Stylish interiors mixed with restored original features, luxurious facilities and a knock-your-socks-off view is a winning formula in our books. And this Cornish beauty has got it down to a tee. Revelling in the glory of the Camel Estuary (an AONB), it sits among painterly coastal surroundings, with 14 acres of private land and estuary views to boot. The main property is a classically styled, four-bed Cottage dating back to the 1700s. There’s also a small-but-sleek one-bedroom Studio down in the garden, which can be taken as an add-on, or on its own in winter months.
Inside, they feel like antiques emporiums, with scattered vintage pieces, mounted oil paintings and battered leather armchairs. A distressed-wood grandfather clock stands in the Cottage dining room, apothecary drawers in its living room. This eclectic mix of styles - country cottage, New England home, North African souk – blends in perfect harmony. In fact, guests commented on the interiors so often that owner Liz decided to set up her own online shop featuring a handpicked selection of her treasures.
Guests at the Cottage get access to a showstopping infinity pool as well as a hot tub and tennis court. There’s a vegetable garden for pick-your-own produce, and a Scandi-style pool house with wetsuits and bodyboards to borrow. Take them down to the beach with you - Porthilly Cove is within walking distance. There’s no end of activities for families here: cycling, walking, surfing, birdwatching.
Highs
- Very stylish interiors featuring a curated collection of antiques, vintage pieces, woven fabrics and portrait paintings
- Set within 14 acres of landscaped gardens with gorgeous views of the Camel Estuary
- Set within 14 acres of landscaped gardens with gorgeous views of the Camel Estuary
- It works well for families, with 1-2 twin rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, mod cons, shared access to a swimming pool and tennis court, and a beach within walking distance
- The smart village of Rock (five-minute drive) has Michelin restaurants, white sandy beaches and lots of watersports; the South West Coast Path passes nearby
Lows
- The outdoor facilities (pool, tennis court, hot tub) are shared with the owner who lives next door
- Saturday-Saturday bookings only in peak months
- It's located on the outskirts of the village (Rock); you’ll want a car for getting here and for exploring
- The Studio is essentially an add-on to the Cottage; it can only be booked on its own in winter (and without access to the facilities)
- Note that the pool is open from May-October
Best time to go
North Cornwall's coastline is stunning whatever the season. May-September are usually the best months, but Cornwall's weather is unpredictable. Bear in mind the beaches can get busy in July-August. Winter, and especially Christmas, would feel warm and cosy here - you can make use of that roaring log burner in the Cottage.
Our top tips
Treat yourself to a celeb-chef dinner: in Padstow there's Paul Ainsworth's No 6 (Michelin star) and also runs the Mariners gastro pub in Rock, or Rick Stein’s Café (Bib Gourmand), while in lovely Port Isaac there's Nathan Outlaw’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Pre-booking is essential.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape