News and views March 2019

Keeping you in the loop.

Experience award-winning luxury at Hay Barton

Hay Barton is an award-winning bed and breakfast on the stunning Roseland peninsula, situated in a quiet rural setting yet close to wonderful beaches, famous gardens and excellent restaurants. The spacious bedrooms have super king size beds and the six-foot roll top baths are the perfect antidote after a day of walking along the Cornish coastline. The breakfasts are truly special – winning awards from both Sawday’s and Dorset Cereals. Eggs come straight from the farm’s chickens and the yoghurt, granola and marmalades are all homemade using the finest local produce. Outside, you’ll find a tennis court and well kept gardens to explore before returning in the afternoon for fresh cake and tea, which can be enjoyed in the garden or cosied
up in front of a roaring log fire.

For more information call 01872 530288 or visit www.haybarton.com

Escape to Cartole Cottages

Located in the heart of the south east Cornwall near the bustling port of Looe and described by guests as ‘wonderful’, ‘very comfortable’ and in a ‘great location for exploring the local area’, it’s no wonder Cartole Cottages scores an average of 4.8 out of 5 on Upfront Reviews!

Cartole is perfectly situated for exploring the south east coast, with stunning locations that influenced Daphne Du Maurier and Rosamunde Pilcher, and settings you may well recognise from Poldark and Doc Martin. There’s a host of fantastic attractions nearby too, including the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Lanhydrock House and a number of other National Trust properties.

Each cottage here has its own charm and identity, many enjoying beamed ceilings and areas of original stonework. Each also has its own patio area, perfect for summer barbecues, and you’ll find everything inside you’re likely to need, come rain or shine, for the perfect relaxing Cornish break.

For more information call 01503 220956 or visit www.cartole.co.uk

Discover the benefits of Passivhaus construction

Originally developed in Germany, the rigorous ‘Passivhaus Standard’ is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in buildings, reducing their ecological footprint. Utilising this standard results in ultra-low energy buildings, which require minimal energy for heating and cooling; in theory, greatly reducing your household energy bills. Properties that have been constructed to ‘Passivhaus Standard’ commonly have greater levels of insulation, triple glazing, and sources of renewable energy. In 2016 Lilly Lewarne Architects designed 20 new eco homes, which have been constructed to ‘Passivhaus Standard’ in Hayle. Having guided this project from inception to near completion, Lilly Lewarne have experience in the design and construction processes for creating your ideal ‘Passivhaus Standard’ home. The ‘Passivhaus Standard, is currently the leading standard in energy efficient construction, requiring as little as 10% of the energy used by conventional central European buildings – meaning savings of up to 90%!

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

Get the motivation you need

Johnny Lawrence has created a private gym environment that enables him to customise the client experience. No need to feel self-conscious, as you will have the gym to yourself; no need to be unsure if you’re doing the exercises correctly, as you have a degree educated professional designing your workouts and coaching you through them. Johnny tells us: “My philosophy of personal training is to guide and educate on nutrition and exercise, with the intention of clients achieving a positive lifestyle, where they begin to eat less and do more. But it has to be more than that, to make a permanent change that’s easy to sustain, clients will be challenged to take ownership of their lifestyle again.”

It’s the perfect time of year to start, the pressure of the New Year goals has subsided, and the excitement of the spring and summer begins to build. As the dark evenings and mornings creep away, your mood begins to naturally lift and with that comes a growing motivation that can be taken advantage of and used to drive you towards your goals. On those inevitable days, when you feel tired or stressed and you could easily decide not to do a workout, you have Johnny’s support, motivating you and challenging you to that final moment of the session. When you’re finished, you leave feeling accomplished and drive home feeling proud of yourself and one step closer to your goal. Decide to make that change, commit to a plan and you will succeed in that goal.

For more information call 07763 568367 or visit www.johnnylawrencept.com

Another fantastic accolade for Truro School

Cornwall’s school league tables have been released and Truro School Sixth Form has once again positioned itself as the leading co-educational A-Level provider in Cornwall.

With 104 students taking A-Level exams – by far the largest independent school Sixth Form in Cornwall – the data shows Truro School students received an average points score of 39.98 (Grade B), with 20% achieving AAB, or higher, in at least two facilitating subjects. This compares to a county average of 15.4% – impressive!

Headmaster, Mr Gordon-Brown, tells us: “The aim of our Sixth Form is to provide students with a balanced education; one that considers academic environment as important as character development and personal support.”

