2020/21 EDITION
Holiday Highlife L U X U RY H O L I DAY L I F E
WIN A
Our 2020 Charity
HOLIDAY
Supporting Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Luxury WORTH OVER £1800 see page 3
Local Heroes Meet St Ives fisherman, Stuart Clary-Brom GEMS INTERIORS Creating style and luxury, The Gems Way
Gems
Weekender
Mood-lifting weekends on the Cornish coast
Paul Ainsworth’s
Minestrone del Contadino recipe
CONTENTS 3
WIN a luxury holiday to Cornwall
GEMS CORNWALL
GEMS CHARITY 4 6
Our Charity of the Year Supporting Cornwall Wildlife Trust
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Clifftop Culture
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iWalk Cornwall
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Sustainable Retail
Random Acts of Wildness Find out how you can get involved during your holiday
GEMS COLLECTIONS 9
Introduction to The Cornish Gems Collections
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Boutique-For-Two
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The Gems Way
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Gems Weekender
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Dogs Welcome
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Bubbling Bliss
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Cornish Cribs
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Baby Friendly
Discover Cornwall’s world-famous open air theatre
The iWalk team share their top 10 Cornish walks Committed to re-using and recycling, discover our Gems Shop
GEMS PEOPLE
Fall in love with our Cornish love nests Providing first-class holiday experiences in Cornwall
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John Greig Artworks
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Chef Paul Ainsworth
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Paul Ainsworth’s Recipe
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Local Hero: Stuart Clary-Brom
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Local Hero: Andy Mulhern
Making your mini-break a breeze Dog-friendly Gems with the paw-print of approval Handpicked homes with tempting tubs
We meet the man behind the paint palette
Culinary perfection in the heart of Padstow
Paul shares his inspired recipe for Minestrone del Contadino
Fishing the waters of St Ives bay for over 30 years
Find out more about Cornwall’s #CoastSafe campaign
GEMS HOMES
A collection of aspirational homes with added wow
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Introducing Gems Interiors
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Gems Journey - Gull Cottage
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Gems Journey - Roundhouse Mill
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Gem in the Spotlight - Little Cutmadoc Farm
Cornish Gems’ in-house interior design service
Luxury homes for your baby’s first holiday
GEMS CORNWALL 20
Pulling Together
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A Day at Philleigh Way
The history of Cornish Pilot Gig rowing Guest experiences for the whole family
A stylish coastal Gem made-for-two
A beautiful Cornish Crib sleeping 10 guests
A luxury rural oasis hidden away in south Cornwall
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Photo credit: Dan Murphy
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Luxury WIN A HOLIDAY
WORTH OVER £1800
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Holiday Highlife, published by Cornish Gems Ltd, Carne House, Truro, TR4 9LD Cornish Gems Holiday Highlife, Edition 4 Editor: Jen Morgan Copywriter: Jen Morgan, Sophie Roberts Photography credits: Elliott White Photography, Chris Hewitt Photography, Chris Boulton, James Ram Photography Designer: Paul Sutton The contents of HOLIDAY HIGHLIFE are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. ©
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see page 3
Sign up to our newsletter and keep in touch with our very latest news from the Cornish coast. Email: enquiries@cornishgems.com Tel: 01872 241 241 Website: www.cornishgems.com
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CORNISH GEMS
Unforgettable Cornwall Holidays
It’s never been more important to spend time with our dearest friends and family and as we continue to navigate through uncertain times, we long to feel comforted and safe. Whether you were born here or are drawn here time and time again, the natural beauty of Cornwall is hard to beat and we are proud to share some of the very best luxury houses in which to create your unforgettable holidays. Over the last year we have welcomed several new Gems to our exclusive portfolio and we were thrilled to receive the gold British Travel Award for the UK’s best holiday cottage company 2019. Co-MD Julianne explains ‘this award is so important to us as it is voted for by our loyal guests, our owners and business associates, we are so proud of all of our Gems’.
In our 4th edition of Holiday Highlife, we meet some of Cornwall’s local heroes, introduce Gems Interiors and learn about about our recent luxury property transformations, share Paul Ainsworth’s Minestrone del Contadino recipe, get involved with Cornwall Wildlife Trust and so much more.
Co-Managing Directors, Julianne Shelton and Nadia Macer-Wright collect the British Travel Award trophy for UK’s Best Holiday Cottage Company 2019.
SHARE YOUR HOLIDAY HIGHLIFE
We love to hear about your time in Cornwall and your time spent in our luxury properties. Share your experiences, photographs and reviews with us on Facebook, Instagram and Google. @cornish.gems @cornishgemsholidays @Cornish_Gems
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BLOG
Our Cornish travel blog is packed with all things Cornwall and we look forward to sharing our top tips and holiday inspiration throughout the year. Find our Gems Journal on our website www.cornishgems.com and discover our top cultural spots, the best surfing breaks and so much more.
WIN a luxury break
at Laflouder Thatch, Mullion worth over ÂŁ1800 Enter our exclusive competition and one lucky winner will enjoy a luxury holiday on The Lizard Peninsula for up to 6 guests.
Stay for 3 nights and enjoy beautiful sea views, an outdoor swimming pool and a luxury hamper packed with Cornish fare. Follow the Cornish roads heading west, taking in the wonderful views of The Lizard Peninsula, and arrive at the private setting of Laflouder Thatch in Mullion, a beautifully renovated Grade II Listed cottage. Open the impressive oak gates to your luxury holiday oasis and step straight into your holiday highlife. This home has been fully renovated to the highest standard by Cornish Gems’ in-house design team, Gems Interiors, and offers three beautiful bedrooms, a relaxed sitting room and open plan sociable kitchen and dining space. The beautifully landscaped spacious grounds, complete with heated swimming pool, are simply perfect with the stunning backdrop of distant sea views.
To enter this competition visit www.cornishgems.com/win/holidayhighlife Closing date: 30 April 2021
Good luck!
Terms and conditions apply, visit www.cornishgems.com for details
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Gems| Charity
Our Charity OF THE YEAR PROUD TO SUPPORT Cornwall Wildlife Trust Throughout 2020 Cornish Gems will be lending a hand and raising funds for Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The charity is dedicated to protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places, whilst inspiring people to love and care for the natural environment. Living on the stunning Cornish coast is a daily reminder to do better by our planet: from woodland habitats to tiny leaf-hoppers, bottlenose dolphins to rare colourful corals, we want Cornwall to stay as beautiful and diverse as possible.
