Traditional Cottages, Cornwall Style

There are many excellent Cornish holiday cottages to stay in: airy apartments with stunning sea views, sympathetic barn conversions that are now fully refurbished and brought completely up to date. But for a true taste of Cornish why not stay in a traditional Cornwall cottage? These properties have been part of the Cornish identity for centuries, and now make great holiday homes for anyone looking for a true taste of authenticity.

Polclay is a one of the oldest cottages in Cornwall, having been constructed back in 1830. Its stone exterior and slate roof have stood the test of time over the years, and have recently been brought up to date with a quality refurbishment. Inside you’ll find all the mod-cons, but reminders of its past are still there: timber beams cross the ceilings and a stone fireplace remains in the living room, now housing a woodburner. When you stay here you’ll be near to the traditional town of St Austell, possibly the most quintessential Cornish place in the county.

Skiber Cottage in Pelynt is a traditional Cornish cottage that stands in thirteen acres of beautiful countryside. It was once part of a working mill that for decades ground corn from the nearby fields. Now it’s an immaculately presented holiday home that is perfect for a couple looking for a peaceful getaway in England’s southernmost county. It’s a short drive to the nearby village of Polperro, and Looe is only four miles away.

Of course, one of the biggest traditions in Cornwall is that of fishing. Generations have plied their trade on the ocean waves, hauling in the fruits of the sea before returning to their cottages for a well-earned rest. Boatman’s Cabin is one of these homes, now converted into a fantastic holiday home while keeping its character intact. It’s a Grade II listed building, and has many features you would have seen when it was first built such as whitewashed walls, exposed beams, and wood and stone flooring. It’s a perfect base to explore this area of Cornwall, part of the Polperro Heritage Coast, and is just 30 minutes from Bodmin Moor, while the Eden Project and the busy town of Looe are within easy reach.

The thick granite walls of Sarah’s Cottage tell you this is a traditional Cornish cottage before you even step inside. Once you do, it becomes even more evident with exposed beams, low upstairs ceilings, and a wonderful stone fireplace that is the centrepiece of the living room. If this makes it sound small, then think again: Sarah’s Cottage can easily sleep four people and up to two pets are allowed. You’ll be staying close to Camelford in North Cornwall, an area between two AONBs with the coast in easy reach. It’s a lovely place from which to sample the best that Cornwall has to offer.

In the heart of the Tamar Valley is Grade II listed Well Farm Cottage. As the name suggest this was once a farmhouse, but it has been lovingly converted into a fine holiday home. Thick stone walls keep the cottage cool in the summer and trap the heat in the winter, making this a lovely place to stay whatever the time of year. And it’s one that large groups can enjoy too; Well Farm Cottage is large enough to sleep up to ten people.