As 2024 ends, we thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for Boconnoc. Whether you stayed with us for a wedding, retreat, or holiday, attended one of our events, or followed us online, sharing and preserving Boconnoc is at the heart of our mission, and we couldn’t do it without you.
It has been a fantastic year with exciting developments, new team members, innovative sustainability initiatives, and unforgettable events. Here is a look back at Boconnoc’s 2024 highlights —and what is on the horizon for 2025.
The Dairy House Transformation
We breathed new life into the Dairy House in 2024, turning it into an uplifting, vibrant, cosy space designed by Sarah Fortescue. With her signature floral wallpaper and colourful palette, the house now reflects the beauty of Boconnoc’s blooms. The Dairy House is now fully wheelchair accessible, with a ground-floor bedroom and adapted bathroom. It accommodates up to 8 guests and is perfect for family getaways or peaceful retreats.
Guests can enjoy the tranquillity of Boconnoc knowing no weddings will interrupt their stay. Weddings exclusively hire the entire estate; we never mix weddings and holiday guests.
Take advantage of our complimentary fourth night on all three-night stays this winter. New for 2025, bike and SUP rental will be complimentary.
Take a look at the Dairy House See Boconnoc accommodation
Sustainability Milestones in 2024
This year, we made significant strides in our sustainability efforts:
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EV Chargers: We have installed four electric vehicle chargers, encouraging greener travel to Boconnoc.
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Biomass Energy Expansion: Boconnoc House and three cottages are now fully powered by renewable energy, thanks to our expanded biomass boiler system.
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Carbon Footprint Project: In partnership with Plymouth University, a new Net Zero intern has begun calculating Boconnoc’s emissions. By 2025, we can set meaningful targets for reducing our carbon footprint.
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Local Produce: We partnered with Rame Rectory to produce 3000 bottles of apple juice from our estate orchard, supporting local businesses and sustainability.
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Carbon Literacy Training: Half of our team has completed carbon literacy courses, with the rest set to finish in early 2025. This ensures sustainability is embedded in every aspect of Boconnoc’s operations.
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Boconnoc Joined the Sustainable Wedding Alliance
Learn more about sustainable initiatives at Boconnoc
Weddings News 2024
We are thrilled that Boconnoc was awarded Silver in the Wedding Venue of the Year category at the Cornwall Tourism Awards. This recognition celebrates our commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and exceptional guest experiences.
2024 saw fewer weddings due to “the wedding gap” caused by COVID-19; we are happy to report that love is well and truly back in the air, and we are looking forward to lots of ‘I do’s’ at Boconnoc in 2025.
Events News 2024
New This Year: Paradhis Festival
This summer, we welcomed Paradhis to our events programme, a three-day well-being festival featuring mindfulness workshops, yoga sessions, meditation, and music set against Boconnoc’s stunning landscapes. Guests could camp on-site or join for the day, enjoying a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity.
Book tickets to Paradhis 2025.
Our events calendar continues to thrive, bringing people together for wonderful experiences in the Boconnoc grounds. Other highlights in 2024 included the much-loved Boconnoc Steam Fair, Opera, Classical Music, plays, our annual Summer Party, Deer Safaris, and History Tours.
Take a look at our upcoming events.
Community Hub
Our winter Community Hub started as a warmth hub to respond to the energy crisis and has become a cherished part of Boconnoc’s winter calendar. In 2024, we extended it from January to March, and we will be doing the same in 2025. Every Friday, the Stable Yard fills with conversation, complimentary refreshments, Boconnoc home-baked cakes, and activities for all ages. Anyone is welcome to come along, meet new people, and have some company while we wait for spring to arrive.
Learn more about our Community Hub.
Conservation Group Visits
We work with conservation groups to record, share and safeguard the natural life that thrives throughout Boconnoc. Three excellent groups who visited us in 2024 were:
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Boconnoc’s ancient woodlands are a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) interest; the Ancient Tree Forum Cornwall came on a tree recording tour.
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The Blue Beetle team from BugLife conducted surveys to ensure the protection of these rare creatures, which thrive in our ancient forests.
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Cornwall Fungus Recording Group came to Boconnoc to record fungi around Valley Crucis and Old Deer Park. In total, 60 diverse types of fungi were recorded, 20 more than they expected.
If you would like to bring your conservation group to Boconnoc please email [email protected].
Charity Fundraising in 2024
Boconnoc hosted a range of charity events in 2024, from events in Boconnoc House for the Cornwall Community Foundation and the Dive Project to the long-running charity Open Gardens season. In 2024, we supported Marie Curie, Cornwall Heritage Trust, the National Open Gardens Scheme, and the Army Benevolent Fund. At our Boconnoc Summer Party, we raised funds for the Farming Community Network.
If you are interested in hosting a charity event at Boconnoc, contact [email protected].
Retreats at Boconnoc 2024
Boconnoc continues to be a haven for creativity, rejuvenation, and inspiration. This year, we have hosted a range of retreats and creative projects, including:
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Yoga and Wellness Retreats: Guests have found solace and restoration in Boconnoc’s peaceful surroundings, using the time to recharge and focus on mindfulness.
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Photography and Art Retreats: Artists and photographers have drawn inspiration from the estate’s breathtaking landscapes and historic charm, honing their craft in this serene environment.
Song Writing Camp: We welcomed 60 music writers to Boconnoc in the autumn. They travelled from all over the world to collaborate and be inspired. We set up recording studios across the estate. It is fun knowing that some of the dance tracks we will hear next year will have come to life at Boconnoc.
Learn more about hiring Boconnoc for your retreat.
Filming 2024
From a Georgian Mansion to basements, country lanes, cottages, and ancient woodland, we can offer a multitude of backdrops for films and abundant behind-the-scenes production spaces.
Filming has just finished at Boconnoc for “The Dreadful”, a Gothic horror starring Sophie Turner and Kit Harrington.
“Playing Nice” was filmed in 2023 and will be in ITV in January, Boconnoc was used for some of the village scenes. Tune in to see if you can spot them.
We also welcomed the crew and stars of the South West based favourite “Beyond Paradise”.
If you are interested in using Boconnoc as a set for filming or photoshoots email [email protected]
Team News in 2024
This year, we welcomed two brilliant new team members:
Catherine, our Weddings and Events Manager, brings her expertise in relationship management and events to ensure couples have the wedding experience of a lifetime.
Liz, our Executive Assistant, joined us with over 20 years of hospitality experience and often serves as the friendly first point of contact at Boconnoc’s Estate Office.
Goodbye and good luck to Kay
After seven wonderful years, Kay retired as our Housekeeper. Many will fondly remember her talent for ensuring Boconnoc always felt like home to guests. Kay’s next chapter will be filled with her grandchildren and community projects.
Learn more about Boconnoc’s team.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we enter 2025, we are excited to continue creating memorable experiences, undertaking a diverse range of activities, advancing sustainability, and, most importantly, sharing Boconnoc with you.
We send our very best wishes to you and your families for 2025 and look forward to seeing you at Boconnoc soon.