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Photo Credit: Jon Hawkins
Gems| Charity
When the weekend comes around, our Cornish Gems team can often be found walking our dogs on the beach, running nature trails and taking to the water. So, as a group of animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, we will be supporting Cornwall Wildlife Trust and their fundraising events to safeguard our wildlife and landscapes. Photo Credit: Jack Hicks
Photo Credit: Adrian Langdon
A wilder future for Cornwall
Photo Credit: David Chapman
Cornwall Wildlife Trust manages a network of over 50 nature reserves across the county, providing safe havens for creatures of feathers, fins, scales and more. By growing sites where species can thrive and spread, and by engaging the next generation of decision makers, the charity aims to ensure a wilder Cornwall for animals and people to enjoy. Without our unusual and fascinating wildlife, Cornwall would be a very different place. We understand that our guests wish to combine a love for travel, with a desire to tread as lightly as possible on the beautiful places they visit. We are so pleased to raise awareness and encourage our guests to join us in supporting this local Cornish charity. You can find out how you can get involved and help Cornwall whilst on your holiday over the next few pages. Read more about the wonderful work of Cornwall Wildlife Trust by visiting their website www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or following them on social media.
@CwallWildlife @CornwallWildlife @cornwallwildlifetrust Holiday Highlife
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Gems| Charity
Random Acts of Whether grandparent or toddler, water-lover or woodland explorer, there are so many small ways you can all connect with nature in Cornwall. Your ‘random act of wildness’ really can be anything; from helping to protect the bees, spotting sea birds over the cliffs and
Wildness
exploring rockpools to diving under the waves or getting involved with an organised event by Cornwall Wildlife Trust. With some of our favourite random acts of wildness in mind, read on and find out how you can ‘go wild’ during your Cornish holiday.
1. 2-minute beach cleans
2. Go for a wild swim
Any amount of litter removed from the ecosystem helps protect our wildlife, so as you explore Cornwall’s many beaches, take time for your #2minutebeachclean and help prevent seals, sea-birds, dolphins and other marine life from harmful plastics, whilst ensuring the beach stays beautiful for all your Cornish holidays to come.
When in Cornwall, the water is your ever present companion. There’s something rather special about plunging into the swell of the salty sea, dipping into a tidal pool, or enjoying the freshwater of a Cornish river. Wild swimming is one of the simple pleasures of being on the coast and has even been proven to make us feel calmer, happier and healthier.
Photo Credit: Adrian Langdon
Photo Credit: Matt Slater
3. Seal spotting We can’t think of a better sight than seal pups playing on the shore, or bobbing their faces above the water. From Mutton Cove, just past Godrevey head, up to Trevose Head near Padstow, we have a thriving community of seals in Cornwall that can be spotted at different times throughout the year. Photo Credit: Dan Murphy
Photo Credit: Alex Pearce
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Gems| Charity
6. Wildlife Watch From bird box building to workshops in ‘How to be Wild’, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Watch team are running events throughout the year that are perfect for inspiring children to love and care for wildlife. Find your wild at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlifewatch
4. Don’t forget to look up With miles of uninterrupted coast and countryside, plus little light pollution, Cornwall is a popular place for budding astronomers to spot a constellation or bird watchers to admire the birds in flight at dusk and dawn. Whether stargazing from your Cornish Gem, out in the wilderness or on the exposed coast, the clear Cornish skies offer a magical backdrop for experiencing the science of our natural world. Photo Credit: Martin Yelland
5. ..And look down Discover the underwater world of rockpools and the weird and wonderful marine life that lives beneath the surface. There is a lot to be discovered when you cover your feet in the warm shallows; just wait for the water to settle around you, and the sea life will appear. For an immersive experience, try snorkelling in one of Cornwall’s larger tidal pools such as those at Mousehole and Treyarnon Bay. Photo Credit: Alexander Mustard
7. Make a seed bomb Great fun for children and adults, sowing wildflower seeds encourages a wide range of pollinators, adds a pop of flower power to the environment and welcomes bees, butterflies and more. Plant your seed bomb whilst out and about in Cornwall or take it home to sow in your own garden.
You will need:
A bowl, water, meadow flower seeds, peat free compost, powdered clay (from a craft shop) 1. Mix 1 cup of seeds, 5 cups of compost and 2-3 cups of powdered clay 2. Slowly add water until it becomes sticky 3. Roll into firm balls 4. Leave to dry somewhere sunny 5. Throw the bomb or plant it in a pot and watch the flowers grow Photo Credit: Jon Hawkins
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STAY...
Hawkes Point at The Sands, Carbis Bay A collection of 14 contemporary coastal apartments, moments from the sand and shore.
view the collection at www.cornishgems.com
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Sea views • Luxury interiors • Private parking • Close to St Ives • Sleeping 2 to 6 • Walk to the beach
Gems| Collections
T HE CORNI SH GE MS
Collections
Pairing our passion for luxury holidays with Cornwall’s finest hand picked houses, we invite you to experience The Gems Way. However you like to holiday, our unique collections will help you match the right destination with the right property. Relax on a sun-soaked balcony overlooking the sea, play lord of the manor at your very own rural abode or search for a romantic idyll where laughter and lazy days are assured.
ROMANTIC RETREATS
THE GEMS WEEKENDER
DOG FRIENDLY
BUBBLING BLISS
CORNISH CRIBS
BABY FRIENDLY
To view all of our collections, visit www.cornishgems.com Holiday Highlife
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Gems| Collections
Boutique-for-Two
Gull Cottage, Mousehole
Write your own Cornish love story; our luxury homes for two are spread far and wide across Cornwall, welcoming couples for short breaks throughout the year.
The Calf House, nr Mawgan Porth
Lowen, Newquay
Our Boutique-for-Two Gems are handpicked for their wonderful locations, luxury extras, inspiring interiors and oh-so-dreamy views. If you long for a couple’s escape, take time out for two in the beautiful setting of a smaller luxury Gem. Returning hand-in-hand from a day of adventure or relaxation, couples can spend evenings under the stars in private bubbling hot tubs, enjoy a glass of fizz in harbour-fronted gardens and indulge in the most romantic of suppers by a log burner. We know that all couples differ so we have handpicked a selection of Gems to ‘wow’ each kind from the bay-dreamers to the rural romantics. Browse our Boutique-for-two collection online to find a piece of Cornish heaven to fall in love with.
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Little Trevone, Trevone
Gems| Collections
The Gems Way Since 2007, Cornish Gems has been providing first-class holiday experiences in Cornwall. With a passion for travel, superior standards and exemplary customer service, our award-winning team is dedicated to making your precious time away truly unforgettable. Discover The Gems Way - read on to find out what to expect when you choose to holiday with Cornish Gems.
A handpicked portfolio
Luxury as standard
Holiday experiences
However you like to holiday our tailored portfolio of luxury homes have been handpicked to exceed our guests’ expectations. Swimming pools, hot tubs and the latest technology are paired with spectacular locations across the county.
All of our Gems must meet our high standards of cleanliness, furnishing and interiors. We inspect all of our Gems regularly and complete compliance checks giving you peace of mind for your family’s safety.
