A Cornish Legacy

by Fern Britton

Escape to Cornwall this summer with the latest heart-warming and uplifting novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Fern Britton!Set in a tumbling cottage in the heart of Cornwall, The Cornish House is a story about fresh starts and finding home in the most unlikely places.

Cordelia would be happy to never set foot in Wilder Hoo House again. When Cordelia’s late ex-husband unexpectedly leaves the cottage in her name, she wonders if it is one last cruel joke from beyond the grave.

Determined to quickly sell-up and burry the memories of her past forever, she begins to restore the crumbling beach house brick by brick.

With the help of the locals Cordelia breathes new life into the home, but will she find a way to heal her heart too?

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2025

About the author

Fern Britton, an English television presenter, was born on 17 July 1957 in Ealing, London. She was educated at Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont and underwent training in stage management at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the daughter of the English actor, Tony Britton and Ruth Britton. Fern Britton spent the early days of her life at Buckinghamshire. Her older sister, Cherry Britton, is a script writer and her younger half brother, Jasper Britton, is an actor. She is married to the celebrity chef, Phil Vickery and lives with her family at Holmer Green in Buckinghamshire.


Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.


Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.


Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.



In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.


Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.


Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Cornish Legacy, by Fern Britton, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Delia has inherited a house from her ex, after he passed away. This book goes back and forth, it does not stay in present time. This book is about secrets, new beginnings, and starting over, its a good read.

[HAZEL WILLIS · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover of the book should really have been the clue to this book which appears to be a baronial Scottish house by a loch but the story is all about an Elizabethan Manor House in Cornwall.
I really couldn’t believe that the story line and characters were so predictable , the one exception was Mrs Joy the Mary Poppins housekeeper .
I had to keep reading just to check my guess was right after Part One - both about the outcome for the house and also the future love interest . ( Yes I was )
So glad this was a library loan and not actually paid out for this book .

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry but not for me even tho I was on holiday in Cornwall. I kept thinking is this character 38? And is a top stylist in a top London salon. Really??? Felt like a Mills and Goons book.
Cordelia is totally unbelievable as a 21stC character. As is Sammi and Rose.
I read the book, all 410 pages, in a day. Lacked depth, plot predictable and unbelievable, and ending just made me want to throw the book on the floor🤣

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cordelia Jago would be happy to never set foot in Wilder Hoo House again. When Delia’s late ex-husband unexpectedly leaves the cottage in her name, she wonders if it is one last cruel joke from beyond the grave.
Determined to quickly sell-up and burry the memories of her past forever, she begins to restore the crumbling beach house brick by brick. With the help of the locals Delia breathes new life into the home, An engaging & enjoyable book, it charts Delia’s life so shifts backwards & forwards in time. I really liked Delia & loved getting to know her, there is also a delightful bunch of secondary characters. There are secrets but there’s also a new beginning. This is an ideal book to while away some hours relaxing outdoors
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely book from Fern. I enjoyed every page of this. Set in Cornwall it's a little different from her usual books but,very clever and interesting. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Alyce King · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy, summer read. some unexpected twists.b

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really easy read from Fern Britton.

Delia (Cordelia) is such a lovely character, a little naive but with her Auntie Rose and mum Christine bringing her up, they try to guide and give her a carefree childhood.

Johnny her misunderstood husband whose loyetalies lie very obviously with his parents not his wife. Brought up by a tyrant of father and an alcoholic mother, Johnny's parents live in a large dilapidated house that they have great plans for. It is all about standing and money to Johnny's parents. They even have a housekeeper Mrs Joy, who appears like a whisper on a breeze when she is most needed, cooking hearty meals than vanishing into the night.

For many years no one saw Mrs Joy only the meals she prepared. When Delia asked about Mrs Joy she gleamed no information. The family enjoyed her meals but seemed unperturbed by their mystery housekeeper.

