Green light at Combermere Abbey

Combermere Abbey, just five miles west of Audlem, has a bright future ahead, with the development of three new self-catering cottages to add to their existing self catering accommodation.

Also, they have a Green Tourism 'Gold' Award to join their many accolades, acknowledging the estate's ongoing commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism.

The investment in the cottages was assisted with a recent grant, part-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development:Europe investing in rural areas. The grant was won in association with the North West Development Agency, with Defra as its managing authority.

RefurbishedThree beautifully refurbished cottages join the existing collection of seven holiday cottages, most located within the Abbey's historic stable yard plus the original gatehouse. Each of the three new cottages sleeps between 4 and 10 guests, bringing the total capacity at Combermere Abbey cottages up from 27 to 49 guests.

Each of the new cottages' interior has a classic-contemporary style with antiques seamlessly blended with modern pieces and high quality bathrooms and kitchens. The larger cottages are perfectly suited to groups of friends and extended families taking a holiday together, and complement the weddings and events side of the estate's business. In total, the investment is over £150 000.

Green ToursimCombermere Abbey has also received a Green Tourism 'Gold' Award, the highest grade offered by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Their rigorous criteria recognised the work that has gone into the self-catering business, in terms of energy and water efficiency, waste management and so on, and also into the estate itself, how it is farmed and managed, as well as the ethos of the holidays taken there.

For example, guests are actively encourage to have a stay-at-home day, to relax and cut down on the carbon miles and stress of driving and for guests arriving by train, eco friendly car hire is encouraged.

ExcitingSarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey Estate, commented: "This is an exciting time for the Combermere Estate as we continue to promote quality and rural enterprise with both our self catering cottages and wedding businesses. 

"We have established sound business principles and created firm foundations for the future.  The Tourism Connect grant has allowed us to introduce improvements which will make a stay with us an even more memorable experience!

"I see the benefits not simply as being commercial but also for the long term sustainability of this historic gem. This is the first time we have gone for the Green Tourism Award and we were absolutely thrilled to have achieved a Gold rating!"

For bookings contact: Jean McIlroy on the website – click on the link below the photos or call
01948 662876

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