News and views Autumn 2018

Keeping you in the loop.

Changing of the seasons at The Summerhouse Gallery

October at The Summerhouse Gallery sees featured artists Maggie O’Brien, Helen Jones and Flynn O’Reilly each use their own unique take to capture the seasonal change; from rich, golden palettes to dramatic skies and seascapes, a variety of aspects of this beautiful time of year have been explored and captured.

The Summerhouse Gallery is a beautiful, welcoming space showcasing the very best of Cornish art. Located just across the water from St Michael’s Mount, the team aims to create the perfect place to discover paintings, jewellery, sculpture and glass in a relaxed manner. Be sure to contact the team for information about artists and upcoming events!

For more information call 01736 711400 or visit www.summerhousegallery.co.uk

Demystifying kitchen budgets

Kitchens are often the most complex room in the home to refurbish; there’s an overwhelming amount of choice from cupboard doors to worktops and many showrooms offer similar designs, so how do you decide where to buy? The quality is in the detail, and prices are based on complexity of storage and door/cabinet construction. Painted real wood doors are more expensive than vinyl or foil wrapped MDF and solid backed pre-assembled cabinets provide greater rigidity and longevity. To get the best quality for your investment, ask a showroom to talk through sample displays and approximate costs, examine cabinet interiors, feel edge finishing, pull drawers out, discuss what storage solutions suit your needs and ask about weight capacity. For an open discussion about your kitchen project, with quality and service at the forefront, why not visit Now Kitchens & Bathrooms in Helston?

For more information call 01326 565522 or visit www.now-kitchens.co.uk

Let light in with an Ultra Sky Lantern roof

Introducing the newest product to grace the Collington & Company range, the Ultra Sky Lantern. Designed to combine a fresh contemporary style with maximum flow of natural light, the Ultra Sky Lantern creates a beautiful glazed extension for any room. Perfect for entertaining, relaxing with friends, or simply having a cosy night in, you can watch day turn to night and experience the flood of natural light that the Ultra Sky Lantern creates. Available with UPVC or aluminium frames in a selection of colours, each roof is completely bespoke and made to measure. Furthermore, each Sky Lantern has thermally efficient glazing options, helping to reduce heat loss in winter, whilst keeping your room cool in summer. Providing a beautiful solution to help make your home feel more spacious, light and welcoming.    

For more information call 01326 572599 or visit www.collingtons.com

Enjoy the wonders of the sea without getting your feet wet!

For those of you who have scuba-dived or snorkelled on a coral reef, you know that there is nothing more relaxing than watching exotic fish at play in their own environment. Well, now you can enjoy the experience without getting your feet wet at The Oceanic Luxury Suite Hotel
in Falmouth.

This luxury getaway just for grown-ups is a unique blend of five star hotel facilities and stylish apartment living in five designer suites – three of which feature large virtual aquariums permanently running footage of spectacular underwater scenes from coral reefs around the world.

This ultra-stylish apartment style hotel sits high on Falmouth’s peninsula enjoying stunning views over the estuary and is only a short stroll away from the beach or harbour with its vibrant mix of bars, restaurants and live music, whilst also providing the perfect place to retreat and unwind.

The 19th century façade belies the contemporary accommodation within and guests are treated to all the mod cons of 21st century living with Nespresso coffee machines, Dyson fans, keyless entry system, DAB radios, Bluetooth speakers, LED mood lighting and underfloor heating. In addition, The Oceanic is the only hotel with fibre optic connection direct into the building and individual routers to each suite, offering an unparalleled level of speed and security.

For a truly memorable stay in a fantastic location, The Oceanic Luxury Suite Hotel should definitely be on your bucket list!

For more information call 01326 389330 or visit www.oceanichotelfalmouth.co.uk

Christmas grazing at Greens

It’s time to get excited about Padstow’s 11th Christmas Festival! Over the weekend from 6th to 9th December, Padstow turns into a winter wonderland and Greens of Padstow provides the perfect place to relax, soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy! Plus, on Friday 7th Greens will be hosting an evening of live music and then at 8.30pm there’s a fantastic fireworks display, which you can enjoy from Greens’ vantage point atop the hill offering you a bird’s eye view of the display. After exploring the Christmas stalls, shopping, listening to chef’s demonstrations and admiring craft stalls, Greens is a cosy spot to retreat to, located just outside the hubbub of town it’s the perfect location to unwind and take it all in over a warming glass of mulled wine.

