During these difficult times, I am proud to say that our Members are behaving in an exemplary manner when it comes to either returning deposits or allowing guests to re-book without any hassle.

The multi award-winning owner of a self-catering property in Tregonetha, near Padstow, has been praised for his ‘kindness and care’ in immediately returning a booking deposit to guests having to cancel a stay this autumn.

Stephen Chidgey prides himself on always going the extra mile for his visitors and is incensed by what he terms the ‘profiteering in the extreme’ mentality exhibited by some tourism providers. He says that exceptional demand has led to a 40% increase in the weekly self-catering prices being charged by some businesses, regardless of quality, facilities or cleanliness.

“The growth and ease of offering almost any accommodation through online travel agencies worries me,” he said. “The number of people choosing to holiday in Cornwall this year is huge for obvious reasons, but I don’t think that should be an excuse for some property owners and agencies to lower standards, hike costs and not give value for money.

“That sort of attitude will damage the Cornish brand that most of us in the industry have worked so hard to build. Most of us have had a difficult year dealing with Covid and I think it’s only right to do what we can to help, rather than being selfish.”

Writing on Trust Pilot, Anne Woods gave The Old Barn its latest five-star review: “Unfortunately for personal reasons we have had to cancel our planned first visit to this property in the autumn. I let Stephen know, fully expecting that we would lose our deposit. Instead, I almost immediately received a very kind and supportive voicemail message followed by an email reassuring me that of course our money would be without question immediately refunded, which it was.

“We have both been so impressed with this amazing customer service. It is common to read of people being refused refunds or having significant charges deducted, but there was none of this at all. I think it’s the kindness and care demonstrated at a difficult time for us that has made the most difference. We most definitely hope to rebook in the future and cannot recommend this property and its owners too highly.”

The Old Barn is independently inspected and graded by Visit England and Quality Tourism.

“We’re determined to be the best we can be and the satisfaction we get from our guest reviews is immense,” said Stephen. “I think there should be a level playing field for all holiday accommodation in terms of assessment so, when a customer books and pays for five-star, that is what they can rightfully expect.

“I was delighted to read what Anne had written but, as providers, we should be treating everyone fairly and well. We want a stay in Cornwall to evoke wonderful memories and a determination to come back regularly. That won’t be achieved if we show lack of understanding when plans have to change, provide shoddy service or rip people off.”

For more information, visit https://www.oldbarncornwall.co.uk/

Trevose Golf and Country Club is an ideal place to stay, play and dine in Cornwall: located on the Trevose Head Heritage Coast, only a short distance from the beautiful Padstow and the Seven Bays, they provide an array of activities and accommodation, in addition to their famous seaside golf course.

Golf Galore!

Quite arguably the main draw of Trevose is their gorgeous set of coastal golf courses:

The Championship Course – with all 18 holes laid out in front of you, the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean will take your breath away. In keeping with most Colt designs the course is set out in two loops of 9 holes. The front 9 holes hug the sand dunes and coastline, offering some spectacular views out to sea. The back 9 holes offer a different, but no less demanding, test of golf as you head inland and then back towards the clubhouse.

The Headland Course – Whether you’re an experienced golfer looking to fine tune your game, less experienced (intermediate level) but looking to improve your skills or simply looking for a course to try out some new tips picked up from the Professional then this course is for you. Measuring a little over 3,000 yards the course winds its way out to Trevose Head, opening up one of the most picturesque views you are ever likely to find on a golf course.

The Short Course – Set in and around the ruins of the Chapel of St Constantine (dating back to C15) the Short Course provides an excellent test of golf for beginners and juniors and, equally, for the seasoned golfer wanting to brush up on their short game. Each hole provides its own unique challenge, and it’s the perfect place to try out new shots, fine tune your skills or put in to practice the lessons learnt from the teaching Professionals. This course has something for everyone and if you’re embarking on your maiden golfing experience you will find it enormous fun.

There is something for everyone at Trevose- whether you are a seasoned player, or just a beginner, the 3 courses are bound to impress! And if you don’t want to lug around your equipment around the county, have no fear! Trevose offers hireable sets of golf clubs, motor caddys and electric buggys for all of your golf-related needs. While there, why not take advantage of their Performance Centre: a high tech, modern practice facility, complete with the latest Trackman launch monitor, GASP video analysis system, 8 covered practice bays and an onsite custom club fitting service!

