Best of Cornwall Living 2015

The Ultimate Lifestyle By The Sea

Best of | 2015

Inside

WINTER WALKS FORRAGING SPA BREAKS PLUS MUCH MORE

H O M E S • I N T E R I O R S • G A R D E N S • T R AV E L • F O O D • H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

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Mandy Milano

From the

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A warm welcome to our collection of highlights from 2015. We thoroughly enjoy putting together every issue of Cornwall Living, and here we have collated just a handful our favourite articles to produce an annual roundup of Cornwall’s ultimate lifestyle by the sea.

With 300 miles of stunning coastline full of coastal paths perfect for dog-walking, trail running, surfing and much more, a weekend in Cornwall can be full of outdoor pursuits costing close to nothing.

If the outdoors is not for you, then Cornwall grows, produces and creates delicious food, and you can feast on it by buying it in stores, from roadside farm shops, in pop-up restaurants and online – life in Cornwall can be full of late nights and laughter aplenty.

So whether it’s property, art, culture, sport, the great outdoors, food, wine or luxury breaks which interest you most, there’s plenty of great reading in this issue. Our advice is to make a large coffee, put an extra log on the fire, grab a spot on the sofa with the laptop and read on for some great ideas on how to build your very own lifestyle by the sea!

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Keep in touch with all the activities by following Cornwall Living on Twitter: @cornwallliving, and by joining our Facebook Page: Cornwall Living

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ISSN 2049-8462

© All rights reserved. Material may not be re-produced without the permission of Engine House Media Ltd. While Cornwall Living will take every care to help readers with reports on properties and features, neither Engine House Media Ltd nor its contributors can accept any liability for reader dissatisfaction arising from editorial features, editorial or advertising featured in these pages.

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CORNWALL LIVING 3

Got to go to...

Bedruthan Steps

T

he beach at Bedruthan, with its golden sand, is accessible only at low tide. It’s also quite a challenge to reach, which adds to its charm; you head down steep steps which are cut into the cliff (and if you have kids, you’ll need to take care).

We love our Cornish beaches in the winter.

While some days are freezing with a biting wind, occasionally you’ll get a balmy sunny day with no wind, and if you find the right spot, you can bask in the sunshine in a T-shirt and not encounter another person for hours.

We recommend wrapping up in a warm coat and heading out for a big February walk and a hot chocolate.

4 CORNWALL LIVING

CORNWALL LIVING 5

Images courtesy of: Jason Harrison

Contents Best of 2015

Special Features 8 L ate Summer Colour Magical gardens and houses

14 W inter Walks

It’s time to hit the hills

8

20 P osh Picnics

Gourmet dining at its finest

30 A Brief Encounter

With a theatrical mastermind

44 A Taste of Paradise Great food, great location

50 G rassroots

Food, nature and fresh air

70 W ellness Retreats

Pure relaxation, cornish style

104 Inspiring Spaces

Design tips from the experts

28

50

ning

West Across Praa Eve

By Steve Slimm

104 xx 6 CORNWALL LIVING

14

35

36

44

Features 13 Paradise Found

76 H ealth Check

19 Iconic Cornwall

78 N ight Blindness

26 In The Frame

80 A Modern Classic

28 A Leading Light

82 A Healthy Glow

35 A Grand Opening

84 S wim Through Silk

36 The Atlantic Buoys

87 H ues & Views

38 Turn To Starboard

88 W armth & Beauty

40 A Day In The Life

90 F resh Furniture

42 Buying

A Boat?

93 K erb Appeal

54 A Superp Supper

94 A Glass Act

59 Proof’s

In The Pudding

97 Q&A

with Nicola O’Mara

60 Fun

On The Farm

98 G iving Back

64 Enchanted Paradise

101 The

Green Green Grass

66 Coastal Escapes

103 Embrace The Winter

69 C hasing The Horizon

110 Give

It A Go

A wedding venue with a sub tropical edge Visit this truly inspiring spot

103

British artists and artisans Glimpse into the life of a celebrated artist There’s a new gallery in town Take on the toughest race on earth Two weeks on the Spirit of Falmouth of Penlee Lifeboat Here’s how

20

Tried and tested incognito Delicious treacle tart

Escape your day-to-day

A dream getaway on our doorstep Dream homes to stay in

36

Stunning coastal locations

Whatever you need, the Duchy’s got you Shedding light on an age old issue A family favourite that keeps on giving Taking skin care to the next level There’s nothing like a natural swim State of the art coastal living A must have in any home Add a natural touch to your home Say goodbyle to tarmac driveways Stylish home solutions Creating homes you love

Business meets community, and it’s great Landscaping excellence

A good rug can make all the difference Must do activities in Cornwall

CORNWALL LIVING 7

On the cover

L AT E S UM M E R C O L O UR é ABOVE The bridge over the Koi pool at Trebah Gardens ì RIGHT The Fal River ferry drop point at Trelissick Gardens è RIGHT View across The Minack Theatre towards Porthcurno beach è FAR RIGHT Cleo's pond at Lamorran

8 CORNWALL LIVING

East to west, Cornwall is famous for its magical gardens and some magnificent houses.

W

ith its unique microclimate, Cornwall has an abundance of exotic plants to wonder at, and sheltered, subtropical, gardens to explore; we suggest a few to visit at this time of the year.

And not just gardens surrounding stately homes; many of our towns have well-established mature small parks, most notably Kimberley Park in Falmouth, with it’s fine ornamental trees, many of

words by:

Mandy Milano

which are admired by Kew Gardens staff! Even the Minack Theatre, perched high above the Atlantic Ocean and glorious Porthcurno beach with its white sand and clear turquoise waters, is not just famous for its theatrical productions; but hosted a visit from Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time to admire its exotic garden with plants that are more at home in the Canary Islands or South Africa. www.minack.com

Images courtesy of: David Chapman

Aloe poly phylla at Tremenh eere

Go by boat

You could take the car, but the most scenic way to arrive at Trelissick Garden is by ferry from Falmouth, St Mawes or Truro. Trelissick has one of the most amazing natural settings in the country, and breath-taking views over the estuary. With over 30 acres of gardens to explore and a 300-acre estate with countryside, woods and coastal paths it makes for some idyllic walking. Dogs are welcome on the estate, but only assistance dogs in the garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick

Lamorran

Though for something altogether more intimate take the ferry from Falmouth to St Mawes and walk up to the 4-acre gardens of Lamorran: a Mediterranean style garden on a south-facing hillside, with the sea and St Antony’s lighthouse as its backdrop. Wander along curved gravel paths and through archways to discover new bits of the garden, with the ever-present sound and sight of water in the many pools and streams. A little bit of heaven! www.lamorrangarden.co.uk

Tremenheere Sculpture Garden

near Penzance Dramatic landscape and planting provide the backdrop to contemplative but inspirational artworks. Internationally renowned artists have worked with the garden to create permanent work, and there is an evolving programme of high quality contemporary art installations. Tremenheere Kitchen is a locals’ well-kept secret for a snack, delicious lunch or supper, with wonderful views across Mount’s Bay. Most of the garden areas are unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Dogs are welcome on a lead. www.tremenheere.co.uk

Bonython Estate Gardens

on the Lizard The location for many of the Rosamunde Pilcher film adaptations, this wonderful garden has an eighteenth century walled garden, a traditional potager garden, an orchard of Cornish apples, three beautifully themed lakes and a pretty stream cascade in a sheltered valley.

Owner, Sue Nathan, tells me: “In August and September we have some wonderful late summer planting, especially down by the second lake, which is full of hot colours with Rudbeckias, Ornamental Grasses, Eupatorium Atropurpurem, and Dahlias - all looking magnificent!” www.bonythonmanor.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 11

On the cover For that special occasion

BOCONNOC HOUSE Stay in your own magnificent House and garden: Boconnoc House sleeps 18 (there are other cottages in the grounds if you need more rooms) and sits in the middle of its own landscaped grounds and large estate down two miles of private driveway; so all you’ll hear (apart from the chatter and laughter of your guests) is the river flowing through the valley and birdsong! See more about the house and it’s owner Anthony Fortescue in the magazine. www.boconnoc.com è RIGHT The stunning view down to the Helford river at Trebah Gardens î RIGHT The Yew walk up to Antony House ê BELOW The atmospheric dovecote at Cotehele

For some more ideas in the east of the county, I spoke to Ian Wright, Garden Adviser for the National Trust, about gardens to visit and what to look out for in late summer and early autumn.

Ian says with a rye smile: “Well it’s over isn’t it - the garden visiting season? But, actually it’s just about to begin… the climax of the year; the start of nature’s spectacular fashion event: autumn! I would suggest a visit to Cotehele or Antony. At Cotehele you can see the new Mother Orchard beginning to bare fruit; and the flowers for the spectacular Christmas Garland gathered and drying. Look out for my favourite plant, the Cercidiphyllum japonicum; its heart-shaped leaves turning yellow, orange and then pink in autumn, smelling of burnt sugar and caramel. You can find them at Cotehele and Antony and see the late winners of any herbaceous border: salvias, this group of plants provide vibrant colour well into the autumn. The sheer scale of Antony gives a landscape perspective on autumn colour with the river Lynher as the backdrop to the show.”

Cotehele, near Saltash

A magnificent Tudor house, with superb garden, quay and estate, the house, perched high above the River Tamar, is decorated with intricate tapestries, armour, pewter, brass and antique furniture. Outside, explore the formally planted terraces, or lose yourself in the Valley Garden with its atmospheric dovecote, that leads you down to the river.

Mother Orchard at Cotehele

10 CORNWALL LIVING

Trust Images courtesy of: National

From the richly planted herbaceous borders, to the Mother Orchard, you’ll find plenty to see in August and September. Three hundred apple trees were planted in the Mother Orchard in 2007. “This has been the first year when nearly all the trees have blossomed and set fruit and it’s beginning to look like a traditional orchard,” says Dave Bouch, Cotehele’s Head Gardener. “We’re expecting a good crop this year. It’s very exciting.”

The restored sailing barge, Shamrock, is moored at the quay where you can treat yourself to a wellearned Cornish cream tea. Dogs are welcome on the miles of paths on the estate, at the quay, and in the mill grounds. But assistance dogs only in the house and garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

Antony, near Torpoint

Before visiting this magical garden, watch Tim Burton’s Disney film ‘Alice in Wonderland’; the one with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, part of which was filmed at Antony. Then see if you can spot some of the backdrops from the film around the garden.

A superb early 18th century mansion of silver grey stone, Antony is a beguiling mixture of formal and informal; with sweeping river views and unexpected nooks and crannies it is a real joy to visit. At this time of year the Summer Garden is a riot of colour and planting, including

King Pro tea (pro tea cyn aroides)

There are some truly beautiful gardens to visit in late summer all over Cornwall, as featured in this month's issue. Did you know you can also read all our articles online? Go to the Cornwall Living website and be the first to receive updates by subscribing to our newsletter. Check out the website... www.cornwall-living.co.uk/subscribe

Head over to our website for a virtual guided tour of the stunning Trebah Gardens with Head Gardener, Darren Dickey. If this doesn't tempt you to pay a visit we don't know what will! www.cornwall-living.co.uk

alstroemerias, campanula, Phlox and various roses; look out for the modern sculpture dotted around the garden.

Inside, see the outstanding collection of artefacts and portraits, including works

by Sir Joshua Reynolds. There’s good wheelchair access in the buildings, with a map of accessible grounds route available.

Children’s quiz/trail. Assistance dogs only. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/antony

Trebah Gardens

For the whole family including the dog head down to Trebah Gardens on the Helford.

Explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms and bright coloured plants that cascade down to a secluded beach on the Helford river, just perfect for a quick swim or a paddle on a hot day. With over 4 miles of buggy-friendly paths, adventure play areas, and different events throughout the year, it’s a great family day out.

Darren Dicky, Head Gardener at Trebah suggest a few plants to look out for.

“Late summer highlights include many

wonderful species of hydrangeas. From the sea of blue mop heads that engulf the centre of the valley encircling Mallard Pond to the woodland hydrangeas including one of my favourites Hydrangea Aspera with its massed display of mauve flowers and soft velvety leaves. Hydrangeas are not the only seasonal highlight as we head into late summer. The hedechiums, or Ginger lilies as they are commonly known, take centre stage with their exotic lush foliage and impressive flower spikes. Their colours range from white through to yellow, orange and red; hedechium gardnerianum in particular stands out not only for its impressive large yellow flower spikes but for its wonderful scent.”

Trees and shrubs play their part with great floral displays from hoherias, eucryphia and clethra. Autumn flowering bulbs also start to light the lower levels with particular highlights being Cyclamen hederifolium with its pretty pink flowers and decorative marbled leaves and Nerine bowdenii with its impressive cerise pink iridescent flowers. www.trebah.co.uk

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CORNWALL LIVING 11

“Kilmin�� is like a little vi�age set in �e midst of outstandingly beautiful C�nish countryside” Kilminorth is a unique & private cluster of thirteen cottages set in beautifully landscaped gardens, from large formal gardens where you can stop with a picnic to private patio’s and balconies with hot tubs. Wild flower meadow to explore or wander through our private woods.

The original barns have been restored to provide contemporary cottage accommodation, which nestle in the grounds. Brimming with Cornish character, they have everything you need for a luxuriously comfortable stay, from comfy sofas to under -floor heating, power showers to wi-fi. Hot tubs to a heated outdoor pool.

If you’re feeling adventurous step outside to explore the Southwest coastal paths or take the footpath from our front gate to the local pubs and beaches in Looe.

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PARADISE FOUND

An exotic paradise island is the fantasy location for many wedding couples. Did you know there’s a sub-tropical paradise on your doorstep?

A

We take care to get every detail right”

é ABOVE Unrivalled gardens è RIGHT Choose your backdrop êBELOW The dream can be yours at Trebah

Images courtesy of: Ben Selway photography

secluded sandy beach. Sunflecked walkways and branches laden with exotic blooms. A stunning setting with glorious views. If you think these can only be yours by taking a long-haul flight, there’s a pleasant surprise in store: Trebah Garden is a hidden jewel, set in a secluded valley just south of Falmouth, and a tranquil, idyllic location for an intimate, romantic wedding.

Rated as one of the finest 80 gardens in the world, Trebah has a balmy sub-tropical climate of its own, with exotic trees, plants and a glorious display of flowers at all times of year.

At Trebah you will find a plunging ravine garden leading down from gently rolling lawns to a south-facing cove on the Helford River. Everywhere there are views to delight the visitor, providing an unforgettable wedding location.

Trebah House itself is an elegant white building and it's licensed for daytime civil ceremonies all year round. With stunning views of the ravine garden below, the house has a ceremony room with seating for 40 guests (licensed to host 50) and use of the private terrace outside. From here, your guests can take in the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings while enjoying canapés and sipping champagne.

"At Trebah we have a dedicated, experienced wedding team committed to making this a day every couple will remember," says Jonathan Bray of Trebah.

"We take care to get every detail right, from floral decorations and bouquets handpicked by our botanically-trained florist, to carefully prepared, locally-sourced canapés. We ensure everything is designed for a seamless, intimate wedding."

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking hand in hand on your wedding day on a private beach the dream can be yours at Trebah.

TREBAH GARDEN

words by:

Catherine Mallorie

Mawnan Smith TR11 5JZ 01326 252200 mail@trebah-garden.co.uk www.trebahgarden.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 13

On the cover

WONDERFUL W INTER WA LK S There’s no such thing as the wrong weather, only the wrong clothes.

Wrap up, don your walking boots, pack a flask and hit the hills.

words by:

Mandy Milano

T

here is nothing like wrapping up warm on a blustery winter day and going for a walk. We are so lucky in Cornwall to have hundreds of miles of stunning coastline, wonderful heritage sites, rugged moors, sheltered coves and pretty villages to discover.

You can choose where you are going to walk depending on the (often challenging) weather. It’s obviously best to avoid an exposed coast path in a howling gale, but Cornwall has somewhere wonderful to walk in just about any conditions.

Not only that, walking is so good for us. Not just for our bodies and souls but also our brains; walking has been shown to reduce your chances of depression, as well as improving memory. It’s a great stress buster (yes, even in the rain, or maybe especially in the rain!) and helps us reconnect with nature, the seasons and the wildlife around us. What’s not to love about walking?

So, rather than being confined indoors during these shorter winter days it’s wonderful to take strides into the great outdoors and really blow the cobwebs away. Whether you are looking for a family day out, some great food and drink,

14 CORNWALL LIVING

a walk to test stamina and legs or a chance to slow down and really gaze at the views, there is a destination for you. We invited the people who are really in the know at South West Coast Paths and Visit Cornwall to reveal their best winter walks to tempt you out onto the trail.

Short and hilly Porthgwarra to Porthcurno, 2.3 miles This is a fairly short but tough little walk which passes the Minack Theatre. The tiny fishing cove of Porthgwarra to Porthcurno is one of the most spectacular beaches in Cornwall.

Park at the carpark (TR19 6JR for sat navs) in the tiny hamlet of Porthgwarra. As you walk along the Coast Path towards the sea, look out for the tunnels cut through the rocks near the top of the slipway. They were cut by miners from St Just to improve access for the horses and carts of fishermen and local farmers who collected sand and seaweed to sweeten acid soil.

In less than a mile, you will find yourself looking down on

Image courtesy of Miles Cowton

Images courtesy of Roy Curtis

For breathtaking views Minions and the Hurlers, 2.5 to 4 miles This walk has made the list not just for its remnants of Cornish mining, which are plentiful and varied, but also for its wild and rugged views. Think vast open spaces, distant and clear horizons and atmospheric moors. As you pound across open moorland and along disused tramways, it’s not hard to imagine the bygone era and in the mind's eye make out the shape of hardy miners throwing themselves into work.

From Minions to views of the Cheeswring and Kit Hill, this landscape is scattered with mining relics and offers countless tales of Cornish mining history. www.visitcornwall.com

Boscastle & Pentargon Waterfall, 1.7 mile This is a lovely easy walk, perfect to do with children, which includes a waterfall and a ‘blowhole’ with a choice of cafés at the end.

Head from Boscastle Harbour towards the waterfall, returning inland. Visit at low tide when water cascades in a booming torrent from the harbour blowhole, which children will love.

This is generally a flat walk with a short uphill climb at the start and a more gentle descent back down to the harbour. Park in the main Boscastle carpark (PL35 0HE for sat navs) and walk down towards the harbour. Follow the Coast Path from the north side of the harbour, climb the hill and continue along the clifftops to Pentargon. Just before a traditional stone stile you will see the view of Pentargon Waterfall for the first time.

After crossing the stile, the walk runs inland towards a road and then alongside the hedge through a kissing gate, then through a white field gate to follow the Private Lane. The lane brings you back to the harbour and has great views over the village.

At the end of your walk, take advantage of the cafés nearby, the National Trust shop and café, or Sails for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea. www.southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/36/ p é TOP Porthgwarra Images courtesy of: TJenifer Rowlandson

the sandy beach of Porth Chapel. Above the beach and right next to the Coast Path is the holy well of St Levan, named after the hermit St Selevan from the Dark Ages.

Keep going and you’ll soon reach the openair Minack Theatre, which must have the most spectacular setting of any theatre in the country. The theatre’s visitor centre, open throughout the year, tells the marvellous story of how Rowena Cade devised and built it. The path continues, fairly steeply downhill, to the magnificent sands of Porthcurno where you can enjoy a well-earned rest. Return to Porthgwarra by the same route, or follow the minor road to St Levan’s Church and then take the link path back to the Coast Path above Porth Chapel. www.southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/54/

Images courtesy of Ted Forman

Perfect for the kids

ë ABOVE LEFT Porthcurno and The Minack Theatre ç LEFT Boscastle ë MAIN Watergate Bay

On the cover For seasoned walkers

Image courtesy of Lee Lambourne

Images courtesy of Matt Jessop

Images courtesy of Mechteld Leussink

Gorran Haven to Portmellon, 3.7 miles Enjoy a bracing coastal walk between two coves where people have been sheltering from the wild westerlies since Stone Age times. There are dramatic views from the high cliffs, and on a clear day you can see right along the South Cornish coastline from Turbot Point, a headland also known as Bodrugan's Leap after the local landlord was forced to leap from the cliffs into a waiting boat to escape to France!