He continues: “We’re delighted with the results, but I believe that what we offer is much more than a statistic. Our co-curricular program nurtures students to become well-rounded young adults, prepares them for university and beyond into the world of work and is a dynamic springboard to their future.”

For more information call 01872 246070 or visit www.truroschool.com

Hop to Wooda this Easter

Often referred to as Cornwall’s hidden corner, Bude is a pretty seaside town on the north coast surrounded by soft golden sandy beaches, perfect for little ones and furry friends to run free.

Travel through the country roads, passing farmland and wildflower hedgerows and arrive at Wooda, a five star family owned holiday park with a range of accommodation types, including camping, touring, glamping holiday homes, cottages and luxury lodges all with sweeping panoramic sea views.

Spend your Easter discovering the natural seawater swimming pool, catch endless waves on the incoming swell, walk the Wooda woodland spotting pixies along the way, hunt for Easter eggs , meet the farmyard friends and indulge in tasty homemade dishes made using fresh local produce. Wooda is  an ‘egg-cellent’ destination to relax and reconnect with friends and family this Easter. 

Book your Easter break now and don’t forget the Easter eggs!

For more information call 01288 352069 or visit www.wooda.co.uk 

Experience your new, luxury bathroom

After last issue’s focus on luxury property, we catch up with the team at Studio One South West to learn more about achieving the perfect bathroom.

The exciting new additions and changes for 2019 have just been carried out at the Plymouth showroom, ensuring they remain a go-to showroom in the south west. They boast four fully working displays to demonstrate 22 different shower outlets, four types of toilet system, a bespoke level access wet room complete with underfloor heating and nine working towel radiators for you to peruse. Owner Mark calls it the “Studio One home experience”, explaining: “You needn’t look anywhere else!”

Indeed, there’s a whole spectrum of options available, and the team can even produce 3D images so that you can see a realistic image of how your room will look in situ.

From supply only to complete installations, Mark says: “We’re here to help. We have two further showrooms in Wadebridge and Pensilva where, once again, you’ll find some of the best bathrooms and tiles in the south west.”

To whet your appetite, why not take Studio One’s 3D virtual online tour?

For more information call 01752 977497 or visit www.studioonesw.co.uk

Can’t see the wood for the trees?

Celebrating their second birthday in April, the White Woods team are reflecting on how they’ve made a big impact for small businesses all over the UK. Their clients have seen new customers and improved growth just by delegating to the expert administrators, and an invitation to the prestigious Superyacht Show in Monaco later this year has been the icing on the cake of a very successful year for the Helston-based business.

Directors Amy and Georgie have been working on reducing the impact that paperwork has on the environment too, by developing new digital processes for their clients to minimise office waste, and as members of the Surfers Against Sewage charity, White Woods are planning more involvement with their local beach clean-ups this year.

To discover more about how White Woods can help streamline your business, be sure to give Amy, Georgie and the team a call!

For more information call 01326 459059 or visit www.white-woods.co.uk

Enjoy a little piece of Cornish heaven

Offering a warm welcome at any time of year, Tremaine Green also presents the unique opportunity to experience Cornwall at its unspoilt natural best, giving you space to breathe, relax and forget the rush of modern life.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family break, Tremaine Green has accommodation to suit, and the facilities are second to none, with a tennis court, games room and children’s play area to name but a few!

If you’re holidaying with the hound you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are more than welcome here, with kennel services available when you want to visit the region’s human-only attractions. Why not head to the Eden Project? The team offers discounted tickets for anyone staying in the cottages!

Located just a few miles from the glittering south east coast, if you’re looking for an idyllic retreat in Cornwall, be sure to book your break with Tremaine Green.

For more information 01503 220333 or visit www.tremaine-green.co.uk 

Enhance your holiday home with Spyrys

Whether you want to relax on your own or chill out with friends, a hot tub is the perfect addition to any holiday. Cornwall is as popular now as it’s ever been as a holiday destination, but visitors are increasingly looking for somewhere that has that little something extra special and hot tubs are now in the top three search criteria for holiday homes to stand out.

Wadebridge based company Spyrys Spas & Hot Tubs is responding to this demand, not just supplying hot tubs ideally suited to rental properties but by working in partnership with letting agents to provide a hassle-free weekly valeting service to change water and keep them in tip-top condition.