…And much more!

Golf isn’t the only attraction at Trevose Country Club, as they offer a wide range of activities and facilities to partake in!

Treat yourself at the wonderful Massage & Beauty Salon – Take some time to relax and unwind whilst on holiday at Trevose. They provide a variety of massages, from deep tissue to aromatherapy, as well as a number of beauty treatments including facials, mani/pedicures and waxing. For those looking for the ultimate in relaxation, why not try their Reflexology Treatment, designed to help all of your body’s natural systems.

Get outside and play – Apart from their golf courses, Trevose is also home to a swimming pool that is located in close proximity to the Clubhouse. It comes complete with on site changing facilities and a spacious outside area to relax, sunbathe or simply unwind. The pool is heated and is open from mid May until mid September (weather permitting), with a pool attendant on duty at all times. They also have a number of high-quality tennis courts available for hire year-round!

Stay and dine – If you want the Atlantic Ocean practically on your doorstep, then the Trevose Golf and Country Club cottages and apartments are for you! Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves, sea gulls singing and the cleansing scent of fresh Cornish sea air. Every effort has been made to ensure the accommodation will provide you with a comfortable and relaxing stay. Catering for groups of between 2 to 6 persons, they have a range of accommodation types to suit all budgets. Also on-site is Constantine- the club’s gourmet restaurant: with stunning views out over the Atlantic, Constantine aims to deliver quality local seafood, meat and produce fresh to your plate. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of local fishermen working their pots in the distance as the waves roll in to Constantine and Booby’s Bays in the distance.

If you’d like to know more about Trevose and what they can offer you on your next holiday, visit the website.

The Point at Polzeath is a gorgeous holiday resort situated on the North Cornish coast, and boasts a range of activities & facilities for you to enjoy this

summer!

Here to stay?

The Point is an ideal base for families coming to Cornwall on holiday: with the beach, a swimming pool and restaurants practically on your doorstep, the resort has every amenity imaginable. There are a number of holiday homes and cottages, as well as contemporary apartments, with different features to suit all tastes and needs: woodburning stoves, private terraces, and even dog-friendly accommodation are available, with each customer receiving complimentary use of the Health Club and Pool (worth £85)! The holiday homes and cottages are privately owned, set in a peaceful area away from the hustle and bustle of Polzeath village, and with the arrival of summer, you can look forward to wild flowers, long days and stunning sunsets.

…Or here to play?

Get stuck in with the many leisure activites The Point has on offer! There is a state of the art gym, fully equipped with cardio and resistance machines plus free-weights up to 40kgs; a new studio containing pump bars, TRX, kettlebells, aerobic balls and more; a 16-bike spinning studio which is also available to use outside of the spinning class times; an 18m pool heated to 30°C; a Jacuzzi pool heated to 39°C; a traditional wooden sauna; a eucalyptus infused steam room, plus 2 outdoor tennis courts, just to name a few! There are fitness classes available, as well as 4 types of specialist massage sessions to improve you wellbeing and help you relax.

The Point’s 18 hole golf course has stunning views out over Hayle Bay and Pentire Point. The course is a real challenge for golfers of all standards and plays just short of 6300 yards off the back tees. As a result of recent investment, the greens are now considered to be among the best in the county and the presentation of the course is hard to fault. Most holes have seen significant changes with improvement to fairway definition, bunkers, tees and greens. Special golf package breaks are also available!

Make your day…

…With a meal from the wonderful Point Restaurant, where you can enjoy anything from a cup of Italian coffee, home made cake, bacon baps, a delicious lunch, drinks or dinner on the terraces. Their food is made with locally sourced and seasonal produce, and the fantastic chef and their team pride themselves in producing great food, beautifully presented. Seafood if obviously an important part of the menu as they are right on the coast, so to truly explore some of the best Cornwall has to offer, pay them a visit.