Coastal and inland footpaths on this walk may be muddy, and it includes some steep ascents and descents, but there is a short stretch of quiet road too so you can recover.

Either start or finish with a pub lunch at The Barley Sheaf in Gorran Haven village or stop at the half way point in Portmellon’s Rising Sun Inn. Alternatively, extend the walk to Mevagissey to add another couple of miles round trip and take your pick of pubs, including The Fountain Inn on Cliff Street.

Park at Gorran Haven’s carpark (PL26 6JG for sat navs) and as you reach the beach turn left onto Church Street and then take the second right along Cliff Road, following the Coast Path waymarkers. At the end of the road turn left onto the South West Coast Path, following it around Pabyer Point and then Colona Beach and Chapel Point, before it sweeps back to the cove at Portmellon.

The route from Portmellon back to Gorran Haven, with a little less cliff top drama, takes you along inland paths. Full details are on the link below: www.southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/50/

é ABOVE Portmellon Harbour ì ABOVE Near Gorran Haven ç LEFT Wheal Coates

16 CORNWALL LIVING

Three walks for local history

i) The Basset Mines at South Wheal Frances Or tread in the footsteps of Cornish miners with our pick of the best walks in the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. These are at the root of Cornish culture and on a par with international treasures, so pull on your walking boots and explore.

Perhaps not the must-have fashion accessory of miners but for the 21st Century visitor, a MP3 player is a handy piece of kit when exploring the Basset Mines at South Wheal Frances just a couple of miles south from Redruth. Do your prep beforehand and download an audio trail from www.cornish-mining.org.uk and you’ll be taken back to the 1900s. You’ll find yourself in the shoes of a potential investor as the mine’s accountant treats you to a personal tour of the site. As you snake your way around the shafts, engine houses and ore-sorter you’ll gain a fun insight into the life of a miner extracting tin from this intriguing site on the Great Flat Lode. p www.visitcornwall.com

ii) St Erth and Hayle Foundry Park in St Erth and take a circular trail to Hayle Foundry. At four miles the route follows an idyllic stretch of the River Hayle and passes Ryans Field RSPB Nature Reserve to take a breather and look out for some visiting birdlife or perch outside the Hayle Foundry which, in its heyday, welcomed the engineering elite such as Richard Trevithick and helped Cornish mining go global by producing engine beams which were exported across the world. www.visitcornwall.com iii) Geevor to Levant MP3 players at the ready again as another top Cornish Mining walk has been given the audio treatment: ‘The Mines Under the Sea’ trail in west Cornwall. With your mobile devices as your guide, the trail will take you

on a 1.5 mile journey through the mining landscape around Geevor and Levant before heading down to the sea and following the coast to the ‘champion’ Levant Mine.

Perched on the clifftops, Levant is a mine with a view and makes a perfect spot to take five and imagine how this now peaceful environment was once a hub for industry and a vital slice of Cornwall’s rich and colourful past. www.visitcornwall.com

SOUTH WEST COAST PATH swcpteam@devon.gov.uk www.southwestcoastpath.com

READ

Walks tailored to you...

Our friends at South West Coast Path coordinate and promote 630 miles of spectacular Cornish coastline. You can find a walk tailored to how energetic you feel like on the day using 'walk finder' on its website... www.southwestcoastpath.com

VISIT CORNWALL

visitcornwall@truro.gov.uk www.visitcornwall.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

WATCH

Dogs are welcome...

But be aware of sheer drops and of startling grazing livestock. Two serious livestock dieseases (see page 10 for more information) are caused by dog excrement, so it's vital to clean up in fields. This video explains all... www.cornwall-living.co.uk

IENCE EXPER

Win online...

Images courtesy of Adam Gibbard

Sample the ultimate lifestyle by the sea with our online competitions where you can win anything from holidays to genuine Cornish goods, simply enter to win! www.cornwall-living.co.uk

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CORNWALL LIVING 15 17

Castles of Cornwall discover the stories of history where it happened.

visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/cornwall

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

Iconic Cornwall

Visit

Discovering the legend of King Arthur is just the tip of the iceberg at Tintagel Castle.

T

he allure of King Arthur has inspired writers, travellers and the imaginations of those young and old since the 12th Century, when Geoffrey of Monmouth named Tintagel as the place where Arthur was conceived.

The site itself is the remains of a Dark Age settlement where Cornish rulers lived and became a centre for trade. Exotic goods from across the sea were imported and tin was traded. The remains of the houses, which were built upon the rocky headland between the 5th and 7th centuries, can still be explored today.

One of Tintagel’s best-kept secrets is the beach, which lies beneath the historic fortress and is perfect for rock pooling. The beach is also accessible during the winter; it joins the coast path, which passes by the site for a fantastic and energising winter wander.

Time it right and you can explore Merlin’s Cave, which is only accessible when the tide is out, but be careful not to get caught out by the turning tide. For the ultimate Tintagel beach experience, take a flask and a copy

of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Idylls of the King, the dramatic scene and many narratives that surround Tintagel Castle inspired this epic poem.

New to Tintagel Castle is an exhibition that explores the legends of the site with artefacts that are on display for the first time, it is a great place to start your visit.

As well as this, the beach café has also been refurbished and serves a range of dishes that are created using local ingredients.

The team at Tintagel are currently working on improving the site and exhibitions.

From spring 2016, you’ll be able to explore further the stories of the Dark Age rulers of Cornwall and how the story of King Arthur inspired Earl Richard to build the epic castle.

é ABOVE Remains of the Great Hall and walkers experiencing the coast path ê BELOW The view of the courtyards from the island

TINTAGEL CASTLE

Castle Road, Tintagel PL34 0HE 01840 770328 customers@english-heritage.org.uk www.english-heritage.org.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 51

On the cover

posh picnics One of the best parts of a long coastal walk is the requisite pit stop for a pasty and a beer. Now you can enjoy gourmet dining by the sea with fine Cornish hospitality.

N

ow that the street food revolution has reached hit the south west, you can combine our gorgeous scenery with delicious food and dine al fresco in true gourmet style.

We’ve rounded up fabulous pop-ups, fine takeaways and fun feasts for the whole family this summer. There has never been a better time for fine dining in the fresh Cornish air regardless of whether it’s a day of sun, the famous Cornish mizzle, showery or a mix of all three – you’ll have fun whatever the weather! Take a look at our picks, all perfect for this time of year. words by:

Nadia Pendleton

20 CORNWALL LIVING

The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach From their small but perfectly formed little beach café, The Hidden Hut, Simon and Jemma lay on fantastic feast nights.

A long communal table stretches across the sands and the smells drifting from the asado, giant paella pans or wood-fired ovens fill the air, making everyone giddy with anticipation. They post their feast nights on their website so you can choose whether to go for a taste of the surf or the turf on the menu.

Meat-lovers will adore Beef Asado. A whole Boxeater cut of longhorn beef that grazed on the pastures above Porthcurnick is smoked, then roasted low and slow on the grill and served as flavoursome tender steaks with hand-cut chips, wild garlic and pickled greens.

From the sea there are fresh fish grills or fresh local crab caught from the bay by the Portscatho Harbourmaster and his sons. It's served whole with a hammer and pick, lemon and garlic aioli, salad and tasty new potatoes.

This is convivial dining at its finest: delicious food served with style and fun. Just bring your own drinks, cutlery and crockery.

If you can’t get a ticket for a feast night, fear not: get down to the beach any day of the week and grab a summer meze platter.

THE HIDDEN HUT

Porthcurnick Beach, Nr Portscatho, Truro TR2 5EW (There is no mobile phone reception on the beach so Facebook, DM or Tweet @thehiddenhut) porthcurnick@gmail.com www.hiddenhut.co.uk

é ABOVE Freshly cooked as you watch î BELOW A sociable affair for all

CORNWALL LIVING 21

On the cover The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay

Meals on wheels

You don’t have to buy tickets for Glasto or go to Borough Market to sample a selection of amazing foodie vans..

BY THE SEA Pick a spot on super family friendly Treyarnon Beach and perched on the hill through the high season is a pink paradise: Rose's Ice Cream van. Stacked with fresh home baked cakes and sweet slices, loads of real ice creams, including the very Cornish hedgehog, she also has plenty of hot drinks to warm you up after a swim.

ON ‘THE MOOR’ For Proper Pancakes find Nicky on the Moor in Falmouth every Thursday, she’ll be sporting red lipstick and serving American-style pancakes from her cool trailer, taking inspiration from the 1940s and '50s. Blending Cornish-Hawaiian surfy chic, she uses local organic produce where possible to make thick stacks of pancakes, natural syrups and fresh toppings from scratch.

ON CLIFF ROAD On a sunny day looking across the harbour from its Cliff Road pitch in Falmouth sits the Shellfish Pig serving the tastiest smoked pulled pork, spicy crab tacos and fresh seafood chowder in Cornwall.

Check their Facebook page for times and places.

ON THE GO Watch out for the only bar serving Cornish cider from independent makers around the county from a converted horsebox. The Lazy Cider Bar will be at www.thepopuphotel. com three nights a week for the whole of August.

22 CORNWALL LIVING

It’s got to be summer somewhere, right?

That’s all The Beach Hut need to know to throw their ‘summer somewhere’ barbecues.

With hay bales, a Big Egg BBQ and live music on the beach, the crew down at Watergate Bay know how to throw a party!

Chef Neil Haydock recently banished the cold with fiery Caribbean flava, drawing on his experience as a chef in Barbados. Fresh fish and barbecued jerk chicken, Caribbean salsa, steamed fish in banana leaf with rice, peas and other Caribbean classics were served to happy people on the sand. Look at the website for more beach events and BBQs across the summer.

ON THE BEACH Watergate Bay TR8 4AA 01637 860543 life@watergatebay.co.uk www.watergatebay.co.uk/food-and-drink/ the-beach-hut

Picnic Cornwall, anywhere you choose Head out to explore and Picnic Cornwall will meet you with your lunch at some of the best picnic spots on the South West Coast Path.

Each picnic basket is filled with carefully chosen, high quality and locally-sourced food and drink. You can create your own or choose from their fabulous range: a traditional family hamper would include:

"Each picnic basket is filled with carefully chosen, high quality and locally-sourced food and drink"

Ann’s Pasties; Crantock sausage rolls; freshly made deli pastrami with nettle Yarg; hand-picked Cornish crab sandwiches; Cornish crisps; scones with Rodda’s clotted cream and jam; and some Cornish apple juice and cider. Or add a bottle of bubbly for sparkling refreshment while you dine.

Choose a souvenir jute bags or large wicker hampers, or picnics can just be packaged in standard paper bags to fit in your rucksack for the rest of the day's hiking. They have great suggestions for places to head out to visit too at picniccornwall.co.uk/picnic-spots.

PICNIC CORNWALL 14 Church Street, Falmouth TR11 3DR 01326 211655 manager@picniccornwall.co.uk www.picniccornwall.co.uk

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Get all the latest from Cornwall Living delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing. And you can follow us on Twitter too @CornwallLiving www.cornwall-living.co.uk/subscribe

Wild Bake, Wadebridge Wild Bake’s wood fired street food makes a great choice for dinner by the beautiful Camel Estuary. You can’t miss the vintage horse box trailer, perfectly placed at the start of the Camel Trail in Wadebridge.

Chef Lewis Cole is a keen forager and likes to incorporate wild foods into his pizzas.

One of his favourites is the Camel Estuary Special which combines foraged sea spinach, sea pursalane, see aster, port hilly mussels roasted garlic and hand-picked vetch. The team also make great gluten-free dough.

The menu really reflects the seasons and the temperature outside. Alongside pizzas you’ll find fresh fish and salads for summer and hot stews, tagines and slow roasted meats in the winter. What better way to finish that with their sweet pizzas: ‘Bakewell’ with vanilla mascarpone base, morello cherries

and flaked almonds, or homemade caramel sauce with sliced apple and hazelnut. Pick up a bottle of wine from Wadebridge wines then grab a freshly-cooked hot pizza to take down to the water's edge.

They are joined by coffee gurus, The Laid Back Coffee Company, in their vintage Morris Minor for Brunch on the Beach at Mawgan Porth every Sunday morning 10am to 2pm.

Find Wild Bake in Wadebridge on a Monday night opposite Lidl; Bodmin Carpet World on a Tuesday night; and Ann's Cottage in St Columb on a Wednesday night. You can pre-order your pizzas on 07707 082415 and they’re open for serving 5.30pm to 8pm.

Our best beaches

Visit Cornwall has A beach for every day of the week. Rated among the best in the world, 80% of Cornwall is surrounded by the sea, with the longest stretch of coastline in the UK at 476km.

Log onto our website to why they're so special and pack yourself a posh picnic. www.cornwall-living.co.uk

WILD BAKE Lewis_c@live.co.uk Facebook Wild Bake or Twitter @wildbake www.wildbake.co.uk

Win online...

Sample the ultimate lifestyle by the sea with our online competitions where you can win anything from holidays to genuine Cornish goods, simply enter to win!

Enter now at www.cornwall-living.co.uk Terms and conditions apply.

See online for details.

Enter now at www.cornwall-.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 23

Got to go to...

PENLEE PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

T

ucked away in the heart of Penzance, Penlee Park’s cherished open air theatre is increasingly making a mark on the national cultural map.

Recently awarded the Family Arts Standards marque, Penlee offers a varied season of national and regional professional theatre, including Miracle, Illyria and Port Isaac’s The Fisherman’s Friends. Enjoy some incredible entertainment in an idyllic, sheltered location; moments to treasure forever.

PENLEE PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

Morrab Road, Penzance TR8 2QP www.penleeparktheatre.com Box Office CRBO 01726 879500 Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

24 CORNWALL LIVING

CORNWALL LIVING 25

Art

In the frame

Independent gallery in Charlestown promotes a fine selection of British artists and artisans.

CLOCKWISE FROM THE TOP n Alan Arthurs, Big Mouth at St Michaels Mount n Emma Ball puffins table mats n Emma Ball, glamping table cloth n Robert Burnet wooden boxes n Sarah Nicol ceramics

I

f you’re looking for something special for the home or a friend, look no further than Atishoo Gallery, in the beautiful and historic Churchtown, on the south coast near St Austell. The popular independent gallery run by artists Liz Hackney and Paul Clark offers a bespoke picture framing service, with a small gallery and gift shop alongside.

As Liz explains, the gallery is proud to support British artists, many of whom are based in Cornwall. “We source the majority our suppliers from the UK, often finding new artists and craftspeople via social media, or seeing interesting articles in magazines”, says Liz. One of Atishoo’s most popular suppliers is Emma Ball, based in Nottingham. “She’s been great to work with,” continues Liz, “designing a bespoke range of cards, magnets and coasters with Charlestown on them, exclusively for Atishoo Gallery. Emma uses British based manufacturers, such as Melamaster for her tablemats.”

“Of course, the majority of artists are only a stone’s throw away, living and working in Cornwall,” adds Paul. “These include Alan Arthurs, the former set designer for the rock band Hawkwind, who continues to create ever more stunning paintings, often walking up from Duporth with new work wrapped in a pillow case!” Alan’s most recent work is a collection of basking sharks in various locations around the Cornish coast, painted in enamel paint onto both Perspex and acetate.

Robert Burnett is another Duporth resident, who only recently started making little wooden drawer units for putting on your dressing table, often with hidden compartments inside, which are already proving very popular.

Over the past year, Liz and Paul have reduced the amount of gallery space to make more room for the increasingly busy picture framing side of the business, expanding their workshop space. They are now framing for a number of well-known Cornish based artists including Amanda Hoskin, Ben Taffinder and Richard Lodey. “Word is getting around about our framing, our most recent inquiry came from Scotland!” says Liz.

ATISHOO GALLERY

71 Charlestown Road, Charlestown, St Austell PL25 3NL 01726 65900 enquiries@atishoodesigns.co.uk www.atishoodesigns.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

26 CORNWALL LIVING

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Lifestyle

A leading light

We take a glimpse into the life of celebrated landscape artist, Steve Slimm, to discover why his work leaves people captivated.

E

words by:

Jamie Osborne

nergy-packed and beautiful.

That’s what has been said about the artworks of Steve Slimm, who has been producing exceptional oil landscapes since 1979, with no sign of slowing up. A deep passion and unique expression of Cornwall’s landscape shines clearly through all his work.

Steve, who studied for a short while under the late John Miller, cites the great seascape painter Turner as an inspiration and has been featured in UK art foundation courses for his quality of light. He began his fruitful career of over three decades wandering from door to door, showcasing his work to anyone who was prepared to take a look.

He soon began to make a living and built a growing following, helping him become established in galleries throughout Cornwall and the UK. Steve chooses to explore themes for his paintings around Cornwall and further afield, whether it be the rugged coastline or enchanted moorlands, focusing on the lay of the land with little or no interference from man.

Steve has no lack of popularity, finding excitement in new and upcoming exhibitions and galleries to supply. “There is always a sense anticipation, expectancy

28 CORNWALL LIVING

and even fun – along with timidity with new ventures”, he explains.

Steve’s drive is heightened by personal contact with clients, discussing their personal connection and draw to a particular piece and realisation of common ground. Irene Woodhead from Penryn found that common ground with a piece called ‘Towans’ from the Claremont Gallery. “The beauty has arrived, and we are gazing and gazing!” Irene says. “It really is an excellent painting and we are thrilled and honoured to be able to enjoy it every day”.

Steve adds: “I probably get more of a sense of fulfilment seeing my work so well appreciated, than actually painting it in the first place!”

Steve's extraordinary work can be seen in a number of galleries in Cornwall and is currently exhibiting in the Clifton Fine Art Gallery 8 Perry Road Bristol BS1 5BQ (Tel:0117-9256952) featuring work from both Cornwall and the Bristol area.

STEVE SLIMM

07968 979367 steve@steveslimm.com www.steveslimm.com/cornwall-living www.cliftonfineart.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

ë ABOVE LEFT Bridge in yellow light é ABOVE RIGHT West across Praa in the evening

Promotion

Mention Cornwall Living when purchasing Steve's paintings or prints from Clifton Fine Art for a 10% Promotional Discount.

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For more info, email cornwall@airbnb.com

On the cover

A BRIEF ENCOUNTER From Broadway to the West End, Director Emma Rice’s illustrious body of work has led to numerous accolades.

She tells Mandy Milano about her passion for local theatre company Kneehigh.

words by:

Great theatre changes people” Images courtesy of www.meowmeowrevolution.com

Mandy Milano

30 CORNWALL LIVING

her unique brand of ‘kamikaze cabaret’.

“We created a show called An Audience with Meow Meow. She already had a huge body of work, so I created a narrative – a beginning, middle and end – taking the audience on an emotional journey with her,” explains Emma.

“It’s about an seemingly invulnerable Diva, but then it all goes wrong and completely deconstructs. It’s like starting with Lisa Minelli, morphing into Lucille Ball and ending up with Pina Baush (you’ll just have to google her!). Meow Meow was amazing to work with. Once she’s dressed as Meow Meow that’s it, she becomes the diva. To see her clowning, being sexy and vulnerable – it’s what great theatre is; it changes people.”

Normally Emma is the 'mum' and the actors take her lead, but in this case it was different. As Meow Meow created the work and the character, there needed to be much more collaboration. “Ultimately, if something isn’t boring then I’m happy. As an artist you can’t entrench yourself and say ‘this is it, this is what works’, you have to keep trying new stuff. So by simply saying ‘not being boring makes me happy’ it makes me a bit braver, a bit more daring.” p

Images courtesy of Steve Tanner

S

ome years ago I was lucky enough to attend a workshop at Kneehigh’s barn on the south coast of Cornwall, with Artistic Director Emma Rice, Mike Shepherd, founder of Cornish theatre, Kneehigh, and others from the company.

We cooked our own dinner together, but my overriding memory is Emma leading about 25 of us across the fields and coastline above the barn, skipping, running and jumping, sometimes in silence (making us all giggle) or whooping and hollering at the sea.

So it was with great delight (and just a little trepidation!) that I set off again to meet Emma for a bit of reflection on the past year and a brief glimpse into the future. She is as colourful, honest and joyful as ever.

“I would say that 2014 was a really good year for the company,” Emma tells me.

“Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) was, and is, a triumph and it will still be touring in 2015.

