Business Details
Luxury Self Catering & B & B in St Mary's Isles of Scilly
We are Carnwethers Country House Cottages, a family-run establishment on St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, offering premium self-catering cottages and bed & breakfast accommodation. Our properties, including Dove Lawn, Poolside, Secret Garden, and Rowan Tree, provide comfortable stays for couples and families, with shared access to a heated saltwater pool and private garden areas. Located just a five-minute walk from Pelistry Bay's secluded beach, we combine scenic tranquillity with modern amenities.Our B & B rooms feature spacious en-suite bathrooms and flexible sleeping arrangements, ideal for relaxed island holidays. We prioritise sustainability through solar energy, water harvesting, and eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maintaining high guest comfort. With over a decade of experience welcoming visitors to Scilly, we provide insider knowledge of local attractions and tailored support for special occasions, including large family gatherings.
Services
Self Catering Cottages
B&B Accommodation
Heated Swimming Pool
Eco-Friendly Stays
Family Gatherings
Garden Access
Barbecue Facilities
Beach Proximity
Sustainable Tourism
Pet-Friendly Lodging
Highlights and features
- Spacious cottages with private gardens and shared heated pool access
- Eco-friendly practices including solar-powered heating and recycling
- Direct beach access to Scilly's award-winning Pelistry Bay
- Flexible accommodations for family gatherings up to 14 guests
- Award-winning rural location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Services
Self Catering Cottages
Our four 4-star cottages offer self-catering stays for 2-4 guests, featuring private gardens, gas barbecues, and shared access to a heated saltwater pool. Each property combines modern comforts with rustic charm in a secluded island setting. Ideal for families or couples seeking flexible, independent accommodation near Scilly's best beaches.
B & B Accommodation
Three spacious en-suite B & B rooms provide luxurious stays with breakfast served daily. Rooms feature super king-size beds, flexible sleeping arrangements, and scenic countryside views. Guests enjoy exclusive access to shared gardens and pool facilities, perfect for guests preferring serviced stays with personal touches.
Heated Swimming Pool
A 10x5m air-source heated saltwater pool is available year-round, surrounded by sun loungers and eco-friendly lighting. The pool area includes child-friendly features and easy access to cottages. Solar panels maintain comfortable temperatures while reducing energy consumption, aligning with our sustainability commitments.
Eco-Friendly Facilities
We implement solar-powered heating, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-cleaning products. Recycling stations and guest education on sustainable practices enhance our environmental efforts. These measures ensure minimal ecological impact without compromising guest comfort or service quality.
Family Gatherings
Our properties accommodate up to 14 guests across four cottages, ideal for family celebrations or group holidays. Flexible booking options include exclusive use of all facilities, with advance reservations recommended for peak seasons. We provide tailored support for special occasions in a unique island setting.
People
Rachel Knowles
Co-Owner
Rachel Knowles co-manages Carnwethers Country House Cottages with her husband Jeff, bringing over 15 years of hospitality experience to Scilly. Passionate about sustainable tourism, she ensures guests enjoy personalized service while preserving the island's natural beauty through eco-conscious operations.
Jeff Knowles
Co-Owner
Jeff Knowles co-owns Carnwethers Country House Cottages, leveraging his local knowledge to enhance guest experiences. With Rachel, he maintains the property's 4-star standards while promoting environmental stewardship. His expertise in rural hospitality ensures visitors receive authentic Scillonian welcomes.
Questions
Are pets allowed at Carnwethers?
Yes, we are pet-friendly. Please contact us directly to discuss specific requirements for bringing pets to our cottages.
How far are the cottages from local amenities?
A 1.5-mile scenic walk connects us to Hugh Town's shops, restaurants, and quay services. The Holy Vale Vineyard lies en route for wine-tasting opportunities.
What sustainability measures are in place?
We use solar panels for pool heating, energy-efficient lighting, water harvesting systems, and eco-friendly cleaning products to minimize environmental impact.
Can I book all cottages for a large group?
Yes, our four cottages accommodate up to 14 guests. Early booking is essential for exclusive group reservations during peak seasons.
Is internet access available?
Complimentary WiFi is provided, though speeds may vary due to the island's remote location. Check with us for current connectivity details.
Reviews (4)
Hilary Stevens
Jul 23, 2021
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We have just returned from a wonderful week staying in Secret Garden Cottage with our Spaniel. The cottage was very well equipped,comfortable bed,excellent shower and beautiful private garden with our own gas bbq! We were made to feel very welcome by the lovely hosts,Rachel and Jeff and cant wait to return again next year. The Scillies were as stunning as ever and the icing on the cake was walking straight from cottage to the beautiful Pelistry Bay .
Jo
Sep 22, 2020
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Rachel and Geoff are very welcoming and knowledgeable about the isles they clearly love. Carnwethers has a golden sand bay close by and is on the coastal path to the burial mounds. Super breakfast and comfortable beds. Spacious rooms.
Carol Whitting
Nov 17, 2019
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A great place to stay at the quiet and beautiful end of St Mary's. Good accommodation and great hosts.
Brendan O'Sullivan
Sep 12, 2015
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Stayed here with my partner and 9 month old son at the start of April. We hired Rowan Tree for a week and thought it was fantastic value for money. The location is perfect for relaxing, exploring, walking, and is just a few minutes from the beach. The owners were lovely too. I'd highly recommend staying here.
