Family Life on the Mount

Family life on the island has thrived through the generations to the modern day.

Besides being an iconic Cornish landmark, this is the family home of James and Mary St Aubyn who live a 21st century lifestyle within its medieval walls. When you visit the castle you will enter rooms where musical events are still hosted, gaze out to views still enjoyed by castle residents and see displays of family silver still used on special occasions. James is the twelfth generation of the St Aubyn family, who have occupied the castle since the 17th Century. James and Mary play an integral role in the running of the island. 

While James and Mary live in the fortress, the rest of the islanders occupy the waterside cottages at the foot of the Mount. Some of the families that live and work here have been on the island for generations – one islander can trace his roots here back 300 years. And as family life continues through the ages, today a new generation of island children can be heard playing on the shores.