Flying with Purpose: Capturing the Spirit of The Sanctuary, Golant

At HD Drone Photography, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some truly special places - and The Sanctuary in Golant is one that continues to inspire. Tucked away in 12 acres of woodland, pasture, orchards and permaculture gardens, this award-winning off-grid eco lodge is a shining example of how sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand.

For the past two years, we’ve been carrying out aerial inspections and promotional drone flights for Karen and David Johns, the passionate visionaries behind The Sanctuary. As a fully off-grid retreat, the site relies heavily on solar power - and our annual drone inspections help ensure their panels are performing efficiently year-round.

In addition to inspections, we also provide cinematic aerial footage and video shorts that help showcase the natural beauty of the land, the lovingly built structures, and the tranquil experience guests can expect when visiting.

Handmade Living, Set in Nature

One of the highlights of The Sanctuary is its handcrafted off-grid camping pod, nestled among the trees. Our drone shots offer sweeping views of this charming hideaway, set against the vibrant colours of the estuary’s trees - from lush green in summer to a sea of bluebells in spring.

The eco lodge’s bedrooms are named Oak, Ash, Maple and Birch - a nod to their leafy surroundings - and these names are reflected in their earthy tones and calming atmosphere. From above, we capture how the lodge is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, tucked between trees and surrounded by regenerative gardens.

A Sustainable Vision from Above

At its heart, The Sanctuary is built on a powerful green ethos. Karen and David have poured their values into every detail - from solar-powered systems and a borehole water supply, to triple-glazed wooden-aluminium windows and low-energy, motion-sensitive lighting. Their commitment to sustainability isn’t just practical; it’s thoughtful, evolving, and openly shared with guests and the wider community.

Our drone footage helps bring that vision to life. With cinematic aerial views, we offer potential visitors and like-minded followers a unique perspective on what sustainable, off-grid living truly looks like. It’s not just about being disconnected from the grid - it’s about being more deeply connected to the land. From the handmade camping pod to the timber-framed lodge nestled amongst trees, our video work helps showcase the harmony between built structures and the surrounding landscape.

Because The Sanctuary operates completely off-grid, the efficiency of their solar panels is crucial. Our regular aerial inspections provide Karen and David with detailed, high-resolution images to monitor the performance of their system - helping them spot any issues early and maintain energy reliability all year round. It's a great example of how drone technology can support both storytelling and essential maintenance for remote, eco-conscious properties.

Capturing Regenerative Living

What makes The Sanctuary so special goes far beyond its buildings. Spread across 12 acres of mixed woodland, pasture, orchards and permaculture gardens, the site is a living example of regeneration in action. From no-dig garden beds made with reclaimed cardboard, to raised beds built with Hügelkultur techniques using fallen branches and compostable materials - every corner tells a story of circular, sustainable thinking.

We’ve captured this evolving landscape across seasons - from the vibrant green growth of summer to the quiet stillness of winter. The woodland comes alive in spring with carpets of bluebells, and our flythroughs offer a magical view of the changing colours and textures throughout the year. Drone video gives guests and viewers a true sense of place - a rhythm and energy that static images simply can’t convey.

Working with Karen and David continues to be a joy. Their passion for off-grid living, education, and community engagement is at the core of everything they do - and we’re proud to support their mission. Our footage helps tell their story in a way that’s immersive, beautiful, and meaningful.

If you're looking to share your own eco story from the sky - whether for promotional content or practical inspections - we'd love to hear from you.