It is brilliantly directed by Kneehigh founder, Mike Shepherd, which left me on the bench with some down time or some ‘oxygen’ as we call it.”

Not one to just sit back, walk the beach and relax, Emma took off to San Francisco to work with the legendary post-post-modern diva, Meow Meow, with

é ABOVE In full flow at The Asylum ç FAR LEFT The sensational Post-post-modern diva, Meow Meow ç LEFT Fr om Dead Dog in a Suitcase

CORNWALL LIVING 31

On the cover Local authors Coming up from February is a new version of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca. “I don’t know why I haven’t done a Daphne Du Maurier before – it’s got that energetic gothic charge! I love her sense that Cornwall isn’t just intoxicating but also threatening.”

Emma really appreciates Du Maurier’s strong depiction of women. “She allows us to be everything we are capable of: not just good, not just mothers or lovers.”

Emma quips that she traditionally likes to develop the work of dead writers as they are so much more flexible! (“When I worked on Noel Coward’s ‘Brief Encounter, I felt that, were he still alive, we would have been great friends.”)

Michael Morpugo is the exception. “946 is our adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips for this summer at the Asylum. Having met Michael it

seemed ridiculous not to work with him; he is completely up for anything and I fell in love with his vision and his generous soul. He’s also great fun.”

It’s a story about a village evacuated in WW2 and the arrival of black American GIs. “It’s about English village life, the beauty of it, the danger of it and the capacity for it to change. The other thing I love about this one is that my mum gave this story to me and said it was something she longed to see Kneehigh do!”

So Emma and Michael agreed to work on the stage adaptation together, and Michael will be coming to rehearsals. “I’m really looking forward to the whole process – having a tent full of excited families, music, hot dogs, D-Day landings, puppets and dance, the whole works.

And I will be working with a living writer for a change!”

....I am in the best place on the planet making work I believe in”

Cherished memories

• " Performing with Kneehigh at the Minack with a school of dolphins upstaging and stopping the show until they passed – we couldn’t compete!"

• " Lying on a huge black rock somewhere in Penwith watching the eclipse. I have searched but never found that rock again."

• " Saving the Kneehigh van from sliding into the sea at Mevagissey."

• " Mike Shepherd’s birthday party – 40 years of friendship – truly terrific."

32 CORNWALL LIVING

é TOP Emma's adaptation of Brief Encounter é ABOVE Tristan & Yseult è RIGHT The travelling arts venue comes back to Cornwall

Read

Life in Cornwall Like Emma, Michael also has a passion for Cornwall – he lives just over the border in Devon and visits regularly. And even though she has directed in the West End and on Broadway, Emma tells me that no experience comes close to working with Kneehigh.

“The Barns are the most spectacular place to work with the most fantastic views, and the sea is only minutes away. Whenever we make a new production or are presenting the Asylum season, we are based at the Barns. It’s so beautiful that you don’t want to be anywhere else.

“There is a Mexican saying: ‘Wherever you are, there you are.’ That is how it feels when we are at the Barns. We are ‘there’, we are in the right place with the right people. It is very grounding and very rare to be still and not wanting to dash off somewhere else. We enjoy these times more than anything. It feels almost primeval: I am with the best people on the planet, in the best place on the planet, making work I believe in. I’ve never been happier.”

Kneehigh is a UK-based theatre company with a local, national and international profile. For over 30 years the team has created vigorous, popular and challenging theatre and they perform with the joyful anarchy that audiences have come to expect from this groundbreaking company.

In Cornwall, 1980, a village schoolteacher began to run theatre workshops in his spare time. In due course a mixture of people became involved: a local farmer, the sign writer from Tesco, several students, a thrash guitarist from a local band and an electrician.

It had no trained actors but the joyful workshops casually slipped into performance, and finally the production of shows. Kneehigh tells

Every month we take the best of Cornwall Living and produce a newsletter, which you can subscribe to. We're also launching a new Cornwall Living App soon, so our news reaches you on the go...and it's also free! www.cornwall-living.co.uk/subscribe

Brief Encounter stories. It works with an ever-changing ensemble of performers, artists, technicians, administrators, makers and musicians and all are passionate about their multi-disciplined creative process.

Watch

Emma Rice's adaptation of the Noel Coward version led to much acclaim.

Watch the trailer from the Australia 2013 tour here with other Kneehigh clips... www.cornwall-living.co.uk

In 2010 Kneehigh launched The Asylum, a beautiful and flexible nomadic structure, which means the team have a venue to call home. The Asylum will return to Cornwall in 2015.

KNEEHIGH

e rienc Expe

15 Walsingham Place, Truro TR1 2RP 01872 267910 office@kneehigh.co.uk

Win online!

Sample the ultimate lifestyle by the sea with our online competitions where you can win anything from holidays to genuine Cornish goods, simply enter to win! www.cornwall-living.co.uk Images courtesy of Steve Tanner

About Kneehigh

Direct to your device

Read more...

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living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 33

Fast, Quiet, Discrete.

Swiss Designed Engineering

Double your parking space Cardok is the underground parking solution that doubles your parking space and provides greater security than a locked garage.

Make space with intelligent parking

www.cardok.co.uk Bath 01225 582 100 | London 0207 112 8870 Email info@cardokuk.com Cardok UK Ltd., Number One, Queen Square Place, Bath BA1 2LL

CARDOK - QUARTER PAGE (A) - 88.5mm W X 117mm H - 4-6-14.indd 1

05/06/2014 07:57

Art

A grand opening Award-winning photographer Carla Regler opens a new gallery in Porthleven.

A

s I catch up with Porthleven photographer Carla Regler, she’s on her way to the airport, shortly to fly out to Iceland to capture the northern lights on film. But, as if this wasn’t enough, she has also just opened a second new gallery in Porthleven.

This complements Carla’s existing gallery in the picturesque harbour village, above the much-loved kitchen-café, Seadrift, which she runs with her partner and Head Chef, Chris. In fact the gallery – still going strong – has proved so popular that Carla needed even more room to showcase her work. It also gives her the opportunity to champion other artists and photography she admires, including some fascinating vintage shots from yesteryear.

Carla explains: “We were very lucky to come across another space in Porthleven after the photography took off so well above the café.” The new gallery is located on Chapel Terrace, off one of the side streets to Porthleven’s Harbour, just around the corner from Seadrift – almost literally attached to the other side! “We’d love you to come and have a look”, says Carla.

It has been a real team effort with family and friends helping out to get the new gallery open. “It really has been a challenge to turn this around in three weeks and open it on the day I fly out to Iceland!” Carla says.

The new gallery stocks a range of photographic items for sale, from stunning prints, frames and canvases, to photo mugs, clocks and coasters – ideal for gifts all year round!

Here you’ll find wonderful imagery from Porthleven and the local areas, as well as images from Carla’s travels. Several times a year, Carla jets off around the world, running workshops both for herself and Light & Land (www.lightandland.co.uk).

If you’ve been inspired by Carla’s work and would like to try your hand at photography too, Carla runs popular half-day workshops in Cornwall throughout the year, so take a look at her website for more details.

é ABOVE The Milky Way above Porthleven Harbour ë TOP LEFT The Northern Lights above Lofoten Islands, Norway ç LEFT The entrance and interior of Carla’s new gallery

CARLA REGLER

Chapel Terrace, Porthleven 01326 558733 www.carlaregler.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

words by:

Feli x Rowe

CORNWALL LIVING 35

Out & About

t s e h g u o t e Th

rowing race on earth The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge starts in La Gomera in the Canaries and finishes in English Harbour, Antigua… all in small rowing boats.

I

ê BELOW Celebrating the launch with Cornish ale supplied by the main sponsor Sharp's Brewery

36 CORNWALL LIVING

t will take 60 days or more and take them across the Atlantic: that’s over 3000 miles… rowing… two hours on, two hours off, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Forty foot waves, solitude, blisters and sleep deprivation; it is little wonder that more people have been into space or climbed Everest than rowed the Atlantic! I meet Neil Blackeby (above left) and Hamish Stewart, one of the teams entering this year’s race just before they leave Padstow for a 24hour practice row to check out the boat.

The boat looks tiny moored up in the inner harbour but Neil and Hamish positively bounce off her to greet me. They are nothing if not hugely (probably should be in capitals!) enthusiastic about their upcoming adventure, and an hour shoots by as they keep me entertained with facts and stories, much

words by:

Mandy Milano

laughter and constantly interrupting each other. Neil tells me, “It all started at Earls Court boat show when I was 10! I met Tom aka ‘Moby’ Maclean, one of the first ocean rowers. I pretty much spent the day with him, following him round; and since then I have always wanted to row across the Atlantic.”

Neil became a keen sailor, cruising, racing and delivering boats around the UK, Ireland and France, despite working as a firefighter in Windsor for 23 years! When he retired, he moved back to Cornwall. Then in 2011 the chance to buy the ocean-going rowboat came up. “She was built in Penzance in 2009 for the Atlantic Challenge, but the rowers hit a reef one mile from the finish line, so weren’t placed in the race. It’s one of the original design plywood boats and we have spent a lot of time getting her ready for another go.

We’ll finish this time!” Hamish chips in: “And we’ll be the oldest boat in this year’s race, with the oldest combined age between us of 105! But we certainly aren’t underestimating the challenge; the first week is going to be really hard while we settle in, but we’ve both wanted this for so long; we want to enjoy it, to embrace the whole experience.”

Neil and Hamish became friends through rowing – both are members of Port Isaac Rowing Club, so when Neil bought the boat he talked to Hamish about taking part in the Atlantic Challenge. “We got lucky with some sponsorship.” Hamish explains, “On the last day of entries for the challenge, we had a meeting with Sharp’s Brewery who agreed to sponsor us. We were in! Now all we have to do is find someone to sponsor bringing the boat back!”

Raising money for the boat and their chosen charity Children’s Hospice SW, in particular Little Harbour in St Austell, has taken up a lot of their time. Local pubs have each sponsored an oar – that will eventually end up on the pub wall, and small local companies have helped, either with bits of kit or funding, and Josh Kernow has done a charity record for them; the local community has really taken them to their hearts. “We have raised £6000 for Little Harbour already, but hope to raise more including some from the sale of the boat after the race,” Neil adds.

The boat will be thoroughly checked by the organisers before and after the race, mainly for safety reasons. Hamish says: “We have to take 70 days worth of dehydrated and

wet food; bottles of water sit in the bottom of the hull to help with the self righting of the boat should we capsize. We have to keep all our rubbish on board – they check that when we arrive.” Neil interrupts, serious for a moment: “And we have to be tied on at all times; a life jacket is not much use if you fall overboard in mid ocean and aren’t tied on! Usually quite a short line, but in rough weather we’ll be clipped onto a longer line, so if we do get thrown out when the boat goes over we are well clear and don’t get hit by her!” Hamish chips in with another grin “Oh yeah, that’ll be me, swimming outside the cabin door, knocking to be let in, while Neil sleeps through all the drama!”

I ask if the boat will be ‘dry’, they answer together: “Oh no, there’s some medicinal rum, a seafaring tradition and, of course, a bit of brandy and port in case of stomach upsets! And we are taking some treats: pork scratchings, smarties, jelly babies.” Hamish looks at Neil, “But you’ve eaten all the jelly babies already!”

As I leave them back on the boat getting ready to go out, I decide that they are firmly on my dinner invite list – if they are so entertaining now, imagine the conversation after the race is completed! Then I hear Neil ask Hamish: “Shall we go for a quick half before we set off?”

é TOP All equipment on board has to be carefully scrutinised

ATLANTIC BUOYS

For more information, donations and sponsorship www.atlanticbuoys2015.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 37

Real life story

Turn to Starboard When two boats are heading towards each other, they avoid collision by both turning to starboard (to the right).

Y

ou may have noticed the beautiful Spirit of Falmouth, a 91ft traditional Pilot Schooner, out on the water but not known that it is owned by Turn to Starboard, a Cornish charity with a national remit to work with veterans, who have been affected by military operations, helping to get them back on track with their lives. I went to meet its founder and chief executive, Shaun Pascoe who knows first hand what it’s like trying to readjust to ‘normal’ life after serving in a war zone.

Background Shaun joined the Air Force in 1997 and went on to become Commander of the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT): small teams of highly trained medics who fly out to

ê BELOW Shaun is highly decorated

words by:

Mandy Milano the frontline in Chinooks to rescue and treat medical emergencies. The hugely personable Shaun explains, “Apache helicopters were used to clear the ground ahead of us… but the Chinook is much faster so, to get to the wounded as quickly as we could, we often arrived first with no cover whatsoever… that certainly concentrates the brain!” Shaun is extremely candid about his experience and it’s obvious why he is such a popular speaker, being invited to talk all over the country. “I served in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and had four sorties to Afghanistan, with lots of small sorties in between. It was after my second posting that I started to find things really difficult, feeling lost; I was displaying all the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”

The charity During his last year in service Shaun did the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore course and Cruising Instructor. “Within two weeks of sailing I just started to feel in a better place;” says Shaun. So he turned down a job with the NHS to concentrate on setting up Turn to Starboard. “I had an office at home and started to present to major charities, I just wanted to do the right thing!” It’s

“I served in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and had four sorties to Afghanistan, with lots of small sorties in between.”

38 CORNWALL LIVING

é ABOVE The Spirit of Falmouth sets sail below Pendenis Castle

testament to his determination and charm that he has all the major veterans’ charities on board, including Help for Heroes.

He’s had tea with Prince Charles and the Prince’s Trust gave Spirit of Falmouth to the charity; there is an impressive list of trustees too, with Air Marshall Sir Dusty Miller KBE as Patron, and Stephen Dash, MD of Dash (South West) as Chairman. Large international companies like International Paints and the Yacht Company are also keen partners, Rustler Yachts are helping them with another boat hull and Dorian Smith from Tresco gives them a cottage on the island and hosts them on their training sails to the Isles of Scilly.

Why it works “Once you are on a boat you have to deal with things in a different way; a group of guys who don’t know each other but have had similar experiences. It’s all about attitude, values and behaviour.” Shaun explains. The charity offers veterans anything from a cup of coffee and a chat, a day out on a boat with their family, to the full Yachtmaster course and everything in-between. Shaun continues. “One young boy told me: my dad came back from Afghanistan then when we went sailing he really came back; he was laughing for the first time.”

Shaun has many such stories: another is of a veteran who hadn’t been outside his house for four years because of PTSD and who’s now doing his Yachtmaster.

“Don’t get me wrong this is no magical alternative cure,” Shaun tells me, “we insist that our veterans fully engage with their treatment, but it definitely helps. And it is just the right thing to do!”

Time off There hasn’t been much time off while setting up the charity, but since discovering the solace of being at sea, it’s no surprise that Shaun has recently bought his own ketch to sail. He has six children aged 25 to 13 who all get involved, along with his wife Clare, he tells me “She has been there for me through it all: she is a very wise and beautiful lady.”

He loves watching his son play rugby for Truro. “There is a group of dads, and mums, who stand on the touchline who are very special to this charity. It wouldn’t be here without them, whatever the obstacle or whatever we needed… they came up with an answer or the goods. It’s a very special club!”

Get Involved

'Spirit of Falmouth' is being refurbished and they are looking for Cornish companies to sponsor a berth on her.

Shaun’s biggest concern is that there are veterans suffering alone in Cornwall who know nothing about Turn to Starboard. If you know of someone… or if you would like to volunteer, just get in touch.

TURN TO STARBOARD

Falmouth Marina, N. Parade, Falmouth TR11 2TD 01326 314262 info@turntostarboard.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 39

On the cover

A day in the life...

RNLI Penlee Lifeboat Meet the everyday heroes who keep our sailors and fishermen safe, whatever the weather.

words by:

Felix Rowe

Save the station!

As a charity, the RNLI relies on donations to keep operating, and Penlee is in urgent need of a new station.

The new building is estimated to cost £800,000 and you can help to raise £200,000 of this. Visit the website for more info.

All images courtesy of Chris Yacoubian Ltd.

40 CORNWALL LIVING

F

ollowing the coast road through Penzance on a bitter, blustery Sunday morning, thunderous waves crash against the sea wall, with nothing but a swirling expanse of grey beyond. Surely today’s training exercise with the RNLI’s Penlee Lifeboat crew in Newlyn must be cancelled?

In fact, the very suggestion is met with amusement; lifeboat crews don’t get to pick and choose the sunny days. It’s an all-weather operation and, by the job’s very nature, they are probably more likely to be out in bad weather helping boats in distress.

A poignant reminder of the dangers these men face daily presents itself upon arriving at the station, near Newlyn’s fish market: a

large plaque commemorating the eight Penlee crew who lost their lives in the 1981 tragedy.

On 19th December, Solomon Browne went to the rescue of Union Star. Sadly, despite their “heroic endeavours”, none returned alive and 16 people in total died in the disaster.

I meet Coxswain Patch Harvey, who’s joined by a rotation of mostly volunteers, from all walks of life. Today, among the dozen or so crew are chaplain Jeremy, army veteran Marcel, cinematographer Chris, and bornand-bred Newlyn fisherman Andrew. What unites them all is a love – and deep respect – for the sea, the adrenaline thrill, and a desire to help those in need.

The camaraderie among them is infectious, the jovial spirit belying the job’s inherent

jeopardy. As Chris explains, “It’s a real community spirit, which extends across the whole country too. Whether here in Penlee, Scotland or wherever, we share these common experiences.”

Patch explains that today will just be a routine exercise, motoring a few miles off shore in the mighty Severn Class, Ivan Ellen. Yet we’ve barely left the harbour and already we’re headed towards a distressed yacht, just of St Michael’s Mount. Is this part of the exercise? No, there’s been a change of plan; this is the real deal!

It’s one of the first ‘shouts’ for some of the volunteer crew, so I’m lucky (if that’s the right word) to witness it first-hand. Part of the yacht’s rigging has sheared away, leaving the mast dangerously exposed to the winds.

A testament to their experience and training, the lifeboat crew react swiftly and real danger is averted. Ultimately, it’s a fairly routine tow back to harbour to make the relevant repairs.

However, as Marcel explains, it’s not always so straightforward. A week earlier, they completed a night-time rescue, 35 miles off the coast, helping a boat with engine failure. It’s difficult enough being thrown around in gales, but when it’s pitch black too, it adds another element to the danger and confusion.

They finally returned to safety in the small hours, after 13 hours at sea. The Ivan Ellen lifeboat carries 5,500 litres of fuel, and 2,000 litres, £1,000 worth, was burnt during the rescue. Having spent 13 years in the forces, including tours in Afghanistan, Marcel is not one to be easily ruffled, “but that one was a bit scary!” he jokes.

The day’s exercise continues and, as we plough through force 6 to 7 gales, it’s hard to tell exactly what is rain from above or spray from below! As my face turns through various shades green, taking that seasickness tablet earlier seems a wise move. One thing that becomes clear from the wake at the stern is the sheer power of this mighty machine; but also the tenacity of the men on board.

We return to the comfort of dry land, giving time to reflect on the amazing experience.

But while there’s a novelty factor, you have to respect those volunteers who go out every single day, risking their own lives to save those of others.

When everyone else is fleeing danger, these guys are the ones heading directly into it.

ë ABOVE On exercise with a Sea King from RNAS Culdrose é ABOVE Towing in a stranded yacht off St Michael's Mount í LEFT Coxswain Patch Harvey

PENLEE LIFEBOAT STATION

Newlyn, Penzance TR18 5HW 01736 369246 www.rnli-penleelifeboat.org.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 41

Shopping

g n i y u B a boat?

Simon Boote of Ancasta International Boat Sales is on hand to guide you through the process.

é ABOVE Trawler 34 è RIGHT Oceanis 350 ê BELOW Oceanis 545 î BELOW Get out on the water with your own powerboat

B

oat owning is all about pleasure. It’s also one of the largest purchases you are likely to make, in one of the most unregulated environments.

The guiding principal is: buyer beware!

We have lots of advice to ensure boat ownership stays fun, but keeping it simple, the three essential tips are: do your research, use a qualified broker and use a qualified surveyor and engineer.

Research Firstly, get plenty of experience to help decide what the boat has to do for you. Power or sail; new or used; day boat or family cruiser?

