Spotlight on Green Acres Cottages
The Cornish Riviera and the South Coast
Green Acres Cottages are situated in the rural idyll of Penpillick on what’s known as ‘The Cornish Riviera.’ Originally taking its name from the London to Penzance steam trains, the 330-mile route is known worldwide for its wonderful coastal track which takes in Cornwall’s stunning seascape on one side and quaint little fishing villages and sleepy farms on the other.
St Austell
Standing on the lawns at Green Acres you can look out towards St Austell Bay. Famous for its China clay mining, the beautiful Georgian village of Charlestown served as St Austell’s port. The area’s rich maritime history is captured in the shipwreck museum there and old-fashioned tall ships still grace the pretty harbour. The port has been used as a film location, most famously for ‘Poldark’. The St Austell area was also home to author Daphne du Maurier who captured the Cornish smuggling heritage and reflected the spirit of the barren coves and headlands in her novel ‘Rebecca’.
The now abandoned China clay mines have been maximised by one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions, the Eden Project. Taking a route through the wooded idyll of Luxulyan, the winding lanes lead to a valley transformed by giant biomes and are now home to Mediterranean and Rainforest eco projects. Eden’s year-round programme of events reaches out to all ages with storytelling, art projects, live music and homegrown food produced to exacting eco standards as well as a wonderful winter season including an ice rink and winter torchlight processions.
Fowey
Pronounced ‘Foy’ this beautiful fishing town is just 5 miles from Green Acres. A Britain in Bloom Gold winner, the flower-filled steep narrow winding streets take you down to the harbour where ferries depart regularly for Looe and Mevagissy. The town is full of artisan shops, cafés and galleries and holds a festival of words and music, a Royal Regatta and a wonderful Christmas market every year. A centre for local fresh food and home to ‘The Posh Pasty Company’ founded by TV chef and eco guru, James Strawbridge with his wife Holly, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Fowey.
Mevagissy
One of the oldest fishing ports in Cornwall, the town is picture postcard perfect with quaint little streets lined with slate-roofed Cornish cottages and a twin working harbour. Join in the famous Feast Week at the end of June each year or visit at Christmas and view the pretty lights strung high above the streets.
As well as being on the south west coastal path, Mevagissy can be reached via Route number 3 on the National Cycle Network. The trail winds through the leafy paths from St Austell connecting the harbours at Pentewan and Mevagissy once used by trains to transport China clay in Victorian times. On the way, it’s worth a visit to the mysterious reclaimed estate of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a treat in any season.
Truro, Falmouth and beyond
Reminiscent of the architecture found in Bath, Truro is a pretty city and the central shopping area is quite compact. Its status as a former inland port can be seen in some of the street names and Lemon Quay has become a hub for foodie markets. Artisan shops and galleries sit side by side with high street chains, offering plenty of choices. Truro is easily accessible from Green Acres taking a straightforward route down the A390.
The Falmouth area includes one of Cornwall’s blue flag beaches, Gyllynvase. Falmouth’s heritage has an intricate connection of fishing and art, making the area a great place for museums, galleries, bistros and cafés. The yearly sailing Regatta and food festivals are testament to this.
For a longer day out, Lizard Point, the most southerly part of mainland Britain and the beach at Kynance Cove belong to The National Trust. Kynance is one of the most photographed and painted beaches in Cornwall with its mix of rugged beauty and seclusion.
So much to do!
Whether you’ve opted for a short break or longer holiday, there are plenty of attractions to visit. From ancient castles to estate gardens, the favourable climate supports plants and flowers ordinarily found in the Mediterranean as well as English classics. If it’s beaches rather than gardens that take your fancy then there is equally as much choice as you will find wide golden sands in one direction and hidden smugglers coves in the next. One thing that can definitely be said though is that the southern Cornish coastline is a truly beautiful place to visit.