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Your stay in Little Avalon: guest guide

Welcome to Trewena! Firstly thank you for choosing to stay with us during your time in Cornwall. Since moving on site in 2021 we’ve been working hard to create a place where you can tune out of the noise and plug into nature. Whether you’re here to relax on site, explore the best that Cornwall has to offer, or to visit friends and family, we want to make your time in at Trewena as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

We’ve created this guide and in it you’ll find everything you need to know – about us, your cottage, the site and the surrounding area. From where to eat and where the best beaches to how your TV works and the WiFi password. It’s all here.

We'd recommend having a scan through the guide before your trip and bookmarking the page in your phone browser so that it'll be on hand during your stay.

We would always rather you make a quick call than be unsure, so never hesitate to do this both before or during your stay. We are usually on site when you arrive and are very happy to answer any questions then too.

Please feel free to call or WhatsApp us:
Rich: 07878195227
Hellen: 07311445012

Or if you prefer email (please note this comes with the risk of a slower response):
hello@trewena.com

We truly hope you enjoy your time with us and fall for the delights of this beautiful, unspoilt area and have a wonderful stay!

Rich and Hellen the owners of Trewena Cottages sit together under a tree in the back garden under the shade of a pine tree. The woman sits on a swing and the man sits on the floor next to her stroking a dog.

Hello there!

We're your hosts, Rich & Hellen, the husband and wife team behind 'Trewena Cottages' our smallholding on the edge of Falmouth where we live with our son and our dog, Spud.

We both grew up loving the great outdoors, and when we first met in Hong Kong it was this love of nature that brought us together. From early on we kept talking about a dream of living in the countryside in a place where we could invite people to come and stay and enjoy an outdoor life.

Finally, in 2020 we left our 300square foot apartment in Hong Kong and moved back to the UK, eventually finding this place. It gave us 3 acres of land, a couple of 170-year-old Cornish cottages and a converted pig barn. We feel extremely lucky to be here and enjoy a great location that retains its rural charm and isolated feeling whilst being just a couple of minutes away from a great village pub, three minutes away from a huge supermarket, and just five minutes away from the twin towns of Falmouth and Penryn where you can easily spend a day strolling around surrounded by the sea.

We love it here, and we hope you’ll enjoy your time here too.

If you would like to know more about Trewena, please do not hesitate to ask us. And we’d always love to hear your thoughts about what else we should be doing with this place. Everything starts with a conversation!

You can learn more about what we've been up to since moving onsite in this whistle-stop tour.

Our Philosophy

Trewena Cottages is an award-winning sustainable tourism site. Slowly but surely we're taking steps to make our impact softer on the planet whilst creating a place where nature can flourish and be experienced. We've invested in solar to power some of our accommodation and planted over 1,000 trees since arriving on site. We've carved out natural areas and created habitats whilst curating a place to explore, connect and relax.

Come to explore this extraordinary corner of Cornwall whilst grabbing the opportunity to to immerse yourself in nature and connect with your nearest and dearest whilst staying in your cottage, reading in the garden, cooking over a fire-pit, star gazing, walking, wild swimming, exploring woodlands, world-class beaches, stopping still, breathing deeply, and listening to the sound of birdsong.

We truly hope you enjoy your time with us and fall for the delights of this beautiful, unspoilt area.

We sincerely hope you have a wonderful stay with us and enjoy your holiday in Cornwall.

Rich & Hellen

We provide a lot of what you'll need, but certainly not everything. Please use this in combination with the 'Don't Forget to Bring' section below:

We provide

  • Bed linen
  • Towels (shower / hand / tea)
  • Crockery, cutlery, pans, knives, utensils
  • Kettle / tea pot
  • Smart TV
  • Fridge
  • DAB radio
  • Torch
  • Some books / games / jigsaws
  • Washing up liquid + dishcloths
  • Cleaning products and vacuum cleaner for you to use
  • Outside feasting table
  • Ironing board and iron (not kept in the cottage but available on request)

We get you started with the following (on arrival there'll be enough to get you started but then you'll need to provide for yourselves)

  • Coffee, Tea and milk
  • Loo paper
  • Logs and firelighters (see section 'Log burner and heaters')

What to bring

Here is our suggested list of essentials to add to your usual packing for a comfortable stay:

  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Shower gel and shampoo
  • Hairdryer / straighteners
  • Beach towels
  • Wellies or walking boots
  • A torch (we provide one on site, but good to bring another)
  • Playing cards, games, books
  • Slippers for inside
  • Food and drink - there are small independent shops fairly close by and supermarkets too. If you'd like a full fridge for when we arrive and would like to book a supermarket delivery let us know and we'll accommodate collection if we can!
  • Your favourite picnic rug or blanket to snuggle by the fire pit
  • A sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors!
  • Bikes, surfboards, paddleboards
  • A sense of adventure!

