Stay on the Tregothnan Estate!

The historic Tregothnan Estate in the St Michael Penkivel area of south Cornwall can boast a number of ‘firsts’. It is home to the UK’s only tea plantation; the first place outside of New Zealand to produce Manuka honey; the first to cultivate the Wollemia Pine, one of the world’s rarest trees; the only place where Black Kea Plums are grown and the site of the largest historic garden in Cornwall.

Now, following the introduction of a small selection of characterful coastal and creek-side properties, completely refurbished to provide comfortable self-catering retreats in 2010, it is also possible to stay on the Tregothnan Estate. The Estate has introduced their “Wild Escapes” concept which offers basic, yet very comfortably refurbished holiday cottages in unique and remote locations around Cornwall. You can escape from the realities of everyday life in these peaceful spots, where often, mod cons such as TV’s, DVD’s, dishwahers and washing machines have purposely been left out of the refurbishments to create a total “Wild Escape”.

Home to the Boscawen family since 1335, the Tregothnan Estate is one of the largest land owners in Cornwall and e stretches from the north side of the Roseland Peninsula to the unspoilt coastline of the Lizard Peninsula, both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is an ideal base for those who enjoy walking, wildlife, botany and water-based activities.

One of the new holiday properties, Bethel Cottage, offers a remote, rural location, with herons, cormorants and other wildlife visible from the vantage point of its bedroom window overlooking the tidal creek. Numerous footpaths traverse this conservation area, with its unique plum orchards, while creek-side trails add to its diversity.

English Tea, Manuka honey, Kea Plum Jam, handmade chocolates and edible chilli and herb bouquets, are among the delightful products available at The Tregothnan Shop. A limited number of private tours of the Botanical Garden are also arranged each year, giving a select number of visitors the opportunity to appreciate the passion for growing and collecting plants behind Tregothnan.

Whilst peace and remoteness are at the heart of this holiday, Bethel Cottage is still only 10 minutes’ drive from Truro, with its numerous excellent shops and restaurants, as well as being within easy access of the watersports facilities offered by both Falmouth and St Mawes.

Prices for a week at Bethel Cottage, which sleeps up to four guests, range from £449 in May to £999 in August. For further information visit www.cornwallscottages.co.uk or telephone 01872 264441.