From biomass boilers and kitchen composting to electric car charging points and organically managed gardens, the Budock Vean Hotel has proved its eco-credentials yet again winning the international Green Tourism Business Scheme’s highest accolade of a Gold Award.

The hotel set in 65 acres running down to the Helford River, near Falmouth, was praised by inspectors as Outstanding for Innovation with special mention in the rigorous scoring system for “the switch to biomass heating which now provides the majority of heating and hot water for the site, significantly reducing fossil fuel needs.”

Also highlighted was “a major investment in LEDs inside and outside (which) will have helped cut electricity costs. This is complemented with other green measures such as a Heatsaver pool cover, inverter controls for pumps, low flow showers and a flood prevention system. ”

The hotel’s award-winning restaurant came in for praise: “Food and drink is also excellent with the restaurant and bar showcasing a great deal of Cornish produce giving the guests a taste of the region.”

It has been a labour of love during the Barlow family’s 25 years of owning the Budock Vean not just to restore and refurbish the historic house and gardens but also to put it ahead of the curve of 21st century eco-requirements.

“Over the years our family and the Budock Vean team has determined to be as environmentally friendly as we conceivably can, both inside and out,” says Martin Barlow. “It’s not for the plaudits, although we’ve won numerous awards, but because it’s the right thing to do.”