Getting here

Please familiarise yourself with the directions before you leave, and give yourself the opportunity to ask us any questions you might have about getting here in good time. We don't want you tearing your hair out before arrival!

  • The easiest way to navigate to us is by clicking the link below and then selecting 'Directions'. Google Maps will do the rest. You just need to select or type in your starting point.
    Trewena Cottages on Google Maps
  • If you'd rather use Sat-Nav our postcode is TR10 9JB
    Please note this will direct you to Corpascus Farm across the road so make sure you see the sign 'Trewena Cottages' before ringing any doorbells!
  • For what3words search ///triangles.conveying.travels
    Trewena Cottages on What3Words

Your arrival 

Check in is anytime after 3pm. If possible give us an ETA in advance, as we try to be there to say hi and make sure you have everything you need. If you'll be arriving later than 9pm please let us know beforehand. If alternative arrangements need to be made we'll contact you accordingly.

If you're arriving earlier and would like to drop bags off so you can head for a day out or a dip at the beach before checking in please give us a shout and we'll help if we can!

ID verification

The full name of all guests and address of the lead booker will be requested upon confirmation of booking. The lead booker must be one of the guests and photo ID needs to be shown before handing over the keys. Therefore please being your passport / driving licence with you. We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone whose ID has not been verified.

If you booked through a third party platform (such as Airbnb), the lead booker must be one of the guests and photo ID needs to be shown before handing over the keys. If the lead booker is not travelling through a third party booking we need to be informed beforehand and a refundable damage deposit of £300 needs to be paid  and cleared before passing over the keys.

Car Parking 

You have allocated parking for 1 car with your cottage. If you'll be coming with more than 1 car please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.

First impressions

Your cottage will have been cleaned on the day of your arrival, but if there are any issues with cleanliness, if there's anything broken, or if you're struggling with anything. please let us know immediately. Please, please let us know if there's anything not up to scratch and we'll get right on it!

Those numbers again...

For any questions on before you leave or during your tip please feel free to call or WhatsApp us:
Rich: 07878195227
Hellen: 07311445012

There will be a hard copy of all of the following information in your cottage

Internet: On arrival in your cottage you'll find a card with information about how to connect to the WiFi as well as the password.

Wifi network: Trewena Guest
Password: herecomesthesun

If you log into any accounts whilst here (eg. Netflix on the TV) please make sure to logout before you leave.

Please note that our property can only receive standard broadband so you may not experience the connectivity you're used to at home.

Septic tank: Please note all waste water and sewage feeds into our septic tank. This means there's a few things you need to bear in mind that you might not need to in your own home.

  • Do not flush sanitary items, nappies tissue paper or kitchen roll down the toilet as they will will block the drains and damage the tank. Toilet paper only in the toilet please!
  • Please do not wash out wetsuits in the shower; this will cause sand to sediment at the base of our septic tank. For cleaning wetsuits please use the hosepipe and large grey bucket located near the entrance. Please use the washing line to air dry your wetsuits.

Hot water: Little Avalon has an immersion heater which is set on a timer to provide you with enough hot water. The switch is located and labelled next to the microwave (please do not touch). If you experience that there is insufficient hot water please let us know, but be aware that the amount of hot water is limited to the size of the hot water tank (and once emptied the new water needs to be heated).

Electric blanket:
If you're staying with us in the colder months we'll have electric blankets on the bed.
If using the blanket turn off when you go to sleep!

Linen and towels:
If you are staying with us for more than 10 nights we offer a complimentary linen and towel change midway through your stay on request.
If you wish a linen and towel refresh during a shorter stay please let us know, this will be charged at £5 per towel and £20 for bedding.

Shower: Please use on ‘econ’ or ‘cold’ modes only; ‘high’ mode comes out either very cold or very hot!

Waste: Dustbins are situated next to the parking area. Please use the black round ones for general waste and ensure the lids are on securely. If all the bins are full, please let us know. Please do not leave food or waste lying around and clean up thoroughly after dining, particularly outside. Food scraps can entice wild animals and vermin.

Recycling: There are recycling bins in the parking area. Please use them according to the labels on each bin. All recycled waste should be cleaned before being put into the bins; if you don't want to wash things out please don't recycle them!

Clothes washing: Should you wash clothes in the machine provided, please feel free to hang washing on the line in front of the parking area.

Breakages: We understand that sometimes accidents happen! Should you break anything please let us know immediately; if it’s minor we won’t charge. If it’s a larger issue (eg. a television) we’d like to agree the cost with you before you leave to avoid any issues later.  Letting us know also helps us to avoid frantically trying to find a replacement or having to do some repairs (or worse, painting) on changeover day before the next guests arrive. Thank you!

