A look into Rose’s Loft
Phoebe shares the story behind the conversion of our old milking barn into Rose’s Loft, our self-catering property next door to Fat Apples Café.
Rose’s Loft was converted in 2021 from a derelict top floor of an old milking barn. It is named after Rose Jourdan (Ed’s Mother). The Loft is attached to our house, with a separate exterior staircase. As a family, we had no previous experience of overseeing a conversion and below is a bit of a timeline showing how the process unfolded.
2019: The barn before the conversion
During 2019, plans for the loft were prepared by a local architect and submitted to Cornwall Council. Ecological surveys and bat monitoring were also carried out, after which planning permission was then granted.
The open void which would eventually to become the sitting room/kitchenette
2020: September - October
Before we could start building, we had to construct a purpose-built bat house to re-home the bats that were found to be living in the main barn.
The new bat house had to be fully insulated, heated and to include a hot box
By October, the new bat house was completed and ready for its inhabitants
2020 November: Building Starts
Work finally begin on the barn in November 2020 with the arrival of the builders and the removal of the roof. They were incredible and worked tirelessly throughout the project — not all heroes wear capes!
The old roof removed, with a bat ecologist also present
The new roof trusses arrive on site
Felt and slate roofing underway
Just a few slates!
Hector helping out on his tractor
Lime pointing - something we could do as a family!
New interior walls constructed
Chipboard being prepared
The space for the new bathroom
Joining of the two barns
New flooring
Digging the ground floors
The Finished Loft
After much deliberation, we settled on white walls and a botanical rose theme, and Rose’s Loft was finally complete. The Loft is dog-friendly; however, due to the size of the space, we can accommodate only one small dog.
The Loft has private parking and is equipped with the following:
Fridge (stocked with milk on arrival)
Tea and Coffee making facilities
Kitchenette, hob, pans, kettle, microwave etc.
Double bed, with bedding provided
TV
WiFi
Shower/WC
Shampoo and soap
Towels
Private seating area
Some of our favourite guest reviews so far:
June 2023 - Our first guests
‘What a beautiful addition to Fat Apples, Rose’s Loft is! We had the best sleep (I always do here) and love the ambience. Thank you very much. Fantastic stay xx’
August 2023
‘What a fab birthday treat, Rose’s Loft is truly beautiful-thank you for the lovely touches, clean crispy bedding, so much appreciated, and Fat Apples Café what a delicious breakfast! As always, our Lizard pilgrimage, thank you, see you soon. Be you, be great, be happy xxx
May 2024
‘What a beautiful spot for a couple of nights away. The hospitality has been above and beyond! We particularly enjoyed the comfortable bed and warm shower after a big day out and about. The food and drink at Fat Apples is unrivalled. Thank you for having us! Love to you all xxx’
September 2024
‘Rose’s Loft has been the perfect ‘bolthole’ we were needing; the weather has been so kind too! We’ve loved exploring this small corner of England and are quite jealous of what you have here as a family at ‘The Old Vineyard.’ Staying here has been delightful, Rose’s Loft is a real gem, Fat Apples Café’s breakfasts and lunch have been amazing and to be free to enjoy the woodland and sit in the autumn sun has been a gift. Thank You.’
May 2025
‘Fantastic stay, so quite beautiful spot. All the Jourdan family are so friendly and welcoming. Swanick Divers club love our evening meal with you so it’s a must when we all come down. The food in Fat Apples is simply delicious, thank you for an amazing break.’
July 2025
‘Rose’s Loft is such a wonderful, beautiful haven of peace and tranquillity. So lovely to wake up to the sounds of the birds and nature. Thanks to all the family, including the dogs and chickens for their easy hospitality and delicious food. We have discovered the best veggie breakfast and crab salad anywhere! We want to tell everyone but may not tell anyone so it can be our secret retreat…wishing you all the very best with The Proms and other summer plans, such a shame to miss them we will be back x’