Cornish Gems Holiday Highlife Brochure 2017-18 Edition

2017/18 EDITION

Holiday Highlife L U X U RY H O L I DAY L I F E

Coast to coast Exploring North & South Cornwall

luxury

WIN

A VIP STAY

WORTH OVER £1000

see page 13

A taste of Cornwall Add a little Cornish culinary inspiration to your holiday menu

Our Crème

de la Crème

Interior inspiration Our property owners share their renovation journeys

Living like a local in St Ives

Recipe:

Our celebratory G&T cake

CONTENTS

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A warm welcome to Holiday Highlife, our first lifestyle magazine showcasing our Cornish connections, community and love of a coastal lifestyle. Discover luxury family spaces beside the sea, step out and about with our Gems dogs, experience the thrills and spills of Cornish adventures and tuck into our bake off recipe with a celebration twist. We do like to be beside the seaside and invite you to join us on the Cornish coastline.

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Creating holiday memories in buckets and spades Introducing Cornish Gems

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Sea views for the soul Framing the ebb and flow of coastal life

A taste of Cornwall Shining a light on the Cornish foodie culture

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Our celebratory Gin and Tonic cake Our very own Gem, Sarah, gets creative in the kitchen

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From holiday door to sandy shore Discover the luxury of our beachside Gems

The crème de la crème Showcasing the finest home from homes in Cornwall

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A day in your holiday life …. the Cornish way Discover a new Cornish experience

Fun family holidays - where games are played and memories are made The highs of multi-generational escapes

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Love, laughter and lazy days Boutique luxury created just-for-two

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Living like a local Our Co-MD, Julianne, steps out and about in St Ives

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A good pub - the holiday makers hub Pub pro Paul Hennessey shares his love of this Great Cornish culture

It’s a sea dog’s life in Cornwall Our top spots to enjoy with your four-legged coastal companion

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Luxury spaces beside the sea Showcasing the most inspiring interior styles

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Meet the makers Discover renovation and interior secrets of our Gems owners

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Map out your days on the Cornish coast Exploring the contrast of the North and South coasts

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luxury

WIN

A VIP STAY

WORTH OVER £1000 Credits Cornish Gems Holiday Highlife, Edition 1 Editors: Julianne Shelton and Kate Murphy Copywriter: Jen Morgan Guest Writer: Paul Hennessy Photography credits: Chetwode Ram Associates, Layton Bennett, Michael Rodway Designer: Paul Sutton Models: The Pike family (Jo, Jon, Meghan and Ollie) Stockists: Finisterre, Frugi, Cornish Food Box, Bordh Tables Advertisers: The Coffee Lounge, Stylehome, Camellia&Co, Bath Building Sociey, ARCO2, The Cornish Food Box Co.

see page 13

Sign up to our newsletter at www.cornishgems.com to hear about our collections, exclusive offers and Cornwall news.

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COR NISH G E MS

creating holiday memories in buckets and spades Cornish Gems is delivered from the heart of our holiday dream team who share a passion for creating luxury home from homes where lasting memories are made in Cornwall. From our knowledgeable Travel Advisors armed with local top tips and secret suggestions, our Customer Service team ensuring smooth holiday sailing, the flawless Property Management crew delivering first class standards to the inspiration and ‘out of the box’ thinking of our directors, Julianne and Nadia – Cornish Gems really are the luxury ‘go to’ company for the seasoned staycation traveller. Pair this winning formula with an unrivalled collection of private homes and your holiday starts here. We understand that no two breaks away are the same which is why our portfolio stretches from Cornish coast to Cornish coast and brings together the very best country houses, stylish apartments, quintessential cottages and coastal barn conversions for a tempting choice whatever the season and whatever the occasion.

THE COLLECTIONS With so many beautiful Gems to discover, we’ve created unique holiday collections to help you find your perfect home to suit the whole family, whatever the occasion. Here are a few of our collections to whet your appetite: On the Beach, Boutique for Two, Celebratory Homes, Dog Friendly Gems, Sea Views and not forgetting our Cornish Cribs - our créme de la créme collection.

CE LE B R AT ING 10 Y E A R S OF SUCCE SS What a 10 years it has been! When we unlocked the door to our first ever Gem in 2007, little did we know that 10 years on we’d be renowned as the local experts in luxury holiday letting and that our portfolio (of over 180) beautiful Gems would be enjoyed by so many visitors throughout the seasons.

Our thanks to all of our dedicated team, home owners and guests, here’s to the next 10 years!

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Our collection of luxury Gems offering jackpot sea views include state of the art contemporary townhouses, stylish apartments, luxury beach houses, coastal cottages and many more! Add a little vitamin sea to your next stay in Cornwall and discover our exclusive full portfolio with a Cornish blue backdrop by visiting our website www.cornishgems.com Sprindrift Sleeps 6

Praa Sands A relaxed coastal home in a beautiful setting.

• Garden hot tub • Panoramic coastal views • Welcomes dogs

Morwenna Sleeps 4

Carbis Bay A spacious luxury apartment overlooking St Ives Bay. • Perfect in all seasons • Far reaching coastal views • Luxury holiday living

Whether crashing beach breaks, shoreline ripples, Atlantic rollers or tranquil tides, a healthy dose of a ‘beautiful blue view’ can ease stress and refresh the mind.

Picture the scene as you draw back the curtains and throw open the window of your holiday hideaway to reveal the natural elements of the Cornish coast. Take a deep breath of salty sea air and hop back into bed. They say tide and time wait for no man, but there’s always time to gaze upon that oh so blue view a little longer before heading out.

When the wild winds blow in Cornwall, hunker down and watch wave lashed cliffs from the warmth of a cosy cottage or cool penthouse.

Island Reach Sleeps 8

Newquay A smart modern townhouse with luxury interiors.

• State of the art amenities • Sea view roof terrace • Walk to the surf and sand

Hawkes View Sleeps 6

Carbis Bay A spacious home offering a luxury coastal twist.

• Spacious veranda with sea views • Perfect for families • Walk to the sandy beach

Coastal living benefits you physically, mentally and spiritually - it’s official, Cornwall is good for you!

Island Wastrel Sleeps 6

St Ives A wonderful oasis in the heart of St Ives.

It’s not all sea and sand. Whilst the energy of the surf and

• Stylish Scandinavian interiors • Beachside location • Mediterranean Terrace

sea is hard to beat, there’s much to be said for the more tranquil pace of a river life view. Sea birds dip in and out, river boats bob on shallow moorings and life eases to a gentler pace of tide and time.

Sandsifters Retreat Sleeps 6 Carbis Bay A contemporary coastal house created with luxury in mind.

• Far reaching views of St Ives Bay • Walk to Carbis Bay beach • Luxury furnishings

Seacrest Sleeps 6

Mousehole A beautiful coastal residence located close to Mousehole Harbour.

• Panoramic views of Mount’s Bay • Luxury coastal interiors • Perfect for families

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A Taste of It’s no secret that Cornwall is firmly on the foodie map, and we’re rather glad about that here at Gems HQ. When it comes to Cornish cuisine, oh boy are we spoilt! But it’s not just the delicious food that takes centre stage as gin distilleries, wineries and breweries add a little holiday spirit too, helping to rubber stamp our fine Cornish reputation for all things artisan.

With a passion for enjoying the finer things in life, our Gems team are often found with their noses in a local cookbook so we invited chief gastro-Gem Sarah to step up to the kitchen counter at one of our beautifully restored homes, Elynglas and share with you an extra special celebratory bake; Gin & Tonic Cake. When the weekend comes around, Sarah’s culinary creativity shines through as she experiments with Cornwall’s local ingredients. For her recipe (overleaf), Cornwall’s award winning Tarquin’s Gin was an essential ingredient!

Cornwall at its best…

When in Rome as they say, the Cornish coastline is all the culinary inspiration you could need to whet your appetite and create a holiday menu to impress. Local farm shops brim with fresh vegetables, locally raised meats, the yellowest of eggs and artisan breads whilst fishmongers flip their line caught catch straight off the boat. The symbiotic relationship of Cornwall’s seafood plucked from the seas to your chopping board in just a few hours has to be one of life’s little luxuries as you enjoy the freshest crab and indulgent lobster with a glass of local wine.

If eating out is high on the agenda then make your reservations and check in for a taste of Cornwall. From coast to coast, award winning chefs have made the fishing villages and coastal towns their home. Paul Ainsworth, Rick Stein, Jamie Oliver, Nathan Outlaw (the list goes on) step up the competition creating Michelin worthy cuisine from their Cornish larders.