Turn your sightseeing into sight-doing with our online bookable experiences. From traditional pasty and scone making courses, fish in a day workshops to guided photography walks, return home with a new skill to practise and share.
Service second to none
Local area guides
A Warm Welcome
From your initial enquiry to your arrival back home, our helpful and knowledgeable travel advisors and customer service teams are on hand to provide daily assistance. We pride ourselves on being effective at problem solving and positively impacting your Cornwall holiday experience.
We’ve put together local area guides specific to our Cornish Gems locations, helping our guests to experience the very best that Cornwall has to offer. Once you have booked, the appropriate local area guide is downloadable from your guest account, helping you to plan ahead.
Our guests can expect a warm welcome at all of our luxury Gems. From goodies on arrival, to retail vouchers for Cornish Gems’ online sustainable shop or vouchers for The Cornish Food Box Company who will deliver direct to your holiday door, check-in and start your holiday in style.
“Beautiful luxury accommodation, the house was spotless, warm and welcoming. The hot tub was wonderful. We didn’t want to leave! Cornish Gems offer a fantastic service above and beyond anyone else.”
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Gems| Collections
A W E E K E N D I N C O R N WA L L INTRODUCING THE GEMS WEEKENDER The Sail Loft, Porth (as featured on the front cover)
The Gems Weekender makes your Cornish mini-break a breeze. Check in early on Friday at 2pm and enjoy an evening checkout on Sunday at 6pm, giving you plenty of time to create a mood-lifting weekend on the coast.
Getaways matter. Little pockets in the year where we take ourselves away from the everyday. With the demands of modern living, it’s never been more important to balance work and life. The opportunity to reconnect, recharge and take back control is something we all long for. Could the raw, rugged beauty of Cornwall do wonders for your wellbeing? For busy people and frazzled brains, a few days by the sea is just the tonic. Cornwall is closer than you think. It’s Friday lunchtime, you set your email to ‘out of office’ and grab your weekend bag - a Cornish break is calling. You take the one hour flight from London to Newquay or drive down in your own time with your holiday playlist setting the scene. Either way, you’re heading west, where the air is fresher and pace of life is slower. Our Cornish connections will help shape your Gems Weekender. Book cookery workshops (more on page 22), kayaking tours, guided
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photography walks and so much more, just speak to our Travel Advisors for inspiration. In the county where outdoor pursuits reign over everything else, these exciting experiences not only quench our hunger to learn something new, but give us the chance to reconnect with our most favourite people. When you’re not swimming in the sea, exploring the coast paths or dining in a cool cafe, your Cornish Gem guarantees a holiday oasis of luxury for a few days. Perhaps you’d like to share your Gems Weekender with the whole gang staying in a larger home, or it’s time for just-you-two? We are confident we have the right Gem for you all, however you like to holiday. With blissful beds made for a good night’s sleep, wide open landscapes and no need to rush, we know you’ll return to work on Monday morning feeling renewed, recharged and more than just a little bit in love with Cornwall.
Gems| Collections
At Home In Cornwall
Ocean’s Edge, Looe
We caught up with guests Amy, Ryan and little Jude (4) and Ned (2) after their Gems Weekender at The Sail Loft nr Newquay. What a great weekend, we were all so ready for a break! We miss our Gem already, it was so beautiful and perfect for our little family, right on the beach as promised.
Hummingbird, Veryan
The early check in made all the difference, we had hours of daylight left after arrival. Ned and Jude switched instantly to beach bum mode, we were knee deep in rock pools before Ryan had even unpacked the car.
The Lookout, Falmouth
I’d so been looking forward to soaking in the bath overlooking the sea, it definitely did not disappoint, bliss. Plus, I could just see Ryan still on the beach with the boys. We wanted to make the most of an evening checkout so hired bikes with child trailers from Wadebridge and cycled along the Camel Trail towards Padstow. The boys enjoyed their first Cornish pasties! We headed back to our Gem for showers before heading home. The roads were surprisingly quiet heading up towards the M5. Ned fell asleep in the car but Jude chatted and chatted about his ‘great Cornish escape’ - he couldn’t wait to show his nursery friends the shells he collected.
Sea Dragon, Trevone
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Gems| Collections
Dog Days
in Cornwall Nothing beats holidaying with your dog, and they love it just as much as you. Whether padding through woodland or bounding across miles of golden sand, our four-legged chums nudge us to get out there and live in the moment. And what better place to explore than dog-loving Cornwall? We know that if you’re heading to Cornwall with your dog, you will have a few extra details to consider when choosing your perfect property. That’s why we offer a choice of over 80 dog-friendly homes, each with the paw print of approval.
Carkeen, nr Port Isaac
Ilha View, Looe
Tresaldon, Mawgan Porth
Step inside, and our dog friendly Gems make it easy to manage new environments for your dog and help you all settle in. Spacious boot rooms for muddy wellies and outdoor showers for sandy paws provide the helpful essentials, while enclosed gardens and cosy log burners ensure that dogs live their best holiday highlife too.
Visit cornishgems.com to view our full paw-friendly collection. 14
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Glas Mor, Mousehole
Gems| Collections
Bubbling Bliss Therapeutic, sociable, relaxing… soaking in bubbling warm water is a pastime that’s been around for hundreds of years. The perfect addition to your blissed-out break in Cornwall, we’ve handpicked the finest homes with tempting hot tubs. Our Gems’ tubs come in all shapes, sizes and locations, including cedar clad set high above the sand and sea and even Dutch hot tubs tucked away in rural settings. Pairing our bubbling tubs with such wonderful locations means you can enjoy the luxury of a spa in the privacy and freedom of your own Cornish Gem. 1
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So for magical moonlit dips and summer garden parties, plunge into the collection on our website, and add some bubbling bliss to your holiday. 1. TADPOLES - TREVONE | 2. OCEAN VIEW - MEVAGISSEY | 3. ELYNGLAS - NR HOLYWELL BAY | 4. AZURE - CARBIS BAY
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Gems| Collections
C O R N I S H
C R I B S
Aspirational
HOMES
A collection of seriously special homes in Cornwall
Bodrigy, Cadgwith
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Gems| Collections
Halyard House, Flushing
There is nothing more important than spending time with your ‘framily’, eating together, laughing together and sharing new experiences together. Pair this with a heavenly holiday home from our exquisite Cornish Crib collection and upgrade to a five-star lifestyle in Cornwall.
Headlands, nr Charlestown
The Cribs collection offers a modern mix of interior styles, the latest technology, inviting spaces, enviable facilities including beachside pools and hot tubs and of course they are positioned in jaw-droppingly beautiful locations.