For more information call 01841 532002 or visit www.greenspadstow.co.uk

Market your property with success at Anytime Booking

If you’re a holiday accommodation provider looking to make your offering more attractive to the wedding or event market then implementing a booking system alongside your marketing efforts could help you meet occupancy targets. An online booking system makes life easier for guests looking to book multiple properties, pods or pitches for their special get-together. Managing Director Wendy Radford tells us: “We work with hundreds of independent holiday cottage businesses, agencies, glamping sites and campsites throughout Cornwall and the rest of the UK. We ensure that they are well connected online and ready to accept bookings at any time of the day or night and to manage them in the way they want.” So, if you’re ready to work in partnership with a Cornish booking provider to grow your business then get in touch with the Anytime team today.

For more information call 01326 574660 or visit www.anytimebooking.co.uk

Holiday home tips

In an ongoing series of holiday home tips, we hear from George and the team at Cornish Traditional Cottages about how they can help you maximise your investment’s potential.

“We offer holiday home owners support throughout the holiday letting process,” George explains. “We often attend viewings to offer a perspective on the rental potential of a property, and we can hold the hand of holiday home owners as much or as little as they need.”

From simply marketing and managing bookings, through to full service property management and maintenance, George and the team bring more than 50 years of cottage holiday experience to the table, meaning your investment is in safe hands.

George continues: “For new clients, we offer a five-year investment plan that creates a low entry point for your marketing budget, which increases slowly as your business grows.”

So, if you’re considering holiday home ownership in Cornwall, whether it’s now or in the future, and would like advice or tips on any aspect of holiday letting in the Duchy, why not contact the Cornish Traditional Cottages team and see how they can help you achieve your own profitable slice of Cornwall?

For more information call 01208 893980 or visit www.corncott.com

We hear Harry’s Bluebird Care story

We hear how Bluebird Care transformed Harry’s life, he tells us: “My wife passed away and I began to find living alone difficult, physically and mentally. Things like cooking, domestic chores and shopping for one became an uphill struggle. I discovered Bluebird Care and chose to have a live in carer. Gill was sent to me and in no time at all we realised it would work because we could laugh together and we do often. She is a great companion without crowding me, knowing when I just want to sit quietly and watch the birds on the feeder from my window. I am so grateful for her help and support at this tender age.” If you or a loved one is struggling then having a live in carer could be the answer for you too.

For more information call 01872 276006 or visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

KintetIQue Jewellery rebrands as Ethica Diamonds

We recently caught up with KinetIQue Jewellery co-founder, Jason Foreman, about their lab-grown diamonds and what they offer to the discerning shopper looking for ethical and sustainable jewellery. The core of the IQ diamond only exists in its natural form from an exploding star, so it really is a world first, made from a process that is extremely difficult to replicate.

As the business has grown, it’s become apparent that one showroom simply isn’t enough to meet demand, which is why the newly branded company – soon to be known as Ethica Diamonds – is set to open a new showroom on Princess Street, Truro.

If you’re shopping for stunning jewellery but, like many, are conscious of the environmentally unfriendly and often morally difficult market of natural diamonds, Ethica Diamonds’ beautiful IQ Diamond jewellery may just be the answer, having recently won an award from Green Apple – an organisation that finds and awards the greenest companies around the world.

For more information call 01208 592066 or visit www.kinetique.co.uk

Timber cladding, a new tradition

Cornwall Cladding – creating beautiful homes across the Duchy. Inspired by recent projects cropping up in well-known design programmes and magazines, more and more houses are being timber clad. The reason for this is simple, it encompasses the warm tones of wood in a Scandi-style design and looks beautiful! You too can improve your home’s exterior – whether modernising the gable end of a 50s bungalow, completing a contemporary garden room, or introducing striking architectural designs on a new build.

Plus, as well as being versatile and sustainable, timber cladding can also double up as a great insulator, making it an even more tempting proposition. And when it comes to cladding in Cornwall, Cornwall Cladding is the go-to business to get advice! We hear from Manager Kate Marsh who tells us: “Here at Cornwall Cladding we offer a range of imported high quality graded FSC timber (and Cedral smooth click) cladding with prices and profiles available to see on our website. You may need guidance selecting a profile dependent on a vertical or horizontal installation, but with years of experience in the business and a prolific portfolio of build inspired cladding projects, we can help you select the right product for the job, along with advice and installation.” So, get in touch with Cornwall Cladding to discover the many benefits of timber cladding!

For more information call 01872 879017 or visit www.cornwallcladding.co.uk

Enjoy a clearer view with Philip Whear Windows & Conservatories

Properties by the sea in Cornwall are a delight, especially if you have a balcony or protected decking area from which to enjoy the views and fresh sea air. However, marine environments can often spell disaster for property maintenance; salty air, lashing winds and thick sea fog can take their toll with your balcony or balustrade taking the brunt. After all, your balcony is working overtime as a deluxe windbreak in very windy and often wet conditions. Built with challenging environments in mind, Philip Whear’s bespoke designed balustrades and Juliette balconies are a winning, first-class choice within Cornwall. Philip tells us: “We utilise the best materials, including anodized aluminium, marine grade stainless steel products and specially engineered materials to suit varying site conditions, client briefs and exposed locations.” For further information and to see how bespoke balustrading can enhance your property, get in touch today.