Also, the Polzeath Beer and Music Festival is back for its sixth year at The Point, as they team up with the St Austell Brewery and South West Bars to host two days of live music and excellent Cornish drinks, all in order to raise money for the Cornwall Hospice Care charity. To find out more, visit https://padstowlive.com/events/polzeath-beer-and-music-festival/

For those who want an authentic Cornish farm experience, these properties are perfect for you! All situated in the picturesque Cornish countryside around the fishing port of Padstow, each one is sure to provide the perfect place for a holiday this summer.

Pennatillie Farm

Bask in luxury at Pennatillie Farm bed and breakfast: each en-suite room has a superkingsize bed and is equipped with everything to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. There are tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TVs and wifi in all rooms. There is a guest lounge for you to relax in, together with a pretty garden overlooking the working dairy farm.The Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and National Trust properties are all nearby, and the farm is ideally located for travelling around in Cornwall, no matter where your interest may lie. Aga cooked breakfasts welcome you in the morning with a good choice of menu, as well as a complimentary cream tea when you first arrive in classic Cornish fashion!

To find out more about the B&B or to book, visit: https://padstowlive.com/accommodation/pennatillie-farm/

Pengelly Farmhouse

Pengelly Farmhouse is a gorgeous bed and breakfast located on the working Pengelly dairy farm, and offers two spacious ensuite bedrooms overlooking the large garden. The traditional style dining room offers space and comfort.  Our breakfast buffet consists of cereals, grapefruit, fresh fruit salad, yoghurts, fruit juice, tea and coffee.  To follow, a full Cornish breakfast is served or other lighter options should you prefer.  Finish with toast of your choice using our own homemade bread and preserves. Local produce is used wherever possible. Pengelly Farm is ideally situated as a walking and touring base, with the North Cornwall coastline and beaches within close proximity where activities include sailing, surfing, golf, riding and of course coastal walks. The farm also features plenty of offroad parking and a garage, should you wish to leave your bicycles behind.

To find out more about the B&B or to book, visit: https://padstowlive.com/accommodation/pengelly-farmhouse-b-b/

Trentinney Farm

This working farm hosts a collection of beautiful self-catering holiday cottages, and is near to the stunning fishing port of St Isaac. Trentinney Farm is the ideal base to explore what the area has to offer, from coastal footpaths to the camel trail. Why not visit some of the historical houses and gardens nearby. Or perhaps you would like to take the passenger ferry from Rock to Padstow. Also within easy reach are the coastal villages of Port Quin, Port Gavern, Tintagel and Boscastle. After your exciting day on the beach or exploring Cornwall you will appreciate being able to return to the peace and quiet of Trentinney, set in 158 acres of some of the loveliest countryside in North Cornwall with spectacular views of the sea and moors from the top of the farm. Dogs are also welcome in some of the cottages, so you can bring your four-legged friends along too!

To find out more about the cottages or to book, visit: https://padstowlive.com/accommodation/trentinney-farm-holiday-cottages/

Great family-friendly accomodation available this Summer at Trevorrick Farm Cottages!

Trevorrick Farm, close to the small harbour fishing town of Padstow and the north Cornwall coast, is set in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and for good reason. Our peaceful location is stunning, with easy access to creek side footpaths and the Camel Trail. We never tire of the beautiful walk into Padstow.

Our on-site cottages have been converted from a range of traditional farm barns and buildings arranged in a horseshoe with the farmhouse and have been awarded 4 stars Gold by Visit England. In the last couple of years, they have benefited from a huge investment: upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures and fittings along with a state of the art environmentally friendly central heating system.

For couples, we have two romantic cottages with either an open fire (the Old Round House) or an efficient and attractive log burner (Lily Pad). Both of these cottages will accommodate a cot, if necessary, and have their own enclosed gardens.

If you require more space, we have four cottages ideal for two couples sharing, or families. Most of these also have either an open fireplace, or log burner and their own gardens. patio or decked areas. At Trevorrick, there is plenty of space to relax and unwind, stretch your legs, have a swim, or to enjoy eating al fresco.