Noise: Please enjoy the place respectfully. No amplified music outside at any time, and after 10pm, please keep conversations quiet if sitting outside or chilling by the fire pit. We want you to enjoy staring at the stars until 5am if you like, but in a way that allows all our guests to rest well. Sound travels surprisingly well in the Cornish night-time, so be aware and be considerate.

Visitors: Only guests who have booked may enter the property without prior arrangement. The cottage capacity is not to be exceeded and guests are not permitted to entertain non guests (local friends/family) in the cottage.

Electric vehicles: Regretfully we don’t yet have a charge point on site and guests are not permitted to charge from the cottages.

Leaving the driveway: There are two traffic mirrors opposite the entrance to the cottages. On exit keep tight to the right hand side of the entrance and you will be able to see traffic coming from the left in the top (flat) mirror.

Manuals (click for link)

Washing Machine Manual INDESIT
Cooker BEKO
Samsung Smart TV
DAB Radio

If you're still stuck with any of the gadgets above... ask us!

On arrival to Little Avalon please familiarise yourself with the fire exits. There is one through the front door located in the kitchen and one at the bottom of the stairs adjacent to the living room. Please also read the emergency procedure displayed on the inside of the front door and also the printed Fire Risk Assessment in the cottage.

Also please note the following:

- Smoking is not permitted in your cottage.
- No candles or naked flames in your cottage
- For your safety please keep internal doors closed.
- In case of fire please leave your cottage immediately. There is a small fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen, you are welcome to use them for a small hob fire but please prioritise your safety and leave immediately if you are in danger. Call 999 and give ‘Pampaluna, Antron Hill, Mabe’ as the address.
- The emergency lighting torch in the kitchen is for fire safety in case of a power outage. Please do not remove from the cottage. Replacements will be charged at £30.

In case of medical attention, you can contact the following (click for link):

Penryn Surgery 01326 372502
Trescobeas Surgery 01326 315615
West Country Dental Care 03334 050290

Leaving the driveway

Use the mirror when leaving the drive and always creep out slowly so that oncoming cars can see you just in case you cannot see them.
Unfortunately some drivers drive fast along Antron Hill so please take care when exiting!

Visitor map for Trewena cottages in Falmouth showing the position of the cottages, the meadow, cider orchard, woods and stocked gardens

Scenic Surroundings

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Cornwall, our cottages offer breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. Enjoy the beauty of nature right outside your doorstep, with lush gardens, scenic walking trails, and peaceful seating areas.

Your own outdoor space:

Each of our cottages boasts its own exclusive outdoor space, whether it’s a patio, a secluded sitting area, or a charming garden retreat.

But beyond your own private space, Trewena is home to three large outdoor areas that are open for your to roam around in and relax in. Whether your just want to have a stroll, picnic on a summer’s day, or see in a summer sunset warmed by a campfire it’s up to you!

The garden:

Stocked with flowering shrubs including hydrangeas and rhododendrons, mature pines and wildflower areas, the garden is a mass of colour and wildlife activity all year round.

It’s also home to a campfire area for you to toast away some marshmallows to your heart’s content.

So grab a blanket, find some shade under a tree and relax…

The meadow: 

Edged by “Cornish hedges” (these are essentially granite walls filled with earth, native trees such as blackthorn and hawthorn, and backed by our mini woods where we’ve established some wildlife habitats, the meadow basks in sunshine nearly all day.

We keep a mowed area through it’s centre so you can throw around a frisbee. In the rest of the meadow we keep the grass long to encourage wildlife to prosper and cut paths for you to explore through the grasses, flowers and newly planted native trees.

We also have a campfire area in the meadow which is perfect for taking in those long summer sunsets or stretching out on a blanket for a spot of star-gazing.

The Orchard: 

Immediately behind the cottages sits the orchard.

Planted in 2023 it’s still a baby at the moment but will one day be bearing us apples to make Cornish scrumpy on site. All the apple trees are native cider varieties, chosen for their suitability to the environment and to connect Trewena to the culinary history of the area.

Guests are invited to wander around the orchard, or we’ll be more than happy to show you around and tell you what we know about looking after our trees!

The log burner: Please use wood only (it is not suitable to take coal).

On arrival you’ll have a scuttle of wood and firelighters when you arrive. We stock additional nets of  logs which can be purchased from us for £10 (this is the cost price we get them for). If you choose to buy your own wood please only buy kiln dried wood suitable for log burners. During winter you can buy firewood from most supermarkets. At other times you can buy firewood from Bailey's Country store in Penryn (click for directions). If you have children or a dog with your party please use the fire-guard which is located under the stairs.

