Treehouses and a natural swimming pond will be part of new communal wellbeing hub in Cornwall, UK

Planning applications have been submitted to redevelop a quaint 114-acre farm in north Cornwall, UK.

Owner Will Herrmann is working to bring Trefresa Farm back to life as a boutique hotel, spa, restaurant, and micro-distillery, alongside the existing agricultural business to form a community hub.

The spa will consist of an indoor and outdoor experience inspired by nature, the setting of the Farm and proximity to the sea.

Design will respond to the gentle downward gradient in the land and provide views across open fields and into woodlands.

The spa’s proposed offering includes an outdoor natural swimming pond, treatment rooms, relaxation areas, indoor infinity pool and hot tubs, alongside a gym, studio, steamrooms and a sauna.

Plans also include the implementation of a membership system, available to the local community to include access to all facilities and studio classes.

Herrmann commented: “Our research into the farm’s history revealed there was once a town square or 'place' located at the heart of the farm, which was a shared space used by multiple tenants.

“Considered archetypically Cornish, the town place would have been a shared central area with a hamlet of dispersed farm cottages and been used as a community gathering place.

“Over time and with single ownership, the town place and access routes through the farm were lost to make way for industrial farm buildings. Our development proposal seeks to reinstate this idea of the town place, and create a valuable amenity for the north Cornwall community.”

The final development will have 24 hotel rooms and additional guest accommodation across 22 lodges and two treehouses, discreetly integrated into areas of woodland.

Local suppliers and contractors will be appointed, using traditional Cornish materials and craftsmanship, while many of the existing buildings, including the Grade II listed farmhouse, will be carefully restored.

The site will be predominantly car-free, with access to the lodges provided via raised walkways - minimising the environmental impact.

Vibrant biodiversity is being promoted through the preservation and creation of habitats, including the restoration of hedgerows and banks and planting new trees and meadows.

The proposals also ensure ongoing investment in the land, which will secure the long-term success of the existing agricultural enterprise.

Significant work is already underway to implement a management plan for the farm to improve the quality of the land, both in terms of its biodiversity and environmental value.

If the planning is approved, work will begin in 2021, with plans to open in early 2023.