Coastal beauty: Mawgan Porth Beach, Cornwall, UK. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

Lucy of Merlin Farm wrote this guest post about their Eco Cottages in Cornwall, UK.

On the North Coast of Cornwall somewhere in between Newquay and Padstow lies the unspoilt Bay of Mawgan Porth.

A short stroll inland and you’ll come across Merlin Farm, a small complex of Eco Cottages. Nestled in the Cornish Countryside, Merlin Farm is soaking in the sunshine through Solar PV, heating the water and flooding warmth into the cottages through cathedral windows.

The Eco Cottages. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

We developed derelict barns on our farm in 2009, opting for a sustainable design that in turn would be a viable business to pass down to our children.

Everything was researched thoroughly from the energy maximizing design concept through to the sympathetic interior design. Our vision came alive in April 2010 when the Eco Cottages opened their doors to their first guests.

Green + design. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

Over the years, we improved and increased our eco credentials. At the end of our second season, we decided to ask the Green Tourism Business Scheme to come and inspect our business. We were delighted that the Eco Cottages scored over 80% and were awarded a GOLD award.

December 2011 saw the arrival of 216 Solar PV panels, now making Merlin Farm virtually self-sufficient.

Solar panels. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

Sustainability lies at the heart of the farm from the free roaming chickens who lay varying colors of eggs for our guest’s welcome pack to the wonderfully photogenic Horace Donkey who provides organic hedge trimming.

Guests are encouraged to do their bit too, from recycling and composting their kitchen waste, to leaving their beach items for the next guests to re-use and even bringing and planting their own tree on the farm to offset their journey to Cornwall.

Donkeys on the farm. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

‘Car free’ days out are also encouraged, details of these and local bus timetables are provided in the guest information book. Anyone bringing their dog is encouraged to dispose of their dog’s mess in the Eco Dog Poo composter Darrel created.

Guests often have many questions regarding green technology intended for their own homes, something Darrel is always too eager and enthusiastic to discuss.

We hope a visit to Merlin Farm will be inspirational, open your eyes to the possibilities of sustainable eco living and provide a wonderful holiday in the process!

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