Hot on the heels of the big names, aspiring chefs throughout the county are quite literally ‘popping-up’ and producing tempting, forward thinking menus. From foraged feasts served on the beach to a sunset backdrop, cool cafés complementing kitsch interiors with homemade fare to Cornish gastropubs worthy of any London suburb. But when the day is at an end, your toes are sandy and faces are glowing, what could be better than fish and chips on the harbour wall?

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Holiday Highlife

Cornwall...

The Cornish Food Box Company is an award winning online grocery home delivery service, as well as popular shop, deli and cafe. This innovative company make it really easy for visitors and locals to enjoy a one stop shop for the very best food and drink from more than 200 Cornish farmers, fishermen, bakers, butchers and local food producers. So if you are looking for fresh, healthy, free range food while you are visiting Cornwall then look no further...it will even be delivered to your holiday door! www.thecornishfoodboxcompany.co.uk

All the kitchen kit you could need!

Why compromise on kitchen luxury during your self catering holiday? We understand that our Cornish Gems should be centred around your holiday needs. The kitchen often becomes the holiday hub and when you book a stay with us, you can be reassured that each kitchen will be well stocked with all the essential inventory items and gadgets you could possibly wish for. And if you are really lucky, you may even have a jackpot sea view!

Find your dream holiday kitchen at cornishgems.com

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Sarah’s Gin & Tonic Cake Whether hearty breakfast or slap up supper, get creative in our luxury kitchens. Below are just a few to inspire, view our full portfolio online www.cornishgems.com

A celebration cake to impress! Our very own culinary Gem, Sarah, shares her favourite tipsy cake recipe.

Tarquins Gin and Tonic Cake This grown up cake incorporates some of the beautiful botanical flavours of the award winning Tarquin’s Gin. It is perfect for an afternoon tea or serve as a pudding with crème fraîche.

Jacob’s View Sleeps 6

Falmouth A stylish townhouse in the heart of Falmouth created with luxury in mind.

Go child friendly and simply replace the gin with citrus juice.

• Panoramic river views • Creative interior design • Central location

Serves 10 / Prep time: 30 mins / Cooking time: 35 - 40 mins Fitzroy Sleeps 6

Hayle A luxury beach lodge set in the white sand dunes of Hayle.

• Indulgent hot tub • Scandi inspired interiors • Perfect for couples and families

Admiral House Sleeps 15 - 17

Fowey Unrivalled coastal residence overlooking the stunning River Fowey.

• Welcomes celebrations • Superior standards • Explore nautical Fowey

Pendeen Sleeps 9

Flushing A stunning riverside house recently renovated to the highest standards.

• Thoughtful interiors • Beautiful views • Luxury standards

Shoreline Sleeps 6

St Ives A light and lofty penthouse high above St Ives Harbour.

• Stylish open plan living • One of the best views in town • Bespoke interiors

Sky House Sleeps 8

St Agnes A unique cedar clad lodge set high up on the treeline.

• Luxury hot tub • Perfect in all seasons • Inspired interiors

Tredinnick Dairy Sleeps 6

Newlyn A charming rural cottage created with luxury in mind.

• Attractive established garden • Chic cottage interiors • Explore the West of Cornwall

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Ingredients Cake 250g Trewithen Cornish butter - I use salted but if using unsalted just add a small pinch of Cornish Sea Salt Knob of melted butter for greasing the tin 2 tablespoons of plain flour 250g golden caster sugar 250g self raising flour Zest of lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange 4 large Cornish free range eggs - my favourites are St Ewes eggs!

Syrup 100g of white caster sugar 10 dried juniper berries crushed 150 ml / 6 shots Tarquin’s Gin 100ml Fevertree tonic 50ml orange juice Icing 300g icing sugar sieved 50ml / 2 shots of Tarquin’s Gin Orange and lemon zest Almonds sprayed with edible glitter Method Preheat the oven to 180 degrees c (160 degrees fan/gas mark 4) Grease a 2.4 litre bundt tin with melted butter using a pastry brush. Take your time doing this and really get into all the grooves to avoid the cake sticking!

Dust with 2 tbsp of flour shaking it round the tin coating the melted butter evenly and then tip away the excess flour, cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl. When it is light and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time beating carefully. Grate the zest of the citrus fruits over the bowl. Fold in the flour until it is all combined. Pour into the prepared bundt tin and level the cake mix carefully. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake is a golden colour and springs back when pressed gently.

Whilst the cake is baking you can prepare the syrup. Place all ingredients into a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Next turn up the heat and boil until the liquid has halved in volume. Strain the syrup into a clean jug using a sieve to remove the juniper berries. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, skewer little holes all over whilst still in the tin. Carefully pour the syrup over the cake avoiding the edges. Leave to cool for 10 minutes and then carefully turn out onto a cooling rack. If the cake is sticking, you can use a wooden skewer to loosen the sponge from the edges of the tin.

Whilst the cake is cooling, you can make the icing by mixing the gin and icing sugar together until smooth. Put the cake on the serving plate or cake stand and pour over the gin icing. Decorate with citrus zest and almonds.

Best enjoyed with a delicious G & T!

From holiday door to

Sandy Shore

When it comes to jackpot settings, ‘on the beach’ certainly ticks the location, location, location box.

For the ultimate beside the sea holiday, our dream shoreline Gems have style, luxury and coastal views in buckets and spades.

We do like to be beside the seaside here in Cornwall, so we have joyfully handpicked the very best private homes that epitomise coastal living. Run barefooted from your holiday door onto golden sands and splash into the sea in just a few moments. Take a refreshing pre-breakfast dip or sink your toes into the sand as the sun sets - a bohemian Cornish life sounds just heaven sent.

A luxury beach chic decor certainly complements a flip flop lifestyle, as cool nautical blues and fresh whites set the holiday scene. Add a little modern indulgence with a contemporary penthouse jam packed with state of the art facilities. Quirky captains houses, fisherman’s cottages, wooden beach lodges and trendy surf retreats open their doors to a Cornish way of life.

Below are just a few of our Gems quite literally a stone’s throw from the Cornish shores. For more salty and sandy Gems visit our website and browse our full collection of homes near to the beach.

Proper Job Sleeps 4

Sennen A stylish coastal home in the heart of Sennen.

• Welcomes dogs • Perfect in all seasons • Sea facing balcony

Ocean Cliffs Sleeps 6

Porthtowan A wonderful clifftop penthouse beside the sea.

• Indulgent hot tub • Panoramic coastal views • Stylish Scandinavian interiors

Kittiwake Sleeps 4

Portwrinkle (nr Whitsand Bay) A chic modern apartment overlooking Whitsand Bay. • Spacious roof terrace • Luxury interiors • Explore Rame Head

Gwynndreth Sleeps 6

Hayle Towans A relaxed beach house created for holiday life.

• Outstanding sea views • Spacious lawned garden • Inspiring coastal interiors

Finisterre Sleeps 6

Hayle Towans A cool wooden clad beach lodge within a sand dune setting.

Left: High Tide, Porthtowan, sleeps 6

Compass House Sleeps 6

Shaping your interiors

St Ives town and beaches A stylish captain’s house overlooking Porthminster beach.

Taking coastal chic to the next level, entrepreneur Neil Adams is leading the way in Cornish design with his uber cool surf styled furniture. No beach house is complete without a Bordh design (Cornish for table). With a finger on the pulse of surfboard technology, these unique and inspiring tables combine skilled craftsmanship with playful design to suit any holiday home from home. To find out more about Adam and his Bordh journey follow him on social media Instagram bordhtables

Twitter @bordhtables

• Relaxing natural interiors • Indulgent hot tub • Perfect in all seasons

• Stunning sea views • Coastal interiors • Walk into St Ives

Seascape Sleeps 6

Marazion A contemporary, waterfront, luxury beach house.

• Views of iconic St Michael’s Mount • Stunning sea views • Central location

Facebook @bordhtables Holiday Highlife

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The CrÈme de la CrÈme of Cornish Gems Top left.

Belvedere.

The private heated indoor pool and personal gym complete the rock star lifestyle of this modern manor house.

Are you dreaming of an indulgent, exclusive retreat in which to enjoy a Cornish holiday in ultimate style? Lord it up at one of our substantial manor houses, seek respite in one of our private countryside residences, or perhaps a contemporary beach house ticks your wanderlust box? Leave the urban hubbub behind and escape to a coastal or rural wonderland with all the whistles and bells you could wish for. We are rather proud of our exclusive collection of seriously special private houses located throughout Cornwall. With a focus on superior standards and attention to detail, these unique Cornish Cribs are no ordinary holiday homes. We invite you to open the door to the Crème de la Crème of Cornish luxury and make yourselves at home.

