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, while three are home to EV charging points for guests with electric cars. Log burners create a cosy warmth during the colder months in the living room areas of all our cottages.
South West Coast Path
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. There’s a plethora of beautiful pathways to explore from your doorstep, including part of the route featured in the upcoming film ‘The Salt Path’ based on the award-winning novel of the same name written by Raynor Winn.
Local wildlife
From the famous Cornish choughs, guillemots, fulmars, and cormorants, to shags, kittiwakes, gannets, razorbills and even puffins can be spotted in the area.
Many marine species can be seen around Porthgwarra including porpoises, basking sharks, dolphins, seals and whales. Red kites are another fascinating spot for keen birders, along with buzzards and kestrels that frequently enjoy the abundance of inland hunting opportunities.
SSSI Area & AONB
The Porthgwarra Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and AONB (Area of Natural Beauty now known as Cornwall National Landscape) 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 in this area comes from the moon, 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
Gwennap Head
At Gwennap Head, a pair of cone-shaped navigation markers serve as day markers to warn vessels of the dangerous Runnel Stone. The seaward cone is painted red, while the inland cone features black and white stripes.
The headland is a popular destination for birdwatchers, attracting enthusiasts from across Britain in search of rare seabirds. It is a prime location for spotting waders, ducks, larks, finches, and even breeding choughs.
Environmental policy
St Aubyn Estates’ vision is: ‘To be a sustainable force for growth while preserving the beauty of the landscape under our care.’ Look through our policy below to find out more about how we strive to achieve this.