Boats depreciate, require maintenance and need somewhere to park. So get the right boat for the right price and understand the costs involved to maximise the fun and minimise the risk.

Limit your downside by considering future saleability. Keep to well-known brands, go for the newest rather than the largest boat you can and make sure you have good title!

Use a qualified broker This is a big, complex and potentially risky purchase, with no mandatory central registration. So employ a reputable broker who is a member of the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA), and therefore ideally placed to guide you through the process, discuss your needs and show you numerous boats.

A qualified broker will know the market and can advise on offers the vendor may accept, as well as helping with berthing, finance and insurance. They will also be fully familiar with all the processes, paperwork and other necessary requirements. Using a qualified broker can prevent the potential pitfalls of private transactions, putting safeguards in place to protect both yourself and the vendor.

Use a surveyor The emphasis is on the buyer to protect themselves. Always make any offer subject to a survey and/or an engineering inspection, using a professional surveyor who is a member of Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA) or another recognised body. Using a qualified marine engineer to conduct engine inspections is strongly recommended, especially when purchasing powerboats.

Ancasta has been helping people buy and sell boats for nearly 35 years. If you have any questions, contact the team.

A NCASTA INTERNATIONAL

BOAT SALES

Sales offices in the West Country: Falmouth, Mylor, Plymouth and Dartmouth 01326 211007 www.ancasta.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

42 CORNWALL LIVING

foodie

A taste of

PARADISE

Mandy meets Chris Brooks, Chef and Owner of the wonderful Seadrift Kitchen-café.

H

ere at Cornwall Living we love Seadrift, for it’s mouth-watering food; colourful, welcoming interior, friendly staff and owners Chris and Carla. Whether it’s for a scrumptious brunch of waffles with bacon and maple syrup, a catch-up over a delicious lunch or supper with some of the freshest fish, best steaks and inventive veggie options, it has become one of the best foodie haunts in Porthleven. So it was time I caught up with Chris at his home in Porthleven, to find out how it all started. A warm greeting and we settle down with a pot of tea in the kitchen. His partner, photographer Carla Regler, is working on some of her amazing images nearby – luckily in shouting distance for when Chris wants to check something out! The three Labradors snooze happily by us.

44 CORNWALL LIVING | FOODIE

“It’s always just me in the kitchen, 100% I’ve cooked it and prepped it. Good or bad it’s me!”

Background Chris tells me he has always been interested in food since growing up in Essex; always having a weekend job when at school working on a fruit and veg stall, or helping out in a fish and chip shop; it was always to do with food. So it was natural for him to move onto to training at a hotel and doing his NVQs, Chris adds with a chuckle (there are to be lots of those!) “I was working 70+ hours a week for £35 a week, six days in the hotel and one day at college; it was madness really!”

He completed his training but it wasn’t until moving to Bishopstrow House Hotel in Wiltshire and coming under the tutelage of Head Chef Chris Suter, that his passion for cooking fresh local food really took off.

Chris adds: “I had gone to visit my mum in Wiltshire,

I managed to borrow a suit to wear to the interview and got the job… it was years later that Chris Suter told me that I got the job because I was the only applicant to turn up in a suit! I’d never seen anything like that kitchen; it was a completely different level working on 2 rosette-starred foods. I started again from scratch and spent four and a half years learning how to cook properly. Up until then it had been just a job, but working there cooking became my passion!”

That was followed by time at Hotel du Vin in Winchester. “Another great experience learning even more about food, sauces and pastries. Working with some great chefs; I was refining my culinary skills, just soaking it all up.” From there Chris got his first post as Head Chef at the Grapevine Hotel in Stow on the Wold

F

CORNWALL LIVING | FOODIE 45

foodie to help them and refine their food. Then he wanted to get some experience of what banqueting was like so moved to Stoke Park Club (which features in a James Bond film). “It had four different kitchens, we were doing 150 covers a night and working 100 hours a week… absolute madness!”

Chris went to work for Chris Suter’s brother Paul as chef in his pubs, where he met Carla, who was waitressing whilst finishing her degree in animal sciences. “But I was determined to go to Australia.”

Chris adds, “So off I went, got a really well paid job in Melbourne and saving hard. After three months Carla came out and joined me, we bought a camper van and had the most amazing road trip round Australia for nearly five months, a truly wonderful time!”

On their return the couple decided to go for a pub of their own with a ‘traditional tenancy’. “I did a three day course on running your own business and learnt two key things: always ask family and friends to lend you money before resorting to the bank; and… you have to really, really want to do it because it’s extremely hard work! Then one day we walked into the Wiltshire Yeoman in Chirton and just knew it was the one.” To quote Chris the pub was a “dead dog” and only turning over £1200 a week but when they left it was more like £12,000 a week. “It just took off” Chris tells me. “We did the same food as we do at Seadrift

s nip crisp and pars e bread d a m e Hom

Scallops

wns Skate, pra

46 CORNWALL LIVING | FOODIE

n and baco

– lots of fish, fresh from Cornwall, and great steaks; a proper local with good food. We did try and buy it from the brewery, but to no avail… so we started to look for a place of our own.” Some four years later they discovered a little café in Porthleven and Seadrift Kitchen-café came into being.

Why Cornwall?

“By then we had done a couple of road trips to Cornwall and fallen in love with it.

Carla’s parents had moved down and were keen to help us. Initially we dismissed the little café in Porthleven, but something kept bringing me back to it – so we decided to have a look. And, once inside I could see the potential; there were lots of lovely old features, Cornish stone, and oodles of character.”

A rather mad time followed; they were still running the pub in Wiltshire and doing up the building for Seadrift, including the flat upstairs so they had somewhere to live. “It was a huge investment for us,” Chris continues. “It took all the money we had in the world. For instance, Carla sold her horsebox so we could buy a coffee machine! But it was a great way to get to know people in Porthleven. The community are so friendly and were so good to us, from tradesmen to suppliers to locals popping in to see what we were up to.”

And now that investment of time, money and love has paid off. Seadrift is number one on TripAdvisor’s places to eat out in Porthleven – despite some incredibly tough competition. Locals and visitors alike have really

taken to the little place. “I do all the cooking.” Chris adds. “I have a terrific team of local staff, but I am very passionate about always being there, just 100% me in the kitchen! And I love fish, I’ll eat anything but in any kitchen the more talented chefs cook the fish because it’s so easy to mess it up! I go out into the restaurant when I can, to take an order or serve someone. We are a very independent family business with strong support from Carla’s parents and us at the sharp end. And now Carla has her photography business and we have the gallery upstairs. Porthleven is my favourite place, everyone has made us very welcome.”

Time off?

“I recently cut my hours from 65 to 50 hours a week to get a better lifestyle, a better balance, I guess it’s why we live here! I like to go running and walk the dogs along the coast; I love Penrose. It’s fantastic to have on our doorstep. Time with Carla and family, so a family Sunday roast at the Falmouth Packet. Oh and we do love the Gurnards Head; good food, dog friendly and the wonderful landscape around it for walking and photography. We like to go out for lunch and try all the different places in Porthleven. And just wandering around the village, the community here, the views, it all just feels right.”

SEADRIFT KITCHEN-CAFÉ

Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HJ 01326 558733 info@seadriftporthleven.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING | FOODIE 47

50 CORNWALL LIVING | FOODIE

Image courtesy of Myles New

GRASSROOTS Mandy meets forager Caroline Davey from Fat Hen who shares her love of food, nature and the great outdoors.

S

ture

Caroline explains that “this is the difference for me – it’s about the cooking and the eating! If you’re going on a foraging walk, it’s never complete until you’ve eaten it and realised that hedgerow to plate can be really delicious. It’s not about survival food – it’s about food you can properly enjoy!”.

How did it start?

Caroline grew up in Hong Kong, England and Botswana and travelled the world as a child, experiencing “the awe-inspiring beauty of nature in its many guises”.

She explains that living overseas brought her family much closer to the food they were eating: “Live pigs in pens and chickens for sale in the Hong Kong street markets bring home the reality of eating meat, unlike prepacked meat in supermarkets.”

Back in the UK on her annual visits, she tasted all that was good about traditional Welsh cooking – the great roasts and game, rich gravy, warm and crumbly welsh cakes, and hot, fattening suet puddings!

“I guess I was always going to find a way to combine food and nature,” Caroline smiles again, she is well into her stride now and the passion for what she does comes shining through.

“I had my first foraging experience in Kashmir when I was 7.

F

James Bowden

he’s well known for foraging, getting in touch with nature and then cooking up some delicious food, so it was a natural step to invite Caroline Davey from Fat Hen wild cookery school to act as our Guest Editor for the first Foodie Magazine of 2015.

To be fair, it wasn’t difficult.

Caroline is keen to encourage all of us to get out and try a bit of foraging. “Just start with the easyto-recognise – nettles this spring, elderflowers in June and then some blackberrying later on. Use young nettles to make delicious soups, and there are plenty of recipes online for elderflower cordial and champagne.”

But for those completely new to any kind of foraging, Caroline advises that you wear gloves to pick nettle tips and remember elderflowers come down from the trees not up from the ground!

“Some people get them confused with hogweed and cow parsley,” she adds with a smile.

I visited the lovely converted barns where Caroline and her family live, and from which she runs her popular cookery and foraging courses. We started off in the huge kitchen that she uses for many of her classes. Large scrubbed wooden tables and a big central island fill the space for demonstrations and for her clients to get some hands-on experience.

Fea

ABOVE: Beachcombing, forager style. Images courtesy of James Bowden

ABOVE: Local delicacies

CORNWALL LIVING | FOODIE 51

The local flower seller called Mr Marvellous took us out onto the lake on his flower-filled boat, and we ate the seeds of the lotus plants in the stillness of an early morning mist on the lake. It’s a truly magical memory.”

Caroline’s voice slows as she continues: “Then when I was 13 my father died of colon cancer and shortly afterwards my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Life changed dramatically. It started my journey into examining the state of our environment, the western diet and global industrial farming.”

Caroline went to university in the UK, gained a BSc in Zoology, a Masters in Environmental Impact Assessment, and started a career as an ecological consultant.

“I was honing my plant identification (and cooking) skills, so after dabbling in wild food for 10 years, I took the plunge and set up Fat Hen, supplying restaurants for the first year, but I quickly realised I wanted to be enjoying the whole experience with other people.”

Foraging tips Foraging is a long term commitment for Caroline, who has got to know the bridleways, paths, and coastline around her home well.

“Plant leaves are at their best for eating before the plant comes into flower, but it’s easiest if you identify a plant when it’s in flower – that’s how most plant guides work. So you identify a plant one summer then pick the leaves the following spring.

“The added bonus is that you get to see the seasons come and go, and really notice the wildlife on your favourite walks.

Then, once you are used to the look of the plant leaves through all stages of growth, you will notice them everywhere.”

Why Cornwall?

Caroline laughs: “Oh, that’s easy! When I was 16, we came to Cornwall for a holiday and I decided then that if I were ever to live in the UK, it would have to be in Cornwall! I was working in Swindon when a lower-paid job covering maternity

BELOW: The Cornish coast has an abundance of food

The benefits of fo raging

MENT’S ALL FIVE OF THE GOVERN E WELLBEING PROGRAMM and re natu with ng ecti ❀ Conn other people s and oticing your surrounding ❀N getting closer to nature ❀ Learning a new skill ❀ Being outdoors ❀ Being active a one of ❀ . ..And of course, an extr eating really well!

Mark Devonshire

Chef and cookery course teacher with Fat Hen

ABOVE: Images courtesy of James Bowden and Jane Sarchet

Fea

Nettle & Three Cornered Leek G nocch

ture

Serves 6 INGREDIENTS METHOD

Just over 1kg potatoes (choose a floury variety such as King Edward or Maris piper) 300 grams plain flour

ABOVE: Working hard cooking after the foraging

“Once you are used to the look of the plant through all stages of growth, you will notice them everywhere”

i

Wash and blanch the nett les in salted boiling wat er for 1 minute.

Drain, squeeze out as much excess water as you can from the nettles and chop the m finely.

Chop the three-cornered leek finely.

Bake the potatoes in the ir skins on a bed of sea salt at 180°C. Peel the skins and s the potatoes through a 2 egg yolks potato ricer. Put the potatopas into a large bowl. Add flour, egg yolks, choppe the d nettles and three cor nered leek, A bunch of nettles grated parmesan and salt. g together all the ingredie A bunch of three cornered aBrin nts with your hands to dough. Turn the dough form out onto a floured wor leek (or wild garlic leaves knead it bringing ktop and in plai n flou ) r to stop it sticking.

Break off small balls of dough and roll out into 50 grams Parmesan sausage sha a long pe on the worktop. Cut pieces off the ‘sausage’ all the way alon g.

Sa lt Roll each piece up the back of a fork using the back of teaspoon. Roll it the alte a rnate way to the knife cut to get the lines across the gno cchi.

Blanch in boiling salted water. The gnocchi are ready when they float to the top of the pan.

Either serve now or if you want to use them later put them straight into a bow l of cold water to stop them continuing to cook, dra in and run through a furt her jug of cold water. Set asid e.

If you want to store the m, drain off the water and mix the gnocchi with some olive oil. You can store them like this overnight in an airti ght container in the frid ge.

When you want to serv e the gnocchi, heat som e butter and olive oil in a frying pan on a medium hea t. Add the gnocchi and sear each piece until golden, turn ing once during cooking.

leave came up down here, and I jumped at it.”

She’s been here since then, helping others to develop skills which enable them to make the most of Cornwall’s natural bounty. It was dotcom entrepreneur Seth Godin who said “don’t create a life you need to escape from,” and Caroline has achieved it, even holidaying here.

“I still love Cornwall. I don’t have to go far, up to Chapel Carn Brea a mile from my house, for some reflection time, you can see from Cape Cornwall to St Michael’s Mount, and it’s just a bit closer to the heavens. And for our holidays we love going to the Helford, take the boat and camp – we’re going again this summer!”

FAT HEN Gwenmenhir, Boscawen-noon Farm, St Buryan, Penzance TR19 6EH 01736 810156 caroline@fathen.org www.fathen.org

words by:

Mandy Milano

ABOVE: Images courtesy of Myles New and Jane Sarchet

CORNWALL LIVING | FOODIE 53

A superb

supper Wonderful food, welcoming staff, a warm atmosphere and a truly special experience at The Old Coastguard in Mousehole.

T S

hose with little whippersnappers will appreciate that on the rare occasion someone (usually parents) says: “Why don’t you two go for some supper, and I’ll mind the children”, it’s an offer you simply cannot refuse; and one my partner and I snapped up immediately!

So, with much thanks, our attention turned to choosing a place to share this rare moment of quality time together. We opted for The Old Coastguard, Mousehole, as somewhere a little different, away from the usual spoiling’s on our doorstep in Porthleven. We’d visited during daylight with the little ones because of its beautiful location, and had always considered returning in the evening.

We arrived just as the sun was giving way to the night sky and, as we entered, the warm, homely interior embraced us instantly. The restaurant and bar abound with wood, from the charming old tables and spindle-backed chairs (every textured groove and grain telling a story of feasts gone by), to the floorboards and cladded bar. Being an early evening

54 CORNWALL LIVING

booking, the restaurant was quiet, with only the crackles from the open fire and giggles from the family sitting across from us filling the air. But it soon filled up as we settled in and devoured the wine list and menu.

Drinks certainly weren’t in short supply, with the well-lit bar displaying all manner of tipples: beers, local ales, spirits and wines.

We started with a glass of the pink stuff.

A 2014 Bordeaux Rosé ‘with bells on’ for myself, easy and clean to drink, a typical French rosé. My partner opted for a French rosé too, slightly paler in colour, incredibly smooth and very moreish!

Being a rare occasion, we naturally went the whole hog, excited to try as much of the tempting menu as possible. Nibbles to start included tempura oyster with pickled vegetables and crisp smoked haddock with fennel slaw, both dishes offering a taste of things to come. We often share our dishes when dining out and this was no exception.

To start we ordered pigeon, salt-baked celeriac with beetroot and hazelnut sauce and from the prix fixe menu, sardines, chorizo garlic butter and spiced crumb. The pigeon

was a triumph – packed with its own unique flavour, and paired perfectly with the sauce, it certainly didn’t last long. Saying that, neither did the sardines; light and fresh with sweet garlic and spicy chorizo packing a punch.

For the main event, we continued with one fish dish and one meat dish. I decided on a wine change, opting to go red. A large glass of 2013 IGP Terre Scillane Rosso was suggested; deep and heavy, bold and brave, I loved every mouthful. The Creedy Carver duck with pressed potato, braised cabbage and caramel apple looked too good to miss – and it certainly didn’t disappoint; the duck crisp on the outside and perfectly pink and moist inside, the caramel apple sweet and sharp, with the cabbage and potato adding yet more texture and flavour – every mouthful better than the last. The fish dish consisted of grilled whole mackerel, Picasso potatoes, rainbow chard and herb butter.

With simplicity leading the charge, we loved every bite.

Our plates clean, the young and enthusiastic waitress recommended a basil sorbet while we waited for our desserts. Delicious!

Fragrant and refreshing, a recommendation I’m happy to pass on. We then spoke with the charming manager, Louis, discussing the quality of local food in Cornwall and how spoilt we are living here with so many great places to dine – I’d have loved for him to grab a glass and pull up a chair!

Our final course arrived and our eyes widened before grabbing spoons and indulging in dessert: a caramelised white chocolate mousse, raspberries and crumble.

And, yes, it absolutely did taste just as good as it sounds!

The perfect finale for what had been quite simply a fabulous meal. Wonderful food, warm, welcoming staff and atmosphere… a truly special evening. We’ll certainly be returning with little ones, and again on those rare occasions, without.

ë MAIN Fine dining beside the roaring fire é ABOVE Delicious meals from the varied menu

THE OLD COASTGUARD

The Parade, Mousehole, Penzance TR19 6PR 01736 731222 bookings@oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk www.oldcoastguard.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 55

REFURBISHING

GRAND STARTS TUESDAY 29TH

Now, to improve Homeshed for the future, we will proceed with a massive refurbishing project - new flooring, new lighting, new ranges, new decor and displays. We must clear the stock without delay so this major work can commence. The store is presently closed while we reduce prices and prepare the displays for the launch of our £675,000 REFURBISHING & UPDATING GRAND SALE ALL SHOWROOM GOODS, PLUS WAREHOUSE STOCK - AND ALL NEW FACTORY ORDERS - WILL BECLEARLY MARKED & AVAILABLE TO YOU WITH BIGGER SAVINGS, THAN EVER IN OUR HISTORY!

£675,000 FURNITURE, FLOORING &

JUST A TINY SAMPLE OF THE GREAT BARGAINS IN STORE...

8 OffersClarissa Fabric 3 seater lounger (see seperate sheet) complete with scatter cushions Was £899

Now £495

Atlantic Bay 8 Offers 1.8m fixed dining table (see seperate sheet)

With end drawers (dining chairs from £69) Was £599

Now £349

8 OffersSomnus Viscount 13500 spring (see seperate sheet) 6'0" zip and link divan set Was £3695

Now £1999

Rauch

8 Offers Large 2 door sliding (see seperate sheet) wardrobe full hanging with top shelf Was £899

Now £499

SPECIAL EVENT EVENT HOURS SPECIAL HOURS Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 - 6 10 -6 Sunday Sunday 10:30 - 4:30 10:30CLOSED WEDNESDAYS4:30 DURING JANUARY

& UPDATING

SALE!

DECEMBER AT 10AM

We must urgently sell all our stock inc; suites (fabric & leather), sofas, sofa beds, recliners & riser recliners, dining sets, sideboards, wardrobes, beds, bedframes, mattresses, chests, coffee tables, accessories, clocks, mirrors, lamps, carpets, vinyl & laminate flooring, rugs, curtains, cushions, throws, etc..

Absolutely Everything Must Be Sold Out a.s.a.p!

PRICES ARE DRASTICALLY REDUCED! THIS IS OUR BIGGEST SALE EVER!