With a sharp eye for the finer things in life, our Cornish Cribs portfolio comes set to impress as high-top coastal havens, rock-star worthy manors and architect designed retreats combine with hot tubs, cinema rooms, private pools and games rooms. No need to cherry pick the invite list, these properties are typically larger in size welcoming the whole family and all of your friends. Special occasions have never been so well orchestrated and celebrated, creating everlasting memories of jolly good times in Cornwall.

We understand that location is key and enjoy nothing more than seeking out the hidden hideaways in the county. Townhouses set in plum locations amongst the action in St Ives, coastal barns tucked away in the wild West of Sennen, ultra-modern houses set high up on the cliffs at Mawgan Porth and majestic manors with a jackpot river mouth setting in Fowey, find your dream Crib within the distraction of the Cornish landscape.

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CORNISH CRIBS From shoreline locations to indulgent living spaces, state of the art cinemas to inspired interiors, find your luxury within our Cornish Cribs collection. Below are just a handful of our superior homes for you and your crew, upgrade to first class on the Cornish coast.

Tanzarra Sleeps 10

Mawgan Porth An exclusive beachside residence with enviable coastal views.

• Luxury contemporary style • Luxury family spaces • Superb beach access

Barretts Zawn Sleeps 10

Port Isaac A dream countryside haven overlooking the dramatic coastline of North Cornwall.

• Luxury farmhouse interiors • Walk the coastal pathways • Perfect for celebrations

Belvedere House Sleeps 12

Carlyon Bay/St Austell Bay A superior coastal modern manor located on the South Cornish coast.

• Heated indoor pool • Extensive grounds • Gym and entertainment room

Little Cutmadoc Farm Sleeps 6

Lanhydrock Nestled down a Cornish country lane, discover the rural beauty of this home.

Above. Tanzarra.

A show stopping architect designed coastal home with oversized family spaces and panoramic sea views.

Above right.

Admiral House.

Watch the boats go by from your private elevated terrace at Admiral House.

Top. Ivy Cottage.

Sink into the luxurious living space of Ivy Cottage, perfect in all seasons.

SET YOUR HOLIDAY SCENE State of the art kitchens present a persuasive stay at home option with sleek fitted cabinets, striking range burners and cool wine fridges. Oh so stylish dining rooms are adorned in designer wallpaper, thoughtful lighting and bespoke furniture welcoming sophisticated suppers, lavish lunches or bountiful breakfasts. Living room layouts generously host holiday life (come rain or shine) with generous spaces to complement the daily itinerary.

Bathrooms are no less considered offering a contemporary twist for your post beach pamper whilst indulgent bedrooms are worthy of any boutique hotel as you sink into top of the range beds under marshmallow duvets. Step outside your holiday door to manicured gardens, terraces and verandas. Indulgent indoor swimming pools, bubbling hot tubs in jackpot locations overlooking the sea, cinema rooms gather the group for movie nights and games rooms welcome family tournaments. Be inspired and discover your Crib online.

A TASTE OF CORNWALL Unlock your door and tuck into a delicious welcome hamper packed with Cornish fare. Lovingly made right here in Cornwall, we’ve handpicked the very best cheeses, jams, fruit juices, biscuits, coffee (the list goes on) to help you enjoy a true taste of Cornwall.

• Private and picturesque setting • Perfect in all seasons • Luxury garden hot tub

Carn Cobba Sleeps 10

Zennor (nr St Ives) An impressive cliff top residence with established landscaped gardens.

• Beautiful, spacious interiors • Enjoy stunning sunset views • Private and peaceful location

Pednolver Sleeps 10

St Ives A striking, spacious townhouse overlooking St Ives Bay. • Central location • Exceptional interior design • Cinema room

Elynglas Sleeps 12

Nr Holywell Bay A beautiful country manor moments from the beauty of the North Cornish coast.

• Luxury garden hot tub • Suitable for all seasons • Welcomes celebrations

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With a wealth of verdant countryside, healthy appetite for all things foodie, stunning seascapes, rolling surf and beautiful beaches - make the most of your time in Cornwall and create a new Cornish experience. Our Gems team have put their heads together and mapped out our top suggestions for getting stuck in.

Cornish Gems Co-MD Nadia Macer-Wright takes to the water for her own ‘go to experience’

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A day in your holiday life...

the Cornish way

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Coasteering with Barefeet Coasteer, Newquay www.barefeetcoasteer.com Take a leap of faith into the deep blue and navigate the Cornish coast.

Sea fishing with Fish and Trips, St Mawes www.fishandtripstmawes.co.uk Cast out your line and dine on the best Cornish catch.

Day tripping to the Isles of Scilly, off the West coast of Cornwall! www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk Hop on board the Scillonian and discover these magical islands.

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth www.nmmc.co.uk Illustrating the past, present and future of this island nation.

Art Courses with Newlyn School of Art, Newlyn www.newlynartschool.co.uk Immerse yourself in the creative zen of the Cornish art scene.

Cornish Cookery with Philleigh Way, The Roseland Peninsula www.philleighway.co.uk Book in, pull on your pinny and serve up hearty Cornish fare.

Pasty Making with Aggie Arts, St Agnes www.aggiearts.co.uk Learn the folklore, secret ingredients and crimping tips from the locals.

Vineyard tours with Trevibban Mill, near Padstow www.trevibbanmill.com Learn the ins and outs of organic viticulture with Cornwall’s award winning winery.

Paddleboarding with Ocean High www.oceanhigh.co.uk Enjoy as a family and have a SUP’er time on the water.

Out and about with Tour Cornwall, throughout the county www.tourcornwall.com Let head ranger Tim Uff guide you to the hidden gems of Cornwall.

Win a VIP break within the luxury of Sandy Acres beach lodges, near St Ives Enter our exclusive competition today and one lucky winner will enjoy a luxury holiday on the Cornish coast for up to 6 people! Choose from four stylish beach lodges each offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a private hot tub, inspiring interiors and superb access to the white sands of Hayle, Gwithian and Godrevy on the North Cornish Coast.

Stay for 3 nights and enjoy VIP treatment with an early check in, late check out, chilled bubbly on arrival and a luxury hamper packed with Cornish goodies.

To enter our competition and have a chance of winning this fabulous prize visit www.cornishgems.com/WIN17 The winner will be notified via email after the closing date.

luxury

WIN

A VIP STAY WORTH OVER

ÂŁ1000

Good luck!

*Terms and conditions apply, see website for details

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fun family

holidays where games are played and memories are made.

The ebb and flow of Cornish life attracts global visitors throughout the year who dream of beach days, lazy days and those anything can happen days. Your time spent with the whole family couldn’t be more valuable so we ask the question, how do you like to holiday?

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The school holidays are never far from your diary bookmark as the bustle of homework, after school clubs and taxi runs whizz the week away. So picture the scene as you and the extended family crew take off on an adventure to Cornwall. With the Euro uncertainly, a UK staycation is looking rather appealing. No airport check-in desk queues or limited luggage, simply pack up the car with your nearest and dearest, all of your holiday kit and find yourselves beside-the-Cornish-sea in no time.

Mum and Dad are wearing clothes available from Cornish clothing brand Finisterre www.finisterre.com 01872 554 481

We understand that no two families or getaways are the same, which is why our considered portfolio of family homes focus on your holiday needs. Luxury spaces offer break out rooms where children can escape the chit chat of adult conversation, multiple master bedrooms for mums and dads, grannies and grandpas, ensure privacy without compromise and open plan layouts make holiday life flow - where meals are a family affair once more.

Children are wearing clothes available from Cornish clothing brand Frugi www.welovefrugi.com 01326 572 828

Perhaps you are a like minded family that plays together filling each and every minute with Cornish adventure? Master the Atlantic waves with all the cousins, rekindle your bucket and spade days with the newest family additions or follow the older generations to their secret spots and relive childhood memories.

If the groups’ interests differ then how about creating an itinerary to suit even the sofa-surfer in your family? Pack the boys (young and old) off on an action packed day on the water, pair up the aunties for a culinary masterclass day, do-it-for-the-kids with an afternoon as a beach ranger and book the elders on a Cornish tour of iconic landmarks. As the day closes, meet back at your holiday HQ and regale of new experiences.

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A very Cornish Clear the extended family diaries, save the date and find luxury spaces for you and your crew.