Wilder Hoo was once a beautiful home and the hopes are it will be again but, Delia hates the place, as much as she has tried to love it, she struggles. With no heating the house was draughty and devoid of love.
Slowly she uncovers the lies and cheating realising the family have no money to renovate the house and all the investments they talk about are just that, all talk. Delia sets about trying to help by cleaning the place and using her own money to do odd jobs, but she is also working full time and receives no thanks from Johnnys parents.

When Johnny inherits the house after his fathers death and her marriage turns sour she finally flees the clutches of Johnny and Wilder Hoo.

But Wilder Hoo hasn't finished with her yet.

When a freak accident takes Johnny's life she discovers he has left Wilder Hoo to her. After fleeing its clutches she finds herself as its owner.

Does she sell it, which is her first thoughts. She doesn't want to visit it, rather put it in the hands of a real estate agent and get rid. The memories are painful, her times under Wilder Hoo roof haunting. She doesn't want to step foot in the place ever again but her friend Sammi (an up and coming interior designer) a delightful and engaging character has other ideas and persuades her to visit it one last time.

Auntie Rose is a side character but very much integral to the story of Delias childhood, as this story weaves from past to present. And as for Mrs Joy she is like the Mary Poppins of Wilder Hoo, she comes and goes but where from no one knows.

This is a departure from my normal genre though I have read Fern's books before. This was a heartwarming and cosy book to curl up with.

[Lainy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time taken to read -

Pages - 425

Publisher - Harper Collins

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads (to follow)

My Review

Ahhhh I had my whole review typed and she wiped (using a Bluetooth keyboard and my phone).

The book is split into two parts, we start present day and Cordelia is heading, reluctantly, to Wilder Woo. A beautiful huge house that I am envisioning as a mansion. It holds nothing but negative memories and hurt for Cordelia. Her bestie Sammi is making her go, it is hers now and she needs to face her past.

The book deals with many themes, some sadly are fleeting and with one especially being very dark/triggering I personally don't think it needed to be in there. Some themes throughout, especially in part one are relationship heavy. Families, friendship, love and an insider look at love bombing, gaslighting and toxic love and people.

I was not a huge Cordelia fan at times but I did feel sorry for her. Part two has brought us to present day and Cordelia purging her soul by telling her aunt the truth of all that happened to her. She is still hating Wilder Woo but now we know why and Aunt Rose is determined to see the place. Part two is much more positive, healing and restoration to self and the gaff.

Set in Cornwall, a mixed bag of people with flaws, characters and some with hearts of gold. Mrs Joy was a beacon of joy, at one point I wondered if she was a ghost. She always knows what you want, what you need and shows up literally whatever thing/task is required, an actual Mary Poppins vibe. I am not sure if this is my first Fern Britton book, I did like it so overall 3.5/5 for me this time. The imagery and settings are actually so well done, perfect for sitting indoors with the horrible rain/wind and a nice fire on the go!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A happy ending after a sad and unfortunate life for Delia. Set in Cornwall and London, a story about being brought up by two sisters with no knowledge of a Dad, except that he was away doing good deeds in far of places, or so the story was spun by her mum. Basically her mum, Christine fell pregnant after a brief flirtation with a local guy, who when he found out told her that actually he was going out with someone else too and was about to marry that someone else!!! So she made up a story to tell Delia about a fabulous Dad who was always busy elsewhere, which amazingly Delia bought! Until she was 17 when her mum had an accident on the small holding they had and died. Her Aunt Rose then told Delia the truth. Leaving Delia reeling and angry, she went off to London and became a fantastic hairdresser of great renown. Met an actor, married him after only a short time and regretted it later as he turned out to be quite a cad, along with his parents. Divorced. Then a few year's later, her Ex died and left her this great big house in Cornwall. The rest of the story is about her doing up the house, on a tight budget and meeting all the locals, including Mrs Joy, who would appear to be a ghost??? or certainly having other powers! Never really explained, left up to one's imagination.
An intriguing tale, fun happy read as it all comes good in the end.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light, easy read like a breath of fresh air. There are struggles in the beginning, but even those I felt were ever so slightly brushed over, though undeniably toxic. Mrs Joy, the Mary Poppins character, was indeed a joy. It was refreshing to read a story that didn't feel the need to shock or with twists all over the place and I enjoyed that. A beautiful adventure in a stunning historical house in a gorgeous location.