For more information call 01208 813760 or visit www.spyrys.co.uk

A new lease of life for your kitchen

Dream Doors in Truro provides a made-to-measure service for those looking to update their kitchen. Owner Matt tells us: “Whether it’s changing just doors and drawers, or a complete refit, we’re able to provide a local, specialised and customer-focused service.”

Impressively, by just replacing doors and drawers – all of which, don’t forget, are made to measure – you could save up to 50% compared to the costs of a brand new kitchen, and it’s quite amazing to see just how much difference it makes.

“We offer all the on-trend colours,” Matt continues, “including graphite black and dark blues, as well as classic creams and white. There’s also a vast choice of styles from slick and contemporary to classic shaker. We’ve also teamed up with leading brands including Neff, Bosch and Samsung, so when it comes to upgrading your appliances, we’ve got that covered too!”

For more information call 01872 240650 or visit www.dreamdoors.co.uk

A new chapter for Trevince

The estate gardens at Trevince were designed and planted more than 200 years ago in the heart of Gwennap. From 29th March, these private gardens will be open to the public for the very first time on a regular basis, as Trevince embarks on a new journey of restoration and reinvention.

A haven for plant lovers and curious souls, visitors will be able to stroll around the Woodland Walk, bursting with camellias and rhododendrons, before taking in the historic Pond Garden and Walled Gardens. The old cart shed has been converted into a pop-up café, serving hot drinks and delicious cakes.

Open from 29th March until 29th September on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am until 4pm, well behaved dogs on leads are welcome and entry costs just £6 for adults, £5 for concessions, with under 16’s entering
for free. On Mother’s Day, mums will enter for free!

For more information call 01209 822725 or visit www.trevince.co.uk

Discover Now Kitchens and Bathrooms’ new range

Now Kitchens and Bathrooms are very excited to be able to showcase the launch of a new range from Masterclass Kitchens including Shaker design kitchens in a selection of sumptuous on-trend colours, complemented by a collection of gorgeous freestanding furniture. The Hardwick is a pure painted ash range of 26 on-trend colours providing a modern take on a classic door, ideal for coastal living. Comparably, The Shelford provides a more classic look in a range of nine silk colours, including a new colour to the Now Kitchens palette: ‘Inkwell,’ an opulent dark blue. Or, if you want a more natural look, the Wimbourne ash door has an unpainted, wood-grained finish.

The choice at Now Kitchens also extends to include a new range of freestanding furniture with customisable coffee tables, sideboards, drawers and dressers. By incorporating a wide selection of colours, textures and finishes, it enables clients to seamlessly connect and complement furniture between their kitchen and other areas of the home.

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

A royal honour for inspirational charity founder

The founder of sailing charity, Turn to Starboard, has been recognised for his work with injured Armed Forces personnel. Chief Executive, Shaun Pascoe, was presented with The Henry Worsley Award by Prince Harry and Megan Markle at the Endeavour Fund Awards on Thursday 7th February.

These awards celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have taken part in remarkable sporting and adventure challenges to help with their recovery.

Shaun, a former RAF Squadron Leader, was nominated in recognition of how he has inspired others with their recovery through sailing, following his own diagnosis of post-traumatic stress.

He tells us: “It’s thanks to the support of amazing organisations such as the Endeavour Fund, along with the incredibly selfless team at Turn to Starboard, that we can continue to provide our service to those who need us most and continue to change lives for the better.”

For more information visit www.turntostarboard.co.uk

Introducing the first ever Cornish subscription box

Cornwall Living’s sister business, Little piece of Cornwall, is delighted to have launched the first Cornish subscription box service. The first boxes were dispatched on 21st January 2019, containing products from Cornish producers such as Furniss Biscuits, Cornish Biltong Company, Cornish Tea, Get Fruity and The Cornish Jute Bag Company, with more businesses such as Made for Life Organics, Cornish Seaweed and Bath Company and a number of others already signed up for the coming months.

Marketing Manager, Rebecca Blake tells us: “We’ve had some great feedback so far – people really love the idea, so we’re hoping to gain more subscribers from across the UK and hopefully overseas, too.” If you’d like to get your brand noticed by a UK-wide audience, why not give Rebecca a call and get involved?

The service is available in one, three, six and 12-month plans, with each box dispatching monthly. It also includes a monthly subscription to Cornwall Living!

For more information call  01326 574842 or visit www.littlepieceofcornwall.co.uk

Holiday home tips

In an ongoing series of holiday home tips, we hear from George at Cornish Traditional Cottages about responding to online reviews.

