Plans to transform Cornish farm into boutique hotel and leisure development

Plans to transform a farm into a boutique hotel, restaurant and micro-distillery have been submitted to Cornwall Council.

Owner Will Herrmann is hoping to transform Trefresa Farm near Rock into a major leisure development by 2023.

A public consultation on the plans, which will create around 85 jobs, was held in September.

Proposals for the 114-acre site include the construction of 24 hotel rooms, and additional accommodation across 22 lodges and two treehouses accessed via raised walkways.

The site will also feature an all-day restaurant, leisure and spa facilities, and a co-working space.

Porthilly Spirit Distillery, which was founded by Herrmann and began producing small-batch spirits last year, is set to relocate to the farm.

If planning is approved work will begin in 2021, with a view to opening in early 2023.

Herrmann said: "Our research on the history of Trefresa Farm revealed there was a once a townplace located at the heart of the farm, which was a shared space used by multiple tenants…and as a community gathering place.

"Over time and with single ownership, the townplace and access routes through the farm were lost to make way for industrial farm buildings. Our development proposal seeks to reinstate this idea of the townplace, and create a valuable amenity for the north Cornwall community."

The project also aims to improve the biodiversity of the farm, planting new trees and meadows and restoring banks and hedgerows.

For more information on the plans visit https://www.trefresafarm.com

Photo: Ben Pryor