Chasing a dream often feels like diving headfirst into chaos, but for us—Rich and Hellen—it was the start of building Trewena Cottages, our lifestyle business in the heart of Cornwall. We’ve poured every ounce of our energy, creativity, and passion into this project, transforming a smallholding into a place we’re proud to call home and share with guests. Here’s how we traded the bustling city life for the charm of the Cornish countryside, built a business, and found a rhythm that works for us.
From City Lights to Country Nights
Our story began in the bustling streets of Hong Kong, where we met and fell in love. At the time, our lives were filled with fast-paced careers, high-rise apartments, and endless noise. But beneath all the excitement, there was always this niggling dream: a quieter, more grounded life where we could slow down, reconnect with nature, and create something truly our own.
In February 2021, in the midst of a global pandemic, we made the leap. We packed up our lives and landed in Cornwall, ready to transform a three-acre smallholding into Trewena Cottages. It was a “doer-upper” (to put it mildly), but we saw the potential. Starting a smallholding and holiday let business in Cornwall came with challenges—leaky chimneys, woodworm-infested beams, and a house that needed stripping back to the brick. But hey, nothing worthwhile is ever easy, right?
Balancing the Madness
One of the things that makes Trewena tick is our relationship. We’re opposites in all the right ways. Hellen’s the sensible, grounded one who keeps us afloat with her stable income and realistic perspective. Meanwhile, I’m the mad visionary, always coming up with the next big idea—whether it’s eco-glamping pods, an onsite pub, or a wild swimming pool in the meadow. Hellen is my anchor, keeping me grounded (most of the time), while I’m busy dreaming up new, often slightly outrageous ideas. It’s a dynamic that works well—though it does occasionally lead to an exasperated eye-roll, like when I casually suggest adding farm rescue animals to the mix.
The Learning Curve
For me, Trewena has been the perfect antidote to a career history that always seemed to fizzle out once the learning stopped. I’ve been an apprentice tradesman, a PhD scholar, a corporate strategist—and yet, I never quite stuck with anything. Not because I didn’t enjoy them, but because once I’d ridden the steep initial learning curve, my days started to feel repetitive, and disillusionment would creep in. It became a frustrating cycle: get good at something, then quickly tire of it and find myself searching for the next challenge.
Trewena is different. Every day here is an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s how to build a website, fix a broken fence, or figure out why the WiFi isn’t working. One day, I’m designing marketing campaigns; the next, I’m knee-deep in mud planting trees. Starting and running a lifestyle business in Cornwall has kept me constantly engaged, always working on a new project, and absolutely in love with what I do.
Reality Check: The Day-to-Day
Running Trewena isn’t all sunsets and cider (though there’s plenty of that too). It’s hard work. I’m up at the crack of dawn most days, juggling everything from guest check-ins to gardening. Every project—from renovating the cottages to building new pathways—is a labour of love. And while I might dream big, there are plenty of mundane tasks that keep the place running smoothly.
Hellen’s role is equally important. She’s the steady hand that keeps us financially secure, working full-time outside of Trewena while still managing to pitch in wherever she can. Whether it’s helping with the cleaning or giving me a reality check when my latest “vision” gets out of hand, she’s the glue that holds everything together.
Dreams on the Horizon
Of course, the work is never really finished at Trewena. I’ve got a laundry list of future projects that I’d love to tackle—if Hellen ever lets me, that is. Imagine this: handcrafted, off-grid eco lodges nestled in our meadow, complete with solar power and rainwater harvesting. A wild swimming pool surrounded by wildflowers. An onsite pub where guests can enjoy a pint of homemade scrumpy. Maybe even a small flock of sheep and chickens roaming the grounds.
For now, these ideas remain firmly on the “someday” list. But who knows? With a bit of persistence (and maybe a well-timed cider or two to convince Hellen), anything is possible.
What We’ve Learned
Over the past few years, we’ve learned a lot about running a lifestyle business. Here are some of the biggest takeaways:
-
Flexibility is Key: No two days are the same, and you’ve got to be ready to roll with the punches—whether it’s a last-minute guest request or a burst pipe.
-
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: We couldn’t do this without each other. Hellen’s realism and my vision balance each other out perfectly.
-
It’s About the People: At the end of the day, it’s our guests who make all the hard work worth it. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone fall in love with Trewena the way we have.
-
Dream Big, Start Small: You don’t have to do everything at once. Focus on getting the basics right, and the rest will follow.
Why We Do It
So, why did we uproot our lives and throw ourselves into this crazy adventure? Because we wanted more. More time together. More connection to nature. More opportunities to create something meaningful. And most importantly, more chances to share this incredible part of the world with others.
When we welcome guests to Trewena, we’re not just offering them a place to stay. We’re inviting them into our dream, sharing a piece of the life we’ve built, and helping them create memories that will last a lifetime.
A Note to Aspiring Lifestyle Entrepreneurs
If starting a holiday let or smallholding business in Cornwall is on your bucket list, here’s what we’ve learned: Go for it. It won’t be easy, and there will be days when you wonder what on earth you’ve gotten yourself into. But it’s also the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do.
Take it one step at a time. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to dream big—even if it means convincing your partner that wild swimming pools and off-grid lodges are a good idea.
Welcome to Trewena
Trewena isn’t just a business; it’s our home, our passion, and our greatest adventure. We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way, from our wonderful guests to the friends and family who’ve cheered us on from the sidelines.
If you’ve ever thought about making a change, chasing a dream, or simply finding a new way to live, we hope our story inspires you to take that first step. After all, the best things in life often start with a leap of faith.
And if you ever find yourself in Cornwall, we’d love to welcome you to Trewena. Who knows? You might even get to try some homemade scrumpy and hear about my latest “crazy” idea.