Here are just a few to inspire, or dip into our full portfolio online to discover your family’s holiday home from home.

Trewidden House Sleeps 10-15

Newlyn/Penzance A majestic 19th Century period manor house set in acres of private grounds offering sea views.

Christmas and New Year

• Private tennis court • Stunning established grounds • Perfect for celebrations

St Helen’s House Sleeps 8

Trevone/Padstow A beautiful coastal home in the heart of North Cornwall.

• Close to Padstow • Walk to Trevone Beach • Thoughtful interiors

Salubrious House Sleeps 8

St Ives town & beaches A wonderfully stylish detached house oozing creativity and flair in the heart of St Ives.

• Landscaped garden • Panoramic sea & harbour views • Central location

Panorama Sleeps 10

St Ives town & beaches A grand coastal townhouse with a superb central location.

• Breathtaking sea views • Perfect in all seasons • Explore West Cornwall

Keyvnor View Sleeps 9

Sennen A truly exceptional architect designed coastal retreat with cliff top setting.

• Private cedar hot tub • Interior designed • Superb seascapes

Herodshead Farm Sleeps 10 Looe Valley A stunning luxury rural retreat offering tranquility and privacy.

• Private indoor pool • Perfect for celebrations • Explore the East Cornish coast

Sanderling Sleeps 8

Padstow A wonderful coastal home located along the banks of The Camel Estuary.

• Beautiful estuary setting • Stylish coastal interiors • Walk into central Padstow

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Celebrate in style Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to reconnect with your loved ones, we invite you to celebrate in style and enjoy the space and luxury of a Cornish Gem. Whether you can break away for a week to enjoy a very Cornish Christmas, or prefer a short break packed with pop, sparkle and fizz, our luxury Gems are set to impress.

Properties are decorated with Christmas trees and an upgraded festive welcome gift is provided.

Love, laughter and lazy days...

The busy work schedule, the weekly food shop, a diary crammed with commitments, does this sound familiar?

The hustle of everyday life can get in the way of your good intentions so now is the time to review, reconnect and become a weekend wanderer in Cornwall. Our beautiful collection of couples cottages ensure a healthy dose of Cornish fresh air, the perfect tonic to reset the mind and soothe the soul.

Picture the scene as you arrive to boutique luxury, pop open the fizz already chilled in your fridge, dig into local chocolates and start your break off in style. Our Boutique for Two Gems are available for short breaks throughout the year, making it even easier to steal away for a wellbeing break.

Cob Barn, sleeps 2, Wadebridge

For the early birds and the late risers, for those short on time and those who can linger a little longer, our Boutique for Two Gems are perfectly created for couples to check in and chill out.

View our full portfolio at www.cornishgems.com The Round House Sleeps 2

Padstow A beautiful boutique Cornish Cottage in the heart of rural North Cornwall.

• Walk into Padstow • Beautiful countryside setting • Luxury interiors

The Log Shed Sleeps 2

Nr Watergate Bay A charming rural barn conversion.

• Superb coastal access • Stylish barn interiors • Country barn interiors

Captain’s Rest Sleeps 2

Falmouth A welcoming boutique retreat within maritime Falmouth.

A Cornish Itinerary.

Swaping their ‘ships in the night’ timetable for a laid back Cornish pace, Scott and Nikki share a day in their holiday life after a mini-break at Cob Barn, Wadebridge.

9am: Saturday morning, we pulled back the bedroom curtains and opened the windows to reveal our sunny rural view and fresh country air - the perfect start to the day.

10am: After a lazy breakfast (with Cornish guide book in hand) we threw on our coastal wardrobe and stepped outside our holiday door.

11am: We sought out the coolest Cornish cafe along the harbourside and watched the boats go by over a delicious flat white.

11.30am: Avid photographers, we grabbed our cameras and headed up and over the South West Coast Path, of course a seascape backdrop selfie had to be taken!

1.00pm: Our planning paid off (much to Scott’s delight) as our clifftop walk led us to a traditional pub for lunch, we tucked into homemade Cornish pasties and sampled the local ales.

2.30pm: After the morning’s exertions, we spent the afternoon snooping about the curio shops, galleries and potteries before finding a quiet clifftop scenic spot for a snooze.

4.00pm: With souvenirs in hand, we headed back to Cob Barn for a cuppa and slice of cake, kicked off our shoes and enjoyed the luxury of our Cornish Gem. 6.30pm: Time for supper and self catering had never looked so good as we indulged on the freshest of seafood caught that day and paired it perfectly with a bottle of Trevibban Mill Cornish Rosé. The Cornish finer things in life!

8.30pm: Keen to capture the last of the day’s rays, we wandered hand in hand for a post supper stroll. Time out together was long overdue.

10.00pm: Rested and relaxed, we retired after our day created just for us on the Cornish coast and looked forward to doing all over again the next day!

• Panoramic river views • Luxury interiors • Perfect in all seasons

Scilly Stack Sleeps 2

Sennen A picture perfect stone barn in the stunning West .

• Walk to the coastal path • Attractive rural setting • Close to Land’s End

Hardy’s Studio Sleeps 2

St Ives A stylish studio in the heart of St Ives.

• Central location • Coastal interiors • Perfect for weekends away

The Dairy Sleeps 2

The Roseland Peninsula A beautiful retreat just moments from St Mawes.

• Explore The Roseland Peninsula • Close to sandy beaches • Coastal views

The Blue Place Sleeps 2

Newlyn A stylish coastal loft in the heart of quintessential Newlyn.

• Panoramic views of Mount’s Bay • Sea facing sun deck • Explore West Cornwall

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Living like a local Julianne Shelton (our Gems co-MD) steps into St Ives life...

Life is generally very busy for my family, with my husband Jamie and I both having our own businesses. Subsequently, the opportunity to take time off together can present its challenges. When the chance arises, our holiday time is absolutely precious with our three year old daughter, Lola, so we want to make the right decision on where to go. Over the last year we’ve enjoyed one European holiday together (a week in the Canaries), a week’s holiday in the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, and two short breaks, both in St Ives, Cornwall.

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St Ives is very close to my heart, having grown up there, prior to heading to Cheltenham to study for a business and marketing degree (after 10 months travelling Australia on a work visa).

Although I’m pretty well travelled, I can honestly say that travelling a short distance to enjoy a ‘staycation’ (or should I say ‘nearcation’) provides many advantages.

St Ives is often celebrated as the jewel in the Cornish crown and it certainly is from my perspective. I wanted to take this opportunity to share my family’s St Ives experience and highlight how making a concerted effort to holiday closer to home, offers a wealth of advantages. Forget the airport parking, tiring queues, exhausting flights and the potential risk of arriving at accommodation that doesn’t quite stack up to the brochure - instead, arrive in good holiday spirits to a luxury, home from home.

My family and I live together in a small village between the city of Truro and the town of Falmouth, so our journey time to St Ives is around 30-40 mins. On both occasions we have holidayed there, we booked a Cornish Gem, aptly named ‘Water’s Edge’, on the harbours front.

Although the property had no parking, there was ample room to pull up outside whilst we unloaded our bags. Jamie then drove our car to the nearest public car park (2 minutes’ walk away), where our car remained for the duration of our stay for a few pounds per day.

Jamie, Lola and I love everything to do with living in Cornwall, so to stay literally a few metres from the beach (when we live inland) was just ‘heaven sent’. The therapeutic and restful quality of hearing the waves lapping on the sand directly below the window, whilst drifting off to sleep, is hard to find and even tougher to beat. This was helped by a sumptuous bed with all the trimmings (thanks to committed property owners that understand and deliver the core values that Cornish Gems strive for).

Water’s Edge is small, but perfectly formed (pardon the cliché). Its plum location ensured that all the delights of this cosmopolitan harbour town were within easy reach on foot – there was really no need to get back into the car (until the dreaded day of departure of course).

Lola enjoying th e view from Water’s Edge, her home from home on the harb ourside

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Our days were filled by lazy afternoons on the shoreline, BBQ’s on the beach, visits to galleries, walking the coast paths and eating out (I think we used the cooker once).

We didn’t mind eating out for most of our meals as we’d made considerable savings by choosing to holiday here in Cornwall.

