It is one of the most famous landmarks in Helston and plays a central role in Flora Day but only 24 hours after this year’s event it has been revealed that Lismore House is up for sale.

Yesterday the house and its gardens were once again buzzing with crowds of people waiting to watch the Midday Dance come past Lismore’s iconic lake.

Home to Michael Jay for the last 24 years, he lets the Midday Dance and Evening Dance break in the gardens every Flora Day, with the Children’s Dance also passing through part of the grounds.

Falmouth Packet:

The Midday Dance goes past Lismore's lake on Flora Day yesterday. Photo: Colin Higgs

However, this evening Helston estate agents Christophers announced that the property had been put up for sale, with a list price of £2 million.

The company said: “We are privileged to bring to the market one of the district's most iconic properties.

“Known to generations of Helstonians through its connection with Flora Day, Lismore is a wonderful residence in the centre of the town with magnificent gardens of circa 2.6 acres.”

Whoever buys the property will not be bound to continue allowing the Flora Dance to come through the grounds, although Mr Jay has made it known through the estate agents that it is his "very dear wish" that this continues.

"The Midday and Evening dances go around the gardens and then stop for a rest on the lawns before exiting through the house itself. It is custom that the owner of Lismore has the honour of walking at the front of the procession through its gardens.

"Previous owners have embraced the wonderful relationship the property has with Flora Day and it is the very dear wish of the current incumbent, Mr Jay, that the new owners will welcome the opportunity of continuing this tradition," added Christophers. 

The Grade II listed property in Cross Street is believed to have built at some point between 1810 and 1820 for Glyn Grylls, a solicitor in the town. In around 1840 it was extended, probably by the architect George Wightwick, and the conservatory was thought to have been added in around 1890.

Falmouth Packet:

Lismore's drawing room. Photo: Christophers Estage Agents

It first became a listed property in 1972 and was included in the 'Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England' in 1994.

The seven-bedroom house has separate service quarters and a wine cellar, as well as an 80' former rifle range and a walled vegetable garden.

In October 1995 it was featured in an article in Country Life magazine.

Falmouth Packet:

The property is set in 2.6 acres of land. Photo: Christophers Estate Agents

In the sales details Christophers Estate Agents adds: “Lismore presents itself as a virtually unique opportunity to acquire such a large property, with magnificent grounds, in such close proximity to a town centre.

“The current owner acquired the property in late 1995 and the previous owner had been there since 1937, so opportunities to acquire this residence are certainly few and far between.”