TakeABreak Awards 2009
Winner, Eco-Friendly Holiday Accommodation: The Stay at Tintagel
Set on 50 scenic acres, the two-story cottage is a private getaway separate from the main residence on the property. The ocean peeks out from the horizon of rolling hills in the stunning view from the lounge room window. Picture-postcard views are visible from all windows and angles of the property. A wood fire stove keeps your feet toasty on the cooler evenings, and a double-high-backed bath is perfect for a steaming soak at the end of the day. It is serenity defined.
This cosy cottage was built for two, and offers the perfect break for any couple wishing to get away from the buzz of city life. As The Stay only caters to one couple at a time (no children or pets) it is truly a relaxing break where you can enjoy tranquillity, scenery, and your time alone together. Organic gardens offer a feast for all of your senses, and are a relaxing place to enjoy picnics and bask in the aromatic breezes of the many seasonal flowers.
Adorning the roof of the cottage are large solar panels, which allow the cottage to be largely self-sufficient. Low energy appliances and an energy monitor ensure there is ample power produced for your stay, and guilt-free hot baths are possible thanks to the solar-heated hot water. Recycling is a big part of an eco-friendly stay, so you’ll find rainwater harvesting from the property is the source of your sensuous soaks in the tub. In addition, many of the building materials in the cottage are recycled, including the mud bricks. Naturally, the hosts prefer to use as little packaging as possible, and recycle and compost to ensure the property can be an oasis for generations to come.
But “green” and “eco-friendly” can sometimes be mistaken for “rustic” “cold” and “boring.” Nothing could be further from the truth at The Stay. Luxuries like chocolates, champagne and comfy slippers are standard with a two-night stay. A fully equipped gas kitchen and gas BBQ allow you to enjoy whatever meals you choose to prepare. A television, DVD and VCR allow you to access a selection of films included in your cottage, as well as a CD/MP3 player and many choices of music. Books, magazines and newspapers are also available for a cosy afternoon or evening indoors.
If you’d like a relaxing evening inside your cottage, but without the hassle of cooking, be sure to provide your hosts, Peter and Kathryn with 24 hours’ notice that you would like to try one of the sumptuous dinners from their “Slow Food Menu.” Delicious options include Atlantic salmon, roasts, tantalising vegetarian dishes, gourmet pies, and many other tasty treats, as well as a variety of yummy desserts. There are numerous choices, some of which are seasonal, so be sure to check with your hosts and book at least one of their gourmet meals. And with their organic fruit, vegetable, and herb garden nearby, you can be sure at least some of your meal has been lovingly grown on the property. Your choices of dishes are delivered to your private cottage, so that you can enjoy a romantic, private meal together without interruption.
When you are relaxing at a private getaway, the last thing you want to worry about is what time you need to be up for breakfast. For this reason, your hosts offer choices for breakfast hampers that you can bring back to your cottage in the evening to enjoy the next morning (or afternoon!) whenever you please.
There is plenty to see in the area, and there is a folder of local attractions, as well as an explanation of each attraction, for you to peruse. If your idea of paradise includes strolling pristine beaches and waterways, whale watching, golf, kayaking, fishing, bushwalking or swimming, you’ll find all within a 15-minute drive of the property.
Of course, you may just choose to enjoy the privacy of this delightful eco-friendly cottage, and maybe even plant a commemorative native tree before you leave, knowing that you are planting it in a truly magical, eco-friendly paradise.
For more information or to make an enquiry, please go to
The Stay at Tintagel listing on TakeABreak to contact the operator direct.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in
Adelaide, Yulara (
Uluru),
Alice Springs and
Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After
backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in
Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys
family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see
Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find
holidays they would enjoy.” Kylie currently works as a
travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
Bookings:
Make an enquiry for your holiday at
The Stay at Tintagel
through TakeABreak and the property operator will get back to you directly to confirm
pricing and availability. Visit their listing for more pictures, further information
on rates, the availability calendar and guest reviews.
Find out more about Kylie at http://bit.ly/h_experts
