Gold Star Winners!

We were inspected last year by the Green Tourism Business Scheme - the only auditors that visit tourism-based businesses all over the UK to complete a green audit. After scoring 89% we were short-listed with 9 other Bed & Breakfasts for their Gold Star Award. Last week Chris and Sally went up to the Award ceremony in Edinburgh, where they were delighted to receive the award.

Below is a snap-shot of what we do here at The Old Rectory:

We aim for food self-sufficiency for our family and guests by growing 70 types of fruit and vegetables, served all year round for breakfasts and evening meals. We also rear hens, ducks and pedigree rare-breed sheep and pigs. Our 3 honeybee colonies help pollinate our crops and produce delicious honeycomb.

We believe in energy resilience and have designed an 80 panel solar system that harnesses more of the sun's energy. We grow and cut our wood for heating the house and last winter we planted over 400 trees, with donations from our guests going towards the project and to local and international charities.

Our delicious organic dairy products come from Helsett Farm 2 miles away and we buy locally made bread, cheese, pottery, apple juice and smoked fish. Guests enjoy our refillable Faith in Nature shower products and all cleaning and laundry products are from Ecover and BioD. 

Guests enjoy the history of the house and the beautiful natural surroundings we have to offer and we hope they leave here with new ideas and a sense of peace.

As one of only 3 Goldstar winners in England, Malcolm Bell from Visit Cornwall came to look around The Old Rectory last month and congratulated us for continuing to showcase Cornwall as a sustainable holiday destination.   

We would like to thank everyone's who's helped us along the way, especially our suppliers and referees and here's to an even greener 2012!