Cornwall has always held a special place in our hearts. Nearly thirty years ago Mark and I pledged our vows in the Penzance Registry Office and celebrated our new life together at Tregenna Castle in St Ives. Returning to Cornwall this time brought both nostalgia and new adventures, as we explored a part of the county we hadn’t visited before: St Austell and its surrounding areas.
Pinitum Gardens is a sprawling estate full of wildlife
This trip was extra special because we were accompanying a client and good friend, John Holmes, an evacuee of World War II, revisiting key locations from his childhood.
Trounce (John’s old friend) with John Holmes
His story is one we’re documenting for a book, and seeing Cornwall through his eyes added layers of history and emotion to our journey.
Discovering St Austell: Pinetum Gardens Lodge
While John stayed at a Premier Inn, we opted for a more unique and charming accommodation, Pinetum Gardens, St Austell, which I found through the AirBnb website. For an additional £40, the lodge we booked exceeded all expectations. From the moment Lee, the welcoming owner, greeted us and gave us a tour, we felt at home.
Our lodge featured a cosy lounge and kitchenette, a bedroom with a wonderfully comfortable big bed, plus a shower room equipped with a powerful shower (we loved the shower). The view from our bedroom windows overlooked the lush gardens and the playful ducks and wildlife that inhabited them.
Outside, a lovely seating area allowed us to relax and soak in the serene beauty of the surroundings, which we would have used had it not been a very chilly early February.
The lodge was well-equipped, even offering all the TV channels you could want, making it a comfortable retreat after our long, activity-filled days.
Exploring South Cornwall
Each day, we embarked on journeys with John to revisit areas significant to his time as an evacuee, including Caerhays Castle near St Austell. It was a privilege to see the landscape of his memories and meet some of the lovely friends and acquaintances who were part of his story. Hearing their recollections and witnessing their shared camaraderie brought the past to life in a deeply touching way.
Dining Highlights: From Lodge Cooking To Fine Dining
Our culinary experiences were as varied as our daytime drives in John’s Mercedes G Wagon (The G as it’s affectionately called). On our first evening, I cooked a simple fish supper in our lodge. The well-equipped kitchenette made this an easy and enjoyable task. The following day after our travels we dropped in to St Mawes and enjoyed an excellent late lunch with John at St Mawes Hotel & Restaurant.
A Morning To Remember
The second morning brought another delightful experience: a cooked breakfast by the lovely Sue, served in a domed marquee just a short walk from our lodge.
For only £10, it was a hearty and freshly prepared meal. Sue’s friendliness and attention to detail made the breakfast even more memorable.
Heading Home
On our way home, we ventured out to Fishworks in Brixham, where we savoured a delicious seafood dinner that truly showcased the freshness of Cornwall’s coast.
The Beauty of Pinetum Gardens
We made sure to explore the stunning grounds of Pinetum Gardens, which were open to the public. The gardens are a testament to the dedication and passion of their previous and current owners, both evidently horticultural enthusiasts. Each day, we saw gardeners tending to the various sections, which include beautifully landscaped areas and even spaces for caravans and lodges.
The gardens are a peaceful oasis, filled with charm and diversity. Strolling through them was a delight, and we found ourselves grateful to return to such a tranquil setting after our busy days.
Final Thoughts
Our time in St Austell was nothing short of magical. Pinetum Gardens offered a perfect blend of comfort, natural beauty, and hospitality, making it an ideal base for our explorations. Lee and Sue’s warmth and the impeccable care taken in maintaining the grounds left a lasting impression on us.
Whether you’re visiting Cornwall for its rich history, stunning landscapes, or simply to unwind, we couldn’t recommend Pinetum Gardens strongly enough. It’s a place we’ll certainly return to on our next visit to this beautiful part of Cornwall.
Pinetum Gardens
Holmbush
St Austell
Cornwall PL25 3RQ
01726 73500
hello@pinetumgardens.com
Watch this space!
John’s book will be published this spring and we hope to return to Cornwall with him to drop some copies to friends. We’ll keep you posted.
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