6 minute read
A Cornish Gem in Sustainable Travel
With the launch of Cornish Gems Eco-Conscious Collection, we take a look at their sustainability journey while shining a spotlight on their greenest properties, endeavouring to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise waste and the impact on our planet.
Looking through the keyhole of Cornish Gems, there’s so much more to celebrate than their immaculate portfolio of 200 exclusive Cornish holiday properties. Their ethical practices are a force for good and their principles an inspiration within the sustainability movement of the travel sector.
Flying the Flag of St Piran
Cornwall is a beautiful county and coastline, and it's somewhere Cornish Gems are incredibly proud to call home. Behind the brand, the Cornwall-based team work tirelessly to support the unique and vibrant local community and the landscape. They raise money for charities and local trusts, and offer guests the opportunity to purchase Cornwall Heritage Trust memberships.
They champion local farmers by working with The Cornish Food Box to deliver grass-fed, free-range meat and poultry, sustainably caught fish and seafood, and veg grown just down the road from local producers. The hampers for guests on arrival not only support this great local business, but by enabling guests to choose the items they wish to receive, Cornish Gems are helping to reduce the waste of unwanted products.
You won’t find plastic toiletry bottles in Cornish Gems holiday homes, and they are hot on their recycling efforts too – only previously received packaging is used for wrapping gifts bought in their Gems Shop. One of our favourite products? The Circular & Co cup, created from used coffee cups and fully recyclable.
Cornish Gems have planted more than 1,200 trees in 26 countries around the world, which is equal to neutralising approximately 6,300 car journeys from across the UK into Cornwall. Plus, they are committed to being mindful of the effect on social housing by trying to help protect affordability for local first-time buyers by not adding any residential properties with a market value of less than £350,000 to their portfolio.
It is no mean feat that Cornish Gems have raised £17,500 for worthy causes, including the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Air Ambulance, the RNLI and (one of my personal favourites) Surfers Against Sewage.
The ‘Charity of the Year,’ for 2023 is ‘Love Where You Are,’ who offer financial support to climate and naturefriendly projects across Cornwall.
It’s no wonder then that Cornish Gems has been awarded the coveted Gold Green Tourism Award, shortlisted for a Cornwall Sustainability Award in the Carbon Neutral category, and commended for their commitment to protecting the Cornish area and landscape.
Reducing the Impact of Holidays and Protecting the Landscape of Cornwall
Being responsible, ethical, and aware of our effect on our planet is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. And as holidaymakers, meaningful environmental responsibility is vital – but how about we go one step further? What if we base our entire travel plans around like-minded businesses by staying only in the most environment-friendly properties? Supporting those committed to operating sustainably and responsibly and leaving only our footprints.
With Cornish Gem's Eco-Conscious collection you have the choice to do just that. From renewable heating sources and electric car chargers to biodiverse landscaping featuring native plants and ecofriendly constructions, these properties endeavour to reduce the impact of your holiday and protect the beautiful landscape of Cornwall. Here's our pick of some of our favourite Cornish Gems climate-mindful properties:
Boslagen
Close to Padstow, Trevone and Wadebridge, this exquisite nature-inspired retreat is the perfect bolthole for two. Stay within the beautiful oasis of Boslagen as it seamlessly blends back into nature and appears as if romantically floating on its own natural pond. A dreamy setting inspired by the owner, whose focus on low-carbon and sustainable options complemented her passion for providing an exquisite holiday experience like no other. This architecturally inspiring pavilion is dressed in the very best fabrics and furnishings, while the ensuite bedroom and open-plan living, kitchen and dining spaces embrace the orchard, meadow and woodland views from the full-height glass walls. A wraparound veranda floats over the water, where guests can while away the evenings and soak in the outdoor sit-up Japanese bath. The playground of North Cornwall is a short trip away, waiting to host adventurous souls or those looking to embrace a slower pace of Cornish life.
Polsue Farm House
Close to St Mawes, this is a stunning country abode on the Roseland Peninsula. Follow the winding country lanes and arrive at Polsue Farm House, where nature takes centre stage and magical holidays are created. Experience off-the-beaten-track tranquillity at this truly breathtaking refurbished abode and enjoy the luxury of the location as you flip from rural to coastal in no time. Offering all you could need, choose from four beautiful bedrooms, four country-inspired bathrooms, and several spaces in which to relax and host families and friends. The garden is an oasis of botanical plants with a patchwork of terraces, paddocks, lawns and fields in which to spread out and explore. Once settled, head out into the Roseland Peninsula, to discover more of West Cornwall: the quintessential coves of Portloe and Portholland, the fishing heritage of Mevagissey, and the smart town of St Mawes, all just a short drive away.
Meadow’s Nest
Close to St Agnes, Perranporth, Callestick and the North Coast, this is an uplifting countryside retreat. Fashioned from the owners’ passion to create a characterful, backto-nature retreat, Meadow’s Nest is an idyllic haven for all those seeking escape from the everyday. Previously a bustling workshop, the space has been sensitively refurbished using repurposed materials, keeping the use of high-carbon materials to a minimum. From sinking into the copper bath and soaking up the green views to meeting the cows that frequent the neighbouring fields, Meadow’s Nest offers an experience that is totally unique and wholesome.
Bosavallam
Close to Padstow, Trevone and Wadebridge, this exemplary woodland abode made just for two is magical. It immerses its guests into nature, inspiring rest and wellbeing and ensuring a truly special stay. Settling into flora and fauna of the most beautiful woodland and orchard backdrop, the wooden pavilion has been creatively designed to blend into the surroundings and maximise the space and the light and ensure sublime comfort. Bosavallam (Cornish for ‘house in the orchard’) offers a spacious bedroom with panoramic woodland views, an open-plan kitchen and wraparound veranda with alfresco bar, veranda seating and, most impressively, the bespoke outdoor roll-top nickel-boat bath housed under a Cornish slate-lined alcove. From your holiday door, explore the beauty of North Cornwall, including Wadebridge, Rock and Padstow nearby or the golden sand beaches of Daymer Bay, Polzeath and Constantine.
→ For more information on Cornish Gems' collection of properties sleeping from two to 20 guests visit cornishgems.com
Text by Samantha Rutherford
