Get back to nature in this romantic one-bedroom bolthole in St Austell, Cornwall. With rolling green fields, roaming chickens, and flourishing kitchen gardens, you’d be forgiven for thinking this peaceful retreat was completely secluded, yet it sits just 1 mile from a welcoming pub and 2.5 miles from the nearest beach.
Once housing cattle, this sympathetically restored barn is simply excellent with superb decor, soaring timbers and heated slate floors. Get creative with Cornish ingredients using the range cooker in the traditional kitchen, before enjoying meals at the craftsman-built dining table. Upstairs, the lounge offers a welcoming space to enjoy moments of solitude, where you can sink into the sofas and lose yourself in a film on the projector. On balmy evenings, sip a tipple out on the balcony or use the steps to reach the enclosed garden, where a pretty pergola boasts a canopy of sweet-smelling honeysuckle and wisteria. At bedtime, retreat to the serene double bedroom, where crisp linens and underfloor heating create a boutique-style atmosphere, complemented by an en-suite shower room. Two additional guests can sleep comfortably on the lounge’s sofa beds. In the morning, gather fresh seasonal produce and herbs from the gardens to craft a delicious, homegrown breakfast. There is private parking for two cars too.
Outdoor fanatics are sure to love exploring the nooks and crannies of this special Cornish destination. Walking and cycling routes start from the cottage, and there’s even a golf course nearby for keen golfers. The South West Coast Path is brimming with breathtaking scenery and can be picked up at the seaside spot of Porthpean (2.5 miles). This coastal resort is popular with families for its swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. Other attractions include the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan (both within 5.5 miles).