Porthminster Townhouse, St Ives
Sleeping from eight to 20 guests, we’ve big houses or even bigger houses to tempt you, each with individual appeal. We invite you to stay for a week or just a few nights, to celebrate with your dearest or just book a break for two. Our Cornish Cribs are so much more than a holiday home, view the full collection at www.cornishgems.com
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Baby’s first Cornwall
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Cornwall introduces babies and toddlers to new sights, new smells and new sounds. With miles of sandy beaches and gardens to toddle around in, it’s no surprise that the county is a favourite destination for a baby’s first holiday.
1 Daydreamer, Holywell Bay 2 Harbour Heights House, Mevagissey 3 Tregonce Farmhouse, nr Padstow
With over 13 years experience of welcoming young families to Cornwall, we have made sure that our collection of baby friendly cottages are fully kitted out with all those helpful extras that you just can’t fit in the car. Whether it is just the two of you with your new bundle of joy or you’re getting the whole family together, our hand-picked collection offers luxury Gems with spaced out bedrooms to accommodate tiny tots and grandparents alike, dreamy views for those holiday evenings after bedtime, secure gardens and often open-plan layouts.
“We had our first family holiday with our five month old at a Cornish Gems property. We looked at lots of different hotels and resorts for our staycation but decided selfcatering was the best option for us as we wanted to maintain our daily schedule without any time restrictions for dining etc. Cornish Gems has a fantastic selection of baby friendly holiday homes and we loved that they provided the essentials such as a baby bath, stair gates, travel cot and even sterilisers and a baby monitor so it made packing up the car so much easier! It was such a treat to be able to relax in a beautiful luxury house by the sea and create our first holiday memories in Cornwall as a new family. We will certainly be booking again”.
What you can expect We know that there’s lots to pack when there’s a baby on board and before you know it you’ve got a car full. At your baby friendly Gem you’ll find these helpful essentials:
Pip and Zachary
View the full collection at www.cornishgems.com
• A travel cot • High chair • Stair gates • Baby monitor • Bath seat • Plastic crockery and cutlery • A bottle sterilizer • Food blender • Food steamer • Child toilet seat and step up stool
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Gems| Cornwall
Pulling
Together
THE STORY OF CORNISH PILOT GIG ROWING
It is almost impossible these days to visit the coast of Cornwall without spotting a hardy crew of rowers in a Cornish Pilot Gig. Gig rowing has seen extraordinary growth in recent times and there are now over 210 registered boats with at least 8000 rowers. The gig rowing community is spread across the UK and overseas including the Netherlands and clubs in Ireland, Bermuda, France and even in the U.S. Gig rowing is a hugely enjoyable inclusive sport which attracts people of all ages and abilities. On the water, gig rowers enjoy the diverse natural beauty of our coastlines and rivers.
Get Involved
With the sport thriving, there has never been a better time to get in a gig and have a go. There are now over 70 clubs in the UK and many hold regular novice nights for beginners of all abilities. To find your nearest gig club visit www.cpga.co.uk or www.gigrower.co.uk the online resource for the pilot gig community.
Photo credit: Naomi Cudmore, Porlock Weir Gig Club
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Gems| Cornwall
EARLY DAYS
RESCUE AND RECREATION
ROWING REVIVAL
The Cornish Pilot Gig is a traditional wooden boat rowed with six oars and a coxswain at the rudder. They are 32 feet (9.8 metres) long with a beam (width) of 4 feet 9 inches (1.4 metres). The pilot gig evolved from working gigs that were used for general harbour activities. By the 1700s, ships approaching the rocky coastline of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly paid for local pilots to come aboard and navigate them safely to shore.
Cornish Pilot Gigs also played an important role in life-saving and recovered people or salvage from wrecked ships. Their speed and manoeuvrability also made them ideal for smuggling and outrunning Customs officials. Cornish Pilot Gigs were raced at local regattas often for considerable sums of prize money. During the 1900s, technological advances in navigation and motorisation meant that the use of gigs declined.
In 1953, members of Newquay Rowing Club visited the Isles of Scilly and purchased some of the islands’ last remaining gigs. They repaired them and began racing them alongside their own. This re-ignited interest in the boats and they were sold back to the islands in the 1970s, with regular competitions held once again. By 1990, the Cornish Pilot Gig revival was well under way, with 19 boats entering the first ever World Pilot Gig Championships, an event that today sees over 150 gigs line up at the start.
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Gems| Cornwall
A Day at Philleigh Way On a sunny Tuesday in February, the Cornish Gems team swapped keyboards for kitchen kit and enjoyed a culinary-filled afternoon, road testing the ‘Pasty and Cream’ course at Philleigh Way Cookery School. Read about their experience, meet Chef Rupert and find out how you can get involved.
Rupert ’s Cornish Beach Feast Tips... There is nothing better than watching the sun go down on a Cornish beach with great mates, a BBQ and a local beer. Rupert shares his top tips for cooking over the coals.
1. A fish clamp or grill is the only piece of kit that you need to cook over a fire at the beach. Use it for grilling veg, sausages or meat as
well as fish over the fire or BBQ, and simply flip it over - no more chasing the sausages around a grill with tongs!
2. For an even simpler option, buy cooked crab from the fishmonger
and on your way to the beach, stop off for hot chips from the takeaway for an amazing, lip-smacking, seafood feast on the sand, don’ t forget some crab cracking tools too.
3. If you want to BBQ at the beach, then get yourself a bucket BBQ, wood and charcoal. Light your fire, add charcoal, then simply start
cooking. It ’s a tidier option and better value for money than disposable BBQs. Cosy up and enjoy the embers as the temperature drops.
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After crossing the River Fal via the The King Harry Ferry, our Gems soon arrived in the rural hamlet of Philleigh. The cookery school was just as charming as the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it sits in, think state of the art workstations wrapped up in country charm and exposed oak beams. The founder of Philleigh Way, Rupert, is hands-on and passionate about all that his cookery school offers.
Gems| Cornwall His laughter is infectious, his cookery skills admirable and his tutoring encouraging. Rupert’s Pasty recipe has been handed down through generations, but he was happy to share secret culinary tips that are essential to the perfect Cornish pasty. While our Gems waited for their pasties to cook, Rupert whipped up fresh scones which were enjoyed with jam, Cornish clotted cream (of course) and lots of laughter.
PHILLEIGH WAY COOKERY SCHOOL
So whether it’s foraging on the farm and cooking with your hand-picked edibles, or being a ‘kidult’ by creating your very own design of Willy Wonka-esque chocolate bars, why not get the grandparents and children together, we encourage you to explore the stunning Roseland Peninsula, book with Philleigh Way Cookery School and enjoy a new experience together.
COOKERY SCHOOL OUTSIDE CATERING PRIVATE CHEF SERVICES DINING EXPERIENCES WWW.PHILLEIGHWAY.CO.UK
Philleigh Way experiences, including Better Barbequing, Cornwall In a Day and Patisserie Masterclass, can be booked through your Cornish Gem online guest account.
