Cornish Holiday Cottages are built on more than just stunning coastlines and charming properties, it's rooted in genuine care, family tradition, and a deep connection to place. Emily, Director of Cornish Holiday Cottages, represents the third generation of her family to welcome visitors to this spectacular corner of England. From her grandmother's humble beginnings to today's BCorp-certified business, Emily shares how authentic hospitality and environmental responsibility go hand in hand in creating unforgettable Cornish experiences.

We'd love to hear the origin story of Cornish Holiday Cottages - what inspired you to become a curator of holiday experiences in Cornwall?

My Gran started Cornish Holiday Cottages just before I was born. I have never known a life without my family being involved in hospitality. For the first three decades the business was run from my grandparents home. Family life, the holiday homes, and the care of our guests is one and the same, it is just what we do.

If you had to capture the heart and soul of Cornish Holiday Cottages in a few words, what would they be?

We do everything with love, care and attention. My team are just the best. You only have to read the reviews, to see that this care is central to everything. At least one of us is available 24/7, 365 days of the year as the holiday homes never close.

You've been welcoming visitors to Falmouth and the Helford for many years now. How has tourism in the area evolved during your time here?

When my Granny first started managing holiday homes, the interiors were not that important. People booked cottages by the sea and if you had a good heating system it was a bonus, but not expected. These days we would not dream of managing a holiday property without all the mod cons and a cohesive, comfortable interior. What hasn’t changed is that we are connecting people with Cornwall, the holiday home is just a mere conduit to the beautiful coastline.

Between the maritime heritage and natural stunning environment, what do you think gives Falmouth and the Helford their distinctive magic?

Falmouth is a vibrant, very real, working town, with friendly people and a long maritime history. There are three lovely beaches and oodles of great places to eat and hang out. The Helford River provides the more tranquil, nature rich backwaters, reminiscent of childhood holidays for a lot of adults. The two are within a fifteen minute drive.

From the moment guests book to the day they reluctantly head home, what makes a Cornish Holiday Cottages stay special?

We regard our customers as our guests from the moment they first connect with us and we endeavour to keep that connection alive for all our days. I think it is this sentiment that sets us apart more than anything.

You must have heard about hundreds of holiday moments over the years - what are some of the lovely ways your guests connect with Cornwall?

We are all different but what makes me most excited is when we hear about guests who get up to experience the sun rise, as they are so spectacular here on the south coast. Dawn dips and a coffee on the beach take some beating. And if you get a flat calm morning, just you and the ocean, there’s a oneness that cannot be explained. Visitors can max out on natural energy by heading to the north coast for a stunning sunset there. We really are so lucky to have both coasts less than 40 minutes apart.

What's the moment that makes all the hard work worthwhile?

Without a doubt the guest and client reviews. If ever I am having a hard day, I give myself a little boost by reading our service reviews. We exist to enable our clients to have holiday homes that are sustainable and for our joint guests to have wonderful, enriching experiences and to go home with happy memories. Knowing we have contributed to this, is what it is all about.

Every local has their secret spots - where do you send guests when they ask for something truly special and off the beaten path?

The Helford River delivers every time. I personally always love a moment out near Stack Point in Falmouth, to take in the panoramic vista from there. It’s a raggedy bit of cliff and there’s barely any space, but it is a spot for quiet reflection and taking in the sheer beauty.

Each of your properties seems to have its own character and charm. Which one captures your heart and what's the story behind it?

I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite. The team and I carefully consider every new addition to the portfolio. It’s not just about the property, it is as much about whether the owners share our values too. Calamansac, the Rose Cottages and Ridifarne have been with us for decades and therefore they hold a lot of memories for me. They have been through so many iterations. They are all mini destinations in their own right, with their own unique cultures. It is a total privilege to share with new generations of the same families. As for new properties, I am going to have choose Cliffside at Durgan. The house envelopes you in a very subtle and beautiful way. I was lucky enough to stay there last year and I will never forget going to sleep and waking up to the sound of the sea lapping on the shore.

When you get a chance to be a tourist in your own town, what's your perfect Falmouth day?

My perfect day is to wake up and wander down to Swanpool with my dogs and have a swim, then stroll along and see Trev at Tidal Coffee and grab a Cappuccino. Back along the fields to home and make some brekkie and enjoy in the garden. Next I would coax my teenagers out of bed and we would head off to a remote coast path somewhere and get in some miles. I spend a lot of my week in front of a computer, or out and about in Falmouth at our holiday homes, so it is so nourishing to be submerged in nature at the weekend. I am passionately plant based (for the planet and animals) so I would round off the day with a delicious Thali at Wilder Kitchen on Barracks Ope in Falmouth and meander along the harbour’s edge home. A cup of sleepy tea in bed with my book by 9.30pm and you have there a perfect day!

Do you have any exciting developments or projects in store for the future?

We gained our BCorp Certification last year, something we are very proud of, however the work does not stop there. We are working on our Business Impact Report at the moment and facilitating some positive changes to better support our clients, customers and Community.

Cornish Holiday Cottages, and ten or so, other independent holiday home agents in Cornwall, have been collaborating for the last year and together we are hoping to form a CIC. We are committed to supporting Cornwall, all of its residents, the landscape and our planet with a circular, conscientious visitor economy. For us, it can’t get more exciting than this!

Cliffside, Durgan