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This weekend we were lucky enough to be invited along to the COCOAS Awards that were held at the Eden Project in Cornwall. The event was created by Cornish & Devonshire Cottage Holidays to celebrate the achievements of their cottage owners.
Who Are Cornish & Devonshire Cottage Holidays
“If you are looking for holiday cottages in Cornwall, then you are in the right place. We are a family owned and run, local company with 45 years’ experience in the self catering cottage holiday market.”
They are a family-run business which started in 1970, and which now has over 550 self-catering properties throughout Cornwall and just over 70 in Devon. They welcome over 60,000 guests to the region every year – their target market being anything from young families right up to retired couples outside of the main season.
The COCOAS awards came about as the company wanted to do something for their property owners, to thank them for all their efforts every year.
The COCOAS Awards
“The Celebration of Cottage Owner Achievements, or COCOAs, is aimed at recognising those holiday home owners who go the extra mile and show an extraordinary consideration for the happiness, comfort and enjoyment of their guests. As Cornwall’s leading holiday cottage agency, we aim to encourage and support owners of exquisite holiday cottages in Cornwall in the provision of faultless accommodation for guests all year round.”
It was a lovely evening hosted by Gyles Brandreth, with a Champagne reception, three-course dinner and then an awards presentation. Winners were selected (via nominations from the property owners guests) in ten different categories, including Most Stylish Property, The Warmest Welcome and Most Pet-Friendly Property.
The Categories
- Man’s Best Friend Award – Winner: Phoenix Cottage, Mr & Mrs Chapman
- The Warm Welcome Award – Winner: Trevenning Chapel, Mr & Mrs Godfrey-Porter
- Achievement of Comfort Award – Winner: Mynheer Farm Barn, Mr & Mrs Probs
- Attention to Detail Award – Winner: Suntrap Hideaway, Mr & Mrs Oliver
- Most Stylish Award – Winner: Woodfield Coach House, Mr & Mrs Prudden
- Outstanding Act of Customer Service Award – Winner: Gwyndra Retreat, Mr & Mrs Oliver
- Recognition for Enhancement Award – Winner: Rose Villa, Mr Williams
- Best Lodge or Resort Home – Winner: Chyandor, Mr Bishop & Ms Tyrrell
- Overall Winner – Devon – Winner: Bayview, Mr Williams
- Overall Winner – Cornwall – Winner: Phoenix Cottage, Mr & Mrs Chapman
The Food & Drink
The food was good and I particularly enjoyed the unusual canapes and the dessert.
The wine was provided by Camel Valley which is the largest vineyard in Cornwall. Camel Valley has won many national and international awards for their wines including the trophy for the Best Sparkling Rose in the World.
Canapes
Grilled halloumi cheese topped with a lemon and parsley salsa.
Chicory cups filled with Cornish crab chilli, mango and coriander.
Balsamic glazed confit of duck with beetroot caviar on watercress scones with raspberry and mint vinaigrette.
Starter
Kiln roasted salmon with a cucumber and fennel salad. Presented with a mint and coriander raita.
Main
Sumac roasted breast of chicken, preserved lemon, garlic, parsley & sunflower seeds with a tomato and pomegranate sauce.
Dessert
Dark chocolate and mascarpone cheesecake with an almond praline dusted with edible gold glitter.
In Conclusion
It was a lovely evening and great to see how passionate the cottage owners are about their holiday homes. Personally, I loved the fact that the awards are based purely on customer feedback rather than the company themselves choosing the winners.
Cornish & Devonshire Cottage Holidays are clearly very proud of their businesses and pride themselves on going above and beyond for their cottage owners.
If you are planning a holiday in either Cornwall or Devon then do check out their website for places to stay.
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