The Sublime Rosevine: Cornwall, Gerrans Bay, The Rosevine
by Take the Family
16 May 2008
"A big house by the sea where adults can relax and children can play." We knew we were going to be imminently impressed by the newly opened Rosevine as soon as we approached the drive and saw the scale of the building. As soon as we stepped through the entrance to be greeted by Linda, one of the superb front of house team, we knew we were going to be well looked after, and sure enough even our cappuccinos set the standard, accompanied by delicious hazelnut biscotti, whilst we chatted to Hazel, the lovely female contingent of the superb team Brocklebank, the Rosevine's creators.
We were amazed when shown to our huge apartment 'Blouth'; it's size and every other aspect was impressive. There are 12 apartments and suites at the Rosevine. The apartments are all slightly different configurations, some with 2 separate bedrooms, and some combining a living area and kitchenette with a carpeted sleeping area with a double bed, and a separate kids bedroom, all ground floor ones with glass and double doors leading to 'our' private terrace. There is also a selection of suites upstairs, ideal for extended members of the family. The attention to detail is superb, but one of the best things is that somehow, and very cleverly almost all of the accommodation face seawards.
The view is terrific - so terrific in fact that at times it seemed difficult to hold an entire conversation, as ultimately our eyes would be drawn to look across the fabulously established subtropical gardens to the sea, (we're we even in the same country?!), both from the apartment, our terrace and the dining area. Everything somehow seemed bigger, more grand, and more beautiful...oh to be by the sea!
After settling in, and a wander around the grounds, with the skies brightening a little, we headed towards the beach. We didn't notice when we arrived, but the lane that the Rosevine is on, only goes to one destination - the beach, which is just a minutes walk down the hill. And what a great beach it is too, with vast expanses of sand, with hardly anyone on it. It would never get packed here either, as there is only space for 2 or 3 cars max, with 1 turning area, so most visitors have arrived by foot. We decided to walk to the village of Portscatho 1/2 a mile away along the coastal path, which is a delightful place, an easy walk away, which only took 15 minutes, with some terrific views along the way.
By the time we arrived, we had already chosen our own victorian dream house, with proud dream views and no doubt dream price tag, but it is such a great place, it's hard not to picture yourself relocating here. I suspect all the people we bumped into along the cliff tops, if not already living here, were thinking the same thing as us. We found a pub open later on that evening, a restaurant, and an absolutely terrific shop for groceries and supplies, called 'Ralph's' (Tel: 01872 580702), which sold everything from fresh monkfish, cornish curries to reheat, fruit & veg to a terrific wine section and particularly good selection of ales. My partner felt duty bound to sample a few of the local ales, and I chose organic lager (my first ever, and v delicious), and a bottle of wine, and only then did we turn to see their huge selection of freshly baked, and also huge, pasties. What is it about the Roseland peninsula and everything being so much bigger than normal?
The apartments do have facilities for self-catering, though I hear that most guests can't resist the tempting Rosevine menu, but we decided to give it a try, especially as it looked as though no one else had used any of the equipment before. Everything was provided from mixing bowls to microwavable casserole dishes, to kettle, toaster, combination microwave and dishwasher (phew). So when we arrived back with our box of local provisions, (had we not been walking I think we easily could have bought a lot more).
Some of us heated up supper, some of us sat on the terrace, again entranced by the view, and some of us caught up on some much need TV - It was a wonderfully leisurely affair. We met our 'neighbours' on the terrace, with their 18 month old son, and grandma, (who had a separate suite upstairs), who told us of tales of the previous few days incredible weather, and the lovely time they were having. They had spent the previous week at Tim and Hazel's other luxury family accommodation, Family Holiday House at Trevone - a superb contemporary luxury bungalow just 100 yards from the beach - obviously another family with exceptional taste!. Each terrace has a table and four chairs, with seat cushions inside if required, and are separated by galvanised planters filled with bamboo - no hideous trellis dividers to be found here!
We all had an early night, still excited to have arrived, but had no trouble getting to sleep at all, and all extraordinarily content.
We arrived for breakfast to be greeted by Tim with a really friendly 'Hi Guys', and handed the breakfast menu - Yummy! I couldn't resist my favourite breakfast of all time, scrambled eggs and smoked salmon - what a treat! Freshly pressed apple or orange juice was accompanied by a cafetiere, and even then we were kindly asked if we could be gotten "anything extra", not that anything else would have fitted on our plates or in our tummies. Highchairs are provided if required, but if little ones can't manage to join you're breakfast, they can hang out in the kids playroom, where there is pretty much everything any child desires, and it's within shouting distance. The kids menu is also fantastic, healthy and delicious and can be tailored for those with allergies or intolerances.
Total optimism was shown by all with the phrase of our holiday being "it'll clear in an hour", referring to the heavy mist which seemed to follow us for the weekend. It made no odds to us whatsoever, but it did become increasingly amusing to hear as time went on, as it obviously wasn't going to clear at all. Others were " one of our drivers said it was gorgeous everywhere else". It would have been nice to lie on the stream loungers in the garden or dine on the outdoor tables overlooking the sea, but we were already in heaven so it didn't matter a jot, but I'm not convinced that everyone takes the same view. It also meant that we spent more time there, rather than being out all day, so we were able to go for a swim in what felt like our own pool, (no one else in it - brilliant!).
On our second night we ate a super supper, with a truly delicious wine, and were superbly attended to. We sent our compliments back to the chef, who I have no doubt is equally as charming as everyone else, and most certainly another gifted member of a great team. Lovely things happen here. Whilst halfway through our main course a six year old guest, whose parents were dining drove through on a Rosevine vehicle, at which her affable father escorted her back to the playroom walking behind here saying "mirror, signal, manouvre", and her saying "I'm going this way". Such independence, and obviously having a ball..
To sum up The Rosevine is a superb product, especially for families. Tim and Hazel Brocklebank are experts, and not only in their vision of implementing and creating luxury accommodation - just take a look at their track record to date for confirmation - They themselves are a really lovely family. They realise the difficulties families face at times, and everything has been put in place for each member of the family to enjoy their stay to the utmost. They've created the perfectly functioning mix of incredible hospitality, total luxury, superb service, all with an order of wonderfully relaxed and informal cheeriness. Fancy a day out? Tim is only too willing to share a long list of recommendations, each of which is accompanied with invaluable local tips on the best place to park, or a restaurant too good to miss, a gallery to visit, which train to take, and so on. The grounds are safe, and it truly is lovely to watch kids of all ages having so much fun - I'll remember Ollie and Charlie running around the gardens with glee proudly displaying their new mini-rugby medals, their prizes of the day - Well done boys!
I can't wait to see the next phase, product or project from the Brocklebanks. They are by no means resting on their laurels, and I think the Rosevine will evolve even further. They already mention a few ideas in their welcome folder, despite only having been open since late April 2008.
Already the word is that you will need to book early, but there are few places to rival the Rosevine for a top family break.
by Sam Redmond-Lyon (& family)
See Take the Family's destination guide to Cornwall.
Find out more about The Rosevine and Family Holiday House.
Other feature articles by Take the Family
