16th January 2026
Storm Goretti: An Update from Hotel Meudon
As many of you will have heard, Cornwall was struck by the powerful Storm Goretti earlier this month, bringing devastation to communities across the county. Here at Hotel Meudon and throughout the village of Mawnan Smith, we're still coming to terms with the storm's impact and working hard to restore normality.
The Current Situation
We're writing this update whilst still without power at the hotel, along with several areas of Mawnan Smith that remain affected. It's been a challenging time for local businesses, many of whom have faced similar disruptions to their operations. As always in Cornwall, the community spirit has been remarkable, with neighbours supporting one another through these difficult days. It is times like this that we really see the meaning of ‘community’. People selflessly pulling together their energy and skills to support those that need it.
Important Access Information:
Please note that the Maenporth Road remains closed until the end of March. Access to Hotel Meudon is currently only available through Mawnan village. We appreciate your patience and understanding whilst these essential repairs are carried out.
A Heartbreaking Loss
The storm has changed the landscape of Meudon's grounds forever. Several of our magnificent mature trees came down during the height of Storm Goretti, but none has affected us quite like the loss of our iconic giant Monterey Cypress. This majestic tree, which stood sentinel beside the main building overlooking our valley gardens, has been a defining feature of Meudon for generations. Guests have photographed it, painted it, sat beneath its sheltering boughs, and many have written to us over the years about the sense of peace and permanence it represented. Its absence leaves not just a gap in our landscape, but in our hearts.
Looking to the Future
Yet even in loss, there is an opportunity to honour what we've loved. We're exploring creative ways to ensure the memory of our beloved Monterey Cypress lives on at Meudon. We're considering commissioning a sculpture crafted from the timber itself, perhaps something that captures the tree's graceful form and the way it reached out over the valley gardens. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas about how we might best celebrate this magnificent tree that meant so much to so many.
The storm has reminded us of nature's awesome power, but also of the resilience of our Cornish community. As we work towards restoration, we're grateful for your continued support and understanding. We'll keep you updated on our progress, both with power restoration and our plans to honour the trees we've lost. Thank you for being part of the Meudon family.
With warm regards,
The Team at Hotel Meudon
