Taking the time to reflect on developments at Bosinver

It's June and time to enter the Cornwall Tourism Awards again! It's quite a hefty job with all the information which has to be prepared, but the process makes us reflect on all the things we have done at Bosinver since we last entered in 2012 (we had a rest last year!).  

These are just a few of the improvements we have made in the last 2 years:

• Built  a new solar heated indoor swimming pool with renewable technologies
• Installed new kitchens in Buddleia and Hydrangea with granite worktops and SMEG fridges and new shower room in Veronica.
• Rebuilt and extended Rose cottage to sleep 4 with new kitchen, furnishings and fittings
• Added a conservatory to Valley View
• Altered Polclay from a 3 bedroom cottage to a more spacious 2 bedroom property and installed gas central heating and new kitchen
• Improved our recycling/composting facilities
• Provided a bike shed, equipment shed and dog kennel
• Resurfaced our tennis court with additional line markings for short tennis and netball for our younger guests
• Expanded our programme of Wild Kids sessions to offer bushcraft skills for older children
• Introduced weekly pony grooming sessions and guinea pigs.
• Installed superfast broadband in all cottages.

Here's a photo of our latest innovation, a drying shed (built as ever by Farmer Dave and his builder friend Paul) to help dry laundry naturally through the power of the wind rather than relying on energy greedy tumble drying.  We are always looking for ways of becoming more sustainable and so far it has worked a treat! Guests are welcome to use it too for bedlinen or clothes (but not for wetsuits as these dry better outdoors and can be quite sandy).

We hope that these improvements are well received and that guests (and the CTA judges!) appreciate we constantly strive to improve our offer at Bosinver. With all Pat and Dave's ideas, who knows what we'll get up to next!!

Would you please help Bosinver win at the Cornwall Today magazine awards?

Many thanks to everyone who nominated us recently for the 2014 Cornwall Today awards - we are delighted to announce that Bosinver has been shortlisted in the Best Small Accommodation category!

The awards were launched by Cornwall’s premier glossy lifestyle magazine, Cornwall Today, as a way of recognising the brightest and best of the county.

Each category is shortlisted by judges choosing the best from those that have been nominated, with the winner to be chosen through a voting system.  The business with the highest number of votes will win.  So a win is the highest form of accolade – as it reflects what the public think of us.

That is why we would love it if you would please take the time to vote for us – it only takes a few seconds.  Voting closes on August 31st – so please visit the voting page today and give us your vote in the Best Small Accommodation category.  

Plus, all those who vote will be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to the awards ceremony, to be held at the Headland Hotel, Newquay on Thursday September 25th, 2014.  

We are delighted to have been shortlisted and are hoping that, with your help, we can win!  Heartfelt thanks to everyone who votes for us.

Special offer for Bosinver guests on Kneehigh Theatre tickets!

This autumn from August 30 to September 28 the reknowned Cornish theatre group Kneehigh bring their latest production 'Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs)' to the beautiful setting of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, just down the road from Bosinver. It promises to be 'busting with wit, wonder and weirdness' and just as magical and musical as any of their previous wonderful shows. And because we have long been supporters of Kneehigh they have offered our guests a special deal on tickets - when booking online just enter the code AC2014 to receive £5 off a full price ticket.

PS Bosinver Farmhouse is still available for the start of the Kneehigh run from 30 August, the same time as the spectacular Tall Ships Regatta weekend in Falmouth - so why not grab some theatre/garden/sailing-loving friends and head down to Cornwall for a holiday to remember?

Dog friendly cottage Jacks Barn

Calling all dog lovers! This month's featured cottage is Jacks Barn which sleeps 8 and can also take one medium sized dog or two small dogs (as can our other pet friendly cottages denoted with a paw print on our Stay webpage).

Jack's Barn is Ideal for one or two families - there are two bedrooms on the ground floor, a double with en-suite shower room and a twin. Upstairs there is another double bedroom with king size bed, a twin bedroom and a separate bathroom. It’s relaxed and comfortable, with plenty of room for everyone.

Cornwall really is a dog's paradise as this wonderful new #dogslovecornwall video from Visit Cornwall shows! They also have dog friendly listings on their website and for more inspiration take a look at some of the posts on our blog about suggested places to take your four-legged friend!

For more details of Jack's Barn see our website and for more about bringing your dog to Bosinver see our Dog friendly guide.    

Who loves rockpooling? We do!

You may already be aware that we provide our guests with free access to whole raft of beach gear including buckets and spades, boogie boards and windbreaks, so that you don't have to clutter up your car with such things.

Some of the most popular of these items are the crab lines and nets used in rockpooling and guests are often amazed at the natural wonders they can find in Cornwall's rockpools.  Here's a lovely blog post from Visit Cornwall about places to go and what you might find and some great rockpooling tips from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust's kids club Freddy Fox.   Enjoy... and don't forget to tell us what you find on our Farmer Dave Facebook page!  

What's On in Cornwall in June

Miracle Theatre presents The Tempest 14 June – 30 August

Enjoy a night of theatre under the stars. Fantastic open air theatre throughout June, July and August at fabulous open air locations across Cornwall. With the original text respectfully shaken and stirred, Cornwall's finest - Miracle Theatre applies its offbeat and humorous style to this classic Shakespeare play. 

Golowan Festival Penzance 21 June – 29 June
Penzance's community celebration of the traditional Feast of St. John. The festival has a packed programme of artists in celebration of music, performing arts and theatre. Events include a fireworks display on the prom, Mazey Day, spectacular parades through the streets and a host of street entertainment.

Looe Festival of Food & Drink 28 June – 29 June

The Looe Festival of Food and Drink is showcasing local produce and local suppliers, allowing visitors to the area to enjoy and sample a true taste of Cornwall and introducing diverse suppliers and produce to the locals

Mevagissey Feast Week 29 June – 04 July
A blend of traditional and contemporary events which bring the whole community together and welcomes hundreds of visitors to join the celebrations.

The Grand Day Out Family Fun Day 29 June
‘The Grand Day Out’ Family Fun Day returns to the Royal Cornwall Showground for its third year, raising money for local charity Cornwall Hospice Care.

For more information on these are many other events in Cornwall see the Whats On website or Visit Cornwall listings.