The ebb and flow of maritime life from every window was mesmerising, in fact the full-width lounge window was like a 3D picture. I can’t compliment enough how incredible the ever-changing movement of tidal waters can be on your head space - for my husband and I it was like pressing the reset button; an instant stress reliever. The added bonus was staying in a world-class destination with access to five golden sandy beaches and a wide spectrum of cafés and restaurants on the doorstep, serving some of the best local produce and seafood. From Water’s Edge, we could see the local fisherman venturing out to source the catch of the day that potentially would be served up on our plate that very evening; what could be better? So, it’s of no surprise that today there’s a high standard of seafood gastronomy available in St Ives.

I’m a shopaholic! I don’t have to be spending, I’m very happy window shopping and having a nosey, particularly with so many curio shops and independent boutiques on offer in St Ives.

Shopping however is something that both Jamie and Lola are completely against, shopping is detested, full stop. However, on holiday in St Ives, Jamie is more than happy joining in with my favourite pastime along with Lola, as the buggy wheels bounce up and down the cobbled streets whilst we browse. We buy all sorts of momentos which later get mounted on shelves and walls at home to remind us of one of our favourite places on earth.

Shoreline, sleeps 6

Some highlights of our St Ives stay A BEACH BBQ: It takes all of 5 seconds from holiday door to sandy shore. We’ve done it wearing jumpers and coats as well as T-shirts, and it’s just as much fun.

SHOPPING: A few hours perusing the delights of Tregenna Hill, High Street, Fore Street, Harbour and the smaller streets that interconnect them.

CULTURE: A mecca for budding artists, discover the inspiring community of galleries. For example: The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Gardens, Porthminster Gallery or The Tate that has reopened following its extension and refurbishment (to name but a few).

DINING: A meal at Porthmeor Beach Café finishing with a colourful sunset on the beach. A window seat at Caffe Pasta watching the ebb and flow of harbour life, whilst eating some fabulous food at reasonable prices. A balcony table at The Hub, choosing from their range of homemade burgers - this one is a hit with my husband every time. Breakfast or lunch at The Searoom Café, literally a stone’s throw from the front door; it’s not as well-known but a real gem.

BEACH LIFE: There are 5 beaches to visit; Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Bamaluz, Porthminster and the Harbour beach.

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Hidden Gem, sleeps 4

From stylish fisherman’s cottages to harbourside penthouses, spacious townhouses to contemporary apartments, our beautiful collection of St Ives Gems are set to impress. Browse over 80 St Ives properties online, here’s a selection to whet your appetite...

Waves End Sleeps 8

St Ives A stylish townhouse with wonderful sea views.

• Thoughtful interiors • Walk into town • Allocated parking

“A home from home; that’s the start of a memory”

Victoria Cottage Sleeps 6

St Ives A renovated fisherman’s cottage in harbour location.

• Thoughtful interiors • Perfect for families • Explore West Cornwall

Valentina Sleeps 6

St Ives A smart contemporary apartment overlooking St Ives Bay. • Interior designed • Wonderful sea views • Walk to the Porthminster Beach

Julianne’s home from home, Water’s Edge, sleeps 4

Sea Air Sleeps 4

St Ives A beautiful coastal cottage just moments from the harbour.

With the distant memory of airport and transport chaos from our New Year Euro trip, I felt smug returning the 24 miles to home from St Ives. Although sad to leave after a magical stay, to promptly arrive back home, with no major effort, at a reasonable time, helped put the cherry on top of the holiday cake. After a night’s sleep in our own bed, Jamie and I went to work the next day feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready to re-start our busy routine.

By reading this, those that are seasoned visitors to St Ives may share and appreciate some of my St Ives holiday highlights. Or maybe this will inspire those that have yet to visit St Ives (or in fact Cornwall) to find your favourite corner of Cornwall, which will become the nostalgic foundation for longstanding future holidays and memories for you and yours.

Lola is already asking “when are we going back to our holiday house on the beach?”. Of course, I haven’t actually told her it’s not “our house” but to her it is a home from home, and that’s the start of a memory right there, isn’t it? Happy holidays...

• Sea views from the master bedroom • Perfect for couples and families • Walk to the beaches

Ocean View Sleeps 8

St Ives A contemporary split level penthouse with stylish interiors.

• Panoramic sea views • Luxury holiday comforts • Private parking

St Ives Bay Penthouse Sleeps 4 St Ives A beautiful penthouse apartment with unique design.

• Handcrafted interiors • Pool and Spa access • Stunning panoramic views

Water’s Edge Sleeps 4

St Ives A shoreline cottage with stunning harbour views.

Share your memories with us Julianne Shelton (Co-Founder/Owner of Cornish Gems)

• Stylish Scandinavian interiors • Perfect for small families • Quieter, farside Harbour location

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A Good Pub… the holiday makers hub What is really important when booking your holiday cottage in Cornwall? Location is obviously going to be a major priority. However, there are probably other factors that you will consider as necessary or at least highly desirable, perhaps excellent beaches nearby, a thriving village community, accessible shopping nearby including a good Pasty shop, and a great British Pub?

When I am booking a holiday cottage I always make sure there is a great pub nearby, preferably within walking distance. If you think about it, wonderful pubs are unique to our shores, and aren’t they part of our Britishness?

Places to think, enjoy good conversation and lively debate, unwind and immerse yourself while escaping the madness of modern life. While you are there sup a pint or sip a glass of wine, and tuck in to great British pub food served up with flare and dedication to terrific service. I know that when I bought my house in Cornwall, the proximity of a decent pub was a major priority, one that offered a welcoming atmosphere and excellent food and drink.

Luckily, Cornwall has some brilliant pubs that will warm your cockles.

The changing pub scene Five years ago the newspaper headlines made gloomy reading as pubs were closing at the alarming rate of 50 per week, with the total number of pubs in Britain plummeting from 68,000 to 48,000. Today, closures have slowed to around 21 a week but the good news is that many are re-opening and thriving having been refurbished by a trailblazing band of entrepreneurial independent owners and niche small groups. They are bucking the trend, reinventing them and now they are very much in tune with today’s leisure aspirations and lifestyle, reflecting the modern-day trend for the finer things in life.

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Pubs are having to evolve to survive and you are just as likely to meet your friends on Saturday morning for a skinny latte and a read of the papers than to just drink beer. Having said this beer, craft brewing and real ales are having a renaissance and there is a renewed interest in them particularly with the younger audience. Some pubs (I know quite a few), have decided to start their own micro-breweries and brew their own beer.

If you think about this, it is not a new thing - originally pubs brewed their own beer and thirsty people, often having worked all day on the land, down a tin mine, or out on the unforgiving sea, flocked in to sample the wares - mind you, the water was undrinkable then! With a keen eye on quality, traditions and Cornish connections meet the dream team behind The Padstow Brewing Company.

Founded in 2013, husband and wife duo Caron and Des Archer are striding ahead creating award winning ales to complement the Cornish pub culture where visitors rub shoulders with the locals, sing shanties and sup their artisan ales made just a ‘hop’ and skip from Padstow harbour.

Tom & Amy, owners at The Mexico Inn, Penzance

My list of current favourite pubs in Cornwall include: The Old Coastguard - Mousehole St Tudy Inn - St Tudy Pandora Inn - Mylor Creek The Mexico Inn - Long Rock The Victoria Inn - Perranuthnoe Cornish Arms - St Merryn The Gurnards Head - Zennor The Tolcarne Inn - Newlyn The Mariners - Rock

Meet our guest writer, Paul Hennessy Paul has spent 30 years eating and drinking in some of the best places in the country and has a large knowledge and love of the Great British Pub, well someone has to do it! He spends his time split between the Cotswold Hills and the rugged Cornish coast. When Paul is relaxing, you will often find him tinkering and experimenting in the kitchen, with a local ale of course!

Our thanks to Paul for his time and heartfelt insight into the ‘Great British Pub’, The Gems Team are happy to fly that flag too.

Food at the Inn - local & seasonal produce Today’s modern pub is shouting about the ‘local larder’ of produce on their doorstep, using whatever is in season and therefore at its best. Many are owned by chef/patrons who have previously plied their trade in top restaurants, or there’s a talented and ambitious chef at the stove, so you can often expect restaurant quality and style of food.

You’ll find chalkboard or daily printed menus championing local, seasonal produce, be it fish and shellfish from local boats, traceable meats from nearby farms, locally shot game, or organic vegetables from local allotment holders. One or two have taken their commitment to local producers a step further by growing their own herbs and vegetables, keeping chickens, rearing livestock, and opening small produce shops in adjoining buildings. A few even hold their own weekly farmers’ markets in the car park. This plough to plate approach has obvious food miles, sustainability and provenance benefits for all.

