I am really thrilled to report that I have organised an exclusive opportunity for the garden lovers amongst you to visit the Tregothnan Estate and Botanic Garden, as part of our ‘Great Garden Break’, available from March-September this year.
The Tregothnan Botanic Garden is the largest historic garden in Cornwall, offering a diversity of plants, trees and rare collections. It is thought to have had the earliest plantings of Camellias in the open, over 100 years ago. The Estate itself has been home to Boscawen family since 1335 and is still a real working estate. They even make the most delicious tea using their Camellias - you can try it here at the hotel.
The reason I say that I have an exclusive deal is because the garden is not open to the public, but knowing that private tours could be organised I had a meeting with Lucy at Tregothnan on a very cold Winters day to see if I could organise anything for the hotel; I knew that so many of our guests would love to go there. The freezing cold conditions were worth it – not only did I get a mug of lovely Tregothnan tea, but I came away having organised several dates throughout the year when Idle Rocks guests can have these exclusive tours, and they kindly let us have 2 days per week most weeks.
The tour lasts about 2 hours and you even get a scrumptious cream tea in their summerhouse. It would normally cost £50 per person but I have managed to incorporate this into a great value 3 night package. Have a look at the ‘Great Garden Break’ for more details of the offer, and why not have a look at the Tregothnan website – www.tregothnan.co.uk – it is fascinating reading but I can assure you it’s even more fascinating being there!
It has been a busy Christmas and New Year at the Idle Rocks, we were full and the atmosphere was fantastic. All the guests I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed it and I am really pleased to see a number of people re-booked for next year.
Now it’s the time of year when we can take advantage of being a little quieter and continue with our on-going programme of refurbishment. It is very pleasing to see things being finished and coming together ready for when we get busier again. I had long been waiting to update our Premier Cottage rooms – they are in the annexe next door to the hotel, and are beautiful rooms located in what used to be fisherman’s cottages years ago. They are right by the harbour wall so get quite a hammering in the winter from the sea! Very exciting for Storm-Watchers! The interior was also starting to look a bit tired, so James (who organises the fishing trips mentioned earlier by Chris) has been working very hard on these rooms and now they are open for sale again and looking much brighter. All the windows have been redone and every room has been redecorated from top to bottom. I have had some good quotations on new furniture too so I’m hoping to place an order very soon – this would finish them off perfectly.
Before I started writing this I was in Kittiwake on the 2nd floor having a nose to see how James and our plumber friends are getting on with the current project. The bathroom has been completely ripped out and replaced with new, the flooring has been redone and now they are putting up some brand new tiles. I was anxious to see the tiles as we left it to the plumbers to choose for us! But they have done well and chosen very tasteful colours! It all looks great so far, I can’t wait to see it finished. After that they move on to Tern, also on the second floor, where they will be doing the same, and both rooms will be ready for letting by the end of this month.
The next project will be more of a technical one – We will be setting up Wi-Fi (Wireless Internet) in all the bedrooms. Currently it only works in the residents lounge, but the demand for internet in bedrooms has become very high, so we know we need to move with the times! This should all be set up in time for the Summer season.
I will keep you updated on our progress!
