The great get-together

With luxurious sustainable accommodation, Tregulland in Cornwall offers the perfect guilt-free getaway for a gathering of friends or a family celebration

Finding somewhere that will sleep large numbers and also suit all requirements is sometimes hard. The luxurious Tregulland Cottage and Barn, just outside Launceston, should appeal to most. Ideal for a large gathering or a celebration with friends and family, it sleeps up to 24 people across two buildings.

Tregulland is set in 16 acres of private land in a valley on the edge of Bodmin Moor. You could hardly get further away from it all, yet it is no more than a 15-minute drive to the dramatic north Cornwall coast.

The owners, Ken and Illona Aylmer, spent two and a half years turning a cottage and barn into a luxurious and sustainable living space and the result is stunning. Both buildings have huge, airy kitchen and dining areas as well as lots of living space. The barn, decorated in
a modern and contemporary design, has a vast gabled lounge with drop-down cinema projection screen while the cottage, rich with heritage features, has a sunroom where you can relax and take in stunning views across the valley.

This is a place that combines a homely feeling with luxury – each room is en-suite and equipped with high-quality fittings and furniture, the king-size beds have gorgeous linen, and toiletries are from St Kitts Herbery. Amenities in the living areas include LCD TVs, iPod docking stations and computers with internet access. The landscaped lawn and terrace are perfect for eating al fresco when the sunshine reappears.

Across the courtyard you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the freshwater pool, which uses natural filtration rather than chlorine and chemicals. There is also a children's pool, a steam room and a wood-fired hot tub.

There's plenty to keep everyone busy at Tregulland, but if you fancy venturing further afield property manager Bonny Shanks is on hand to give insider tips, ensuring you make the most of your stay. You might fancy a trip to historic harbour town Boscastle or enjoy a bracing coastal walk along the cliffs at Crackington Haven.

As a self-catering property, Tregulland is unusual as it offers a whole range of add-ons to make a bespoke break. If you don't want to cook or fancy something special to eat, a local restaurant can come in to do the catering. Tregulland has teamed up with several restaurants, including Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. Cooking and waiting staff are sent to take care of everything including preparing the menu, cooking the food and cleaning up afterwards.

Other options include picnic hampers, wine-tasting sessions
as well as fishing lessons for children and yoga sessions in the house. Total relaxation.

Tina Nielsen

FACT FILE

Getting there Catch a train to Exeter, a 45-minute drive away. Transfers can be organised in advance. Alternatively hire a car with Hertz at www.iod.com/carrental

AccommodationTregulland Cottage and Barn is available to hire separately or together. Prices for a three-night stay start at £2,057 for the barn, £2,469 for the cottage and £3,771 for both.

www.tregulland.co.uk

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