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.recommendsJune 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.recommendsAugust 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.
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!