For more information call 01209 215759 or visit www.philipwhear.co.uk

A wine tour in Cornwall could be the perfect Christmas gift!

Kate McBurnie, founder of Cornish Wine Tours, aims to provide guests with a relaxed day of wine tasting accompanied by delicious food without the worry of logistics, gearing her tours towards anybody with an interest in Cornwall’s wine scene.

Vineyards that feature on the regular tour include Camel Valley, Trevibban Mill, Knightor Winery and Bosue, and throughout the year Kate runs separate events with Polgoon Vineyard near Penzance. There are so many different wines to suit every palate, from sparkling to still, white to red, that you’ll find it difficult to pick a favourite.

If you’re buying for a wine enthusiast this Christmas and are struggling to find the perfect gift, you’ll be pleased to know that Kate offers gift vouchers, starting at just £75, offering that special someone the chance to enjoy a relaxed, memorable day sampling the best that Cornwall’s wine scene has to offer. You can choose from either a half or full day and the best part is, the vouchers are valid for a year, so there’s plenty of time to organise a trip, especially for those who’d rather wait for the balmy days of next summer. That’s one less present to worry about!

For more information call 07537 194088 or visit www.cornishwinetours.com

Combining Architecture with artistic flair

Introducing Nigel Hefferman Design, providing award-winning designs in architecture, landscaping and interiors. Nigel and his team of technicians, interior designers and consultants offer a comprehensive service including initial sketch designs with visuals so you can get
an impression of your design straight away, without too much expense. Planning applications today sometimes require environmental, ecological and sustainability reports and luckily for you, the Hefferman design team are experts in all of the above. Nigel tells us: “Having studied at Hornsey College of Art, moving into architecture gave me an important vision, combining architecture with artistic flair.” Current projects that the team have worked on include bespoke houses, restoration of historical buildings, riverside houses, woodland timber houses, contemporary makeovers, barn conversions, restaurants and extensions.

For more information call 01872 242428 or visit www.cornwall-living.co.uk/business/nigel-hefferman-designs

Calling all Santas!

Cornwall Hospice Care has announced the details for this year’s Santa Series, with events to suit the whole family. This Christmas there’ll be Santa Runs in Helston, Falmouth, Truro and Padstow and a Santa Cycle that starts in Wadebridge.

Oli Hoare, the charity’s Head of Fundraising, tells us: “Last year our Santas raised £20,000 towards the cost of the care we provide. This year, our title sponsor is well-known Cornish company Ann’s Cottage Surf Shops, who, like us, think the Santa Series is a brilliant way of starting the festivities.”

The first Cornwall Hospice Care Santas will appear in Wadebridge on Saturday 8th December for the 8K Santa Cycle down the Camel Trail. This will be followed on the same day by the first of the charity’s Santa Runs, which will take a 2K route around Padstow.

For more information call 01726 66868 or visit www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk

Transform your home with Lilly Lewarne Architects

Planning an extension or conversion project? Lilly Lewarne Architects have successfully obtained planning permission for a number of extensions and conversions around the south west, including recently approved extensions to a large house forming luxury holiday accommodation, on a picturesque site in Newquay, Cornwall and detailed construction drawings for the renovation of a series of un-used barns into a luxury holiday complex at Treverva Farm near Constantine. Working closely with the client, Lilly Lewarne Architects utilised carefully considered design detailing to emphasise and preserve the barns’ natural characteristics which, along with high quality finishes, created much-desired accommodation, leading to a successful season of bookings. If you’re interested in extending or converting your own property, contact the team at Lilly Lewarne Architects and enjoy a luxurious conversion of your own.     

For more information call 01872 261000or visit www.lillylewarne.co.uk

Mullion Cove Hotel receives AA Red Star Award

The Mullion Cove Hole was recently selected as one of the best hotels in the country at an award ceremony hosted by Claudia Winkleman. Now the proud holder of a prestigious AA Inspectors’ Choice three Red Star Award – given only to the highest performing hotels in the UK and Ireland – Mullion Cove Hotel has been recognised as one of Britain’s best hotels.

For a hotel to be awarded Red Stars means that it has been selected by the AA as one of the very best hotels in the British Isles, offering outstanding hospitality and service.

General Manager, Daniel Thompson says: “We have been lucky enough to receive a number of prestigious awards over the past few years, but this is truly the most enormous accolade, as it really does place us amongst the créme de la créme across the UK. It’s a huge testament to everyone on the team and we couldn’t be more proud.”

For more information call 01326 373666 or visit www.mullion-cove.co.uk