Quirky Airbnb: Couple Turns Historic Mine into Home and Unusual Getaway

Strategic Insights -

Jon Tully and his wife Jenny, from Devon, were on the hunt for "somewhere special" to host people, and stumbled upon the historic Okel Tor Mine in Cornwall. Dating back to the 1850s, the mine was once home to 200 workers, including women and children, who extracted tin and copper. After purchasing the mine for £1 million two years ago, the couple transformed it into their home and one of the UK's most unusual Airbnbs. The property, now listed as tinmine.com, features original mine buildings, two cottages, and a range of historic artifacts, including a former mine captain's office and an old smithy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Okel Tor Mine, a 19th-century tin and copper mine, was purchased by Jon and Jenny Tully for £1 million.
  • The mine, located within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was once home to 200 workers, including women and children.
  • The mine's original buildings, including the former mine captain's office and old smithy, are still intact and have been refurbished for tourism.
  • The property features two cottages, which are now available for rent through Airbnb, and is one of the most unusual places to stay in Cornwall.
  • The mine's historic significance has been recognized, with Historic England scheduling it as an Ancient Monument and UNESCO designating it a World Heritage Site.
  • The property is filled 80% of the year, with around 120 couples staying each year, with many celebrating their honeymoon or tenth anniversary.
  • Local dog walkers and individuals use the public footpath on the mine site, and an archaeological survey has identified over 80 historical interests on the property.

Statistics:

  • 200: The number of workers, including women and children, who once labored within the mine.
  • £1 million: The cost of purchasing the Okel Tor Mine.
  • 80%: The percentage of the year that the property is filled with bookings.
  • 120: The approximate number of couples who stay at the property each year.

Sources:

  • WMN Reporters,
  • Historic England,
  • UNESCO