Remember the grand plans we all had during the spring of 2020? Locked indoors, we vowed to finally write that novel, master a new language, or unleash our inner artist. But let's be honest—how many of those dreams actually materialized? If you're still yearning for that creative spark, Cornwall's Cottage Orné might just be the answer.
Nestled in the gentle hills of southeast Cornwall, just five miles inland from Looe, Cottage Orné is far more than a quaint cottage. Its name, meaning 'adorned' in French, hints at its true nature: a stunning 17th-century farm estate. With a shepherd’s hut, 11 workers’ cottages, a farmhouse, and a grand seven-bedroom manor, it’s a world unto itself. For decades, it operated as Tremaine Green, offering dated holiday accommodations complete with beige tiles, faux leather sofas, and mini-golf. But in 2022, India Serlin and her family transformed it into a design-led haven, relaunching it in January 2023 as a collection of self-catering stays for 2 to 14 guests.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Cottage Orné just another luxury retreat, or is it something more? While its amenities—like a heated pool, saunas, and a gym—scream indulgence, its true purpose is to reignite creativity. Every fortnight, the estate hosts workshops in painting, paper flower-making, and even candle crafting. Serlin calls it 'a holistic experience,' a place where relaxation and creativity intertwine. But does a weekend of saunas and board games really make you more creative? That’s for you to decide.
Arriving on a Friday night, my partner and I navigated the winding roads to find ourselves under a star-filled sky, unloading into the estate’s three-bedroom farmhouse. The interior is a masterclass in cozy elegance: stone walls, flagstone floors softened by antique rugs, and a sitting room with deep-teal sofas and a wood-burner. The kitchen, equipped with chef-quality tools, features rustic jugs and a vintage coaching scene print. Bedrooms are adorned with floral throws and antique water pitchers. Yet, it’s the bold touches—House of Hackney’s floral fabrics, artichoke-shaped bedside lamps, and a wood-fired Japanese bathtub in the garden—that elevate it from charming to extraordinary.
And this is the part most people miss: Cottage Orné isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about unplugging. During our stay, the TV remained off. Instead, we swam in the twilight, lounged in the sauna, and savored local produce from The Cornish Food Box Company. On a blustery day, we retreated to the lounge with a bottle of red and a stack of books. It was a reminder of life’s simple joys—something we often forget in our fast-paced world.
The estate’s creative workshops are its heart, but even without them, Cottage Orné nudges you toward mindfulness. Whether it’s a yoga class in the barn or a dip in the pool surrounded by wildflower meadows, every moment feels intentional. And yet, I still didn’t start that book. But that’s okay—there’s always next time, especially since we never got around to using that Japanese bathtub.
Thought-provoking question: In a world obsessed with productivity, is Cottage Orné’s focus on creativity and relaxation a luxury—or a necessity? Share your thoughts below. Is unplugging the ultimate indulgence, or is it something we all need more of?
James Stewart was a guest of Cottage Orné, which offers two nights’ self-catering for two from £300 (cottageorne.com).
