Charlestown is a tiny Cornish village with a big heritage. Its historic harbour was featured in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and The Eagle has Landed; and you may well spot a pair of handsomely restored tall ships, sails flapping in the breeze, waiting for their next shoot. Spread across the village are four gorgeous holiday homes. They range in size from a cosy couple's hideaway to a generous family home, from snuggly Sea Cabin to grand Georgian townhouse, but all have been impeccably restored by ex-fashion-designer (and bundle of energy) Antonia, with help from her hands-on carpenter husband David. Think gleaming white floorboards, antique dressers, clawfoot tubs, fluffy feather duvets, great kitchens and small suntrap gardens.
Pride of place goes to 3-bedroom Marine Villa, which looks straight onto the harbour and has plenty of space for all, thanks to a kids' room - and an add-on studio if you need it. In leafy gardens behind is the romantic Sea Cabin: a diminutive but ingeniously laid out 1-bedroom hideaway. A short walk from the seafront, you'll find the charming Olivia's Cottage (sleeps 4 in 2 doubles). After a day on the beach, the maritime bedrooms will be just the ticket to coax a child to bed, whilst you enjoy a cosy dinner a deux. Antonia can deliver delicious homemade dishes if you're feeling lazy, or arrange spa treatments in your own home. Pure English seaside style.
Highs
- It's very well placed: the Eden Project and St. Austell (shops and mainline station) are 10 mins' drive, or head 15 mins in the opposite direction you'll find the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Mevagissey
- Charlestown has a sheltered, pebbly beach at high tide (sandy at low tide) with some incredible rock pools and clear water; sandy Duporth beach is the next cove along via a coastal path
- Antonia provides a wealth of baby and child kit, so you don't need to lug all the paraphernalia with you
- All cottages have small but beautifully planted gardens offering privacy and sheltered al fresco eating areas
- On rainy days, we loved holing up in our cosy living room, with woodburner, digital TV, books and artfully retro decor
Lows
- The cottages and cabin are compact, with cosily-sized rooms and the odd low beam - but they are very cleverly arranged too
- Some of the cottages are not right on the harbour front, but Olivia's is just above it
- Olivia's set-up means children may have to share a double bed
- Strict cancellation policy
Best time to go
The houses are open year-round. High season is May-Sept, and the busiest months are July and August (school holidays), but each season will have its charms. We've stayed in January, April and October, and after cobweb-banishing walks along the coast path, we loved putting the log-burners on and cosying up. We've also visited in summer, when the secluded gardens catch the afternoon sun and the beaches are at their best; the leafy Sea Cabin, in particular, is at its best in warmer weather, when you can enjoy its sail-covered outdoor sitting area.
Our top tips
Bring any spices or condiments you need; other than that, Antonia has thought of everything! There are torches, alarm clocks, maps, board games, books, beautifully sharpened pencils, and a full range of kids stuff.
At low tide, head rightwards along the rocky coast to a small cove beneath pointy sea-washed rocks (great scrambling); from there a gap in the rocks brings you out on sandy Duporth beach - but remember to return before the tide does!
If you visit the Eden Project, go early, avoid weekends, dress lightly, and take water.
At low tide, head rightwards along the rocky coast to a small cove beneath pointy sea-washed rocks (great scrambling); from there a gap in the rocks brings you out on sandy Duporth beach - but remember to return before the tide does!
If you visit the Eden Project, go early, avoid weekends, dress lightly, and take water.
Location
The houses are set in the small village of Charlestown on the south Cornish coast. It's 3km south of St Austell, 22km east of Newquay, about 100km from Exeter and 200km from Bristol.
By Air
Newquay is the closest airport (20 mins), but Bristol (2.5 hours) is served by more airlines. Click on the links below for a list.
From the Airport
Jump in a taxi or hire a car (recommended).
By Car
If you want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations. You can park close by.
By Train
If you'd prefer to travel by train, head to St Austell (approx 4 hours from London Paddington), then take a taxi to the house.
Detailed directions will be sent to you by Antonia when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- Newquay 22.0 km NQY
- Bristol 199.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km
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