01872 580893
@PhilleighWayCookerySchool
@philleighway
CliffTop
Culture Located in Porthcurno, way down in the west, the Minack Theatre is Cornwall’s world-famous open air theatre set into the rock face high above the Atlantic. It was the vision and passion of Rowena Cade in 1931 who decided that the dramatic cliffs and sea view backdrop below her garden would make a wonderful setting for the local drama enthusiasts to practise and perform their adaptation of The Tempest. Rowena and her faithful gardener, Billy Rawlings, moved earth and stone to shape the stage and seating. The future of the cliff face was set in stone, and over the past 80 years the Minack has evolved into a fully equipped venue, always reflecting the vision of its determined founder. A visit to the Minack is a truly magical experience. Their diary of performances vary from the Fisherman’s Friends to Shakespeare, from rock concerts to musicals, there is a show for everyone.
Visit www.minack.com to find out more and enjoy a show during your next Cornwall holiday.
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Breathe new life into your walking boots and hit the Cornish coast paths. We’ve teamed up with iWalk Cornwall to share their top ten walks in Cornwall.
2. Holywell to Crantock
5. Looe
8. Bedruthan Steps
4.7 Miles | Easy-moderate
3 Miles | Easy-moderate
4.5 Miles | Moderate
The beaches on this route were the inspiration for Nampara Cove in Poldark (Winston Graham lived nearby). The sacred spring, hidden in a cave, can only be reached at low tide. The stunning display of poppies and corn marigolds here in June has been rated one of the 21 most colourful places in the world.
The walk explores the medieval port town and its woodland along the West Looe River, where the remains of the Giant’s Hedge, a massive ten-mile long structure built by the Celtic people in the Dark Ages, can still be seen.
The islets at Bedruthan Steps is one of Cornwall’s most iconic coastal views, formed by volcanic rocks that have withstood the Atlantic waves which gradually consume the ramparts of the cliff-edge Iron Age fort.
6. Fowey Hall Walk
9. Porthcurno to Penberth Cove
3.8 Miles | Moderate-strenuous
3 Miles | Moderate
This route has been famous since the 16th Century and has spectacular views over the Fowey estuary which was Cornwall’s main south coast port in medieval times when Lady Treffry melted the roof lead and poured this on the French pirates attempting to raid it! The route uses the two ancient ferry crossings to include views from both sides of the River Fowey.
This route has spectacular views over the sandy lagoons of Pedn Vounder which are some of the most shared and loved images of Cornwall. The tiny fishing hamlet at Penberth Cove is recognisable as one of the main filming locations for Poldark.
3. St Ives to Carbis Bay Download the free app Simply download the free app from the app store and browse through 256 walks throughout Cornwall. Each walk costs £1.99 and will guide you along the route using GPS to some of the counties most beautiful places and share information about the history and nature along the way. Find out more at www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk
1. Lizard to Kynance Cove
4.2 Miles | Moderate
This walk includes the famous beaches and bustling harbour of St Ives and balances this with some beautiful quiet woodland and the monument to the eccentric Georgian mayor of St Ives with panoramic views over St Ives Bay.
4. Trevose Head
10. Port Quin to Port Isaac
7. Padstow to Harbour Cove 4.8 Miles | Moderate-strenuous 6.1 Miles | Easy-moderate
4.4 Miles | Moderate
Walking in the footsteps of the Victorian ‘excursions’ is the best way to see one of Cornwall’s most famous beaches. Queen Victoria was so impressed that she had her table top made from Lizard serpentine rocks.
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Surrounded on either side by the Seven Bays, the reefs of Trevose Head claimed so many ships that the iconic lighthouse was built. The beaches are some of the most scenic on the north coast offering golden sand and clifftop sea pinks.
3.1 Miles | Easy-moderate
A walk from Cornwall’s foodie capital to the infamous Doom Bar which has caused over 600 maritime disasters for sailing ships trying to navigate the Camel estuary to reach the harbour in Padstow.
Known as the “Rollercoaster Path”, the coastal section is one of the most famous, reasonably demanding but ultimately rewarding walks in Cornwall and arrives in Port Isaac via “Doc Martin’s house”. The much easier return route is via the fields of Roscarrock that were used to film the harvest scenes in Poldark.
Gems| Cornwall
Sustainable Retail - with love from Cornwall Our Cornish Gems Coffee Lounge in St Ives is committed to reducing, re-using and recycling which is why we offer an ever increasing range of local coffee and teas to purchase and
Sea Towel
Wrap yourself up after a dip in the sea with this St Ives inspired Cornwall Sea Towel with Seaqual yarn, constructed from 60% recycled organic cotton and 40% recycled, reclaimed plastic from the sea.
Olfactory Steadfast Organic Coffee, 8oz
The Steadfast organic french press coffee is a strong bodied, aromatic coffee. The experts at Olfactory Coffee Roastery roast and grind the beans specifically for your French Press or cafetiere. This coffee is perfect for your morning brew as it is a smooth flavour to start your day just right!
take home along with sustainable and branded homewares. Most of the range is also available to purchase online in our Gems Shop. Here’s our top picks for a perfect Cornish gift.
St Ives Chilly’s Bottle At the cutting edge of reusable products is the ever desirable Chilly bottle. Keeping your drink cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours, it’s a product perfect for everyday sustainable living. Available exclusively from Cornish Gems.
St Ives Designer Tea Towel
With artwork from local artist Emma Fashokun, these 100% cotton tea towels will make light work of the dishes as well as add a cool coastal look to your kitchen.
Feel inspired? Visit Cornish Gems online shop www.thecoffeeloungecornwall.com/cornishgemsshop/ or find us on Tregenna Hill, St Ives
For the ultimate Cornish souvenir, discover our St Ives Coffee Lounge sustainable retail shop. Browse online or in-store and take home a piece of Cornwall.
• St Ives branded Chilly’s bottles • Olfactory Ground Coffee • Tregothnan Teas • St Ives Beach Towels • Cornish Gems Jute Bags • Reusable Recycled Cups • Designer Tea Towels • and so much more ...
Find us at 4 Tregenna Hill, St Ives, TR26 1SE | 01736 793836 | www.thecoffeeloungecornwall.com
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Create your own luxury Cornish Gem If you own or are looking to buy a property that can offer something extra special, contact our portfolio team and make your dream a reality.