It did all seem a bit too easy and I was almost waiting for the setbacks, or Johnny's mum trying to reclaim the house when it was looking like a success or a showdown with Harriet, but then I thought actually it is quite refreshing to just read a story that didn't feel the need to be constantly 'twisty'. I did enjoy part 2 more than part 1 when the story really took off.

Nothing to do with the author and the quality of the writing, but the cover is incongruous with the story. It's a castle, not a big old Victorian house. And the figure on the front seems like she should be standing and has had some grass and flowers superimposed/photoshopped/AI on top of her so she's disappearing in to them. Bit odd, but ignore that and immerse yourself in the story.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a novel by Fern Britton before but the synopsis of this book was appealing.

Delia, is a middle aged woman who inherits Wilder Hoo, a dilapidated house in Cornwall and from there the story transports you back to Delia's cornish past and childhood growing up on her family farm with her mum Christine and her Aunt Rosie.

The characters of the novel are well rounded, very loveable and interact well to build moments of tension and tenderness throughout the novel. Sammi, the best friend of Delia is a lovely recurring character and acts as her cornerstone to guide her in her emotional decisions. I loved the sense of place in the novel, Wilder Hoo becomes a character in itself, with the book talking to you about it's empty rooms and aching desire to be restored and lived in and the restoration was satisfying hearing about the rooms and how they were being re-furnished.

The "villians" in the novel were archetypal - Harriet the old childhood friend, Jonny the ex husband and Delia's dad but again were well shaped - you loved to hate them!

A lovely, well paced and thoughtful novel which readers of romance, family drama or regionally set stories would enjoy

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fern Britton (2025) A CORNISH LEGACY (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - HarperCollins

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars

BorrowBox writes, "Set by the wild Atlantic coast of Cornwall comes a story about finding home in the most unlikely places. When Cordelia Jago learns she’s been left the crumbling manor house Wilder Hoo, perched high on the Cornish coast, she wonders if it’s one last cruel joke from beyond the grave. Having already lost her marriage, her best friend and her career, she’s at rock-bottom. Now she’s inherited a house she hates, full of unhappy memories. But as she fights with its echoing rooms and whispering shadows, the house begins to exert a pull on her. The wild Cornish landscape, the stark beauty of seagrass and yellow gorse against the deep blue sea, begin to awaken a connection she thought she’d buried forever. Could she turn around this monstrous wreck of a house – and, along the way, let go of the secrets of the past and heal her heart too?"
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Fern's stories are truly mint. Highly recommend anything by Fern.
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#FernBritton #ACornishLegacy #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really absorbing read, set amidst a Cornish backdrop, and sees Delia having to confront an unhappy past when she's left a house she has nothing but bad memories about.

You really feel for Delia from the get go. Life has dealt her some crappy cards, and then she receives the news of her unexpected inheritance and the bad memories come flooding back. Her intention is to sell the house asap, and is even reluctant to go inside - that really gets your interest as to what happened in her past that brings back such visceral reactions. So we get to see the story unfold in the present, and dipping back in time, to watch over her life and encounters with a wide range of characters - some nice, some very unpleasant!!

This is a story about reconnecting and also reclaiming the good memories from the bad, and I really enjoyed the characters of Sammi, Mrs Joy and Rose! The people around Delia give her that time to come to terms with what she's been through and find a way to move forward. A great summer read!

