Sustainability in St Aubyn Estates Holiday Cottages
The vision for St Aubyn Estates is to be a force for growth while preserving the beauty of the landscape under our care. Sustainability is a part of the estate’s strategy, the full environmental policy can be found below. The holiday cottages are set next to a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and are managed from a central hub and café within the hamlet of Porthgwarra.
We are proud to announce that in 2024, St Aubyn Estates reached Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation, the highest standard within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. This outstanding achievement highlights our unwavering commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while striving for excellence in sustainability. From carbon reduction and biodiversity conservation to waste management and sustainable land stewardship, this accreditation reflects our dedication to implementing best practices that protect and nurture the environment for future generations.
We are honoured to set a benchmark for sustainable practices and will continue to work towards a greener, more sustainable future in our holiday cottages and across the rest of the estate.
The Cottages
We provide a selection of locally sourced products in the welcome pack including scones, butter, milk, bread and more. All holiday cottages have had a refresh with stylish upcycled furniture. The cottages are superbly placed to explore the South West Coast Path and if you choose to, then there’s no better place to enjoy a digital detox.
Porthgwarra Hub and Café
Procurement is all local with ethical buying and much of the food made on site. Recycling has been improved in the café, with large bins available in the garden for visitors to use. The café is an information hub for guests and visitors to the area and can advise on activities, events and local businesses to support sustainable tourism.
SSSI Area
The Porthgwarra SSSI and AONB area is estate owned land that is managed with the RSPB for the benefit of its plants, insects and animals and coastline. This specialised land-management was introduced to protect the Cornish Chough, whose numbers have increased every year since the project started in 2010.
Green Dragon Level 5
St Aubyn Estates is committed to continual environmental improvement. St Aubyn Estates, which includes the iconic St Michael’s Mount, was awarded Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation in 2024, the highest level within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. This recognition underscores the estate’s steadfast dedication to sustainability and environmental excellence in every aspect of its operations.
Dark Skies in Porthgwarra
Porthgwarra is a dark sky region, meaning it has minimal or no light pollution, offering unobstructed views of the night sky. The only light pollution in this area comes from the stars and celestial phenomena such as the Milky Way, making the cottages the perfect escapism for stargazing.
Milky Way and Meteor at Porthgwarra © Jennifer Rogers