Log Burner:
When lighting your stove we recommend the top down method

  • Place 2-3 smaller logs on the stove bed
  •  On top of this build a stack of 6-8 softwood kindling sticks
  • Then place a fire lighter inside
  • Fully open the air control ((slide the little knobs on the doors) as this will maximise the supply of oxygen in the wood burner needed to get the fire going.
  • Light the fire lighter and close the door but leave it slightly a jar; this helps to heat the chimney flue and burn hot and clean
  • Once the fire is burning well close the door and reduce the air intake (use the glove provided when touching the fire). 
  • Re-fuel little and often
  • Every time a log is added open the air control again until the fire is burning well and then return the control to normal
    How many logs will I need?
  • It is important not to overload your wood burner with logs, as this will mean the fire does not have enough oxygen to burn effectively. For a constant heat, have one or two logs in your wood burner at once.
    What should I do when I’m finished / how do I go to bed safely?
  • Starve the flames of oxygen by ensuring the stove door is completely closed.
  • Close all air vents and wait until the flames have died down to embers.
  • Wearing heat-resistant gloves, open the door and spread the remaining embers/pieces of wood using a fire poker.
  • Ensure the vents and doors are completely closed before leaving the room.
    If you need any help at all with the log burner please let us know, we’re happy to help!

Heaters: There are infared heaters in the lounge and kitchen. These can be turned on by pressing ‘Boost' on the switch under the heater. The heaters can be turned on for up to 2 hours before automatically turning off, if you need more heat after that just re-do the process. Please turn off the switch when you feel warm enough or if you leave the house or go to bed. Infared heaters provide heat in around 10 minutes as they do not heat the air like convection heaters. Therefore please switch off if you leave the house, this can be done by pressing 'Boost' until all lights are off.

The towel rail in the bathroom is also operated with a 'Boost' button as explained above.

In the bedroom there is a wall mounted heater. To activate press the on button. They are controlled by thermostat and are set to 18 degrees. Feel free to alter to your desired temperature. Please turn off the heater if not needed.

Check out

Please check out of your cottage by no later than 10am on your day of departure.

Please leave the cottage in the same state as when you arrived - no need to strip the beds
- To help tidy up there is a vacuum cleaner in the storage cupboard next to the bathroom.

If on departure there's anything broken or not working that we have not yet been informed about please let us know.

On leaving please lock the cottage and knock on the green door to pass us the keys, or post them through the letterbox of you'd prefer.

We’re just starting out on our adventure with Trewena, so please let us know any comments you have about your stay, or any improvements you think we can make. Your feedback is a gift to us! We've made many, many adjustments based on guest feedback and really treasure your input.

We also have a massive favour to ask. Good reviews are the absolute lifeblood of businesses like ours and negative reviews can be extremely damaging. To be honest we'd prefer to just let you get on with your holiday but would be very grateful  if you could leave us a 5* or good review on either our Facebook page [LINK]  (which is also a great place to keep up to date with our various projects as we establish the place), our Google profile [LINK]), or through which ever platform you booked us through.

If you have any issues during your stay please, please, please let us know so we can fix them for you.

Also, please hashtag photos of your stay on social; #trewena

Thank you, and have a wonderful stay!

Where do we even start! 

With over 400 miles of coastline, more than 300 beaches, more than 400 pubs, moorland, world class cycling tracks, spectacular gardens, fun family days out, historic and cultural attractions, plus some brilliant independent businesses and eateries, Cornwall is a fantastic destination for your holiday or break.

Well, we’ve complied some information about places to go, walk and eat locally on our guide here. Rich is also part of the team behind Proper Cornwall which is the ultimate guide to how to spend you time and money in the Duchy so feel free to ask for insights and recommendations during your stay.

To get the juices flowing check out some of our essential guides: 

Things to do in Falmouth, the ultimate guide

Falmouth's best places to eat and drink

One day road trip: Exploring the Lizard Peninsula

If you want to check out some local produce during your stay check out our guide to the best farm shops.

Learn more about what's right on the doorstep:

Trewena is located in the Parish of Mabe that has its own unique history. For hikers and explorers there's some great walks from the doorstep. If you’re keen to explore the local area and the ancient trails around Trewena please ask to borrow a walking map.

The fabulous Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary is free to enter and right opposite Trewena. Also within the parish are some of Cornwall's best adrenaline fuelled adventures offered by Via Feretta and the Kernow Adventure Park.

The guide is not exhaustive so if you’d like other suggestions please ask.

Equally if you find somewhere great during your stay, please let us know!

We hope you had a great stay with us and we'd love to see you again in the future!

If you'd like to come again (or if you'd like to recommend us), you're guaranteed to find the cheapest prices on our own website (trewena.com). And if you do find us cheaper elsewhere (which you won't) we'll be able to beat that price by 5%!

You can book with us directly or contact us directly via email or Whatsapp/call on 07878195227.