A Glimpse Into Life At Tregonce Farmhouse
July 30, 2024Nestled minutes away from Padstow, this elegant farmhouse warmly welcomes guests to the peace, tranquility and natural beauty of the North Cornish coast. With refreshing new interiors, touched up by our Gems Interiors Team, Tregonce Farmhouse offers spacious social areas in which to relax, unwind and reconnect. We caught up with Gael, owner of this special home, who gave us a glimpse into life at Tregonce Farmhouse…
How did you choose Tregonce Farmhouse and why?
We were looking for a house in North Cornwall, built in the traditional Cornish vernacular, with special views and, most importantly, a peaceful setting within reach of good restaurants and activities. When our agent showed us the hamlet of Tregonce, we were delighted by the quiet of it all and wonderful views of the Camel Estuary. Tregonce Farmhouse was sitting pretty in the middle of it, quietly on the market and recently refurbished by interior designer Joanna Goodchild. We decided very quickly that this was the one.
What activities would you suggest to guests when they come to stay?
Strolling into Padstow from the village takes only 30-40 minutes from the house by taking a footpath from the village that drops down onto the Camel Trail. Once in Padstow we’ll enjoy an hour of crabbing (my teens still love it) before a feast at Rick Stein’s fish and chips, or hire bikes and cycle the length of the Camel Trail towards Wadebridge and back. Nearby Harlyn Bay is our favourite place to surf, sauna and snack, or for a further afield activity we enjoy a walk through Hurlers stone circles at The Minions and a dip in one of the granite quarry lakes nearby. Losthwithiel is a pretty place to visit, with some interesting shops and local artists. Nearby Hawksfield has my favourite cafe Strong Adolphos, and some tempting stores to browse.
What is your favourite part of Tregonce Farmhouse?
The snug off the side of the kitchen is not only a peaceful spot to read, whilst enjoying the estuary views, but also light a fire and settle down to a good film after an exhausting day of sea related activities.
How would you spend your perfect stay at Tregonce Farmhouse and in Cornwall?
Our perfect week whilst staying in Tregonce would involve a day of walking into Padstow, taking the ferry to Rock for breakfast at Fees, and then a good hike along the South West footpath before returning. Rock is also wonderful for sailing and waterski lessons, and has very experienced and reputable teams running it all. If the surf is good, we will surf at nearby Trevone or Harlyn, and walk the dogs in the dunes there or along the estuary trail. We also love a high tide swim at Oldtown Cove, just 15 minutes from the house, which is usually deserted.
Do you have some must see places to go and eat?
A week in Cornwall is never without a lunch at The Rocket Store in Boscastle and visit to the slightly creepy but incredibly fascinating Witch Museum there, and a lengthy dinner at the wonderful 15th Century St Kew Inn pub, situated by the equally wonderful ancient St Kew church. Other favourite eateries are The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow and a pie and chips at The Old Harbour Pub there as well. For those looking for a good cocktail, we go to Ruby’s Bar, and for a perfect lobster there’s The Pig Hotel in Harlyn.