meet the Escape owners…todsworthy farm holidays, cornwall
Can you tell us a little about you and the name of your escapes?
We are Jonathan and Sarah and are a husband and wife team who own and run Todsworthy Farm Holiday Cottages on our small working farm in the beautiful Tamar Valley in Cornwall.
We have been farming here in this idyllic location since 1983. The business originated as a market garden run by my parents and my grandparents before them. I was also keen to work the land and follow in their footsteps but wanted to go down the route of keeping livestock.
I purchased my first herd of beef cows in 1990. Unfortunately due to a change in my personal circumstances following a cycling accident in 1997, my disability meant that I was unable to farm as much as I first intended. That’s when I first looked into converting some farm buildings into accessible holiday accommodation.
My joy of and interest in farming never left me and now as a family we manage our successful beef suckler herd and breed our own limousin cattle. We also have a few other farm animals including pigs and chickens.
Sarah joined the business after looking for a change from primary school teaching and taking a major role in the businesses.
Can you tell us a little more about your escapes?
The cottages are converted from the old shippon on our farm which was used to store hay upstairs and keep cows and pigs below. An original granite cider press was found in one end of the shippen hence why we have named our two holiday cottages The Hayloft and The Cider Press.
Both cottages are built from the existing Cornish stone and keep original character features such as beams and some exposed stonework within.
They both sleep up to 6 people with 2 bedrooms upstairs and an accessible bedroom downstairs, with en-suite wet-room completely accessible to wheelchairs. Both living areas downstairs are open plan and accessible.
The cottages are situated in their own grounds on our family run working farm. They benefit from their own driveway, garden /sitting out area and parking for several vehicles.
We are located in an idyllic rural area in the beautiful Tamar Valley close to the Cornwall Devon border. A perfect base for visiting many local tourist attractions.
What inspired you to ensure your escape was accessible?
Following my cycling accident in 1997 I am a tetraplegic myself and confined to a wheelchair. I soon realised the real need for more accessible accommodation especially after struggling to find suitable accessible holiday accommodation myself.
While socialising with, and hearing other wheelchair users struggle to go away on holiday, this was a strong motivation to start. We had some redundant barns on the farm which were not fit for housing our cattle anymore and what better way to start the Holiday cottage business to run alongside the farm
What is unique about your escape?
Here at Todsworthy Farm Holiday Cottages we understand first-hand the needs of people with disabilities. The cottages have been carefully converted to allow easy access for wheelchair users and their families.
The purpose built wet-rooms are designed especially for wheelchair users in mind. Shower chairs and mobile hoists are also available if required.
Profiling beds are a standard in our downstairs accessible bedrooms.
We create a safe haven for disabled visitors and their friends, family or carers to feel welcome and at home. We also encourage guests to visit our Farming enterprise, feed the animals, collect eggs and purchase our home reared produce. Todsworthy Farm is an ideal base for an independent holiday or a gathering with all the family.
The peaceful rural location is the perfect base for those wanting to relax and enjoy the Cornish countryside.
Do you have a favourite local accessible café, restaurant or pub?
There are several accessible pubs and restaurants in the locality but the ones which we like to visit are:
The Queens Head in Albaston – this is walking distance from the cottage and serves proper home cooked food and traditional ales. It is particularly well known for its excellent Sunday roasts and is also dog-friendly.
The Rifle Volunteer in St Anns Chapel – this is also within walking distance from the cottages. It boasts a relaxing restaurant atmosphere with fantastic views towards Plymouth, and has an extensive menu with something for everyone. Real log fires and also dog friendly makes this pub definitely a favourite.
Can you recommend any local accessible attractions or activities?
The scenic train journey from Gunnislake to Plymouth is always a firm favourite. The traditional seaside town of Looe always has plenty to do and see and is always a big hit with the children.
Tavistock is an impressive market town with lots of nice gift shops, cafes and an undercover pannier market. National Trust property Cotehele has a lovely restaurant and house and gardens to explore.
Local farm shops and restaurants including Tre, Pol and Pen near Treburley and Lifton Farmshop are worth a visit and serve very nice cake!
The best part about welcoming guests to your accessible escape?
It is always a pleasure to meet guests and their families and to provide them with everything they need to make their holidays special.
As a wheelchair user myself it is always good to see other wheelchair users and their Carers appreciate the adaptations that have been put in place. Everything that works to make holidays easier is a bonus in my eyes.
It is wonderful to see families able to relax and enjoy the wonderful farm and countryside around us. Just to see our guests happy and relaxed and able to feel at home is very rewarding.
To find out more about Todsworthy Farm Holidays just click on our link below!
https://accessibleholidayescapes.co.uk/escapes/todsworthy-farm-holidays/