Cotna Eco Retreat - Hipcamp in Cornwall, England

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Cotna Eco Retreat

100%

17 reviews

· Gorran Churchtown, England

12 acres

5 units

5 Glamping

An peaceful, eco heaven near the coast, on a 10-acre organic smallholding in Cornwall with yurts, a shepherd’s hut and a strawbale barn

It’s difficult to call places in Cornwall ‘hidden’ these days. It has a strong whiff of cliché about it and, given we’re talking about a 10-acre small holding, it also seems a slight exaggeration. Cotna Eco Retreat isn’t exactly something you can slip into your pocket and sneak away with, though we have to say we’d quite like to. If you could bottle the atmosphere they’ve got here you could make a pretty penny. Relaxing, friendly and, above all, sustainable, it’s a place that’s somehow both homely yet also a million miles away from normal life. Veiled (not hidden) in a quiet Cornish valley, Cotna is a small-scale glamping site ensconced on an organic farm. They offer eco-living without any posturing or grandiosity. The farm, established far longer than the glamping business, supplies salad leaves to most of the local pubs and restaurants and is home to hens, horses, cats and dogs, who add to the good-humoured hum of daily life. At the right times of year, Cotna boasts a plethora of seasonal goodies – including asparagus, aubergines, cucumbers and quince – much of which is housed in the long poly-tunnels that stand out among the green patchwork of the vegetable gardens. Yet a sense of wilderness is still fostered at Cotna Eco Retreat – one of the real pleasures of glamping within its boundaries of traditional Cornish hedges. Pockets of fruit and nut orchards dot the farm where visitors have free rein to roam, exploring the oak and hazel woodland, the natural ponds and small streams that trickle away towards Portmellon and the proper working harbour village of Mevagissey, two miles away. This makes Cotna both a boon for families – wanting den building and wildlife spotting instead of plastic playgrounds – and also a romantic escape for those seeking out the more secluded side of Cornwall. Within the orchards are two yurts (each named after a Cornish apple variety). Crafted from local ash, sail canvas and robust polycotton, each boast a magnificent central crown that pools in natural light. Inside they’re furnished to create an all-in-one sleeping, cooking and living space, each with a double bed and space for a further two matresses if necessary, while a wood-burner provides heating – as well as adding to the suitably snug feel of it all! For cooking there’s a gas burner and all the kit and caboodle you'll need plus, of course, Cotna organic eggs, fruit and veg for sale with sourdough bread baked to order. The brand new couple's shepherds hut, Ismay, enjoys a prime spot within a peaceful valley beside a babbling brook, while the Strawbale Studio offers an equally atmospheric space. Inside, the honey coloured walls and uneven lime-plaster are evocative of the bales that form this eco-friendly structure, creating a wonderful warmth in the evenings as the lamplight casts irregularly across the walls. The accommodation includes an en suite shower, a hand-crafted kitchen, a big brass bed and the all essential wood-burner. In the adjoining barn, owners Dave and Sara share their passion and knowledge for green living, hosting a wide variety of courses and workshops, as well as giving guests the chance to get stuck in. Sara was a teacher in her former life and Dave is a trained Plant Biochemist, so you’re in the safest of green hands! Of course, none of this should detract from the ultimate feather in this glampsite's cap – its enviable location on the south west coast within easy reach of the best beaches – yet it also competes with the very sights you came here to visit in the first place. After all, why visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan up the road when you have your own lost garden right here? Lost, but not hidden that is, in Cornwall’s most delightful glamping setting.

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Location

Gorran Churchtown, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Sara R.Joined in January 2016

100%

5 Ratings · 17 reviews

Roxburgh F.

September 13, 2021

"We stayed at Cotna with three generations of our family aged from 13 to 82 in August this year We were lucky enough to be able to book the whole site for two weeks. It is a truly idyllic spot, with lots of space, far more than we have found at other sites. Cotna is a working smallholding which is run on ecologically sound principles. Nothing is wasted, the benefits of nature are everywhere put to good use, including a steep slope collecting solar energy. Dave and Sara, the proprietors, are welcoming and helpful and provide a high standard of comfort in the yurts, the straw barn and the Shepherds Hut. Each unit has its own kitchen, shower and toilet. There are two adorable and well behaved spaniels who paid us many visits and two or three nice cats,. Waste food is eaten by the chickens and ducks and all other waste is systematically recycled. We bought many of the lovely products from the smallholding including salad and vegetables, home-made jam, home-baked sourdough bread and apple juice made from the fruit from the orchard where we sat under the trees reading in the afternoons. Obviously we tried to always respect the ecological principles upon which Cotna is based but there are no petty rules and regulations and we felt very relaxed there. There is wifi access in and around the Straw Barn, a whole raft of charging points for phones is available in a barn so it is very much in the 21st century. Dave and Sara could not have been more congenial hosts and though they obviously run the whole place as a commercial enterprise it is clear that they also enjoy what they do and value their guests as part of this ecologically sound holistic enterprise For us booking direct with Dave and Sara was much easier than going through a booking site.”

Jackie A.recommends

June 15, 2021

Gilliflower Yurt

Enveloped in a fabulous space. Parking up Daisy the dog came and welcomed us, soon followed by the lovely owners. Walking down through the orchard to the yurt and our stuff in a wheelbarrow, I could feel stress and tension flowing away. Shoulders relaxing and breathing deeper on each stride. 3 nights of bliss on a super comfy bed ensured we slept soundly. Eye mask and ear plugs were helpful ensuring a deep and refreshing sleep. A stunning position, beautiful places to explore. Came away with cotna s lovely apple juice and yummy homemade bread. I can imagine anyone not loving this place.