IN V E STOR A DV I C E • G E M S F O R S AL E • I N T ER I OR D ESI GN • P ROP ERT Y MA N AGEM ENT
www.cornishgems.com | 01872 241 241 26 Holiday Highlife
Gems| People
Creating a beautiful Cornish Gem includes choosing the perfect artwork to complement the interior design and local surroundings. We find out more about John Greig, a local St Ives artist whose artwork has caught the eye of many of our owners. John Greig is a self-taught artist. He spent most of his youth in south London, which has influenced him to this day. In the 1990s he decided to live abroad in Portugal then Prague, where he embraced the cultures, explored the different lifestyles and furthered himself as an artist. In 2006, Cornwall was calling and John, with his wife and two children, moved to the county. He became a member of the St Ives Arts Club that led him and seven other artists to create Back Road Artwork, St Ives, which he is now Director of. To complement his St Ives work space, John opened a new studio come gallery in 2019 in Nansledan, Newquay, a new community created by the Duchy of Cornwall. John’s Beach Life collection adorns the walls of many of our luxury Gems, unique pieces of art to evoke the coastal surrounding and encourage that holiday atmosphere. John says ‘it is all about the space, skies, figures in the landscape and aura that creates the feelings and memories of Cornwall’. John is always looking for different materials and techniques, which add a new dimension to his artworks. With an open door policy, John welcomes visitors and locals alike to visit his studios in St Ives and Newquay. So the next time you are in the area, pop in and meet the man behind the paint palette. Find out more at www.johngreigartworks.com
Elynglas, nr Holywell Bay
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Gems| People
Paul Ai n sworth’ s Minestrone del Contadino To celebrate the rebranding of Caffè Rojano in Padstow, Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth shares his New York Italian-inspired recipe for Minestrone del Contadino with Cornish Gems
With many of our Gems in and around the popular town of Padstow, a reservation at one of Paul Ainsworth’s spectacular restaurants is often top of the holiday wish list. We find out more about the secret to Paul’s success. Paul Ainsworth was born into the hospitality industry having grown up in his parents’ guesthouse. After studying catering and hospitality, and working alongside some of the world’s most decorated chefs including Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsey and Marcus Waring, Paul was invited to head up the kitchen of No.6 in Padstow. Today Paul and wife Emma’s Padstow and Rock portfolio exemplifies excellence. A passionate supporter of Cornish farmers, fishermen and artisanal producers, Paul’s fun and inventive cooking has held a Michelin star since 2013, and in September 2016 was awarded a fourth rosette by the AA. We highly recommend a reservation or two when you next visit Padstow. The culinary perfection of No.6 promises an unforgettable dining experience or step into the newly rebranded Caffè Rojano implementing a New York/Italian-inspired menu. 2019 saw the launch of Mahé Chef’s Table and Cookery School in Padstow whilst over the Camel Estuary in Rock, Paul and Emma reopened The Mariners pub in Rock in partnership with Sharps Brewery which was awarded ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2020 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards. Find out more about Paul, his culinary colleagues and his dining experiences at www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk
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Gems| People
Minestrone del Contadino Recipe (serves approx. 10)
Equipment needed: Pressure cooker For the soup; • 50ml extra virgin olive oil • 300g smoked streaky bacon, roughly chopped • 2 tbsp sherry vinegar • 2 red onions, roughly chopped • 2 carrots, roughly chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped • 1 large leek, roughly chopped • 2 large waxy potatoes, roughly chopped • 6 vine tomatoes, roughly chopped (reserve the vines) • small bunch fresh rosemary and thyme, tied with string • 130g small orecchiette pasta • 2 litres good-quality beef stock • 1 x 400g tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed • 16 small florets purple sprouting broccoli • 100g baby leaf spinach • salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the wild garlic pesto; • 15g fresh basil, roughly chopped • 15g wild garlic, roughly chopped • 50g pine nuts • 3 tbsp olive oil • 15g Parmesan, finely grated • 1⁄2 lemon, zest only, finely grated • 1 tsp lemon juice, to taste • salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method: 1. 2. 3.
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For the soup, heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan over a high heat. Add the bacon, then season and fry for 3–4 minutes, until caramelizing but not burning. De-glaze the pan with the sherry vinegar. Add the red onions, carrots, garlic, celery and leek and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the potatoes and tomatoes (with their vines) then add the rosemary and thyme bundle. Squash the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Bring the pan to a simmer. Heat the beef stock in a saucepan over a high heat. Add the pasta to the vegetables. Once the stock is simmering, pour this in too. Pour the soup into a pressure cooker (CAUTION: Please follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use of your pressure cooker). Bring up to pressure and cook for 5 minutes at pressure. Turn off the heat and slowly release the pressure. Remove the rosemary and thyme bundle and tomato vines and discard. Stir in the cannellini beans, broccoli and spinach and allow to soften in the residual heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, to make the pesto, grind the basil and wild garlic in a mortar with a pestle or food processor to release the natural oils. Then, add the pine nuts and lemon zest and grind. Once combined, add the olive oil to make a paste and grind in the Parmesan. Add a squeeze of lemon and season to taste. To serve, pour into soup bowls and sprinkle over the fresh herbs, parmesan, wild garlic pesto and olive oil. Serve with crusty bread.
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Gems| People
LOCAL HERO ALL AT SEA WITH STUART CLARY-BROM, FISHING THE WATERS OF ST IVES BAY FOR OVER 30 YEARS. Photo credit: Chris Boulten www.chrisboulton.co.uk
Meet Stuart Clary-Brom. Born and raised in St Ives, Stuart has fished the waters of the bay for over 30 years, having learnt the ropes from his father when he was just 13. Stuart is proud of his heritage and, after buying his first boat when he was just 19, today manages a fleet of two St Ives fishing vessels. Against the iconic St Ives backdrop, the SS229 Agan Borlowen (Cornish for ‘Our Morning Star’) and SS225 Agan Proviyas (Cornish for ‘Our Provider’) chug out early from the harbour to haul the catch before many of us have even woken up. Using traditional potting and hand-lining techniques, lobster, crab, mackerel and sea bass are landed and flipped fresh from the quay to the kitchens of many of St Ives’ first-class restaurants.
Stuart explains ‘no two days are the same, whether it’s calm seas or there is a westerly blowing, we are out in the Cornish elements with a job to do’. There isn’t a nautical mile of St Ives Bay that is not known to Stuart, with a finger on the pulse of sustainable fishing, he diligently manages the catch to ensure stocks in the bay are not depleted. Like many fishing communities, Stuart is pleased his eldest son and local lifeguard, Owen, often joins him aboard and whilst he hopes Owen will find his own path, he is passionate that the younger generation understand the heritage of Cornish fishing and learn the traditional skills handed down from his father. As a family, they are proud of their Cornish heritage and their St Ives roots.
Providing a lifeline of welfare and support to fishermen and their families. Stuart understands all too well the pressures and demands on local fishermen throughout the UK today and is proud to support the Fishermen’s Mission. From providing comfort and support in a crisis to offering financial and welfare advice, the mission is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
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Find out more about the charity and how you can support them by visiting www.fishermensmission.org.uk or follow them via social media.
