THIS summer Little White Alice, a luxurious yet sustainable holiday retreat situated near Stithians, has an exciting new edition to its accommodation offering.

Two Eco Arks have been installed over the winter and are now ready to provide alternative accommodation for visitors who want to get a bit closer to nature.

The practical yet beautiful Eco Arks have been made to a bespoke design by local sustainable experts Pioneer Environmental Buildings based at Porthtowan, and can accommodate up to two adults and two small children for a romantic retreat or a family holiday.

The Eco Arks (made out of Cornish Douglas Fir) are designed to be relaxing spaces; filled with natural light they feature an open plan living space with a king-size bed, a bunk bed and a small sofa bed, a dining table, a carefully kitted-out kitchen, a shower room and a wood-burning stove.

Tim Stirrup of Pioneer Environmental Buildings explained the principle: "The Eco Arks are constructed using sustainable materials which are natural and non-toxic and utilize energy efficient building principles, including extensive insulation made from recycled newspaper."

With televisions, Wi-Fi access and electric heating they have all the modern comforts with the added benefit of being powered almost entirely by solar panels and a wind turbine at Little White Alice - offering a luxurious take on off-grid living.

Where possible upcycling has provided a rich source of materials, for example the kitchen tops are made of small off-cuts of granite worktops which would otherwise have been discarded.

Local craftspeople have been commissioned to create the interiors; headboards are made out of willow by Lin Lovekin, glass tiles and splash backs are the work of Jane Smith, and the textiles have been made by artistic owner Rosie Hadden and her sister Diane.

Rosie is thrilled with her cosy Eco Arks, saying: "As well as beautifully decorated interiors, the Arks are positioned to offer stunning views of the countryside from their individual decking areas and gardens; guests can enjoy BBQs and al-fresco dining every night."

She added: "The Eco Arks are small and efficient, yet they are also inspiring spaces which make the best use of resources and break down the boundaries between inside and outside."

For children and couples alike, staying in a Eco Ark will be like embarking on a great adventure: on leaving their shelter, guests at Little White Alice can enjoy the freedom of the wilderness, exploring willow meadows and green woods on their doorstep.

A collection of domestic animals, which includes alpacas and Shetland ponies, is complemented by visits from barn owls, deer and foxes as well as bees and butterflies - all encouraged by the biological diversity and habitat protection presided over by Rosie and her team.