Feedback is crucial to any holiday homeowner. George tells us: “Once you’ve received your feedback, it’s time to respond. As much as you’d love to read glowing comments from start to finish, the reality is that reviews rarely rave all the time. So, be prepared for a mix!”

George offers some tips on how to respond: “Check regularly for new reviews and respond as soon as you can. Always respond to a review no matter how glowing (or otherwise) it is and always start by thanking the reviewer.”

He also recommends keeping the reply short and sweet, while addressing all points precisely and succinctly. He stresses that negative comments should be taken with a pinch of salt and never personally. “Remember, this isn’t about you; it’s about a holiday home. Give yourself a day before replying to negative reviews, to stop feeling angry or hurt.”

Asking someone else to read your reply to negative feedback is also useful, ensuring your response is fair and balanced, and it’s crucial you use critical feedback to your advantage. “Amend faults, fix issues and improve on shortcomings so that future guests benefit. Then let them know what you’ve done.”

Cornish Traditional Cottages’ aim is to help you achieve your goals by building a loyal following of happy guests. For more expert advice on making your holiday let a success, why not give the team a call?

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

Enjoy a spring-time outing at Trewidden Garden

Originally purchased by Edward Bolitho and planted by his son Thomas in the mid 19th century, Trewidden Garden remains in the care of the Bolitho family. Its 15 acres have become nationally acclaimed for their collection of magnolias, camellias and tree ferns, and continues to establish new collections and plants of national importance. With spring on the horizon, it’s the perfect garden to explore with children, and they’re sure to love completing the Trewidden Trail as adults adopt a more leisurely pace.

Highlights include The Tree Fern Dell, one of the finest collections of Dicksonia Antarctica (the soft tree fern) in the northern hemisphere, and the Champion Trees, which include the gardens’ largest magnolia.
It’s also home to the National Collection of Rhododendron Kurume Azalea Wilson 50 and is an International Camellia Garden of Excellence, with over 300 camellias and magnolias!

All of this and more, plus the newly refurbished Kitchen & Tea Room make Trewidden Garden a must-visit as the weather starts to warm.

For more information call 01736 364275 or visit www.trewiddengarden.co.uk

Looking to sell your property?

According to My Place in Cornwall, quality photographs are the most important marketing tool when selling your property. A photograph speaks volumes and is the first thing a buyer will see, so it’s vital to ensure your house looks its absolute best.

For the exterior ‘wow’ shot, be sure the photographer visits on a sunny day. If not, ask them to pop back another time; any good agent will be happy to do this for you.

The kitchen is the next most important, being the heart of the home.  Interior photographs will also look more attractive on a bright day, particularly if your home benefits from natural light anyway.

My Place in Cornwall offer professional photography as standard, at no extra cost, meaning you can be confident your property will be showcased at its very best. Why not give the team a call and find out how they can help you?

For more information call 01208 813874 or visit www.myplaceincornwall.co.uk

Big is beautiful at Jo Downs Handmade Glass

Big things are happening at Jo Downs Handmade Glass this spring! Every March, for just one weekend each year, Jo’s much anticipated ‘Big is Beautiful’ event offers you the chance to get your hands on that statement Jo Downs piece you’ve always wanted, with 20% off all large interiors pieces (excluding private commissions) at her galleries and on her website.

On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th March, you can treat yourself and enhance your living space with one of Jo’s spectacular large-scale works, from huge bowls, mirrors and elegant framed works, to beautiful wall panels and her unique multi-piece wall installations.

Find Jo Downs Handmade Glass galleries at Market Place in St Ives, Middle Street in Padstow, Fore Street in Fowey, Fore Street in Tintagel and Pennygillam in Launceston.

For more information call 01566 779779 or visit www.jodowns.com

A marvellous new market for Penzance

If you love to wander through a market brimming with local produce then we have a new haunt for you. Penzance has a new monthly market, held on the last Saturday of every month in Market Place, and the first market will be held on 30th March 2019 from 9am until 2pm.

Penzance has been a market town and trading point for farmers and fishermen for centuries and, with this new monthly market, this tradition is only set to grow! There will be lots of lovely local produce on offer for you to fill your cupboards, as well as a great selection of artisanal crafts and gifts, ideal whether you’re buying for a loved one or indulging in treat for yourself.

To apply for a stall, simply drop the Penzance BID team an email.

For more information visit www.lovepenzance.co.uk