[Mavis Tiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the author’s Cornish books. She is so good at describing the countryside in all its moods, bringing it to life.
This is a book of ultimate second chances.Delia has had a difficult life, as we learn, and has lost everything - immediate family, husband, girlfriends and with the strain of it, her job as well. To cap it all, her ex-husband died and left her a crumbling but beautiful Manor house in Cornwall where she was at her unhappiest and she cannot wait to sell it.
It is ,of course, not that simple, too much needs doing before that and it seems the house is a money pit beyond her capabilities. However with local help rallying round she makes headway and falls in love with the house. I love how it comes back to life in the second half of the book. Lovely characters drawn too, a real feel good story as she finds new friends, builders to help with the house, a gardener to recreate the knot garden and a housekeeper who is always there when needed. A lovely absorbing read
.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Cornwall, this is an emotional story that centres around a crumbling Cornish Mansion with an eventful past. As is often the case, the old building has a presence that defines it and a supernatural atmosphere. The story begins when Cordelia unexpectedly inherits the house. It has unsettling memories for her, and she wants to be rid of it, but others who love her want her to make her peace with it and move on with her life. The story explores her Cornish upbringing, life in London, and the relationships that bring her to the house. Its diverse characters, all complex and relatable, complement the vivid storytelling. It's a satisfying read following Delia's experiences as she renovates the house and starts a new chapter in her life. I like the characterisation, particularly Delia's emotional journey to happiness, the vibrant Cornish setting and the supernatural atmosphere the house engenders.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jenny H · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unwanted legacy made good. Delia unexpectedly inherits an ancient and decrepit house called Wilder Hoo. She takes her best friend Sammi with her . He marvels at it but she just wants it sold as she has bad memories of it and it’s in a terrible state. Sammi’s excited reaction on exploring Wilder Hoo is what most of us would feel. The house is a character in its own right, describing to us what it was like in its heyday. The housekeeper, Mrs Joy, is thrilled when Delia changes her mind and decides to renovate it and recommends the best local tradespeople.

Delia’s Auntie Rose is quite a character, a complete contrast from her former in-laws, who are utter snobs and her husband is a waste of space! All the characters are well-drawn, so you feel you’d recognise them if you met them. Will one of them be a second chance at happiness for Delia?

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cordelia Jago inherits Wilder House, a dilapidated large house in Cornwall, from her ex husband - but it is a house that holds many unhappy memories for her and she is initially determined to sell it as soon as possible. But as she prepares it for sale, and friends and family pull together to help her, so she begins to put her difficult past behind her, refinds contentment and discovers a joy in the house she hadn’t believed possible.

This is one of those books that is perfect for a few hours escapism. With Fern’s obvious love for Cornwall shining through, there is a beautiful setting, a gorgeous house, an eclectic cast of characters truly brought to life and a touch of romance. A story of new beginnings full of hope, you will turn the final page with a smile on your face. What more could you want from a good summer read!

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern Britton’s love of Cornwall shines through in her novels and this one is no exception. We meet Cordelia Jago who has inherited a crumbling Cornish Manor House , Wilder Ho. It holds a lot of unpleasant memories for her and her initial thought is to put it on the market immediately.

Sprucing up the rooms for a resale she finds herself questioning her decision. The old house seems to cast a spell on her. Aided by a wonderful cast of friends she finds peace and love within the walls and a contentment which had previously eluded her.

The wonderful setting and fantastic characters in the book kept me reading. This book is filled with hope, new beginnings, love and friendship. Overall a gentle, heartwarming read .

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dilapidated Cornish Manor house, a woman who hates this house, she has lost everything and wants to never see this house again until she starts to get it back to a sellable condition. Cordelia realises there is more to this house than unhappiness. The locals all pull together to help Cordelia bring this place to its best but will Cordelia want to sell up after all? Fern is one of my go to authors when I want a comforting and easy read, you can easily get swept away with her stories. This is one I did not want to put down, everything around me stopped just so I could take in this richness and beauty of the stunning Cornwall. It was full of hope and an uplifting read that warmed my cockles. I loved it all.

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written between past and present, Cordelia Jago has to confront her ghosts after her ex-husband Johnny Carlisle-Hart leaves her his family home - Wilder Hoo. At first she is reluctant to accept it, determined to sell it and walk away from the negative memories which are invoked the moment she walks through the door. But with support from her long term friend Sammi Hashmi, and a sprinkle of fate, Cordelia stays. There are some great characters here - including her Aunt Rose, someone who supported her through childhood after her mother's tragic death, and Mrs Joy, the indispensable housekeeper at Wilder Hoo, who always seems to be able to anticipate everyone's needs. It's an entertaining read, and set in Cornwall, ticked all the boxes for me. Recommended.