Matt H.recommends

August 23, 2020

Gilliflower Yurt

From the second we arrived we felt relaxed. The welcoming committee of Dave and two dogs (Daisy and Billy) made us feel right at home in an instant. Gillyflower yurt is wonderful, with its gas stove, log burner, firepit and picnic bench outside. Nestled in its own little young orchard it's a great way of feeling close to nature, and distant from everyday society. When the skies are clear and the stars come out at night, it's breathtaking. The natural and eco setup of the whole site is great. Composting loos, hedgerow showers, organic produce grown on site. It was more like a break from society than a holiday. Ive never felt so totally relaxed. Thoroughly recommended, and will definitely be returning next year.

Douglas O.

July 29, 2020

We took a punt on this as a last min booking after the lockdown. The space is a beautifully cared for (mostly?) off grid setting with a market garden, chickens and lots and lots of space. We loved the privacy and the peace, Sara and Dave were warm hosts and offered such things as excellent 'hampers' which we thoroughly recommend you try - the Italian was perfect. We hope to go back some time for a week of bliss. Thank you for a perfect week :)

Lucy P.

September 16, 2019

We stayed for 4 days in the delightful strawbale studio- which is so well insulated, we only had the fire on twice, and once was becuase we needed our towels to dry before we left. The gardens are an absolute joy, and we took great delight in helping to collect the apples which were falling readily, and steadily! We had a vegan breakfast hamper and the blackcurrant jam was of particular note- the best I have tasted i think! I believe Cotna has the ideal location- woodland walks from the door, you can walk to the sea, and also only 30 minute drive from Eden Project (and 10 min drive to heligan). We will definitely be back!

Louise ?.

September 3, 2019

We, a family of 4 and 2 dogs, stayed in the Gillyflower; a 16ft Yurt in the orchard. The feeling of tranquility wraps around you on arrival. Our yurt was surrounded by apple trees, and a woodland framed by willow; very private. As seasoned campers we are used to being self sufficient, we didn’t really have any expectations, the traditionally decorated yurt however was spacious, with a double bed, and 2 single mattresses, table and chairs, wood burner, and cooking area inside. If we had experienced bad weather, which we didn’t, we would have been very toasty and dry, and there was plenty of space. Outdoors there was a picnic table and campfire area, just perfect for watching shooting stars, being dive bombed by bats, and listening to the owls and crackling fire once the sun has gone down. We had our own washing up area, and a short walk across a stream led to a own compost loo, not in the least smelly, and our 3 and 7 year old managed procedures perfectly unaided. The hot shower cabin with plenty of hanging space for towels and clothes was fabulous. Seasoned wood was available to purchase for £3 a bag. The location is simply beautiful and a very quick drive led us to Goran Haven for a pre breakfast swim and a frothy coffee in the Mermaid cafe. We absolutely loved our short stay and wished it was for longer. Dave and Sarah you have got it just right!

From the host

We immediately fell in love with Cotna when we were fortunate enough to move here 15 years ago. It is a little paradise surrounded by nature and wildlife. We're nestled in a bowl-like valley with all kinds of terrain; apple orchards, ponds & streams with our own natural spring (which is why Cotna is here & has drawn people & wildlife here forever) open fields and woodland. We are one valley behind the sea so you can walk there down the valley in 20-30 minutes. There are at least 5 beautiful beaches nearby (people tend to find their special favourite one) and the coast-path provides stunning walks and vistas. We grow our own delicious organic food and can provide food to our guests; ready to cook hampers, seasonal fruit & veg, golden organic eggs, sourdough bread, jams and apple juice. Your can learn more about the history and landscape of this magical place by coming on a foraging walk with Sara or learning about no-dig organic gardening with Dave. Nearby there's good places to eat and places of interest; The Lost Gardens of Heligan is just down the road, The Eden Project is 30 minutes drive, and there's the local villages of Gorran Haven and Mevagissey.

Nearby attractions

Gorran Haven, Hemmick, Caerhays and Vault beaches are all within a half hour walk – Dave keeps the parish footpaths clear that lead you out to the coast and join the renowned South West Coast Path. Vault is a wonderfully long, unspoiled beach, a slight walk away from its carpark and consequently one of the quietest spots, while Hemmick is perfect for watching sunsets. The local villages are also well worth a visit; nearby Gorran Haven boasts an ancient harbour and an excellent old pub. Picturesque Portmellon is also within strolling distance – be sure to stop by The Rising Sun Inn (01726 843235), a perfect spot for a drink by the beach. Or head out to Dodman Point (01872 580553), where an Iron Age hillfort sits on the headland with its ruins and huge stone cross reached via footpath from Penare. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (01726 845100) are also walkable (around an hour each way) with over 200 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs, an intriguing subtropical jungle and vast, wooded grounds to explore. The world famous Eden Project (01726 811911) is half an hour in the car and, in the opposite direction, it's 10 minutes to Caerhay's Castle (01872 501310).

Food and drink

Organic home-produced hampers are available on-site for breakfast and evening meals, with home-made preserves, sourdough bread and seasonal produce. Pure springwater also on tap. There is a good local farm shop, Lobbs (01726 844411) as well as post office shops nearby. It's a 5 minute walk to the The Barley Sheaf pub (01726 843330) just up the track. Built in 1837 by local farmer William Kendall and recently restored and re-opened by his great-great-great grandson, it's a fabulous little place serving food daily and with real ales on tap. And just a walk down the valley is The Shack serving great coffee and food, next to the sea and The Paddle Shed at Port Mellon.

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