7th March 2008
Cornish holiday cottages set new standards for luxury, quality and privacy - with stunning coastal views.
A £500,000 refurbishment has transformed a pair of ramshackle North Cornwall barns into two luxurious self-catering cottages, which have won Visit Britain’s highest quality rating.
Owners James and Lucy Scott have spent three years renovating the two barns on their farm at Fentafriddle, near Trebarwith Strand. Surrounded by 50 acres of farmland, the cottages offer guests complete privacy and tranquillity, yet are within walking distance of the spectacular North Cornwall coast.
The Scotts have combined sustainable building techniques with an unerring eye for quality and detail throughout, resulting in a holiday retreat which is furnished and equipped to the highest standards.
“Fentafriddle has been an all-consuming project for the last few years,” said James Scott. “When we bought the farm in 2004 the main house was barely habitable, with no heating and generally in a very poor state of repair. The two barns were largely derelict, and some sections of the buildings had to be rebuilt from scratch.
“We have used building materials reclaimed from the site throughout the cottages, including much of the building stone, while the windowsills and lintels are made from old slate gateposts, flagstones, and oak timbers. The water for the property is sourced from our own private bore supply, and the heating in ‘Little Fentafriddle’ comes from a geothermal heat pump.”
The result is a light and spacious pair of holiday cottages, which have specified been more along the lines of a private country house than typical holiday rental accommodation. Both cottages feature hand-built kitchens, reclaimed Delabole slate and limestone flooring, and high-tech entertainment systems.
‘Fentafriddle’ has been awarded the highest possible rating by Visit Britain, the UK’s official tourist board. To qualify for five star status properties must be equipped to the highest standard, have character, be spacious, with a luxurious feel.
The demand for rental property of such quality reflects, says James Scott, Cornwall’s increasing appeal to the top end of the tourism market.
“Visitors to Cornwall are becoming ever more discerning in their tastes and expect higher standards for holiday accommodation. At Fentafriddle we aim to exceed our guests’ expectations, both in terms of the quality of the fixtures and fittings, and by making sure our guests are looked after while they are staying with us.
“Fentafriddle is a home from home for our guests, somewhere they can really relax. The cottages are equally well suited for families or groups of couples; extended families or large groups of up to 12 can even rent both the cottages and enjoy total privacy.”
‘Fentafriddle’ sleeps eight people in four bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. The detached cottage extends to 220 square metres of accommodation space, including a large, open-plan kitchen, dining area and sitting room.
Period features abound: the master bedroom features a French roll top bath, from which guests can enjoy views through the old pigeon hole windows over the fields to Gull Rock, a tiny island out at sea.
The centrepiece of ‘Fentafriddle’ is the second sitting room, called ‘The Roundhouse’ due to its unusual circular shape. With far-reaching views of the coastline and the surrounding countryside from its three floor-to-ceiling windows, the room originally housed the farm’s donkey-powered mill wheel.
‘Little Fentafriddle’ sleeps four in comfort, with one double and one twin bedroom. The accommodation is set out on a single level, making it ideal for those with small children or elderly guests. French doors lead from the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area onto a spacious terrace with views over the coast.
Luxurious details such as the wood-burning stove, the en-suite bathrooms with heated towel rails and the hand built kitchen give ‘Little Fentafriddle’ a distinct sense of style.
“Services which would normally be considered extras in typical holiday rentals are standard at Fentafriddle,” said James Scott. “All our guests receive a welcome pack containing a nice bottle of wine and selected local produce; towels and bedlinen are also included in the rental price, as are wireless broadband internet access and satellite television.
“By special request we can arrange on-site catering by a professional chef, who can also supply home-cooked meals if required. And for guests who are keen to enjoy some of the great restaurants in the area we are always on hand to make recommendations and book tables in advance.”
The Scotts’ daughter Emily is a chef, and together with her fisherman husband, John, runs The Harbour Restaurant in nearby Port Isaac. Guests staying at Fentafriddle have a daily option on reserved tables at The Harbour Restaurant, where the menu often includes John’s freshly-caught mackerel and sea bass.
Weekly rental for ‘Fentafriddle’ ranges from £2,000 to £3,500, with ‘Little Fentafriddle’ costing between £1,500 and £1,950. Availability and bookings can be made directly through the website, www.fentafriddle.com, or by telephoning James or Lucy Scott on 01840 779190.
ENDS
Images
High resolution images for media use.
Notes For Editors
Fentafriddle and Little Fentafriddle are luxury self-catering holiday cottages near Trebarwith Strand on the North Cornwall coast. Occupying a secluded, elevated position surrounded by almost 50 acres of its own peaceful farmland, Fentafriddle Farm enjoys magnificent panoramic sea views stretching for miles in each direction. The accommodation itself is outstanding, blending stylish, contemporary luxury with delightful period character. ‘Fentafriddle’ provides flexible holiday accommodation for up to eight people - ‘Little Fentafriddle’ offers a comfortable holiday retreat for up to four.
‘Fentafriddle’ has been awarded the top rating by independent inspectors from Visit Britain. The five star rating is only awarded to properties which are furnished, equipped and maintained to the highest standards of quality and attention to detail.
Press Visits
Individual press visits are welcomed. Please contact Jim Michell at Barefoot Media on 01208 895089, or email jim@barefootmedia.co.uk for more information.
Fentafriddle Farm, Trebarwith Strand, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0EX. Telephone: 01840 779190.
Media Contact - PR on behalf of Fentafriddle.
Jim Michell at Barefoot Media.
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 895089 Email: jim@barefootmedia.co.uk
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