[LindyLouMac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know more of Fern Britton from her TV career and this is actually only the second book of hers that I have read.

In 'A Cornish Legacy' the protagonist is Delia and during the course of the novel we learn about her early life, then her disastrous marriage, followed by her inheriting to her great shock Wilder Hoo, a country house in Cornwall that she has connections to.

A pleasant summer read with wonderful descriptions of Cornwall and I found the house and garden restoration details particularly enjoyable. If Cornwall, Gardening and Country Houses appeal then this is one for you.

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[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brilliant Book

I always love books set in Cornwall and this one is no exception. Having escaped her marriage the last thing Cordelia Jago wanted to hear was that her ex husband had died and left her his family home. An old crumbling manor house on the Cornish coast which will need a large fortune spending on it. She wants nothing to do with it but as she is taking time off from her prestigious hair dressing career in London she reluctantly decides to take her best friend to visit, even if only to put it on the market, but things take an unexpected turn. A brilliant book which I couldn't put down.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Fern Britton's latest offering. Having lost everything and feeling bereft and vulnerable, Delia Jago is astounded when she is left a house she never wanted and has no desire to keep. With encouragement from her Aunt Rose and her best friend Sammi, Delia is encouraged not to rush in and sell the house, Wilder Hoo. What follows is a recovery journey for the house and its owner. Beautifully written, with well-developed characters, some distasteful and others joyful. Great escapism in Cornwall.

[A L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeous, heartwarming novel from Fern.
Set in Cornwall at a crumbling Cornish Manor, Fern creates great characters who we just love and root for.
There are many ups and downs for Delia, who has been left this manor house, but with her aunt's help she begins to come to terms with her past. A joyous read with a touch of romance too.
Cornwall once again casts its spell.
Happiness guaranteed with a novel from Fern.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book set in Cornwall .Delia inherits Wilder Hoo from her ex husband a dilapidated mansion house with bad memories for her .She really wants to sell it but needs to fix it first but her friends and Aunt Rose really would like her to keep it .Gradually she begins to love the house,The characters are delightful especially Aunt Rose and the mysterious Mrs Joy the house keeper .This is a story of love ,new beginnings and starting over .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant holiday read! I really enjoyed this story about Delia and the way her life changes when she finds herself the heir to a stunning but dilapidated Cornish Manor House. She rebuilds her life along with this beautiful home helped by her friends, her beloved Aunt Rose, and the mysterious Mrs Joy. A book filled with love, hope, friendship and promise.

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read set in picturesque Cornwall, absolutely perfect for a holiday read!
Delia has unexpected inherited a house but it’s not just any old house, it’s a massive crumbling pile, full of bad feelings for Delia!
Told in the past and present we follow Delia from childhood to present day, upon what has not been the easiest of journeys to say the least!
Despite this Delia armed with tenacity, braveness and sheer will power and an eclectic mix of family friends and the enigmatic Mrs Joy transforms the house, gardens and outbuildings and in doing so begins her own voyage if discovery and healing along the way!
A lovely read full of hope, serving chances and new beginnings
Thank you net galley for this early read

[Valerie McGurk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read that is set in Cornwall. When Cordelia inherits a house from her ex husband her first thought is to sell it. With the support of her family and friends she is encouraged to think again. She not only puts her heart into renovating the house but she finds friends, happiness and new beginnings along the way.

[Debra Gape · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Fern Britton and she certainly didn't let me down here.
Well written characters, beautiful surroundings and a touch of Mills & Boon storyline.
I needed something more gentle to read after to many thrillers and this really hit the spot.
A lovely read to enjoy on holiday or sat in the garden.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy.

[Ros Carling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow go Fern Britton . A lovely story set in Cornwall. You really feel for the main character. You have an ace best friend, a magical house keeper, lots of sadness , an ace Aunt and a beautiful old house. You can’t put it down. My review does not do it justice. Read it. You have a real treat a head of you.