It’s true, the food offering at many of our pubs and inns is getting better and better, but they remain relaxed and informal, welcoming all and offering food all day; perhaps small plate tapas-style sharing dishes to nibble on while sipping a glass of Prosecco or a well earned pint. So, you can graze, eat restaurant quality food, or tuck into rustic and hearty home cooked pub dishes, and who doesn’t love a good scotch egg - perhaps the quintessential bar snack and a measure of a good pub?

So, what are you waiting for - jump in the car, or better still put on those walking boots, rally the dog and the children and beat a path to their door.

I hope that you enjoy eating and drinking in these pubs as much as I do; you will probably make a few new friends with other like minded souls who are also spending a couple of hours soaking up the atmosphere at these great beacons of hospitality.

Remember that these great pubs and inns need your support to survive. Please don’t let these pubs down, they are the social glue within our communities and our lives would be a great deal poorer without them - So sup up and tuck in!

A PINT OF PA D S T O W BEHIND THE LABEL Who: Padstow Brewing Company is run by husband and wife dream team Caron & Des Archer.

What: Crafting award winning ales from refreshing IPA’s to hoppy amber bitters.

Where: A stone’s throw from Padstow Harbour, visit the brewery or tasting room and shop.

Our top Gems pint: Padstow Windjammer, a hearty copper toned fruity ale, just perfect when the weekend comes around.

Get in touch: Padstow, North Cornwall www.padstowbrewing.co.uk

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IT’S A SEA DOG’S LIFE

in Cornwall Confident salty sea dogs bound along the shoreline, smaller spirited dogs tease the incoming waves, whilst tired old timers just watch the world go by it’s just another day in the life of our four-legged Cornish companions.

MEET OUR OWN GEMS DOGS When the weekend comes around, our Gems team ensure their own dogs are always part of the plans. We’ve put our heads together and mapped out our favourite beaches, walks and things you can do with your best four-legged friend.

KERRY, LUNA AND BLUE LOVE ...

Wild walking: Sennen to Lamorna, West Coast (11.7 miles) Fancy marching across some of Cornwall’s most spectacular coastal scenery? Strike out along the South West Coast Path to Lamorna Cove. Walk around Land’s End and look for rare seabirds on the windswept Gwennap Head, follow the cliffs past Porthcurno and Logan Rock before arriving in the hamlet of Lamorna.

Beach bound: Hawkers Cove, Padstow, North Coast Just beyond St George’s Cove lies Hawkers Cove, where gentlyshelving sands stretch over 1.5 miles as the tide ebbs. Boasting gob-smacking views to Stepper Point, the Doom Bar and The Rumps, it’s a favourite of local dog walkers!

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LISA, MAGGIE AND BELLE LOVE ….

Wild walking: Chapel Porth to Porthtowan, North Coast (moderate loop, 3.4 miles) Climb the rusty-red backs of the cliff tops and soak up the views of Wheal Coates engine house perched above the roaring surf. Then follow the South West Coast Path along the cliffs to Porthtowan and take the inland path via the copper mine of Wheal Charlotte.

Wild walking: Fowey ‘Hall Walk’, South Coast (4 miles) Hop across the river from Fowey to Bodinnick and strike out along the famous circular Hall Walk. The route takes you deep into Daphne du Maurier country, from stunning estuary viewpoints, around Pont Creek and through fairytale woodland. Hop on the Polruan ferry back to Fowey.

HELEN AND MAISIE LOVE ...

Beach bound: Porthkidney Sands, West Coast Escape the masses on this great stretch of beach where there are usually just a handful of beachcombers and dog-walkers.

Accessed from the coast path or via a track through the dunes from Lelant’s St Uny Church, the pristine Porthkidney Sands has been dubbed ‘Happy Dog Beach’ by locals.

Beach bound: Salt Ponds Beach, Mousehole, West Coast Just to the east of the village, flanking the Old Coastguard Hotel, this pebbly beach looks out to the seals lazing on the rocky outcrop of St Clement’s Isle. As the tide ebbs the rockpooling only gets better.

JEN AND TODD LOVE …..

Beach bound: Porthcurnick Beach, Roseland Peninsula This secluded cove has risen to fame since the opening of the not-so-secret Hidden Hut café that lures hoards of punters to its alfresco feast nights. Its beauty can’t be marred by the Summer crowds, and its still a stunning spot to swim, sunbathe and spot passing marine life.

LAURA AND BUSTER LOVE ….

Wild walking: Cardinham Woods, Mid Cornwall Crunch through leaves, have a barbecue by the river, play in the park and re-fuel in the family-friendly café. With easygoing family walking and activity trails, Cardinham’s stunning woodland is ideal for all calibres of outdoor adventures. Dogs will adore the natural landscape too.

A healthy dose of dog therapy

The connection between man and dog has long been established. Aside from the health benefits of owning a dog, the emotional companionship is hard to beat. Dogs have an extraordinary effect on many aspects of the human condition. Their ability to act the clown, be non-judgmental, offer unconditional love and provide an ear to our troubles ensures them the well-deserved title of “man’s best friend.” So when it comes to your next holiday, leave the kennel costs behind and find your dog friendly Gem.

It’s never been easier to plan a dog friendly escape, they are part of the family after all. Gone are the days of limited choice and substandard accommodation, why compromise on luxury? Around fifty percent of Cornish Gems properties open their doors to welcome dogs making your holiday experience complete. Cornwall has the

right ingredients for a dog’s day out, cherry pick your nearest dog friendly beach and make a beeline to the surf and sand. Cafe counters present kilner jars of homemade dog treats and bowls of fresh water are always on hand. Retire to your Cornish Gem after a day of exploring, a quick hose down of sandy paws and your dog can relax in luxury too.

Here’s a select few of our paw-friendly Gems, visit our website to browse the full collection.

The Linhay Sleeps 8

Nr Padstow A stylish Cornish barn conversion just 1 mile from the North coast.

• Garden Hot Tub • Close to sandy beaches • Large enclosed garden

The Fish Cellar Sleeps 8

St Ives A stylish converted fisherman’s cottage in the Downalong area of St Ives.

• Central location • Coastal interiors • Perfect for families

Sandbanks Sleeps 6

Carbis Bay Enjoy the tranquility and coastal location of Carbis Bay. • Stunning sea views • Large veranda • Walk to the beach

Mellingey Sleeps 8

Lostwithiel A beautiful country house set within an attractive garden.

• Discover charming Lostwithiel • Established garden • Stylish interiors

Little Vicarage Sleeps 4

Nr Falmouth A charming luxury Regency style apartment set within stunning gardens.

• Heated outdoor pool • Attractive rural setting • Courtyard garden

Garden House Sleeps 6

Gorran Haven A stylish contemporary coastal home oozing chic design with a considered layout.

• Explore South Cornwall • Inspired interiors • Walk to the beach

Ferry Cottage Sleeps 4

Marazion A charming coastal haven in the heart of Marazion, just a hop, skip and jump from the iconic St Michael’s Mount.

• Chic courtyard garden • Fresh coastal style • Perfect for couples

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Luxury spaces beside the sea “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” William Morris

1 Ocean Cliffs, Porthtowan, sleeps 6 2 Harbour Rest, Mevagissey, sleeps 4 3 Compass House, St Ives, sleeps 6 4 Island Wastrel, St Ives, sleeps 6

Inspiring spaces, innovative design and statement features - when it comes to interiors, our Cornish Gems offer serious style. Spaces to recreate those halcyon lazy days, where families come together with emotional contentment and create a healthy holiday spirit. It’s long been the dream of many to create a luxury space beside the sea - but where to start? Endless mood boards are created, the fridge door fills with cut outs, coffee tables are littered with bookmarked interior magazines and blog posts fill your social media feeds, the possibilities are endless. Whether you have a natural flair for interiors or would rather leave it to the creativity of the experts, crafting your dream home can both challenge and reward.

5 Rockall, Hayle, sleeps 6 6 Trelas, St Ives, Sleeps 8 7 Island Reach, Newquay, sleeps 8 8 Garden House, Gorran Haven, sleeps 6 9 The Cowshed, The Roseland, sleeps 8 10 Heatherleigh, Carbis Bay, sleeps 8

Create a cool colour palette inspired by the sky, sand and sea to achieve a light and relaxing space. Washed out blues, sea greens and fresh whites combine with beach bleached furnishings and nautical nuances.

1

3

2

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SCANDINAVIAN

4

For a simpler look, the Scandinavians truly effortless inspiration is hard to beat. Showcasing a pure, scaled back style it oozes natural simplicity. It is a playful yet practical style to adapt to any period of home.

