About Us
The Nancarrow family
Peter and Judith, both Cornish born and bred, came to Poltarrow in 1980. Whilst bringing up a young family, the charming farmhouse was perfect for Judith to be able to invite guests to come for bed and breakfast and enjoy a farmstay holiday. In 1987 the damage done by the hurricane to the redundant farm buildings called for a decision to be made about what to do with them. Over the next 30 years they have gradually been restored into family holiday homes, together with an indoor swimming pool, sports hall and play room for little ones.
The next generation
This now called for reinforcements, firstly came Libby a trained chef (her CV includes The Ritz, London) whose influences are found in the interior design of the cottages – family friendly doesn’t mean a compromise on style. Next came Kate, who left YFC as County Organiser after the birth of her two sons and established the animal feeding round with children of all ages, come rain or shine. Tom who lives nearby with his new family, helps with maintenance and turns up when called upon.
We count ourselves very fortunate.
The farm
Poltarrow Farm is set in open countryside in the parish of St Mewan. Run on a traditional Cornish system providing lush pastures of grasses and herbs to feed the Red Ruby cows and their calves. Although not registered organic, the farm is run on the same principles of looking after the land and the environment.
Over 700 trees of various species have been planted, creating corridors for birds and wildlife. A lake was created from waste land to provide the perfect habitat for wild duck, moorhens, frogs and newts. The original carp, rud and perch have flourished in the perfect conditions. The second lake is home to ornamental ducks and has been fenced to keep out predators.
The fields are small and boundaries are made from 400-year-old Cornish hedges, a unique feature of the local landscape. The woods at Poltarrow is an area where the changing colours of the seasons can be appreciated, with the profusion of lichen paying testament to the clean Cornish air.
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