BEDS FOR IMMEDIATE DISPOSAL 8 Offers Highgrove

Harrington 4'6" sprung mattress Was £432

Now £169

Silent Night

8 Offers Classic Miracoil (see seperate sheet) 4'6" divan set zoned support for perfect ` spinal alignment Was £519

Now £399

Kernick Road, Penryn, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall. TR10 9DD Tel: 01326 377 485

8 OffersLucio Fabric large sofa and (see seperate sheet) chaise combination Was £1189

Now £695

Carpets 8 Offers Carpet and sheet) roll ends (see seperate Assorted colours and designs

Up to 70% off

The Home of Coastal Interiors

The Home of Coastal Living

bo boo this M ttl ki a en e o ng dv tio f w an ert n in d g wh e o et e n a n ar fre ri e va l!

ASPIRE’S TOP RECOMMENDATION

Polean Farm Cottages CAMPERVAN CONVERSIONS AND FLATPACK FURNITURE KITS

Polean Farm Cottages are open all year round for full weeks or short breaks. Our quality, four-star cottages are just two miles from a safe sandy sheltered beach, plus we are just outside Looe, Polperro and Fowey making us ideal for family holidays, especially with young children with lots to do.

All our cottages are full of character as they have been converted from the original farm buildings which date back to the 18th Century. All have new leather furniture, flat screen TV’s, rugs and bedding, we continue to make improvements every year. Our aim is to make each cottage a cosy home from home for you and your family.

MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Children can enjoy feeding the animals and collecting eggs from the chickens each week day morning all year round). This is followed by a free pony ride or one of our famous tractor rides. Our cottages also provide a heated indoor playroom, outdoor playground plus a heated indoor pool just two miles away. We have stair gates, cots and high chairs, plus we can arrange babysitting.

We have just been awarded a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for another year!

01503 272727 or 07847 248383 | poleanfarm@hotmail.co.uk

www.poleanfarm.co.uk

PENRYN CORNWALL 01823 618009

Luxury Boat Hire for your Special Occasion

IRE MAGAZINE PROOF

www.falriver.co.uk/charter

Book now 01326 741 194

Foodie

PROOF’S in the pudding

Enjoy luxury, comfort and a warm welcome at The Llawnroc, a stylish hotel on Cornwall’s south coast.

Head Chef M

ax Savage’s

T R EAC L E TA

RT

Serves 4 INGREDIEN TS METHO D For

the filling 800g golden syrup 300g breadcr umbs 4 lemons, zest and juice

125g

Firstly for th e pastry, siev e the flour in bowl, add th to a mixing e su pastry (throu gar and butter. Lightly m gh your finge keep the mix rtips) makin ix the g sure you tu into a breadc re nice and cold. It will start to form rumb type co egg to form ns into a nice ne istency. Next add the 2 eggs cling film and rest in the at ball of pastry. Wrap in frid Dash cream Remove the pastry from ge for around ½ an hour. the fridge an a lightly flour d roll out ed surfac For the Pastry inis around 40cm in diameetunertil. it forms a disk thaton the fridge fo Set this agai r n soft butter (cu low the past a further 15 minutes. Th to rest ry to firm up is will bed) cralac a little, and king when co help avoid okin 90g caster suga r Using a 30cm past g. ry ring carefu 1 egg (beaten over the ring and he lly place the pastry ) clingfilm an lp it in d baking be to the edges. Line with ans, and ba 250g flour 10mins. This he ke for you a solid ca lps the pastry shrink an approx. se for your fil d will give lin g.

For the fillin g, gently war m the golden fold in the le m syrup then beaten egg on zest and juice, brea dcrumbs, and cream.

Fo required co nsistency. M ld together, to form the ak Add this to your tart ca ing sure it ’s well mixed se and bake . oven at 165° in a pre-heat C for 35-40 ed minutes.

Serve with a la and a sprink rge dollop of Cornish cl ling of berrie otted cream s.

THE LLAWNROC

Chute Lane, Gorran Haven, St Austell PL26 6NU 01726 843461 www.thellawnroc.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

FOODIE CORNWALL 59

Home

m ar f e h t on n Fu An idyllic stay in a stylish farm cottage is a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life. You can even bring the dog.

ì TOP RIGHT Feeding lambs on the farm ì CENTRE Life on the farm, today and before mechanisation è RIGHT Enjoying the nearby surf

I

f you’re happiest in wellies, walking the coast path with your dog and stopping off for a pint of Cornish ale, The Olde House is your dream holiday destination.

In the heart of the tranquil Cornish village of Chapel Amble are 28 stylish self-catering cottages on a 550-acre working farm, all within a quick walk of popular local pub, The Maltser’s Arms.

These properties are beautifully decorated and will accommodate parties of two to 10.

The latest refurbishment, the spacious Manor House, has its own private garden, beautiful views over the farmland, an original Aga as a feature, and even a cosy nook under the stairs for the kids, complete with DVD player.

The cottages are equipped with bright, well-equipped kitchens so you can prepare your own breakfast, lunch and dinner at your leisure. That being said, there’s no shortage of fantastic pubs and restaurants all in close distance, including Nathan Outlaw’s Mariner’s Arms and plenty of gastro options in Padstow.

Beaches, pool and pets Polzeath is only a 15-minute drive through pretty winding lanes, so you can jump in the car and be by the water at one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches within no time. With lifeguard facilities, surf lessons and stunning coastal walks, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Back at The Olde House, the indoor and outdoor play areas and the tennis courts will keep the children active and entertained whatever the weather. If you’d rather take it easy, head to the indoor leisure centre, complete with heated pool.

The whole family can learn more about the farm with the ever-popular farm trails, or head to the Pets Corner and meet and feed the goats, pigs and guinea pigs on site. You won’t need to leave the dog at home either: The Olde House also welcomes pets and there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in the local area to take advantage of off-season.

It’s no surprise that The Olde House recently walked away with a gold award at the 2015/16 Cornwall Tourism Awards. Retreat to Chapel Amble for the ultimate family getaway.

Images courtesy of: James Ram

words by:

Zoë Zietman

100 years of farming

The Hawkey family began farming at Penpont Farm, home of The Olde House farm cottages, in 1915. 2015 marked 100 years as a family farm, with a party and even a visit from BBC1 Countryfile.

Learn new skills

Guests are invited to meet the lambs during the farm’s two lambing seasons winter and spring, and to learn about farm life. Activities on offer during school holidays include archery lessons, falconry, pond-dipping, surf lessons with a local partner, den-building and a weekly farm ride.

THE OLDE HOUSE

Chapel Amble, Wadebridge PL27 6EN 01208 813219 info@theoldehouse.co.uk www.theoldehouse.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 60

Got to go to...

LUSTY GLAZE BEACH

A

location really doesn’t get more idyllic than Lusty Glaze, a stunning, privately owned sandy cove in Newquay overlooking the dramatic Atlantic ocean.

After a stroll along the golden sand or a day splashing in the waves, cap it off by booking at Lusty Glaze Beach restaurant, open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cove makes a beautiful natural amphitheatre, celebrated for its popular summer music programme but it’s an equally welcoming venue over Christmas too, with two wood burners and a gorgeous set menu for large parties or an a la carte winter menu offering plenty of choice for smaller groups.

LUSTY GLAZE BEACH www.lustyglaze.co.uk info@lustyglaze.co.uk 01637 872444 /lustyglaze/ @LustyGlazeBeach Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

62 CORNWALL LIVING

Eat , dr ink, rela x.

.

CORNWALL LIVING 63

A MILLION MILES FROM ORDINARY Discover the island paradise right on your doorstep with day trips to the Isles of Scilly.

SKYBUS OFFERS DAYTRIPS FROM LAND’S END AND NEWQUAY AND THE SCILLONIAN PASSENGER FERRY SAILS FROM PENZANCE UP TO 7 DAYS A WEEK. BE TRANSPORTED AT ISLESOFSCILLY-TRAVEL.CO.UK 01736 334220

Out & About

Enchanted paradise The Isles of Scilly are a whole world apart and just 30 minutes from Newquay Airport.

T

ravelling within the UK doesn’t mean leaving your sense of adventure at the check-in desk. Set your sights on the Isles of Scilly and you can experience an authentic taste of island life in an hour or less from Land’s End, Exeter and Newquay airports.

From the moment you arrive on Scilly, the hustle and bustle of the mainland starts to feel like a distant memory. There are hardly any cars – walking, cycling, horse riding and

sailing are all part of the island lifestyle. Plus everything you need is just a short walk or boat trip away. As you start to find your feet on the islands, you’ll meet friendly faces – soon to become familiar – and slip easily into the rhythm of island life.

You could make a beeline for the coastal paths and wander amongst the heather, enjoying stunning seascapes at almost every turn. Hire a kayak and explore Scilly’s many coves and beaches, hop on a bicycle and visit a flower farm, or pack a picnic for a boat trip out to the uninhabited islands. In the evening you’ll have your choice of beaches for a sunset barbeque, or you could jump on an evening boat and try the food on a neighbouring island.

Whether you’re craving a relaxing weeklong escape or a rejuvenating short break, you’ll become part of island life from the moment you check-in. From the novelty of colour-coded boarding cards, to the rare treat of flying in a nineteen-seat aircraft and the palpable sense of excitement as the green tufts of the islands appear below – it’s easy to believe you’ve travelled a whole lot further.

ISLES OF SCILLY TRAVEL

01736 334220 www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk #TravelLocal Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

é ABOVE Azure sea and golden sand í BELOW Explore the beautiful coastal paths

Take me there

If you’d like to experience the island lifestyle, there are multiple flights to Scilly daily from Newquay and Exeter airports, which you can connect to from all over the UK. You can also fly from Land’s End Airport or sail from Penzance on the Scillonian III passenger ferry. Whichever way you choose to visit the islands, you’ll be travelling just as the locals do, with the company they started nearly a century ago.

CORNWALL LIVING 65

Stay

Coastal Escapes Our choice of Cornish getaways This month we visit luxury properties in Praa Sands, Newquay and St Ives. é MAIN Sea views

words by:

Amber Key

ê BELOW A ‘World’s Top 100’ beach house

66 CORNWALL LIVING

Little Cottage, Praa Sands

Listed by The Guardian as one of the world’s top 100 beach houses in 2014, Little Cottage, overlooking the pristine beaches of Praa sands, really is a perfect beach retreat in Cornwall.

This is a property which succeeds in being contemporary while sensitive to its setting, with the added bonus of achieving a low environmental impact.

Little Cottage sleeps 8-10 in comfort and has been designed with the ultimate beach lifestyle in mind. Its three double rooms, each en-suite with king-sized beds, have uninterrupted sea views from giant picture windows. There’s a further kids/ family room sleeping up to four, which opens out into a film room (which is also a great den and playroom).

The design makes clever use of space and light, with a 15-metre glass wall to make the most of the amazing seascape in the open-plan living/dining/kitchen space. There’s also a big ground floor wet-room and warm outdoor shower for getting out of wetsuits or freshening up after a spell in the sea.

This premium design features a Bulthaup kitchen, Quooker tap, Sonos sound system, and helical staircase add to the sense that exquisite care and attention has gone into the detail.

Little Cottage is now exclusively available for rent from Forever Cornwall for up to 12 weeks a year.

01209 832848 www.forevercornwall.co.uk

The Pearl, Newquay

Newquay is a buzzing hub of activity on Cornwall’s north coast, celebrated for its waves and watersports, stretches of golden sand and thriving nightlife. Here, in an exclusive setting, you’ll find The Pearl, a luxury apartment with full balcony and commanding sea views over the headland.

The Pearl is just a short stroll from Fistral, the UK’s most iconic surfing beach and home to popular beachside eateries including The Stable and the recently opened Rick Stein’s Fish & Chips.

The Pearl has been cleverly designed to make the most of the amazing views, and the wide sweep of the Atlantic can be seen from all bedrooms and living areas.

Sleeping four, the apartment is very family friendly. The owners have given careful attention to every detail of the retreat, with beautiful and well-chosen furniture and fittings throughout.

The open-plan living and dining area greets guests with a décor of airy blues and greys, a comfy corner sofa and a generous TV. The dining area is relaxing and modern, while the kitchen beyond is very well equipped – enjoy glimpsing towards the sea as you mix a crab salad or a G&T! The beauty of this spot is that it’s only

minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the town, yet also very conveniently placed to escape it and explore the stunning rugged beauty and dramatic headlands of this stretch of coastline.

ë MAIN Breakfast with an Atlantic view

01209 832848 www.forevercornwall.co.uk

ç LEFT Well equipped and beautifully decorated rooms

Lighthouse View, Gwithian Towans

Lighthouse View is a newly renovated chalet-style beach house at Gwithian Towans, with clear views of St Ives Bay and the iconic Godrevy lighthouse, as well as direct access to miles of beautiful beaches and sweeping sand dunes. The enclosed garden is perfect for children and four-legged friends, and barbeques watching the sun set over the bay.

Lighthouse View beach house sleeps four in two delightful bedrooms, both very comfy. The sumptuous master room with its king sized bed as well as the light and friendly living room and dining room share dramatic sea views.

The owners here love to cook, so you’ll find the kitchen very well appointed, making Lighthouse View a great place for family entertaining. A modern bathroom with shower completes the accommodation.

The beaches of Gwithian and Godrevy are among the best in Cornwall and are right on your doorstep. There are safe lifeguarded zones from May to September, as well as large rock pools at low tide, inviting exploration.

Guests here reguarly spot seals and sometimes dolphins. And in autumn and winter the surf and seascape are truly unforgettable.

But with Lighthouse View, the chalet is as memorable as the place. It’s a delight, decorated in a carefree beachy style, with thoughtful little touches everywhere you look. You can tell the owners cherish it – and we are sure you’ll love it too.

01209 832848 www.forevercornwall.co.uk

é MAIN Stunning views of St Ives Bay

é ABOVE Sumptuous master room

CORNWALL LIVING 67

rock

Enjoy a 2 hour wildlife & sea safari in a 9m RIB powered by 2x 175 hp engines. Seating 12 with an experienced local skipper, take in the sites of the North Cornish Coast.

Adult £40 Child £35 port isaac tour dolphin grounds gulland island tour seal nursery pentire & the rumps tour - puffin island Private charter this boat - go anywhere do anything Water taxi - Port Isaac to Padstow / Rock 1 hour return trip £30 per person call 01208 880617 / 07969 660014 www.wavehunters.co.uk rock - port isaac

Bring the family to...

CORNWALL Spectacular self catering retreats in the superb surroundings of St Ives, Cornwall 01736 630015 | carbisbayholidays.co.uk

Stay

Chasing the horizon Your next dream holiday starts here, with a self-catering break from Cornish Horizons.

I

f you’re chasing some winter sun in one of the most stunning locations in the UK, you should look no further than Cornish Horizons Holiday Cottages in Padstow. The familyrun company, offering luxury self-catering holidays in Cornwall, comprises a dedicated team which delights in matching guests’ requirements to the best holiday possible.

The team’s enthusiasm for Cornwall is truly infectious, as Becky Tidd highlights: “It’s incredible that this tiny corner of England should speak so closely to so many facets of the human spirit. Whatever your age, whatever your interests, Cornwall has it in abundance. Recharge your batteries in Cornwall’s wide open spaces, miles of sandy beaches, rugged cliff tops and hidden coves.”

Becky continues: “We’re keen to share our enthusiasm with all of our visitors, many of whom return year on year.” And it’s easy to see why with the incredible choice of 3 to 5-star retreats; and whatever your tastes or requirements, there really is something for you.

Baby-proofing a holiday home can be a nightmare. So Cornish Horizons has taken this worry off your hands, with a collection of baby-friendly holiday cottages, kitted out with young families in mind, covering everything from travel cots and highchairs, to stair gates and bath seats.

A great advantage of holidaying in the UK is that you don’t have to leave your pooch behind and Cornish Horizons offers many pet-friendly cottages. With several of the team being pet owners too, they know the difference this can make to a holiday.

Cornish Horizons takes its impact on the environment seriously too, as its Green Gold tourism award and range of eco cottages testifies.

And if you have your own cottage which you are thinking of renting out as a holiday home, Cornish Horizons would be delighted to make a no-obligation visit. They have an experienced property management team to help owners get the best from their property and are always looking for both coastal and countryside retreats.

The company has recently launched a responsive website – making it easy for holidaymakers to book on a tablet or phone and also lists all its properties on a national website (cottageholidays.co.uk) as well as numerous overseas sites. So you can guarantee your property is being seen by the right people.

é ABOVE Stunning coastal locations ë INSET Luxury interiors

CORNISH HORIZONS

01841 533331 cottages@cornishhorizons.co.uk www.cornishhorizons.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 69

On the cover

WELLNESS RETREATS If you’re keen for some fresh Cornish sea air, amazing views pure relaxation, here’s how to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life with added luxury.

C

ornwall is increasingly known for its fantastic array of spas and wellbeing getaways. And there’s a great variety on offer here, some catering for couples, some for families and all in beautiful destinations. There are even some that will travel to you! Here are some great ideas to help you rejuvenate mind and body.

CLIFFTOP ESCAPE Looking out to the horizon from the shimmering cliff-top pool, it’s hard to tell exactly where the pool finishes and the ocean begins. As far as romantic getaways go, it really doesn’t get much better.

This is The Scarlet, an ultra chic, purpose-built and environmentally conscious hotel and spa, perched on the cliff on Mawgan Porth. In this setting, you can’t help but unwind.

The way the site interacts with the landscape is a master stroke. Smooth curves and straight lines seamlessly blend inside and out, while an internal uncovered courtyard echoes a Roman villa from the future. The pool is chemical free, cleaned by the reeds. The whole place has been realised with luxury and comfort in mind, down to the very last detail.

The Scarlet is a grown-ups only hotel, so there’ll be no screaming children next door. And that’s just as well, because a stay here feels almost like a spiritual experience, heightened by the array of treatments.

The spa focuses on holistic wellbeing and every person’s experience is unique, with spa treatments

70 CORNWALL LIVING

customised to suit the individual in question. Spa Operations Manager Caroline Cornish explains: “Our signature treatment is the Scarlet Journey, using Ayurveda as a lens to understand body and mind as a whole. And we totally tailor your time at the spa.

It’s not one size fits all.”

Ayurveda is an ancient health system going back thousands of years. A key ingredient is marma point massage, which uses massage techniques to relieve pressure points, providing deep relaxation In the rhassoul, cake yourself in natural mud, rich in minerals, and follow this with a trip to the hammam, a Morrocan steam room (a bit like a Turkish bath). Or simply relax in the cliff-top hot tub. Caroline continues: “We offer a lot of space and time for people who don’t often have much of either. We’re right on the Coast Path, so you can literally wander straight out and enjoy a cliff top walk followed by a treatment in the spa – it’s all about resetting.”

And after a day of replenishment, the relaxation continues in the contemporary, stylish rooms, beautifully furnished. Each is unique and all boast the fantastic sea view and some outdoor space, whether a private courtyard or balcony. “It’s really lovely, that moment in the morning when you wake up, and open the windows to the stunning view.”

THE SCARLET HOTEL

01637 861861 www.scarlethotel.co.uk

ë ABOVE LEFT The Scarlet Spa's amazing pool é ABOVE RIGHT Yoga at The Scarlet

“Taking a deep breath of the sea air, listening to the waves from the hot tub... It’s what memories are made of” Caroline Cornish

YOGA BREAK If you’re looking to revive in style and comfort, head to Costislost House, a luxury boutique B&B at Washaway, in lush countryside between Wadebridge and Bodmin.

This fantastic getaway is run by couple Nick Meacham and Jane Parker, who founded North Cornwall Yoga. Combining Nick’s years of experience as a hotelier across the globe and Jane’s expertise as a qualified nutritionist and chef, they offer short breaks and weekends for singles, couples and larger groups.

The breaks are centred on a healthy eating, ashtanga yoga, meditation and sports. You don’t have to be a yoga expert or health fanatic.

Nick tells me: “What we want to do is create a wellbeing hub, for everybody who wants do yoga and stay healthy. It’s really about everyone feeling better about themselves, and realising that living a healthy lifestyle can actually be enjoyable.

“These are breaks rather than retreats; we’re not about retreating from the world, but embracing what Cornwall has to offer, from nature to watersports.” As well as yoga and meditation, you’ll be treated to activities that might include surfing, cycling the Camel trail, walking across the moors, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

On the Wild Cornwall weekend, you’ll experience foraging with resident expert, Rachael Lambert.