For an authentic Cornish farm holiday experience, visit Trevorrick this Summer and enjoy their many facilities:

• Heated Swimming Pool: Looking to make a splash? Drop by the pool, open morning-evening, and practice your stroke, or just relax in its balmly 29°C waters. Exclusive to guests at the farm, it’s the perfect place to cool off after spending the day in the Cornish sun.
• Farm Animals: At the farm there are plenty of adorable animals to pet, feed, and lead about, including lambs, guinea pigs, ducklings, Kune Kune pigs, and “Snowflake” the Shetland pont.
• Family and Toddler Friendly: There’s plenty of things for children to do at the farm- aside from petting the animals, children can play on the various climbing frames, wooden combine harvester, wendy house and swings. And for parent’s piece of mind there are baby monitors, cots and high chairs available for use.
• Hot Tubs: For an extra bit of luxury, make sure you book a cottage with a hot tub, perfect for watching the sunset!
• And So Much More! Visit http://padstowlive.com/accommodation/trevorrick-farm-cottages/ for more details or to book.

Building on the successful launch of our luxury Glamping pods at Padstow Creek we invested in a new super luxury Glamping pod .
Treetops is a super deluxe Glamping pod with a much larger than normal room and luxury facilities. Furthermore it’s position on the side of the valley provides a treetop view from the deck and views across the valley.
Within walking distance to the popular harbour town of Padstow and located in a wooded valley. The pod has its own well equipped kitchen and dining area, separate shower and W/C , comfortable double bed , sofa bed .
The area extends outside with a large decked area to enjoy long summer evenings , there is a gas barbecue to cook your favourite alfresco food.
Treetops sleeps 4 in super deluxe comfort, we allow a well behaved doggie .
Please see our website PadstowCreek.co.uk for bookings 3 night stays are available.

Testimonials:

Do you know Edmonton?

A tiny hamlet, close to the Royal Cornwall Showground, it is ideally placed for Wadebridge town centre and with Padstow less than 7 miles, it offers lots of opportunities for exploring the wonderful surrounding area. Take the short walk down to join the Camel Trail, the route of the previous railway line, always popular with cyclists and walkers and offering stunning views of the estuary. The historic quarrying community on Cornwall’s stunning North Coast, consists of some delightful cottages, set around a courtyard, next to the award winning Quarryman Inn. Check out some of our delightful Edmonton cottage accommodation by following the links to our website to see more of Willow, Squirrel, Honey and Cowrie.

http://padstowlive.com/accommodation/willow-cottage/

http://padstowlive.com/accommodation/squirrel-cottage/ 

http://padstowlive.com/accommodation/honey-cowrie-cottages/

Congratulations, Old Barn Tregonetha has won the South West Tourism Gold Award for the second consecutive year!

It’s no mean feat for the owner of a self-catering property in a small Cornish hamlet to take on the best of the best across the seven counties of the South West and win but that’s exactly what Stephen Chidgey has achieved. Not only that, he’s done it for the second consecutive year.

Stephen owns The Old Barn in Tregonetha near Padstow. Comprising three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it is the Cornish holiday destination of choice for many visitors from across the UK each year. Nothing is too much trouble for Stephen and his team when ensuring guests have the most comfortable, welcoming stay possible and that attention to detail has resulted in exceptionally high bookings and a string of industry accolades. In addition to again winning gold in the Self Catering Property of the Year category of this year’s South West Tourism Awards, they include gold in the 2017/18 Cornwall Tourism Awards and, thanks to the Old Barn’s impeccable eco credentials, silver and bronze awards in each event’s Sustainable Tourism categories.

“To win gold at the South West awards for two years running is fantastic,” said Stephen. “We work really hard to act on the feedback we get and to go on improving because it’s never enough to think ‘that’s it, we’re the best, there’s nothing more to be done’ because there always is. As a small business in a rural hamlet, we’re hugely proud to have been judged better than all the competition across the whole South West region and to fly the flag for Cornwall once again.”

The 2017/18 South West Tourism Awards were held at The Riviera Centre in Torquay. There was a 7 per cent increase in entries and more than 450 people attended the evening which was hosted by BBC Spotlight’s presenter Victoria Graham.

The Old Barn has been nominated through for the Visit England Awards. Announcement of finalists is expected in March.

For more information, visit https://www.oldbarncornwall.co.uk/

http://www.southwesttourismawards.org.uk/

Click here to view Old Barn Tregonetha.