@fishermensmission
@thefishmish
Gems| People
LOCAL HERO Sergeant Andy Mulhern shares his #CoastSafe campaign - promoting water safety messages to visitors and locals alike in Cornwall. Andy has been a police officer for 19 years, working throughout his career in coastal towns and cities – firstly with Avon & Somerset Police and latterly Devon & Cornwall Police, when returning home to the Duchy in 2009. The #CoastSafe campaign was instigated by Andy in 2016, after an incident involving a family visiting the county were swept into the sea. Tragically, despite the best efforts of RNLI lifeguards, ambulance crews, Cornwall Air Ambulance, Coastguard Rescue 924 and NHS staff, the father and 2 year old daughter lost their lives. The events that unfolded that day affected Andy to the extent that he needed to do something more, something pro-active to try and prevent future incidents. Devon & Cornwall Police have the largest coastline of any force in England, so Andy was surprised to discover that, although the police work closely with partner agencies, there was not a dedicated campaign or platform to raise awareness about water safety or to help prevent drowning.
water safety – increasing staff awareness and the awareness of the wider public, ultimately to try to keep people safe in the water and prevent death by drowning. The #CoastSafe campaign, still spearheaded by Andy, is also now recognised with senior leaders in the Police, and is currently being taken to a national level with other coastal forces. Tweeting regularly, #CoastSafe encourages all types of other organisations located on the coast to increase their social media activity with water safety messages and to join together under the #CoastSafe banner – to reduce harm on our coasts. Andy loves nothing more than getting out and about with his young family to explore our stunning coastlines, either by land or water, especially with his four-legged friend, Doug the Springer Spaniel.
Andy brought partners together for the official launch of the #CoastSafe campaign in July of 2017, facilitating a practical demonstration of the RNLI’s ‘FLOAT To Live’ message as part of their #RespectTheWater Campaign. With members of the press assembled to record and share the safety and awareness messages, #CoastSafe started to gather real momentum. Since then the #CoastSafe campaign has grown, with awareness initiatives including training events and video shoots with partner organisations involved with water safety. Primarily based on Twitter, the @CoastSafe_DandC account brings together and shares the safety messages of a range of agencies and charities involved in
• In any coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. • If you find yourself in the water unexpectedly – FLOAT. Extend your arms & legs, tip your head back, calm yourself and let Cold Water Shock pass, think of an exit strategy or call for help. • Always check tide times before setting out to prevent tidal cut off. • Undertake water-based activity at a safe location - use a lifeguarded beach.
Follow on Twitter @CoastSafe_DandC Holiday Highlife
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Gems| Homes
GEMS INTERIORS CORNISH GEMS’ E XCLUSIVE INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE Laflouder Thatch
With a passion for style and quality, our in-house Gems Interiors design service was launched in spring 2019 and is exclusive to Cornish Gems’ holiday home owners. The venture is headed up by Julianne, (Cornish Gems Co-MD) and our qualified Interior Designer, Samantha. Over the years we have seen many fantastic properties join us, the quality of our portfolio has evolved during this time and we’re proud to showcase some of the finest holiday homes to rent in Cornwall. Not only are our Gems located in dream destinations and offer first-class facilities, they also come from the heart of the owner. Working with our owners, we create beautiful interior designed mood-lifting spaces which are not only aesthetically pleasing to our guests but offer efficient solutions for a better use of the space with holiday living in mind. We understand that professional interior design can often be a daunting and an expensive proposition for our owners and therefore we have extended our in-house service with Gems Interiors to make interior design more accessible and cost effective for our clients. Our wealth of experience in luxury holiday letting, coupled with our interior design expertise, means we know how to design the perfect holiday let in terms of practicality, quality, and durability. Our mission is to offer a unique interior design scheme for each client so that each Gem in our luxury portfolio has an individual look that suits the property, creating an identity that we know our guests will love.
Laflouder Thatch
Our services are designed to help existing Cornish Gems holiday home owners and new owners. Existing owners may need to make upgrades based on the property wear and tear and quality assessments, or even carry out a full overhaul after many years of letting. New owners may need our comprehensive assistance to get a property ready for launch as a complete design, or simply require us to procure soft furnishing items to tie everything together. Whatever the requirement, the Gems Interiors team are here to help.
GEMS INTERIORS OFFER THREE INTERIOR DESIGN PACKAGES. Complete Gem: The most popular choice, an all encompassing turn-key service managing everything from the initial consultation, to providing mood boards, floor plans and sourcing items before the final implementation of the scheme. Soft Furnishings Gem: A service focussed on refreshing an existing property or completing a new Gem. We have extensive knowledge and access to a broad range of wonderful fabric brands. We simply measure up, specify the fabrics based on your brief and off we go. Simple Gem: An interior design scheme created using photographs of the property that considers the practicalities of a holiday let, to be sourced and implemented independently by the holiday home owner.
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Holiday Highlife
Laflouder Thatch
Gems| Homes
CASE STUDY: THE LINHAY Our first project began at The Linhay, a beautiful barn conversion in north Cornwall that has long been a favourite Gem for many of our guests over the 10 years it’s been let by Cornish Gems. Julianne and Samantha worked closely with the owner to considerately refresh and enhance the interior design to improve the guest experience whilst maintaining the character and heritage of the former Cowshed.
“The Linhay had been an open sided cowshed with the garden being the old farm yard so Gems Interiors developed the concept of the country farmhouse to reflect its history and location. The team worked hard with us to source, purchase and supply all the items and materials and it was easy to work in collaboration with them to come up with the finished idea. They were great on implementation day managing the whole process including all the little details which resulted in a very cosy and comfortable result. We are very happy we chose them to help us.”
Hilary Hasting, Gems owner (L) Samantha Newbery, Gems Interiors (R)
Laflouder Thatch
The Linhay
Hilary Hastings, The Linhay
CASE STUDY: LAFLOUDER THATCH Located in Mullion Cove, we were delighted to work with the owners of Laflouder Thatch, one of the newest additions to the Gems Cornish Crib collection. The owners had a blank canvas with some furniture in situ and really wanted to inject some colour into the interior. There were some awkward spaces that needed to be converted into usable areas which Gems Interiors overcame. The owners utilised the Complete Gem service for a full design. The result was a creative and cohesive look that would not only appeal to the period of the house and to Cornish Gems’ guests but also create a home-from-home for their extended family to enjoy too. Samantha has creatively worked through room by room to produce eye catching layers of luxury to dress the house whilst considering the practicalities of holiday letting.
To find out more about our Gems Interior service and to speak to a member of the team, email interiors@cornishgems.com
The Linhay
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Gems| Homes
A Gems Journey
Gull Cottage
3. How would you describe your interior style, and what was your inspiration? The interior is a collaboration of ideas between a few people. Emily at COAL Cornwall came up with the colour scheme, and most of the fittings, whereas I sourced the fabrics and furnishings. Noah Millard built a beautiful kitchen for me based on a photo I had pulled out from a Remodelista article that I liked. I tried to make the cottage a twist on coastal and Cornwall, using colours of lichen, slate and seashells, as well as the typical blue palette associated with the sea. Colour is important to me, as well as pattern, but I still wanted the space to feel calm.