And Cornwall really is the perfect location for

an adventure such as this. “It’s a beautiful stretch of coastline and woods, so it provides a fantastic range of edible plantlife, from seaweed and threecornered leeks, to berries and other plants from the hedgerows,” says Nick. And in the evening, you’ll sample a delicious meal prepared by award-winning chef Jane using your day’s foragings.

There’s a big focus on providing good nutritional food, and food that’s good for exercise. Jane is an expert on paleo, primal and pegan meals, all variations on a theme: essentially eating as naturally as possible, as our ancestors would, stripping out anything processed or modern. This means lots of native vegetables, seeds, berries and leaves, with fish and meat. “It’s what we eat normally,” Nick explains. “It’s by far the best way to live, in my book.

When you strip out all the processed foods, you get a balanced release of energy throughout the day, rather than highs and lows. I feel much healthier for this diet.”

And, what’s more, it’s really tasty! Although the food is stripped back, don’t expect to be sleeping on a mud floor. At Costislost House you will be living in ultimate luxury. The boutique rooms offer four-poster beds, en suite bathrooms, private seating areas.

COSTISLOST HOUSE / NORTH CORNWALL YOGA

01208 840031 www.costislosthouse.co.uk www.northcornwallyoga.co.uk

p CORNWALL LIVING 71

Image courtesy of: Cornish Rock Tors

More spa ideas...

Cornwall has a wide range of gorgeous spas. Here are a few we know well:

St Michael’s Hotel & Spa, Falmouth

Our writer Mandy describes this place as "blissful". She stayed overnight in June and enjoyed dinner, ESPA facial and leisurely breakfast, and has already booked her next visit! It has views, gorgeous gardens and a very talented team running the spa. www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk

St Ives Harbour Hotel

If you take a quick tour of the amazing views and facilities on the website, you can see why this is a firm favourite. It’s all about luxury here and wonderful ESPA treatments. www.stives-harbour-hotel.co.uk

Carbis Bay Hotel

The C-Bay Spa is the only spa in the UK with its own blue flag beach. This stunning coastal spa uses Voya and Aromatherapy Associates products, brands with an international reputation which fits the quality ethos of the hotel. www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Retallack Resort

The 5-star lodges at Retallack Resort were hired by the BBC for the Poldark cast and crew. The resort near Wadebridge and Padstow has it all, and the Retreat Spa is no exception, using Decleor and Thalgo products and offering great packages. www.retallackresort.co.uk

Watergate Bay Hotel

The hotel has three Treatment Rooms and focuses on a fuss-free approach to getting results. During the summer, and of course, dependent on the weather, have a Beach Massage where you can really take in the view! Enjoy a 30-minute massage of your choice on the hotel terrace overlooking the sea. www.watergatebay.co.uk

72 CORNWALL LIVING

THE AT -HOME SPA We’ve just looked at some relaxation getaways in breathtaking Cornish locations.

But how about a luxury spa that comes directly to you? Afyna means ‘to beautify’ in Cornish, so it’s a particularly apt name for a novel venture making waves across the county.

Afyna Spa is an opulent mobile spa that can pop-up within minutes of arrival at any destination from Padstow to Polzeath.

This is the brainchild of Sara Young.

Having successfully run a chain of spas including the spa at the St Enodoc Hotel, Sara created her own award-winning range of organic skincare products. She also discovered the need for a quality pop-up spa that comes direct to your door. In a short time, it has already proved to be a real a hit with her new customers.

“It’s a great way for people to enjoy luxury spa treatments without the fuss – perfect for families with young children, who can’t find the time for a trip out to the spa. We bring everything to you!”

And everything means everything, from heated couches to heated towels, for the ultimate in indulgence.

“We can go inside, or pop up the spa in your garden when the weather’s good.”

ë ABOVE LEFT Yoga and watersports at Cortislost House luxury B&B breaks é ABOVE Foraging with Rachel Lambert, Cortislost breaks

P AS AB

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Retallack escape Discover why 5-star Retallack is just the place to switch off and unwind in style.

It’s perfectly located near the north coast, but tucked away to afford guests peace and tranquillity. www.cornwall-living.co.uk

ì RIGHT An Afyna seaweed facial; Sara Young, founder of Afyna

If you’re renting a cottage or glamping, that’s no problem either. All you need is a little bit of space, access to water and a power supply.

And for a premium service, prices are very reasonable too.

If you’re planning a special pamper party or hen do, this will delight. And a growing market is festivals and events. They’ve done Port Eliot Festival, employing six in the team over four days.

The focus is very much on luxury, centred on facials and massage, using Afyna’s own award-winning range of products. Afyna’s unique treatments include a detoxifying Cornish seaweed facial. Seaweed handharvested straight from the Cornish coast is combined with other natural ingredients including Cornish clay. If this sounds tempting, you can order them straight after the treatment, with a 10% discount, posted out to you.

So if you don’t want to travel to the spa, let it travel to you in the comfort of your home.

AFYNA SPA

07825 148402 info@afyna.co.uk www.afynaspa.co.uk

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CORNWALL LIVING 73

Got to do...

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING

S

tand-up paddleboarding (SUP) originated in Hawaii. It has been growing in popularity in the UK for the last few years, and you can see why: there’s nothing better than gently cruising along the coast or river on a calm day riding your giant surfboard.

There are several locations in Cornwall offering tuition and hire, which is a good way to start, but soon you’ll be wanting your own.

You can now buy clever inflatable boards which work almost as well as the original solid boards. Rock up at your local beach or river access, whip the board out of its ruck sack and be on the water in a few minutes.

Take four strokes on one side, then four strokes on the other side and you set off in a more-or-less straight line. Over time, that line becomes straighter; you become more relaxed about staying on the board and look around, taking in the beauty of your surroundings to the soothing rhythm of the paddle.

POLKERRIS BEACH COMPANY

The Pilchard Store, Polkerris, Par PL24 2TL 01726 813306 thebeach@polkerrisbeach.com www.polkerrisbeach.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

7j CORNWALL LIVING

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CORNWALL LIVING 7k

Shopping

Fashion

SENCE COPENHAGEN

ROISIN LINNANE

Moving on up

Bishop Phillpott, Truro’s premier womenswear boutique launches a new second floor, bringing more designer labels to Cornwall.

é ABOVE Chic new designs ì RIGHT Get the Scandinavian look

T

ruro’s chic boutique Bishop Phillpott has been bringing designer clothing to Cornwall for nearly 20 years. And now Sharon and Katie, the mother and daughter team behind the boutique, have launched a second floor, bringing even more wearable designer fashion to Cornish shores.

The boutique, which was already a stockist of famed brands Paul Smith, Weekend by MaxMara, Armani Jeans and Gant, has added to its collections thanks to the new level. As Katie explains: “We are now able to bring even more of our popular labels into the store as well as adding new, fresh and exciting brands.”

We picked our selection of Sharon and Katie’s top brands to look out for.

Donna Ida Jeans Donna Ida is the ‘Jean Queen’. After years of running high-end denim stores, Donna Ida has launched her own range of jeans combining all the best style secrets from designer denim.

With a fabulous fit and quality that keeps on going, it’s clear to see why this jean brand is becoming a real favourite.

BITTE KAI RAND

Bitte Kai Rand Scandinavian brands are having a real moment. Although designer Bitte Kai Rand is one of the most successful designers in her native Denmark, her beautiful designs are only just making it big in the UK. With unusual

FIG & YARROW

shaping, stunning prints and understated style, this brand is a rising star.

360 Cashmere A firm favourite! This Californian brand takes high-quality cashmere and gives it a fresh twist, with gorgeous colours and unusual shapes, making you feel special while giving you that relaxed, wearable look.

Roisin Linnane Irish designer Roisin cuts the most elegant, yet wearable shapes. Soft draped fabric and beautiful colours typify this brand with tops and dresses that give you that touch of undone glamour.

Along with new clothing labels, the new floor at Bishop Phillpott brings with it jewellery brands including Scandinavian labels: Sence Copenhagen and A&C Norway, as well as celebrity favourite Feather & Stone and artisanal apothecary products from organic Californian beauty brand, Fig & Yarrow.

BISHOP PHILPOTT 24 New Bridge Street House, New Bridge Street, Truro TR1 2AA 01872 261 750 info@bishopphillpott.co.uk www.bishopphillpott.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

words by:

Amber Key

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02/10/2015 15:28

Health

Back to health Consultant Spinal Surgeon Mr John Fowler joins Duchy Hospital, to help patients who suffer with back troubles.

M

ost of us will experience spine problems at some point in life, giving rise to neck pain, back pain or a trapped nerve leading to arm or leg pain. A trapped nerve in the spine can be one of the most painful problems you are ever likely to experience. Lower back pain is the most common problem and can occur at any age. There’s often an existing problem that the patient is unaware of. An injury or minor incident can trigger the symptoms.

Fortunately, in many instances, the pain may be self-limiting and can rapidly settle spontaneously. In 90% of acute back episodes, the symptoms will settle on their own within six weeks.

However, if you suffer from longer-term (chronic) back pain or nerve entrapment, it could be time to see a specialist. Modern imaging can now regularly diagnose the problem leading to more effective treatments. Non-invasive treatment from a physiotherapist can help you manage your pain, but if this isn’t successful, interventions such as targeted injections or even spinal surgery could be an option.

Duchy Hospital is now able to offer spinal surgery to private patients. Prior to this, spinal surgery was not available in Cornwall and patients had to travel to Plymouth for

76 CORNWALL LIVING

surgery. Consultant Spinal Surgeon Mr John Fowler joins Duchy Hospital from University Hospital Southampton where he worked since 2008 as a full-time Consultant Spinal Surgeon.

John’s areas of interest include minimal intervention spinal surgery, lumbar and cervical surgery and he provides one of the few endoscopic lumbar disc surgery clinics in the country. He now treats many patients as day cases – the surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and sedation with patients often walking back to their room minus their sciatica. Cervical spine surgery for intractable brachalgia and myelopathy is now a large part of his practice.

John is keen to point out that the management of most spinal conditions is conservative. “I’m firmly of the belief that most patients will settle with the reassurance of an accurate diagnosis and an explanation of the natural history of the problem. But for those patients who don’t settle, modern spinal surgery can be and often is amazing!”

DUCHY HOSPITAL

Penventinnie Lane, Truro TR1 3UP 0800 9170022 www.duchyhospital.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

é ABOVE Consultant Spinal Surgeon Mr John Fowler

Decade of success T Bodmin Treatment Centre celebrates its 10th birthday. en years ago, a new purposebuilt NHS treatment centre was opened next to Bodmin Community Hospital, designed to provide facilities and equipment for assessment, diagnosis and treatment on a day-case basis.

The Treatment Centre was built in response to the growing demand for services close to where people live, saving patients from north and east Cornwall having to travel to Truro or Plymouth for simple diagnostics and day case procedures.

Run by Ramsay Healthcare, the same company that owns Duchy Hospital in Truro, the centre has become a real asset to the community offering day case procedures such as hip and knee injections, hernia operations, cataract operations, dermatology, ENT and maxillo facial surgery.

Since opening, over 98,000 patients have walked through the doors of Bodmin Treatment Centre – that’s almost 1 in 5 of the population of Cornwall! This has included 42,000 day cases and 56,000 outpatient visits!

The day cases treated in the past decade include: 12,000 cataract replacements, 15,000 endoscopies, 2,000 hernia repairs, 3,500 MaxFax dental, 3,000 dermatology, 4,700 gynae procedures, 1,000 orthopaedic, and 400 ENT. Bodmin Treatment Centre has also proved popular because of its short wait times, consultant-led care and free parking.

Patients find it convenient and treatment at Bodmin Treatment Centre sometimes saves

them a longer journey to one of the larger hospitals such as Derriford and Treliske.

As a small hospital, Bodmin Treatment Centre is able to respond quickly to the healthcare needs of the local community, providing services such as its ‘See & Treat’ cataract clinic. A See & Treat clinic means that patients can have their consultation in the morning and then, if treatment is required, have their procedure that afternoon, saving them making another visit to the hospital.

“My overall care at Bodmin treatment centre was first class in every way”, says one patient, Mr Gronwalt. Meanwhile, another, Mrs Carolyn May, adds: “The care was excellent and the hospital spotless. The staff were professional, friendly and polite, not to mention helpful. Well done!”

Chris Sealey, Bodmin Treatment Centre’s General Manager says: “I have been involved with Bodmin Treatment Centre since its very beginning and I am enormously proud of what the team has achieved over the past decade. We look forward to the next 10 years of providing high quality care in Bodmin.”

If you’d like to receive your treatment at Bodmin just ask your GP to refer you to Bodmin Treatment Centre.

“My overall care at Bodmin treatment centre was first class in every way”

BODMIN TREATMENT CENTRE

Boundary Road, Bodmin PL312QT 0800 9170022 www.bodmintreatmentcentre.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 77

Health

Health

NIGHT BLINDNESS

é ABOVE Regular eye tests will help keep your eyes healthy while the available brands will keep you on trend

As the nights draw in and we retune our body-clock, night driving will become a regular feature. Make sure you’re as safe as you can be in the poor light

N

ight driving; you either love it or you hate it. If you’re firmly in the ‘I hate it’ camp, it is probably partly to do with the level of visibility you have while you are driving. Though those full beams glaring in your rear-view mirror aren’t helping either! If you find it especially difficult to see clearly while night driving, or find the experience tiring on the eyes, you might need glasses – even if your eyesight is perfectly fine during the day.

The Reverend Dr Nevil Maskelyne, the fifth English Astronomer Royal in 1797, first discovered the condition when he had problems when viewing the stars. He had to correct his sight with glasses, but only at night. Then the condition was brought to light again during the Second World War. The phenomenon became a problem for lookouts who had trouble visually detecting points of light out to sea or in the night sky.

And now, Night Myopia could be hindering

At low light levels, people with otherwise perfect vision during the day, can find themselves temporarily myopic."

78 CORNWALL LIVING

our driving capability and making you potentially unsafe on the roads.

A significant part of the Night Myopia problem is down to the nature of the visual stimulus and environment around it, hence why you may experience this at night, but not during the day.

Myopia is known to many of us as shortsightedness, the difficulty in seeing distant objects. At low light levels, people with otherwise perfect vision during the day, can find themselves temporarily myopic. As the light levels are lower at night, your pupils enlarge, this can accentuate any existing small errors you have in focussing.

The best way to ensure that you are safe on the roads as daylight saving hours creep in, is to get your eyes tested to make sure that you aren’t one of the few who are affected by low light levels.

Keeping bright-eyed

Being able to see well at night is a must, so here are a few things you can do to make sure you can see the road ahead as well as possible.

• Have regular eye tests • Keep a spare pair of glasses in the car • Don’t use tinted lenses but do use an anti-reflection coat on your glasses • Keep your windscreen clean, both inside and out • Make sure your lights are working properly

REID AND GORDON OPTICIANS

22 Lemon Street, Truro TR1 2LS 601872 275225 jim@reidandgordon.co.uk www.reidandgordon.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

words by:

Joanne Stinton

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Health

A MODERN CLASSIC Reeds Pharmacy has served Truro for almost 70 years and is embracing new technology with its own app.

words by:

Feli x Rowe

ê BELOW Still thriving 70 years after opening

80 CORNWALL LIVING

W

ith new enterprises popping up only to disappear just as quickly, it’s increasingly rare these days to see a local family-run business celebrating longevity.

Reeds Pharmacy in Truro is doing exactly that. This people-friendly pharmacy has been loyalty serving the local community for an incredible seven decades – that’s longer than the NHS! Founded by Bert and Vi Reed in 1946 upon Bert’s return from the war, the pharmacy has been run by current owners Gillian and Graham Brack since 1985, and they have worked hard to keep its local focus.

The Bracks have seen many a trend come and go over the last 30 years, and while they’ve moved with the times, the emphasis on service has remained central. Graham

tells us: “Community pharmacy is about people. We want the public to know us as individuals.”

Gillian agrees that firm roots are essential: “The people who were young parents when we came are now grandparents like us, and their little children now have children of their own. We’ve watched families grow.

They’re not just names to us, but people whose histories we know something about.”

While understandably proud of its heritage, the pharmacy is certainly not stuck in the past – check out the smartphone app as just one example of how it has embraced technology. Always keen to innovate, new systems are not simply a gimmick.

Dispensing technician Rachel Parry explains: “It’s quicker, allowing us more time for dealing with patients, and it’s safer because

"Community pharmacy is about people...we've watched families grow..."

it checks what we’re doing.”

The business has been based at The Globe, a former public house in Truro’s centre, for the last four years, which as Gillian explains has instrumental to growth: “We were reluctant to leave the place we’d always been, but we couldn’t do some of the things we wanted. The Globe is six times bigger, so we’ve put in a private room for

consultations, and a treatment room that other healthcare professionals use as their Truro base.”

Another welcome addition is The Old Globe Bistro where many customers like to meet for coffee, tea and light lunches. The bistro is also available for functions. “It’s little things like providing customer seats and toilets that we can tell customers appreciate.”

At all times, the customer comes first.

Longstanding team member Heather Dingle says: “People still want to chat when they’re being served. They appreciate old-style service. It’s what I want when I go shopping, so it’s what I want to give them too.”

Keeping the best of the old but bringing in the best of the new is a difficult trick to pull off, but Reeds seems to be managing it.

As young staff member Bryony King adds: “You can talk to any of us. People of our age need to know there’s somewhere they can come to discuss even the most embarrassing things and that it’ll stay confidential.”

So whatever your request, whatever your age, the friendly team are on hand to help.“We’re the last family pharmacy in Truro, and very proud of it,” says technician Debbie Moyle.

Long may they continue!

é ABOVE Moving with the times

Get the app • Special offers • Opening hours • Order prescriptions • Health tips & advice • Enquire about stock • Meet the team

REEDS PHARMACY

The Globe, Frances Street, Truro TR1 3DP 01872 272106 www.reedspharmacy.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 81

Health

Health

A healthy glow

It’s important to take good care of our skin, but one brand is taking it to the next level, fitting six steps into one simple facial.

Hydra Facial is a unique facial that works by using a 6-step method.

Step 1 – Detox

Lymphatic drainage improves circulation, detoxification and tone, resulting in firmer skin.

Step 2 - Cleansing and exfoliation

Dead skin cells are removed to reveal healthy, new skin whilst botanical cleansers and glucosamine are delivered deeply into the skin.

Step 3 - Brightening agent

This gentle glycolic and salicylic solution loosens debris from pores ready for extraction whilst skin without brightening the appearance of the skinwithout irritation.

Step 4 – Extraction

Painless, automated extractions draw out impurities using honey extract.

Step 5 – Hydration

HydraFacial Vortex-Fusion technology delivers a cocktail of the most advanced antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid to replenish the skin and promote optimum skin health.

Step 6 – Rejuvenation

Red and infrared LED light reduce redness and stimulate collagen, repairing the skin, whilst blue LED light targets the bacteria causing acne.

82 CORNWALL LIVING

Karren Brady CBE, Baroness of Knightsbridge and award-winning businesswoman, has recently spoken about how much she loves HydraFacial treatments to get red carpet ready.

Karren has long been admired by the public for her notable business achievements and, of course, television successes. You may recognise her as Lord Sugar’s right-hand lady on The Apprentice!

What does Karren have to say? A long-standing fan of the HydraFacial brand, Karren filled us in on why she loves having the treatment.

“I like to have a HydraFacial regularly to keep my skin healthy and glowing. Being constantly in the public eye means I always have to look my best, especially down the red carpet with cameras flashing in my face.”

“Having regular HydraFacials and using their own homecare products in between treatments really gives me lots of confidence – because I know my skin looks great, without the overdone effects of some treatments.”

Talk to the team at Aesthetic Solutions in Truro today, to discuss what they can do to bring back that healthy glow.

é ABOVE Businesswoman Karren Brady is a fan of HydraFacial treatments ë INSET The ultimate rejuventation rejuvenation

AESTHETIC SOLUTIONS Breezecott Clinic, 196a Bodmin Road, Truro TR1 1RB 01872 272520 info@aestheticsolutions.co.uk www.aestheticsolutions.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING XX

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Home

SWIM THROUGH SILK A natural swimming pool offers the experience of wild swimming in your garden. It’s cost-effective too.

