Project

The project to restore Winnianton Farm

A bulbous yellow flower with bright green leaves in a hay meadow with slightly blurred red clover and white daisies in the background. — Yellow rattle | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton

Since the beginning of the Winnianton Farm restoration project in 2019, Winnianton Farmhouse has been successfully converted into a holiday cottage. The next stage of the plan is to manage and develop the 90 acres of surrounding farmland and other outbuildings, with wildlife and nature as a priority.

Plans prioritising nature

Following the ending of a farm tenancy at Gunwalloe in October 2018, a great opportunity materialised for the National Trust.

Plans were formulated to manage the 36.4 hectares (90 acres) of farmland at Winnianton Farm with nature as a priority, and to investigate ideas for how the farm buildings could be best used in the future.

Farmhouse conversion to holiday cottage

Works to repair and renovate Winnianton Farmhouse began in November 2019 and finished in April 2021. It is now a fantastic holiday cottage available for bookings.

The house operates as a six-sleeper holiday cottage, giving visitors a unique opportunity to stay in a very special setting. Income raised from this will help to support further important conservation work.

The exterior of Winnianton Farmhouse, Cornwall | © National Trust Images \ Mike Newman

Farm buildings and landscape for wildlife

Dismantling of the modern farm buildings has been completed, revealing the traditional stone buildings of the farm and opening views across the reedbed.

The use of the land and buildings continue to be under review, and working with expert consultants, we are getting a better understanding of the impacts of climate change, water levels and the acheology of the site.

The next stage is to relocate and improve the toilets and cafe as well as improve access for visitors.

Land management plan

A plan for the land management of the surrounding 90 acres is being developed and will include silage and hay cutting as part of an ongoing regime to encourage a wider mix of grasses and wildflowers to benefit wildlife.

Concept sketch plans have been produced detailing how the traditional farm buildings could be used in the future to improve the visitor welcome. The next steps are to continue consulting locally and working towards finalising the plans and producing a business case.

For any additional information on the Winnianton Farm restoration project please contact Project Manager Jess Conridge 07977 587025 or email jess.conridge@nationaltrust.org.uk or lizardandpenrose@nationaltrust.org.uk.