Owner Gael shares her passion for property and the highs and lows of creating her latest Cornish Gem.
4. What was the biggest challenge you faced getting the property guest ready? Getting certain objects into the cottage without bashing the beautifully limed walls was one of the biggest challenges! The lime walls took months to dry which we just had to be patient about. The sofa and bed had to be winched up from scaffolding, and gently squeezed in through the window aperture, before putting the window back in place. I had one false start with a sofa, but I was determined to find a comfortable sofa that would fit through the window, and I did in the end thankfully.
1. How long have you been a Cornish Gems owner? Since 2018
5. What advice or tips would you give to other property owners embarking on a project to create a holiday let? Speaking to Cornish Gems
with Mill Cottage in Mullion Cove. Over the last two years I have been lucky enough to acquire and add two other cottages to the Cornish Gems portfolio; Tregonce Farmhouse, near Padstow and recently Gull Cottage in Mousehole, my newest Gem.
before starting a renovation was key to understanding who and how the space would be used, which affected how we designed it. They know best what their clients like about holiday lets, and also more importantly what they don’t like. I also would suggest using a local team of builders who understand the rhythm of the holiday season, as well as the local materials and processes appropriate for these old buildings.
2. Describe how you have transformed your property into a Cornish Gem. With plenty of time, thought and effort! We actually bought Gull in 2017, but the renovation wasn’t completed until late 2019. It was important to me to find the right builder who was sympathetic to the local vernacular, and constraints of working within a small seaside community with limited access and parking. I used Daniel Sell who carried out a full renovation of the house, which included a new roof, plumbing and electrics. We opened the space up by removing walls and adding windows, and changed the little dwelling from being a two bedroom house, to a one bedroom instead, so that it became an airy and generous space with huge amounts of light. Joe at COAL Cornwall was our architect and a delight to work with. Gull Cottage, Saltponds, Mousehole
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6. What do you love most about your Cornish Gem? The faultless view of St Clement’s Isle, where you often spot an idle seal snoozing or swimming nearby, and also the little garden which is perfect for al fresco dining and admiring the village, without being in the hustle-and-bustle of it all. Gull Cottage is a perfect place to be based for Mousehole Christmas Lights, and also the maritime Sea Salts festival, which happens every two years.
Gems| Homes
A Gems Journey
Roundhouse Mill We were delighted to hear about owners Claire and Chris’ transformation project from derelict farm building to indulgent rural retreat in north Cornwall.
1. How long have you been a Cornish Gems owner? As a 2020 addition, we are very new to the Cornish Gems portfolio. The house spent 2019 in the hands of builders as we wanted to add balconies and do some landscaping to make the most of the outside space and our fantastic view.
2. Describe how you have transformed your property into a Cornish Gem. We gave the house a full refurbishment by replacing all four bathrooms and the kitchen, to elevate the luxury offering for our guests, but also for us to enjoy when we are here. As the house is snuggled into the Cornish landscape, it had an organic feel. We wanted to keep that earthiness whilst also creating a luxurious space.
3. How would you describe your interior style, and what was your inspiration? We wanted to reflect the Cornish landscape. Roundhouse Mill is surrounded by working farms and has a view right up the estuary, where we watch the fishing boats heading out to sea and back again; and the ferry criss-crossing between Rock and Padstow. There is an abundance of wildlife; from buzzards on the gate posts to sheep and cattle in the fields. We’d say the interior style is very comfortable, but not ‘posh’ - and it’s a great party house!
4. What was the biggest challenge you faced getting the property ‘guest ready’? Probably doing it all at a distance. In hindsight, I wish we’d had more help locally, from someone who knew local suppliers and so on, but Cornish Gems gave us lots of advice. It wasn’t just for our guests though; we wanted it to be lovely for us, too. 5. What advice or tips would you give to other property owners embarking on a project to create a holiday let? I suppose it’s about creating something that you’d want to spend time in yourself. I did often ask myself, ‘If you were coming here for the first time for a week with your friends or family, what would you like to see here?’. 6. What do you love most about your Cornish Gem? Well, the view, but it’s more than that. There’s something about the freedom of wide open space and the big north Cornwall sky…no wonder artists flock here. Roundhouse Mill, Higher Halwyn, Wadebridge
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Gems| Homes
GEM IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Little Cutmadoc Farm Hidden away amongst the flora and fauna of Cornwall, Little Cutmadoc Farm is set in a rural wonderland within the Lanhydrock Estate.
A magical and beautiful country home that cleverly infuses a country style with a contemporary twist. The barn offers four beautiful bedrooms, a new modern open plan kitchen and dining space, relaxed living room with private balcony and delightful morning room overlooking the lake. The outside space at Little Cutmadoc is just as magical as the inside. The thoughtfully landscaped grounds surround a tranquil lake and have been planted with lush green tree ferns, palms and even a Monkey Tree. The secluded, split-level Mediterranean-inspired terrace invites al fresco dining in style before an indulgent soak in the bubbling hot tub with only the local pheasants and wildlife to disturb. Whilst tucked away, Little Cutmadoc Farm offers easy access to both the north and
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south coasts within 30 minutes. Discover the maritime town of Fowey and the artisan influenced shops and cafes of Lostwithiel by the river, head to charming Charlestown and The Roseland Peninsula or pack up for the day and explore the wide stretches of beach at Watergate Bay, Fistral Beach on the north coast and away down west to St Ives. Garden and history lovers will enjoy nearby Lanhydrock House and Estate and the inspirational tropical biomes of The Eden Project are within easy access too. With improved transport links to the county, Little Cutmadoc is perfect for any getaway be it families, couples looking for an extra special romantic escape or smaller groups looking for a rock star worthy hideaway from which to enjoy their Cornish holiday in style.
At a Glance • Accommodates 8 guests within 4 luxury bedrooms. • • • • • • •
Spacious social areas Private lake 10 acres of private landscaped grounds Bubbling hot tub Secluded and tranquil Easy access to the north & south coast 4 hour train journey from London
Find out more about Little Cutmadoc Farm at www.cornishgems.com or call our travel advisors on 01872 241241
John Greig Artworks Cornwall PAINT, DRAWING, ILLUSTRATE
Galleries in St Ives and Newquay. St Ives: Back Road East, Saint Ives TR26 1NW Newquay: 10 Watergate Building / Chi Myghtern Lewdh, Nansledan, Newquay TR8 4FA Contact 01637 838450 www.johngreigartworks.com
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www.cornishgems.com | 01872 241 241