With some of these pools it's like looking into a giant aquarium"

84 CORNWALL LIVING

N

atural swimming is a popular pastime in Cornwall. Invigorating, restorative, energising, relaxing, and highly addictive, to swim amongst the beautiful water plants in pure water has to be experienced. And you can now do this in the comfort of your very own garden.

Not only is the water chlorine-free (this means no stinging eyes and dry skin), swimming in fresh water has proven health benefits, not to mention the endorphins it releases for that natural feel good factor!

I spoke to Jacques from Mid Cornwall Landscaping to find out more about this ecofriendly success story. “We are finding more and more people are interested in having a natural swimming pool rather than the old bright blue, chlorine-filled kind,” he says.

“Clients are trying them when they go on holiday or to a spa and come back wanting one. And who wouldn’t? A natural swimming pool is an incredibly beautiful feature in your garden all year round, not just for swimming, and built to fit your style and suit your garden.”

You can customise it with a jetty, steppingstones or a ‘floating’ deck enticing you to

ë ABOVE Lower running costs than a conventional pool

words by:

Mandy Milano

ì ABOVE A range of styles from Classical to Modern

wander right out onto the water, whatever the season (they provide great resting places in between swimming too).

“People are amazed by the clarity of a natural swimming pool,” says Jacques.

“With some of these pools it’s like looking into a giant aquarium.”

Cheaper to run Natural swimming pools cost the same to build a conventional pool but the long term running costs are usually lower.

“Micro-organisms, carefully selected plants and reeds balance the water chemistry, oxygenation and clarity,” explains Jacques.

“In fact, once you are in the water the lack of chemicals makes it feel like swimming through silk. They require little maintenance and can be left alone for periods of time, when you’re away on holiday for instance.”

To look after your pool it's a simple process too. In late winter, you simply need to cut back and remove the dead reeds and marginal plants, just as you would perennials in your garden.

Throughout the swimming season you probably only need to hoover the floor of the swimming area every couple of weeks. And that’s pretty much it!

Styles of pool “Most of our clients choose a natural looking pool” Jacques explains. “This has curved edges and soft landscaping around it, such as a lawn, bog garden, grass, wildflower meadow or garden borders. The pool can be any size and may have features like a stream, rill, mill stones, jetties, stepping stones, a beautiful deck wrapped around one side, a beach, boulders and cobblestones.”

You could go for a Classical Pool with a strong, yet elegant, architectural outline and careful use of materials such as natural stone paving. The classical/formal natural swimming pool looks beautiful in a formal garden setting or close to the house.

The Contemporary Pool has clear, straight lines and a strong geometrical outline, complementing modern architecture and ecohouses. The pool looks amazing built up to the house itself, reflecting light back through large glass walls.“We can even convert old, conventional swimming pools,” says Jacques.

MID CORNWALL LANDSCAPING

Tolgarrick Farm, Coombe, St Austell PL26 7LR 01726 884040 www.mc-landscaping.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 85

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Visit our huge contemporary living showroom in Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5JR

Home

HUES &

VIEWS

Iroka specialises in state of the art interiors for coastal living. We take a look at the design team’s latest Cornish coastal project.

R

ockville, a contemporary four-storey town house on the beachfront at Portreath, is the latest property to receive the first class Iroka style treatment.

It’s a modern holiday home with an open plan living area which stretches out onto a balcony terrace creating a light, bright interior. There are four uniquely styled bedrooms to meet the client’s brief of creating a useable luxury space which maximises the seascape.

With luxurious window treatments framing the dramatic views of this stretch of the Cornish coastline, Iroka has combined sleek style and textures with the breathtaking vistas of the nearby cliffs.

(This clever marrying of outdoor and indoor spaces is one of Iroka’s trademarks.)

The interior is an interpretation of a modern seaside style with bursts of citrusy yellow and orange. Complementary grey tones are set against contrasting shades of blue. Iroka has given this home a fresh lift by integrating a variety of finishes for a feeling of depth and comfort. It’s fresh and crisp in the summer months, cosy and snug in the winter season.

“We selected an eclectic mix of flawless Italian design pieces coupled with comfortable clean lined upholstery, and even in-house bespoke headboards,” explains Giorgi Holland, Lead Interior Designer. “All this ensures this modern holiday home is always at the ready to suit any active family wanting luxury at the end of a busy day.”

The property also features artwork from local galleries in and around the St Ives area, cleverly mirroring the beautiful surrounding Cornish coastline. If you would like to transform your own property with a touch of Iroka magic, get in contact now.

It's fresh and crisp in summer, cosy and snug in winter”

é ABOVE Check out the views ê BELOW Minimum clutter, maximum light

IROKA

15 Hayle Industrial Estate Park, Hayle TR27 5JR Showroom open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm 01736 757333 www.iroka.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 87

Home

Warmth & beauty Cosy up to your own log burner this autumn and add a stunning focal point to your room.

words by:

Mandy Milano

88 CORNWALL LIVING

E

ven at the end of August the evenings start to get quite a bit cooler and I know that in our house the choice is to bring in a few logs and light the log burner rather than switch the heating on for just a few hours.

By September, the log burner is a welcome addition to cosy up to on a cool Saturday or Sunday night after a day on the beach.

Then I got talking to Jill Stein about her interiors (see interview with Jill in the next issue) and she talked about the importance of a log burner to her personally and for its effect on a room; “It’s comforting and company as well as providing warmth.

I think it’s primal really; it's in our DNA to want a fire, and a log burner provides a wonderful focal point to a room.” She suggests I talk to Simon or Ross at Kernow Fires who supply all the log burners for her interior designs. “They both have a real eye for detail and design,” Jill adds.

Simon Breckon, founder and owner of Kernow Fires, meets me with Ross at their Wadebridge showroom; he explains: “It’s great working with Jill. In fact we are now the fire company of choice for builders, architects and interior designers in Cornwall. We do love getting involved with a project at the design stage; the

ê BELOW The Kernow Fires and Biomass team í BELOW LEFT Retallack Resort

right advice at that stage can save time and money! In fact, we are now working with a number of builders, architects and designers from outside the county who have heard of our high level of service and ì RIGHT helpful input at the design stage.”

A Jill Stein interior They work with homeowners as well as upgrading holiday lets and hotels. “Most visitors expect a log burner in the sitting room of their holiday let these days. Coming home to a fire seems to really enhance î BELOW the experience after a day on the beach – RIGHT whatever the weather. And a log burner is Vinnick Rock, the the most effective and attractive way to go.”

Beach House Ross adds with a smile.

Company ë MAIN A stylish focal point of any room

Kernow Fires has showrooms in Wadebridge and Redruth where they have examples of all the top brands and lots of different styles for you to choose from. And they do everything from Biomass boilers, through log burners to the 'Big Green Egg’.

Simon explains, “It really is the king of all outdoor cookers and barbeques, loved by foodies and chefs.” The team at Kernow often have a Big Green Egg fired up in the showroom with something scrumptious cooking on it, from chickens to pizza, or experimenting with new ideas.

So whether you want to add a warm and cosy focal point to your home or business, change your heating over to Biomass and save money, or get cooking on a Big Green Egg, pop into one of the showrooms and get some friendly, expert advice. They even offer a free initial survey with advice on the size and output of your log burner as well as chimney installations. All you’ll have to do is artfully stack your logs then sit back and enjoy the warmth and beauty of your own log burner.

KERNOW FIRES AND BIOMASS

Unit 2 Trenant Industrial Estate, Wadebridge PL27 6HB 01208 812527 Wilson Way, Redruth TR15 3RX 01209 200887 info@kernowfires.co.uk www.kernowfires.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 89

Home

FRESH FURNITURE Wood has never looked so good. A visit to Celtic Pine and Oak’s Wadebridge emporium is the answer to all your furniture questions.

I

f you love the look of real wood mixed with a vast range of classic Farrow and Ball paints, then this is the store for you.

The company has a combined 50 years of expertise in furniture making and it produces stylish, distinctive, handcrafted furniture, using traditional cabinet-making techniques.

Whether it’s pine or oak you’re looking for to complete your property, traditional or modern, new or reclaimed, it’s all to be found just off the A30 in the heart of Cornwall.

“Put very simply, we are committed to offering exceptional solid wood furniture at the keenest possible price,” says Jean Hyde, the manageress. “We use expert local and global craftsmen, whose skill has been passed down through the generations to ensure our products have lasting quality and are built using traditional woodworking techniques.”

It also selects sustainable and ethicallysourced timber, putting a green agenda first.

After all, there’s no point in enjoying the beautiful countryside here in Cornwall if you’re not looking after the environment on a wider scale.

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Dream home With so many great properties here in Cornwall, it’s often a case of finding the right balance of classic and modern to complement their age and location.

Celtic offers a varied mix of designs for kitchen, dining and bedroom ranges plus unique one offs, all of which can be finished in a country wax or Farrow & Ball paint colours. A long pedigree of design and finish produces furniture of unrivalled style, functionality and durability.

The team is on hand to advise on all aspects of design and colour, and to offer advice on how to look after your products once you have taken them home. It has a range of waxes and polishes to maintain the high quality finish of the furniture.

The company will deliver or if you would prefer, you can drop in and collect your bespoke products. So whether it’s an occasional table or a bespoke four metre wardrobe, Celtic is your first port of call.

C ELTIC PINE AND OAK Foundry House, Polmorla Rd, Wadebridge PL27 7NB 01208 816861 www.realwood-furniture.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

ë MAIN The shop is an Aladins cave of wooden furniture and ornaments é ABOVE Also in stock a comprehensive range of wood care products

words by:

Amber Key

01872 560849 www.parksinteriors.co.uk

Whalesborough Cornwall luxury cottages & spa …naturally active

Tel: 01288 361676 email: whalesboroughreception@gmail.com www.whalesborough.co.uk Whalesborough Farm Holiday Cottages & Spa Whalesborough Farm, Bude, Cornwall EX23 0JD

Chiverton Cross, Blackwater, Truro, Cornwall TR4 8HS

Home

Kerb appeal Why have tarmac when you can have resin?

W

hen it comes to building driveways, resin might not be the first material that comes to mind. Resin Drives know that favouring resin over tarmac or block paving means no weeds, and no potholes.

Even better, it’s porous and so naturally drains water, which means no more puddles.

Cornwall is known for sudden downpours, but a resin driveway is SUDS-compliant (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) guaranteeing no issues with drainage.

It provides better traction for tyres whilst also eliminating ice build up, making it safer to walk on than concrete or tarmac. And if you’re not convinced yet, it is ten times more eco-friendly than concrete.

Aside from all the physical practicalities that using resin-bound aggregate offers, it also makes for a much more attractive and natural look. The aggregate is supplied in a large choice of standard and bespoke shades to suit your home, and provide uniqueness almost unachievable with other materials.

Sarah Beeny, celebrity expert in property development, had her 450-metre driveway resurfaced by Resin Drives, which speaks for itself in regard to the quality and standard of service that they provide.

She says: “Resin is definitely the perfect finish drive, it’s so practical - being totally porous it drains brilliantly and doesn't puddle. It’s lovely to walk on, has a long lasting durable finish and is available in an amazing range of colours… It has a more domestic relaxed look than tarmac – which can sometimes make your drive look a bit like a motorway.”

Virtually maintenance free, resin-bound gravel surfaces provide a long-lasting alternative to tarmac and concrete, saving you money in the long term. Not just that, but it’s also about standing out from the crowd a little bit too – homeowners and builders alike know that differentiating a house from its neighbours can have a positive impact on value.

From survey through to completion, you can rest assured that the experience will be hassle free. Resin Drives offers a full 5-year Insurance Backed Guarantee for complete peace of mind.

é ABOVE A smart and low maintenance resin drive è RIGHT Sarah Beeny had her own drive revamped ê BELOW Sympathetically complements period properties

RESIN DRIVES

words by:

Summer Brooks

0800 0075733 info@resindrives.co.uk www.resindrives.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 93

Home

A glass act

Let the experts help choose windows and doors that complement your home for the perfect fit.

é ABOVE Stylish solutions to make the most of the Cornish view ì RIGHT Thoughtful finishes which are in-keeping with the building's original features

"All our consultants are trained to listen to exactly what you need, to be able to offer helpful design ideas and find solutions to create your perfect project."

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T

wo houses are rarely the same. It's partly this variation that makes our Cornish landscape so interesting and beguiling. But, if all homes are unique, when it comes to renovation and upkeep it pays to treat them with an individual approach, avoiding a ‘one size fits all’ mentality. And this applies to the windows and doors you choose for your property too.

Making the right choice to dress the outside of your home is essential, whether that be aesthetically to ensure the original character is retained or to make a style statement; or in choosing materials that are energy efficient and within your budget.

Dawes & Windows is a family run business based in Redruth, founded by Phil and Ali Dawe, with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. For them, finding the best solution, tailored to suit you and your home’s individual needs, is not only vital; it’s a challenge they relish.

Dawes & Windows offers a free consultation and no-pressure quotation service in order to make this happen.

Managing Director, Phil, explains: “All our consultants are trained to listen to exactly what you need, to be able to offer helpful design ideas and find solutions to create your perfect project. Then we use our

expertise to source all the right materials, which are vigorously tested against weather, time and forced entry.”

The company’s installers are chosen for their skills and dedication to quality, to ensure the finish is perfect. Phil continues: “It’s all in the fit. We use really high quality products, but it is the fit that is key. We never leave the site without ensuring the perfect fit and that our client is happy.”

Dawes & Windows serves all of Cornwall and, in 2010, became a founding member of the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.

And it’s not just doors and windows.

The team at Dawes and Windows is experienced in creating and fitting bespoke porches and conservatories, as well as providing cladding too. Having built strong relationships with other contractors, the team can provide guidance with larger scale projects, helping to turn your dreams of the perfect home into reality.

DAWES & WINDOWS

Unit 1, Blowinghouse Hill, Redruth TR15 3AG 01209 315700 sales@dawesandwindows.co.uk www.dawesandwindows.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

words by:

Feli x Rowe

D i s cov e r L u x u ry C Bay Spa Award-winning dining Beach Club Spectacular ocean views Our privately-owned Blue Flag beach Sunseeker Motor Yacht

CARBIS BAY HOTEL & ESTATE

LUXURY HOTEL & SPA

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, Carbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2NP 01736 795311 info@carbisbayhotel.co.uk www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Home

Q& A

To achieve the simple, elegant and timeless look in your home, speak to Nicola O’Mara Interior Design.

D

o you have lots of ideas, but are not sure how to bring them all together? Perhaps you’re working on a building project and are unsure of the technical questions and decisions being asked of you? Or are you simply just after some interior design advice to freshen up your home? Nicola O’Mara Interior Design is here to help!

We catch up with Nicola at home in Polzeath to have a quick chat about her business.

What do you love mostly about your job?

Mainly the people I meet and the dreams they have, which I help to realise. My job encompasses so many elements that every project is so different, each having its own specific design challenge.

What would you say your unique approach is?

Nowadays interior design is so much more than fabrics and colours; it’s about lighting, structure, ergonomics, architectural constraints and functionality. I can help in all aspects of the design process, from one-onone hourly advice, through to full project management, new build and renovation. I particularly love working alongside a client when they have the builders in, advising on technical questions, ensuring the project runs smoothly and avoiding costly mistakes.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m working on a fantastic five-story

Georgian townhouse. We meet up each week with the builder to discuss progress.

I can’t wait for the furniture, fabrics and installation stage – that’s the exciting bit!

Other projects are a chalet-style house in Russia, a barn in rural Somerset and my own renovation project in Port Isaac.

ë MAIN An ultra chic kitchen é ABOVE RIGHT Smart and stylish solutions

What is important when you are working with clients?

Communication is so important, both with the client and the construction company.

Mistakes are easily made when design decisions are presumed or overseen. I also offer a transparent fee structure, so my clients are not surprised with any additional costs!

What is your design style?

To be honest, I don’t really have one. I love all things simple and elegant; I’m a great believer that interiors shouldn’t look staged, which you often see nowadays. I prefer the home to look loved and lived in, with its own timeless personality and that little touch of fantastic!

If you’d like to chat with Nicola regarding any upcoming projects or book a design consultation, please do get in touch.

N ICOLA O’MARA Benwood, Polzeath PL27 6SX 01208 863716 07737 493687 www.nicolaomara.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 97

Charity

Giving back

Cornwall Glass Fund invests over £45,000 in Cornish communities.

é ABOVE St Erme Village Hall’s toddlers group with c100 members ê BELOW St Austell Sea Cadets

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C

ornwall Glass & Glazing is one of the south west’s premier glazing companies. Established in 1978, the family business has grown to 15 branches with 230 colleagues, supplying the West Country and beyond. But the company has been doing so much more for the region, giving back to the community, in Cornwall and further afield, with links to foundations in Devon and Somerset.

In 2015, Cornwall Glass & Glazing’s charitable fund, held by the Cornwall Community Foundation, invested £12,563 in

ten community projects all across Cornwall.

The Cornwall Glass Fund was set up six years ago by Cornwall Glass & Glazing, following the company’s long-term ambition to set up a charity, to contribute to and support its surrounding community, and has invested a total of over £45,000 in community groups across Cornwall.

The projects awarded in June 2015 included Cornwall Accessible Activity Programme (CAAP), Equus Solutions CIC, Home-Start Kernow, People & Gardens CIC, Perranzabuloe PCC, Roaming CIC, St Austell Sea Cadets, St Erme Village Hall, Truro Canoe Club and Work Skills South West CIC. The grants have been awarded to community projects which specifically focus upon mental health, children, and organisations supporting people affected by domestic violence, all of which can bring a sustainable difference to our county. The company’s initiative with Truro’s Bosvigo School fund is extending links further with the community and our younger generations.

Cornwall Accessible Activity Programme (CAAP) was awarded £1,500 towards providing summer holiday activities for disabled children and their siblings.

Newquay based CAAP provides access to

é ABOVE Clockwise from the top n People and Gardens n Fund awarded to Caradon Befriending Services n Fund awarded to Cornwall Accessible Activity Programme n Canoeing with Cornwall Accessible Activity Programme n Roaming Penzance n People and Gardens

activities for disabled children and young people, taking advantage of group discounts, sometimes subsidising activities to enable children to participate in creating friendship groups, raising self-esteem and enhancing independence. Over the long summer holidays, disabled children can become isolated and lonely.

“The money gave us a massive kick start, enabling disabled children and young people to achieve things their parents did not think possible whilst also having fun”, says Sandy Lawrence, Chair of CAAP. “Without the funding, we wouldn’t have been able to grow and we now support in excess of 200 families who have a disabled child in Cornwall.”

Roaming CIC in Penzance received £1,500 from the Cornwall Glass Fund. The Project is made up of an enthusiastic group of artists who meet weekly at St Petroc’s Society’s Breadline Centre in Penzance to be creative and enjoy each other’s company.

The project provides activities that would otherwise be unaffordable and bridges the gap between people who are homeless and those who do have homes by inviting the wider community to their exhibition. It mostly benefits single men and women, aged 18 to 65, who find themselves disadvantaged,

excluded, vulnerable or homeless. Almost 100 individuals have benefitted since the arts company was established.

Mark Mitchell, Company Chairman of Cornwall Glass & Glazing, says: “It’s really wonderful that we’re able to invest in our local community, supporting so many worthy and marvellous causes. As a local family business, spanning the last four decades, now employing over 100 Cornish employees, it’s heartening to see some of my colleagues participating in the tricky but privileged role of grant making.

There’s much pleasure seeing these very deserving recipients benefitting from our and other like-minded businesses’ charitable endeavours, in our pursuit of wishing to put back something tangible, meaningful and lasting into our county.”

So what’s next for 2016? The Fund will concentrate on supporting organisations that assist children and young people, elderly people and carers, particularly young carers.

CORNWALL GLASS & GLAZING

“In the six years since The Cornwall Glass Fund was founded in excess of £45,000 has been invested in community groups across Cornwall.”

01726 66325 www.cornwallfoundation.com www.cornwallglass.co.uk/the-cornwall-glass-fund Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 99

01208 812 333 cornwallrugcompany.com Unit 3 Trevanson Street Wadebridge PL27 7AW

Home

s s a gr n e e gr , n e e gr e h T Enjoy a vibrant, low-maintenance garden all year round, with a little help from Eclipse Landscapes.

