwood like oak or sweet chestnut, paired with a protective, breathable finish, means your gate will look after itself for years. For those who aren’t here all year round, this peace of mind is priceless, you can enjoy your arrival without worrying about what the winter has done.
Choose a Style That Feels ‘At Home’
Your gate should look like it’s always been there. Think about the soul of your property:
For a Traditional Cottage: Think rustic charm. A five-bar gate, a curved ‘shepherd’s crook’ top, or a simple picket design feels right at home.
For a Contemporary Home: Clean lines and simple shapes work beautifully. Horizontal slats or a sleek, minimalist design can make a real statement.
For a Coastal Getaway: Embrace the setting. Weathered oak, hardy finishes, and designs that let the wind pass through a little can be both practical and picturesque.
Whether you’re after something that says ‘grand arrival’ or ‘quiet garden retreat,’ the style should make you smile every time you come home.
Get the Practical Bits Sorted (It Makes All the Difference!)
A gorgeous gate that sticks or drags is a daily annoyance. A few practical considerations upfront save a lot of hassle:
Width: Make sure it’s wide enough not just for you, but for bikes, barrows, or even a tractor if you’re down a farm track!
The Swing: Which way will it open? Think about the path, the wind (a big one here!), and where the puddles form in winter.
The Ground: Cornish lanes and drives are rarely perfectly flat. We always build in plenty of clearance so the gate never catches.
A note from our workshop: This is why we always pop round for a look before we build anything. Seeing the spot in person tells us more than any measurement alone, like which way the prevailing wind blows or how the land drains.
Build It to Last Our Seaside Weather
Let’s be honest, Cornwall throws everything at outdoor woodwork. Your gate needs to be built with that in mind.
Joinery is Key: We use traditional techniques like mortise and tenon joints. They’re stronger and allow the wood to move naturally with the seasons without falling apart.
Finish for the Elements: We use high-quality, breathable stains and oils designed for marine environments. They protect the wood without trapping moisture.
Hardware Matters: Hinges and latches need to be tough and corrosion-resistant. We fit heavy-duty, often galvanised or brass fittings that won’t give up after a few winters.
A well-made gate isn’t just about good looks, it’s about not having to think about it again for years.
Work With People Who Know Cornwall
This might be the most important point. The best gate for your home is one made by someone who understands the place.
Local Knowledge is Invaluable: A Cornish maker knows which woods perform best in Penzance versus Padstow. They know how to fit a gate on a sloped, cobbled lane or in an exposed cliff-top spot.
Bespoke Beats ‘Off-the-Shelf’: Every home, wall, and garden entrance is slightly different. A gate made just for your opening fits perfectly and feels truly part of your property.
It’s About the Relationship: We love creating gates for Cornish homes. For us, it’s a chat about what you need, a visit to see the place, and then crafting something we’re all proud of. You’re supporting a local family business, and you get a direct line to the people who built it.
Your gate is a long-term investment in your home’s character and security. Taking the time to choose the right materials, style, and especially the right local craftsman, makes all the difference.
Fancy a Chat About Your Gate? We’re always happy to talk about ideas, offer advice, or pop round for a cuppa and a look at your space. Get in touch, we’d love to help make your vision a reality.
— Kristen & Jordan