6

7

5

Contemporary

An ever-changing modern mix of current design. Think sharp clean lines, a focused use of mono colour, sleek state of the art amenities and often out of the box architectural features. Decorative items are omitted in favour of simplicity.

9 8

10

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Meet the makers With a such a diverse portfolio, we asked two of our Cornish Gems property owners Gary Thomas and Lisa Rochford to share their renovation journeys, interior style and top tips.

Lisa Rochford, Boseglos House, Lostwithiel

movement. The House is an unusual mixture of original Cornish cottage and L shaped Gothic extension. It was inspiring to use so many reclaimed items, the majority of which came from the Lostwithiel area.

I am a solicitor and I live and work in Hamble, Hampshire, a beautiful sailing village on the South Coast. I work countrywide in the the civil courts specialising in litigation involving social housing and antisocial behaviour - as you can imagine my day to day work does not involve any artistic outlet.

Describe the highs and lows you experienced whilst transforming Boseglos House? A high point was seeing the careful restoration of the oriel window on the first floor which overlooks Fore Street and marvelling at the revived stained glass. A low point in the project was understanding how much work was needed to renovate the roof and chimneys of the property.

How did you find your passion for renovating, what was your inspiration?

I have always had a general interest in architecture and had considered studying architecture instead of law.

What is your favourite piece within your Cornish Gem (be it artwork, furniture, original feature)? My favourite feature in property is the original copper in the yard of the property. When you light the fire in the copper (which now acts as a heater in the yard), the smoke travels through the apparently solid courtyard walls and comes out from a chimney on top of the wall.

When and how did you discover Boseglos House? I found Boseglos House one very wet February day when I visited Lostwithiel to look for a chest of drawers! I had always been curious about the house because I had passed it many times (it was shrouded in vegetation despite being on the high street) and it was apparent that it had some beautiful Gothic features. There was a for sale sign and before I could stop myself I was viewing . I was disappointed when another offer was accepted after sealed bids but eventually the property was offered to us.

How would you describe your interior style? My interiors are a mixture of comfort, neutrals, antique and European furniture. GE Street, the architect of Boseglos House (to whom William Morris was apprenticed), was arguably one of the founders of the Arts and Crafts

What is your top interior design tip?

Trust the experts. I have no formal training in restoration but I was helped by skilled Cornish craftsmen who really understand the way in which Cornish houses are built and have skills that you won’t necessarily find elsewhere in the country involving slate, stone and lime work.

What’s the one piece of advice you would share to others embarking on a property development project?

With projects of this type you need a degree of resilience, optimism and always remember what inspired you about the building.

What was the most exciting space in your property to transform?

The most inspiring space in the property to transform was the upstairs bathroom which was in a very poor condition. To see it transformed with panelling, tiling and marble and to see the sun coming through the restored red stained glass window was magical.

To enjoy the luxury of Boseglos House as a couple, Little Boseglos offers a romantic retreat.

F I ND OUT MORE AT WWW.CORN IS HGE M S .COM 28 Holiday Highlife

Gary Thomas, Fistral Loft, Newquay Originally from Cornwall, my partner Rich and I now live in Brighton running a hair salon and graphic design agency.

We share a passion for creating beautiful spaces and Fistral Loft showcases our unique interior style and love of the Cornish coast.

How did you find your passion for renovating, what was your inspiration?

I have a huge passion for hidden away antique shops and reclamation yards, the quirkier the better. Over the years we have renovated a few houses and shops, and also dabbled in helping clients with their own homes and found this so rewarding. It’s great having an excuse to buy lots of gorgeous things!

When and how did you discover Fistral Loft? Numerous trips to Cornwall constantly trawling the agents for latest additions. We looked at lots of properties in Newquay but wanted a building with character. When we saw the loft for sale it just felt right. We were happy to tackle a project and could soon see the huge potential of an open plan layout and maximising the natural light.

How would you describe your interior style? Vintage beach loft fabulousness!

Consult the expert designers at Camellia&Co to find out how to maximise the revenue on your holiday home.

Our inspiration definitely comes from the relaxed pace of coastal living with a touch of urban loft style. I adore lighting, in particular industrial lighting and prefer the more interesting designs, often rusty pieces.

Describe the highs and lows you experienced whilst transforming Fistral Loft? Building the kitchen together was certainly the highlight and has exceeded our expectations. We have crafted old with new using the shell of a modern high street kitchen but personalised with old floorboard timber. Whilst the penthouse location is fab, I’d say the logistics of delivering building supplies up and down the stairs was certainly a low.

What is your favourite piece within your Cornish Gem (be it artwork, furniture, original feature)? I love the 1940’s original Grills neon sign we have in the kitchen. It came from an amazing couple who I’ve met at vintage markets.

They have a store in Milford-on-Sea called Noah Valentine Antiquities

What was the most exciting space in your property to transform?

The kitchen was by far the most exciting transformation leading to the amazing balcony, they really complement each other.

What is your top interior design tip?

Stay focused and create from your heart, design a place you’d like to visit and stay in. Create mood boards and stick to them, it’s easy to get carried away.

What’s the one piece of advice you would share to others embarking on a property development project? Double your budget and enjoy the journey.

Speaking with Portfolio Team at Cornish Gems helped us to understand what guests would expect and be attracted to.

Cornwall-based Camellia&Co specialises in creating luxury interior design. Their expert team work tirelessly to create coastalinspired interiors with a high end feel, whether it’s an investment property or for personal use.

Creating a timeless design that suits all seasons is an interior designer’s biggest challenge.

“By carefully choosing the right colours, textures and surfaces a clever interior designer should blur the changing seasons,” explains design director and Camellia&Co founder, Elaine Skinner.

Camellia&Co has a proven track record in the holiday home market. As owners know that in such a competitive market it’s imperative the property stands

out. “A year-round design is arguably even more important in a holiday home,” adds Elaine.

“It’s vital that a property appeals to guests throughout the year in order to maximise the booking potential - a well thought-out design will be key to this.”

With its team’s combined design experience of more than 30 years, it’s not hard to see how Camellia&Co has built up a substantial portfolio of properties which have been transformed by creating trademark coastal looks.

As well as being one of the only qualified British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) practices in Cornwall, the difference with Camellia&Co is its staff are all degree-level design qualified.

Camellia&Co’s team understand

what is of value; costs are transparent from the outset.

The designers can relieve the headache of organising trades and make sure that the project hits the desired deadlines.

So if you are in Cornwall, out of the county, or even out of the country and want to make the most of your property or holiday home, give the team at Camellia&Co a call.

Rock Showroom Address: 1 The Pavilion, Rock Road, Rock, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6JU Phone: +44 (0)1208 863690 Truro Showroom Address: 63 Fairmantle Street,Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2EG Phone: +44 (0)1872 248952 www.camelliainteriors.co.uk

Holiday Highlife 29

Map out your days on the

CORNISH COAST

We could wax lyrical about the Cornish Coast, whether it is your first visit or the natural beauty has long been a family favourite, we’re sure you will agree that life is just a bit better beside the sea. Have you discovered your favourite corner of Cornwall? The contrast of the North and South coast maps out the perfect playground for your Cornish adventures.

NORTH The North Immerse yourself in the coastal energy of the North where wave lashed cliffs, golden sand beaches and rolling Atlantic surf offer some of the most awe inspiring seascapes in the country. Follow in the footsteps of Demelza and Ross Poldark, dive into the crashing waves and run barefooted along the sands that stretch for miles. Discover the contours of this magical coastline from the wild cliffs of Trebarwith Strand, the surfing mecca of Newquay, the cool cosmopolitan hub of St Ives to the myth and legend of Land’s End.

ST AGNES One of Cornwall’s many former mining villages, huddled beside some of the wildest, most rugged coast in North Cornwall. Cliff tops are littered with remnants of engine houses, perched above sandy coves.

MAWGAN PORTH Just around the headland from Watergate Bay awaits the wild, sandy runway of Mawgan Porth, where a handful of surfers tackle the more challenging waves and walkers trickle between the beach and the idyllic village of St Mawgan, located just a hop and skip from Padstow.

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NEWQUAY The UK’s unofficial surfing capital, Newquay is shrugging off its image as a full-throttle party town and putting itself firmly on the map as a surfing and foodie mecca. Michelin-starred eateries and swanky sundowner bars are flinging open their doors between the surf outlets.