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he team at award-winning company Eclipse Landscapes are experts when it comes to all things garden design. As Eclipse are Marshalls registered installers, you can be sure of peace of mind and work of the highest standard. “If it can be done in a garden, we can do it”, says owner Kevin Read.

After scooping an award for the best small patio design in the whole of the south west, Eclipse Landscapes has gone from strength to strength. The company offers landscaping excellence, creative solutions and quality, professional craftsmanship for customers who demand perfection.

Aside from patios, walls and decking, Eclipse Landscapes now has a growing sister company, Cornwall Artificial Lawns. They are the leading installer and supplier of artificial grass in Cornwall, sourcing from renowned supplier Namgrass, who has supplied the Olympic stadium and Alton Towers, as well as being endorsed by property expert and TV personality Sarah Beeny.

Now, due the growing demand of the artificial grass market, the company has launched its own online shop, selling all Namgrass products, making it even easier to purchase your artificial grass (www. artificialgrassshop.co.uk). What’s more, in

January and February, Cornwall Artificial Lawns is launching a Cancer Research campaign, giving 20p for every square metre of grass sold to the charity. “While this might not seem like much”, says Kevin, “with the average order being 40 to 50m2, that’s about £10 per order going to Cancer Research. This will run indefinitely. We’ve done this as one of my close friend has just been diagnosed with lung, spine and leg cancer with about a year to live, so it’s a cause very close to our hearts.”

The team covers the whole of Cornwall and further afield. With no job too big or small, give Kevin and the team a call to find out how an artificial lawn could transform your garden. “We have been installer of the week for Namgrass 3 times in 2015 out of all their installers across the country for outstanding installations”, explains Kevin. So you can guarantee both a professional finish and a beautiful new garden.

é MAIN Transform your garden with a maintenance free artificial lawn ë ABOVE LEFT Stylish and contemporary landscape designing

ECLIPSE LANDSCAPES

01872 859871 07496 837372 www.eclipselandscapes.co.uk www.cornwallartificiallawns.co.uk www.artificialgrassshop.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 101

Nansloe Manor is opening its doors again on Friday 29th of January.

Let us welcome you again to sample our perfect mix of traditional charm and modern luxury.

Tel. 01326 558 400 www.nansloe–manor.co.uk Nansloe Manor, Meneage Road Helston, TR13 0SB

CLM 42--AD--Nansloe Manor FINAL--0.5.indd 1

21/12/2015 12:37

DO YOU OWN A HOLIDAY HOME IN CORNWALL? Due to high visitor demand we are looking for more cherished holiday homes in all coastal areas of Cornwall. We have low commission, high occupancy, and happy visitors & owners — call for a conversation on 01209 832848.

WWW.FOREVERCORNWALL.CO.UK

Out & About Shopping

Embrace the winter Make your winter a little lovelier with a fabulous rug from the Cornwall Rug Company.

W

ell, this year has truly flown by! How can it possibly be almost Christmas already?

Certainly, it can be hard to keep up as life rushes by, season to season.

But let’s stand still just for a moment and take in the winter; it’s breathtaking, and there is no better place to enjoy it than Cornwall.

With everything changing so rapidly, it can be easy to fall into the trap of seasonal interior trends that may have you scratching your head in disbelief as you contemplate the idea of a total revamp, from summer cool to winter warm.

Well, it’s time to lighten up! Creating a warm, cosy winter-welcoming haven doesn’t have to soak up time and money. At the Cornwall Rug Company Showroom in Wadebridge, the focus is on key areas to help you get your interior winter ready.

April Watson shares a few tips with us to get our homes looking fabulous with the changing of the season.

Illuminate Combine plenty of warm lighting in your living areas. Lighting is ‘jewellery’ to interior spaces.

Texture and warmth Roll out a thick toe-sinking soft pile rug that oozes comfort; add a warm woollen throw or a colourful cushion in the season’s trend colour to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Detail Focus on the detail by adding gorgeous ceramics in pale neutral hues and an assortment of candleholders. You can make your winter a little lovelier in a pinch with a trip to the Cornwall Rug Company.

ë ABOVE Muted colours with a splash of pink create atmosphere é MIDDLE Don't be afraid to mix it up with bright bold patterned rugs

With the new look complete, all that’s left to do is simply sit back in your revitalised haven, get cosy and relax with a nice cup of Smugglers tea!

CORNWALL RUG COMPANY

Shop 3,Trevanson Street (opposite Lidl) Wadebridge PK27 7AW 01208 812333 mail@cornwallrugcompany.com www.cornwallrugcompany.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 103

On the cover

I NS P IRIN G

S PAC E S All the latest ideas and trends on beautiful colour, statement artifacts, glorious soft furnishings and design for small spaces.

W

hether you are starting from scratch, want to turn your home into a peaceful haven with the latest trends in colour and design; or are renovating a holiday let, we have some top tips from some of our favourite designers, with the wealth of interior design advice on offer in Cornwall.

The hard bit was choosing which ones to ask!

It all started after talking to Jill Stein. Her ideas, about design, but more importantly the role of ‘home’, even if just for a holiday, were thought provoking (see page 48).

104 CORNWALL LIVING

“Interiors should be calming and restful.

Tranquil. I love being on my own at home, it’s my refuge.” Jill advocates the use of shaded whites, greys, blues and white, soft colours that seem to change with the light, a log burner, bookcases, and good use of lighting. “All my lights have dimmer switches on them. I think lighting can make or break a room,” she says. “Wood floors and ceilings are popular and I think we will see more wood, stone and even marble being used especially in bathrooms.” So we went on a bit of journey to find out more.

Making your home your sanctuary

Acclaimed interior designer Nicola O’Mara had similar thoughts but with some different ideas. “In this very busy world of gadgetry, people are finding sanctuary in their home. We are trying to avoid the huge overload of technology around us. Creating warm, subtle and atmospheric interiors, influenced by the outside; random organic shapes, curiosity cabinets, fossils, crochet, lace, baskets and weave, all with an added twist of luxury. There are varying colour hues; think sea urchins, coral, mineral crystals, new and old designs, silver mixed with ceramics and extravagant one of a kind pieces.”

Nicola suggests using fresh and breezy fabrics, mesh and weave in furniture, layering indigo washed linen throws and adding oriental and Nordic inspired accents in soft warm and gentle colours. She adds, “Use plants and greenery to soften the room and aid relaxation and decorate with beautiful large crystals and minerals to create warm surrounding spirit.” www.nicolaomara.com

Bringing the outside in

Julianne Shelton from Cornish Gems, the luxury holiday cottage company, uses Shepherd’s House one of the holiday homes they market as an example. Julianne explains, “It’s a stunning Georgian home and the owner, interior designer Emma Caddis from Elemental Interiors has created truly stylish spaces for relaxed living.”

Emma goes on to explain: “The Cornish love of the outdoors suits the trend for bringing nature in to your home.

Furniture that can be used indoors and out, with interior details inspired by the environment. 2016 is a celebration of all things natural, mixed up with metallics, to give a bit of edge. Shepherds House’s beautiful proportions and stunning natural light are matched by its tranquil, generous grounds; so we let the house and gardens do the talking”. Emma says: “the interior is fluid from the inside out, connecting the space to the outside is really important today.”

Slate floors run out to the terrace while a vintage chair with sheepskin rug creates warmth and texture. A large silver leaf mirror reflects a fabulous twisted willow chandelier, which adds some sparkle whilst picking up the natural vibe.

Julianne adds, “It feels relaxed and convivial – warm in winter, open and free in summer. Guests can kick off their shoes and enjoy. True Cornish style.” www.cornishgems.com

é TOP Dining room details from Nicola O'Mara é ABOVE & RIGHT The Shepard's House from Cornish Gems

CORNWALL LIVING 105

On the cover A return to the artisan

Interior stylist Jessica Forbes has some great ideas on the use of colour, she explains: “Trending this season and well into 2016 is a return to the artisan. Be inspired by handmade pottery and handwoven textiles, infusing historic designs and techniques with new and bold definition. The colour palette is based on a global influence of vibrant oranges, mustardy yellows and natural greens paired with traditional tones of black, browns, greys and cream. Add to these warm metallics, copper, bronze and rose gold to embrace a little retro bling!

And don’t be afraid to mix vintage items with mass produced goods, for example a vintage Ercol sofa, a retro pouf, an Ikea cushion and a fabulous rug from the Cornwall Rug Company.

Bring the outdoors in! House plants have always been popular but more now than ever. Cactuses and succulents are right on trend as they work brilliantly with the fluid geometric shapes adorning the coolest interiors today. www.jessicaforbes.houzz.co.uk

ç LEFT Cactus and succulents are on trend é ABOVE Colourul artisan is back - Jessica Forbes

Good design doesn’t need to shout…

So says Isabel Humphreys from Coastal Spaces who showcase beautiful coastal interiors, furnishings and design from some of the best across Cornwall and Scandinavia. She shared the following tips with us.

• “Let nature inspire your colour palette. White and neutral colours allow a subtle backdrop. Cornish inspired artwork, soft furnishings and accessories add the colour and give a room the Cornwall feel.

• Don't over clutter; allow the interior to be bright and airy, functional but comfortable. AND… never over-do the nautical decor - less is more when it comes to rope, driftwood and seashells!

• Wall cladding adds a nautical feel to a room; it's quite subtle, but adds warmth and makes a room more interesting.

• One of the key themes for 2016 is Nordic. We will see lots of blues and greys and a lot of white. These all work well in a Cornish interior.

• Another trend is the abstract take on the lines and movement of nature such as the sea, sand, rocks, not just in art, but also in some fabric and textiles.”

For more about Coastal Spaces see page 42 www.coastalspaces.co.uk

106 CORNWALL LIVING

n Cool whites with metallic hints from Coastal Spaces

One thing at a time

Less is more and clutter is probably, almost certainly, out!

So how to add to your freshly decorated room? We spoke to Tristan Williams from Earthworks, who sell design originals and a selection of vintage and salvaged items.

“One good piece can transform a space - be it furniture, a picture, a mirror, an object of interest or art piece. Go for quality and keep it simple to begin with, and enjoy the process of creating and defining your space.

Mixing old and new adds interest and depth providing you are consistent on quality. This does not mean expensive, just a great eye for good design and quality no matter what the object.

One key piece can define and uplift a space. Do not try to fill the space in one go! Cornwall offers a unique resource for creating an interesting and enjoyable space that isn’t the usual high street solution. Define your space and make it your own - be inspired by the creative energy of Cornwall.” www.earthworks.co.uk

ç LEFT Design originals from Earthworks è RIGHT Porthole mirror, a touch of nautical, Earthworks î BELOW Great use of a small space, CH Interior Design

Designing for small spaces

Clare Hughes from CH Interior Design tells me: “Small spaces present the most challenging projects for interior designers, but they are also great fun to work with. Having special restrictions forces you to think outside the box, and often you come up with the most creative solutions this way.”

She shared these images of a shower room that was built into an attic space between two bedrooms.

It made very good use of what used to be two non-functional cupboards. Each cupboard opened into opposite bedrooms, and neither was easy to access or worked well for storage.

Clare explains, “With some careful planning we created a wonderful funky shower room, a much more usable space.

We played with cheerful vivid colours, as well as using nonslip Altro flooring for the floor, we used it on the walls to create the matching basin splash-back. We didn’t want tiles on the walls, and glass panels far exceeded the budget, so we used acrylic sheeting to line out the shower enclosure.”

The result is a fun, yet very practical space, with a slightly retro feel, that might give you some ideas of what can be achieved in a small space, and add value to your home. www.chdesigners.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 107

n Metamorphosis

by Design creates a beachy look.

There are loads more amazing interior ideas in the recent issues of Cornwall Living.

But did you know you can also read all our articles online? Go to the Cornwall Living website and be the first to receive updates by subscribing to our newsletter. Check out the website... www.cornwall-living.co.uk/subscribe

Renovating your holiday let for less Lucie from Metamorphosis by Design, whose mission it is to transform Cornish homes into coastal lifestyle properties on a minimal budget, gave us some tips on making the most of your holiday let. “Most people coming to Cornwall on holiday expect a beachy, coastal look. There are some fantastic interior designers in Cornwall, some are über-contemporary, and prices can differ considerably; so it’s worth shopping around to find someone who suits your property, your style and your pocket!”

In the example pictured, Lucie completely changed the look of the bedroom by changing the original feature wall paper for a white sunbleached wood effect paper (£32.95), added two bedside lights (£59.95 each) and finished with the fresh chic bedding (£39.95) for a fresh Cornish beachy vibe; proving that you can do it all affordably! Lucie added “I love clean lines, raw unfinished wood and a relaxed style of living – and that’s exactly what people want on holiday!” www.metamorphosisbydesign.co.uk

Head over to our website now for some more fantastic inspiration on exactly how you can achieve the ultimate coastal look for your own home. www.cornwall-living.co.uk

“Copper is all the rage again! We have seen its arrival as the ‘finish of choice’ for lighting this year but expect this to spread to wallpaper and fabric as a trend colour for 2016. It also looks fantastic as a finish on furniture.”

Mark Mitchell, director at interior specialists Stylehome www.stylehome.co.uk For more from Mark see page 17

Sample the ultimate lifestyle by the sea with our online competitions where you can win anything from holidays to genuine Cornish goods, simply enter to win!

Enter now at www.cornwall-living.co.uk Terms and conditions apply.

See online for details.

Enter now at

www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CORNWALL LIVING 109

Give It A Go words by:

Mandy

A

GIVE IT A GO Our very own list of must do activities in Cornwall in 2015 You only regret the things you don't do, and we can guarantee that the following pages will fill you with excitement.

Cornwall has so much to offer. In fact, there's so much to do that a week or two might not be long enough to fit everything in.

We recommend allowing plenty of time to try our 'Give it a go' list.

With so much coast to explore, many of these activities, such as Coasteering, naturally make the most of Cornwall's unique location.

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Others might come as more of a surprise in tucked away corners of our beautiful county.

Try wine-tasting or furniture-making. Or how about a mosaic workshop? Discover local history or take in a show. The Duchy has a vibrant artistic community who regularly inspire and delight with fabulous performances.

We would love to hear from you if you take part in any of these activities. Tweet us your photos on @CornwallLiving.

CREATIVE RECYCLING

In an attempt to counteract today's throw away society my passion is for reusing and recycling wooden furniture in a creative way. I take the old and tired and turn it into something beautiful using Chalk Paint ™ by Annie Sloan, which you can buy in store. I also take commissions and can transform your tired pieces of wooden furniture by giving it the 'Zoma treatment'. Or come along and take part in one of our workshops.

Zoma Home evolved through my love of beautiful interiors, recycling, and living by the coast. Having run out of space at home, I opened a market stall in Newquay, Cornwall. The stall has quickly grown and is popular with locals and holiday

SAILING ON THE SAND

Visit

makers alike, often being described as a hidden gem, and now in our second year we have expanded to our own beautiful shop premises.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Exper ience

motorised beach wheelchair, they are accessible to all. Established in 2004, recognised by the BKSA (British Kite Sports Association), and with a gold accolade from the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2014/2015, you are in safe hands.

Quote 'Cornwall Living' to receive a £10 discount off your booking.

Mobius Adventure Activites On The Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall TR6 0DP +44 (0)1637 831383 info@mobiusonline.co.uk www.mobiusonline.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

As the National Coach for Blokart sailing and Speedsailing, Graham spends a lot of his time developing the teaching scheme, so that students learn quickly and easily. Sessions range from one to one and small groups through to larger groups for corporate team experiences, family days out and stag and hen groups.

Find out more about options by calling Graham on 07979 960827.

Also check out the website – the pictures tell the story. Make it a day to remember!

Speedsail UK Chy an Brea, Castle Gate, Ludgvan, Penzance TR20 8BG 07979 960827 gbobin@speedsailuk.com www.speedsailuk.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

Zoma Home Unit 15, Chester Court, Newquay TR72SB 07792 883867 zomahome.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

Looking for adventure activities in Cornwall? Well look no further than Mobius. From kite-buggying and kitesurfing, to stand up paddle boarding boarding and mountain biking, or coasteering and climbing, Mobius offer a range of activities for all ages and abilities, and with an adapted kite buggy and

Speedsail UK started running a range of exciting outdoor activities 12 years ago around the beautiful coast of West Cornwall.

If you take a look at its website (www.speedsailuk.com) you will see that during the summer it runs Zapcat surf boat experiences and all year round offer Blokart sailing, pictured here, as well as sessions in Speedsailing, a dry land version of windsurfing, and various forms of power kite flying lessons.

The ethos of the company is to give the client an unusual and exciting experience whether in the Zapcats powered by 50hp engines out on the water or zipping up and down the beach or airfield, powered by the wind, all lead by instructors who have a passion for the sports.

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TAKE TO THE WATER

Experience a luxury skippered charter aboard Windana, a Sealine F42/5 Flybridge Cruiser.

Windana is a stunning boat with a luxurious interior and a spacious, comfortable flybridge to enjoy the view of the coastline of Cornwall from the water.

Your skipper Jeremy is an experienced motor boat owner who knows the coastline very well and will give you an exhilarating and fun time on the water, pointing out the landmarks on the way.

Explo re

Windana is a beautiful boat for cruising with full day, half day and evening charters available that can be tailored to your individual requirements.

Weddings, birthdays and corporate entertainment groups can be catered for, plus charters out in the Bay to coincide with organised sailing events. You will have the opportunity to visit many places of interest, including St Mawes, the Helford, Fowey (just an hour’s cruise from Falmouth) and the 13th Century Pandora Inn.

Falmouth Motorboat Charters Falmouth Marina, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 2TD 07779 941 499 / 01872 862695 info@falmouthmotorboatcharters.co.uk www.falmouthmotorboatcharters.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

Falmouth Motorboat Charters

CORNWALL LIVING 111

Give It A Go SEAFOOD WORKSHOPS

Maybe it’s the quality of the fish and shellfish they use, but people cook better at Padstow Seafood School. Choose from skill workshops, one, two and four day courses, and learn how to create Rick’s favourite dishes from classic fish and seafood to Spanish tapas Indian curries.

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Riverside, Padstow PL28 8BY 01841 532700 reservations@rickstein.com www.rickstein.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

A VERY GOOD VINTAGE

Come and visit us at Cornwall's oldest vineyard set deep in Cornwall's fine countryside.

We're a small family run vineyard which sells its wine from its own small wine shop.

Open daily for vineyard walks from end of May to September and open for bottle sales daily.

Indul ge

Polmassick, St Ewe, St. Austell PL26 6HA 01726 844427 www.polmassickvineyard.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

VINEYARD TOUR AND TASTING

Indul ge

Polgoon, Rosehill, Penzance TR20 8TE 01736 333946 wine@polgoon.co.uk www.polgoon.com Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

CATCH A LIVE SHOW WITH CRBO!

There's nothing better than seeing a live show. And there's lot to see across Cornwall. Why stay in? There are superb venues such as The Acorn & Penlee Park in Penzance, Princess Pavilion in Falmouth, St Austell Arts Theatre and Calstock Arts. Plus great theatre companies.

Cornish Riviera Box Office @ St Austell TIC Southbourne Road, St Austell PL25 4RS +44 (0) 1726 879 500 www.crbo.co.uk Find out more online: www.cornwall-living.co.uk

Exper ience

Image courtesy of: Tom Young -www.tomyoungphotography.co.uk

Experience something unique and spend an afternoon on a vineyard tour and tasting at Polgoon. Our guided tours provide a fascinating insight into the activities of a working vineyard along with a highlight of five tastings at the end.

YOU’RE INVITED

V IP Open Weekend

THE ONLY INNOVATIVE TIMBER-FRAMED PROPERTY EVENT IN THE SOUTH WEST You’re invited to visit our humble abode in Newton Abbot, Devon and experience the passion, dedication and skill we put into every home for yourself.

With a large and varied range of homes on display including this years Ultimate Lodge of the Year, The Summit, a fully facilitated design studio and the beautiful Devon to explore, it’s sure to be a weekend for you to remember.

1 0 . 0 0 a m - 5. 00pm Postcode: TQ12 6FJ

SPECIAL TRADE DAY FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER

INNOVATI ON, I NS PI R AT I ON A ND I M AGIN AT IO N

Castles of Cornwall discover the stories of history where it happened.

visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/cornwall

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.