For the first time in over a century, 2025 relegated a British Royal to commoner status; and witnessed a televised meeting between two Presidents in the Oval Office. War continued in Gaza while hurricane Melissa devastated the Caribbean.
A brazen robbery at The Louvre turned heads, as did the loss of Robert Redford and Brigitte Bardot. Chris Rea’s death was poignant too – just when he should’ve been Driving Home for Christmas. Two English women’s teams lifted titles – the Lionesses became European (soccer) Champions and the Red Roses won the World (rugby) Cup.
Tom’s year
Cornwall’s weather shone with record-breaking spring warmth followed by a glorious summer. Tom’s Cottage was its busiest yet, brimming with Cornish holidays.
Tom’s localness contributed to hosting a blog-stay from The Great Cornish Outdoors and then wedding-stays for marriages at Cornish Tipi Weddings. One stay was the bride and groom themselves, who were with us in the run-up to their special day; while on another occasion senior members of the bride’s family enjoyed the moonlit walk back to Tom’s Cottage after the party.
2025 made guest comfort a priority for the third year running. The wet-room shower was upgraded to one that befitted its surroundings performance-wise, while radiators were added to both the snug and utility room – making every room centrally heated. A new door now greets guests on arrival (which even lets some natural light into the utility room), and the kitchen floor has been resurfaced: lifting that room’s ambiance to character cottage – finally completing the Tom vibe throughout. (We’d been itching to get at that floor from the get-go!)
An in-house high chair has arrived along with a designated basket of junior activities, because family is a big part of who Tom’s Cottage is. We’ve also generated a QR code for our website which sits next to the ‘this week’ chalkboard, enabling guests to easily access information on the immediate area (as locals, this is important to us!)
Spring and autumn ’25 were busy in Tom’s Cottage Garden: from transplanting in-the-green snowdrops (from ‘escape’ areas) and refreshing a corner of the back patio to adding an arrival area bench, revamping a front border and overseeding worn patches of lawn.
January ’25 brought the introduction of mid-winter bird feeders which were reinstated with cold weather this November. Resident jackdaws are a bit too keen on the fat balls – keeping songbirds away from their seed with all the chittering commotion. We may well demote fat balls to the back garden, leaving a peaceful haven in the front of house.
2026 preview
The big news locally is the closure of Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin-starred New Road restaurant, scheduled for 28th March. It is being replaced by an Outlaw bistro (from 3rd April) just across the road. Outlaw’s (one Michelin star) Fish Kitchen, by Port Isaac’s harbour, continues serving magnificent seafood irrespective of the changes.
Meanwhile Trevathan Farm Shop is busy extending its cafe this winter, with a designated doggy area: so furry members of the family will be able to join in at the table from spring '26.
There are also some biggies in the Tom’s Cottage pipeline.
Starting with completing the re-slating of the adjoining outhouse’s roof! Only a couple of day’s work, it’ll bring the old coal shed back into guest usage for bike and surfboard storage. Reusing existing slate coupled with the skill of local tradesman, this promises to be exceedingly pleasing on the eye.
We’ve then two major projects up our sleeves for 2026, both of which we’d like up and running in the spring. Neither are quite at announcement stage yet but will benefit both guests and Tom’s Cottage alike. All will be totally in-keeping and yet somewhat progressive. Keep an eye on our socials for updates. (@tomscottagecornwall on f & Insta)
We’re starting the New Year with more forward bookings than ever. Our reviews talk of idyllic rural charm, blending character and modern comfort. This is the essence of a Tom’s Cottage holiday.
Happy New Year
Our gratitude goes to all guests – for coming, for enjoying and being happy. Our thanks go also to the local trades-folk and staff that help make Tom’s Cottage what it is. We are, naturally, forever indebted to the corner of Cornwall that provides our character.
Tom’s Cottage wishes one and all an exceedingly happy New Year. May 2026 fulfil your heart’s desire.
