Like everybody else, Porth-en-Alls aims towards a more and more sustainable, carbon free operation.

We no longer allow coal and have replaced most open fires with highly efficient woodburing stoves; older night storage heaters have been replaced with more efficient wall-mounted convection heaters; lofts are well insulated as are water cylinders; when curtains are replaced they are made of thick material and interlined; windows are repaired rather than replaced. The interiors are largely original but comfortable and functional with simple but well equipped kitchens and enough hot water. Improvements are made in a traditional style often using home grown timber and carefully selected salvage. Repairing and recycling have always been favoured over discarding and replacing ever since Porth-en-Alls was built by the same family on the site of an earlier house in 1912-14.

Most of the houses are heated by at least one open fire or woodburning stove, variously supplemented by electric heaters. Sea View, The Haven, Trewartha and Tare’s Cottage have central heating.

Our carbon footprint is therefore relatively low and our ‘extras’ system compliments this approach by reducing waste to a minimum.

The emissions from a small flock of sheep are offset on site by high levels of carbon capture and sequestration through over fifty acres of permanent pasture, clifftop browse and woodland.

The general public have limited pedestrian access only and enjoy the various coves via footpaths, but must leave their cars and bikes in a small free car park some way back. Residences (with seven exceptions) are reached through a key-coded gate, leaving tarmac and the outside world behind, slowly, via tracks which are neither smooth nor potholed.

Charges & Extras

The standard rent at Porth-en-alls Prussia Cove is lower than comparable places to stay. However, you should be aware of what is included and not included in this.

Unlike most other places, electricity, oil, logs, gas, bath and bed linen are extras. In this way you only pay for what you actually need, saving wasted power and unnecessary laundry costs.

We read your electricity meter the day you arrive, record this on a brown envelope provided and you read it again and settle up on departure according to consumption (multiplying the difference by the going unit price and leaving payment in the brown envelope with a cheque or cash or by bank transfer on departure)

Oil, where central heating applies, is also metered in this way. Bags of Cornish kiln-dried logs and kindling are delivered to your door on arrival and paid for per bag used, as are laundry facilities (where shared with other cottages) per cycle.

Similarly, unless you bring your own, bathroom and bed linen/beds made up, is ordered in advance on your booking form. Dogs, cots, high chairs are extras, as is cleaning at the end (optional).

Please refer to the Booking page for all the charging details.

Photos: Antony Crolla, Lee Maxwell, Andy Green (Harrera Images)