PORTHTOWAN Porthtowan is one of Cornwall’s most scenic beaches with beautiful wide expanse of fine white sand and dramatic high cliffs. The rolling surf makes this beach popular with local surfers. The laid back beach vibe of The Blue Bar is well worth a visit. Soak up the sunset in true Cornish style whilst you enjoy an evening drink on the terrace.

CARBIS BAY Soak up the Caribbean-esqe beauty of Carbis Bay, with its white-sands, plethora of water sports and sprinkling of beach restaurants infused with a cool, coastal vibe. Nudging the arty hub of St Ives, you can hop into town on the coastal railway, or take an easy mile-long walk along the coast path to the impossibly quaint harbour that’s become so popular with tourists.

PORT ISAAC So pretty is the fishing village of Port Isaac that you’ve probably seen it on TV – on the set of BBC’s Poldark or the fictional Port Wenn in Doc Martin. With its narrow lanes and historic fishermen’s cottages tumbling to the harbour’s edge, it’s one of Cornwall’s most picturesque villages. Fishing boats putter in and out of the harbour, landing the freshest of the ocean’s bounty that you’ll find plated up in a scattering of waterside cafés and restaurants.

SENNEN The wild western toe of Cornwall: a land of Atlanticlashed landscapes sprinkled with mining heritage and pearly beaches. Sennen serves up plenty of everything Cornwall is famous for – crashing surf, sugary sands, world-class seafood, arty nooks and wild coastal walks. While Land’s End is the crowd puller, you can shake off the crowds atop the rugged promontory of Cape Cornwall.

Spot the locals as they master the Atlantic Waves.

SOUTH

MOUSEHOLE Sandwiched between Penzance and Lamorna, and dubbed the loveliest village in Cornwall by Dylan Thomas, Mousehole is one of the most stunning and civilised destinations. Steeped in maritime heritage and once the territory of smugglers and salty seadogs, these days its good looks and boat-loads of charm attract the well-heeled holidaymakers.

The South For those looking for a quieter backdrop, the picture perfect South coast offers more sheltered azure blue seas, white sandy coves and quintessential fishing villages. Far from the madding crowds, ease into the ebb and flow of the South side where days are spent exploring some of Cornwall’s best kept secrets from the heritage of Cagdwith Cove, the nautical hub of Mylor or the spirit of Lamorna Cove. Sailing regattas, vibrant festivals, water sports and the National Maritime Museum stand testimony to the seafaring history of Falmouth, one of the most important packet ship ports in the UK. Castaway to other waterside havens including Flushing, Mylor, Fowey and Looe.

CHARLESTOWN Film crews aplenty have used the historic seaport and its tall ships for all sorts of films and television series’ – most recently the BBC Poldark series. Beyond the harbour there’s sheltered beaches made for rock-pooling, swimming, snorkelling, fishing and kayaking, lush countryside rolling to the edge of the sea, and the coast path winding from cliffs to coves.

PORTWRINKLE A historic pilchard fishing and smugglers’ cove, Portwrinkle is hunkered on the southwest edge of the Rame Peninsula. Strike out along the South West Coast Path to Rame Head, explore the historical landscapes of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and the Anthony Estate, or cast away on a Famous Five adventure from a secluded cove.

WADEBRIDGE Wadebridge is a vibrant market town with a burgeoning foodie reputation. Situated on the banks of the Camel Estuary, the Atlantic Highway and the famous Camel Trail (west to Padstow, east to Bodmin), it’s a destination that’s got a lot going for it.

Graze on fine food plucked from the surroundings, fill your shopping bags in stylish boutiques, freewheel through the Camel Valley or strike out to the rugged coast and moors.

FOWEY Marking each end of the River Fowey, Lostwithiel and Fowey are idyllic destinations for messing around in boats, kicking back in waterside pubs and exploring sublime scenery that inspired Daphne du Maurier’s tomes.

Go rock-pooling, sailing and swimming, or browse boutiques, galleries and artisan shops, pausing for cream teas, Cornish ales or slap-up seafood feasts.

From Lanhydrock to Lerryn Creek and Lantic Bay, the area’s natural beauty will sweep you away.

MARAZION An ancient market town flanking Mounts Bay, Marazion is home to a safe, sandy beach stretching out to the sea-wrapped St Michael’s Mount. The town itself twists along narrow lanes behind the shoreline – and for a small place it’s well endowed with cafés, pubs and restaurants that rank amongst some of the region’s best.

ST MAWES It’s no surprise that a handful of A-list celebs hideaway on The Roseland Peninsula come the holidays. With bucketfuls of Cornish charm, secret coves and natural beauty, this tranquil nook is overflowing with the county’s finest bounty. Eye-popping scenery littered with smugglers’ coves, craggy headlands and verdant farmland is peppered with picturesque pockets of civilisation: stone cottages tumbling to the water’s edge where fishermen unload the catch of the day.

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Kynance Cove

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Lizard Peninsula, South Coast

Discover the picturesque, natural wonderland of mainland Britain’s most Southerly point. Sublime seas, white sand beaches, rugged cliffs and coast path trails are waiting to be explored.

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Beautiful buildings that don’t cost the earth

ADVERTORIAL

www.arco2.co.uk | 01208 722000 | office@arco2.co.uk

ARCO2 are an award winning RIBA Chartered Architects Practice based in Cornwall and specialise in low energy contemporary holiday homes. Many of our exciting projects are in beautiful locations inspired by the coastline, sea and countryside; these can be new buildings, replacement dwellings or refurbishments with extensions.

We are often faced with the difficult dilemma of whether to refurbish and extend, or replace existing buildings. More often than not the replacement dwelling route is preferred. Refurbishment and extensions will normally result in some compromise in terms of design, space and thermal efficiency. Existing buildings are difficult to insulate and make air tight, however it can be done, but at a premium.

The buildings that we design and create are certainly not your average holiday home. Not only are they interesting unique site specific designs, but they are sustainable and future proof designed using Passive House principles to create buildings that have low energy usage, are healthy and comfortable. Our buildings are super insulated with natural breathable materials, airtight to prevent draughts and heat loss, incorporate whole house ventilation systems that recover the heat and provide clean filtered fresh air throughout the house. They are designed to promote healthy living conditions. Many of our buildings feature renewable heating systems such as ground source heat pumps, solar panels and have clean burning high efficiency wood burners. Heating systems are automated meaning that underfloor heating can be controlled remotely. We also advocate the use of local materials including locally grown timber, local stone and wildflower green roofs.

Many of our clients and their guests already live in wonderful homes and want something different with additional benefits for their holiday home. We ensure that the design and build process is enjoyable and inclusive for everyone involved. We work with a plethora of trusted local consultants to ensure the design process is seamless and have our own in house construction team, ADD Sustainable Construction. We provide a turnkey design and building service helping you to choose the correct plot or property, feasibility, design, managing consultants, specifications, cost control, value engineering, construction, site management, project management, handover and aftercare. By taking care of everything we are able to take away the stresses and strains of a project to ensure the process is enjoyable allowing our clients to enjoy their “beautiful buildings that don’t cost the earth.”

Coffee, cake and conversation in the heart of St Ives Savour freshly prepared sandwiches, bagels, paninis, our beautiful cakes and patisserie delights.

Not forgetting our delicious coffee, locally roasted by Olfactory and served by our expert baristas. Sit in or takeaway.

The Coffee Lounge is brought to you by holiday letting specialists Pop in and meet the Cornish Gems St Ives team who are available to assist with your property enquiries.

Find us at 4 Tregenna Hill, St Ives, TR26 1SE | Open 7 days a week 01736 793836 34 Holiday Highlife

Your dream,

your Cornwall, your Cornish Gem Do you dream of a contemporary coastal penthouse or crave the charm of a quintessential Cornish cottage? Cornish Gems makes dreams become reality for visitors and property owners throughout the seasons. Highly regarded as the ‘go to’ company for luxury holiday homes, cottages and apartments in Cornwall, we are a local company, passionate about property, and this beautiful place we have the luxury of calling ‘home’.

If you already own, or you are looking to buy a property that can offer something special and meet the refined quality standards that our loyal customers desire and expect, we are here to offer a professional, supportive and consultative service. In return you can entrust our personable, award winning team to generate excellent returns via integrated marketing campaigns and receive the benefits of our complete property management solution.

www.cornishgems.com | 01872 241 241

Happy holidays from The Cornish Gems Team

We hope you have enjoyed our Holiday Highlife insight into Cornwall, we would love to hear about your Cornish connections. Share your adventures with us...

For holiday inspiration, visit www.cornishgems.com, or contact our Travel Advisors 01872 241241 or email enquiries@cornishgems.com