2004 Big Tick winner

Highly Commended in 2004

Big Tick winner

Rural Action, Highly Commended

Trelowarren Estate, Helston, Cornwall

Post Office Rural Action Award 2004

Trelowarren's pioneering approach to green tourism through the ecological and environmental development of some of the estate's dilapidated buildings into time share accommodation, has created local employment opportunities and benefited local businesses and the local community.

Processes

The Trelowarren Estate is one of Cornwall's largest private estates, but was in a dilapidated state when the present owner inherited it in 1995 and needed a radical change of direction if it was to survive.

This comprehensive programme aims to make the estate sustainable and self-sufficient and will conserve its historic buildings and landscape. The development used existing buildings and footprints for 70% of the planned development of holiday accommodation. All work was undertaken by local craftsmen, using local materials, from sustainable sources and working to the demanding ecological and energy efficient specifications.

Employing architects who specialised in ecological and energy efficient design to undertake the project, ensured commitment to restoring the built and natural environment to the highest standards possible. The accommodation has been designed to minimise environmental impact not only during construction but also during use. The Estate hopes to establish a carbon neutral future by 2005.

One of the most important benefits of building the timeshare accommodation is that it reduces the number of houses bought for holiday use only, freeing up more housing for local people. Also, timeshare itself is of benefit to the community as the accommodation is occupied for 40 weeks per annum against the more traditional norm of self-catering properties of 25 weeks per annum thus supporting local shops, farmers, producers, pubs and churches, as well as providing jobs on the estate itself.

Impact

  • At the first stage of the development, 25 people are now employed by the estate and it is anticipated this will rise to 50 in the next phase
  • A blueprint has been produced on how to restore a listed building to the highest environmental standards and this is now available for future use by local planners, architects and developers
  • In creating the timeshare and self-catering holiday accommodation, Trelowarren has attracted additional tourism business and spend to the area over a much longer period each year
  • Trelowarren has a become a forum for the best of Cornish Arts and Crafts
  • The New Yard Restaurant buys 90% of its ingredients from sources on the Lizard Peninsula, supporting local farmers and producers
  • Trelowarren provides high quality interpretative material about the estate. This information is used by visitors and also for local schools, community groups and other customers
  • Trelowarren has established a network of woodland walks over its 1000 acres which is open free of charge to visitors and local people alike
  • The estate's regeneration shows the way forward for historic estates in the 21st century – living history not heritage

See also