Oh, the glitz; the glamour of it. We’re still in a shimmery-spin from Thursday’s Cornish Tourism Awards ceremony,* where Tom’s Cottage sparkled – sublimely!
Presentation: Juliet & Chris receiving their award from sponsor Cornish Association of Tourist Attractions (image: Nick Williams)
In the lead-up to the event there’d been a wardrobe crisis – Chris’s dinner jacket fitted but he’d ‘grown out’ of the trousers, while Juliet had the opposite problem. Her favourite party dress was way too big (the pasty abstinence did it!) Crisis diverted with a fair bit of family backup, thank you.
The event was unique in that its formal dinner was served in Truro Cathedral: marking the occasion with a sense of reverence that’ll be etched eternally in the mind. As newcomers to Cornish tourism, the Tom Crew arrived with a candid exuberance. To enjoy the moment, meet like-minded folk and embrace novel ideas.
Tales of Cornish humour and outdoor adventures (the speeches) preceded a feast of local produce – the combination providing such an-evening-of-Cornwall that the presentations felt almost like a pop-up bonus. But this was the pinnacle of the night. The revealing of results, the annual who’s who of Cornish tourism.
As newcomers to the awards scene, husband and wife Chris and Juliet had a bantam’s outlook: that of a small outfit with pretty plumage, and oodles of character! It became apparent the judges had been enchanted by Tom’s Cottage, as compere (BBC Radio Cornwall’s) Daphne Skinnard commented: “This year’s New Tourism Business Award is incredibly strong yet again and was a tough one for our judges.”
The couple were absolutely amazed as they were called up on stage to receive not only their Gold Award, but also be named Cornwall’s 2024/25 New Tourism Business of the year.
Juliet says: “I’m ecstatic with the endorsement this award brings to Tom’s Cottage. It’s a Cornish stamp of authenticity, an insignia of quality. To have compared so favourably among the best of Cornwall’s hospitality businesses is an absolute honour – it’s actually pretty humbling.”
Chris added: “It’s been an extraordinary night, I never dreamt we’d receive such an accolade. The real reward though is hearing laughter float across the fields on a summer’s evening, straight from Tom’s Cottage garden.”
The pair have it on good authority that Tom’s Cottage will now progress to the 2025 Visit England Awards – representing Cornwall in the New Tourism Business category.
About us
Tom’s Cottage Cornwall is a quintessential country cottage that started providing self-catering holidays in August 2022, and is available through Classic Cottages.
Penny Woodman, Area Manager at Classic Cottages said: “This award is much deserved and Classic Cottages are delighted for Juliet and Chris. They have developed a stunning holiday cottage and go over and above to offer a unique experience for their guests. They never stand still and are proactive in making changes to attract more business and to keep up with the latest trends. It’s a real pleasure working with them.”
For every guest, Tom’s Cottage hopes to recreate the blissful memories of Juliet’s childhood in the family home she grew up in.
At a glance
- 4 miles inland from Port Isaac, 4 bedrooms (sleeps up to 8), 2 bathrooms
- Prices start at £858/week, available with Classic Cottages 01326 555 555
- Short breaks and dogs welcome, low occupancy discount for up to 4 and up to 6 guests
- Wood burner, EV charger, private gardens, doorstep parking
- Set in tranquil countryside within easy reach of North Cornwall’s varied landscape, heritage and fine dining
*The 2024/25 Cornish Tourism Awards ceremony was held on 7th November ’24 in Truro Cathedral. The full list of results can be viewed here
