Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stay in a traditional Cornish cottage and what you need to know to rent your own? Read about my experience, including a few useful tips to help you plan your next stay in Cornwall.
One of the things I love when visiting a destination is choosing accommodation that gives me a bit of a glimpse of the local culture and way of life.
A few weeks ago, I spent a few days in Cornwall. I had been to Cornwall before, but only while hiking the South West Coast Path, so I hadn’t had a chance to explore any of its iconic spots and beautiful hidden gems.
So when I had the opportunity to go back and stay in a traditional Cornish cottage with Classic Cottages, I grabbed it with both hands.
As I mentioned, for me, the choice of accommodation when visiting a destination is an important aspect of getting to know a place from a local’s point of view. So I was really excited to have the chance to discover Cornwall like a local.
What is it like to stay in a Cornish cottage?
I chose a seemingly little but deceivingly spacious cottage called The Hideaway located in the heart of the historic fishing village of Mousehole, in the far west of Cornwall.
It is tucked away in a tiny little courtyard accessed through a really narrow alleyway in the centre of the village, only 2 minutes’ walk from the bustling harbour.
This quaint Cornish cottage was once an old Pilchard Press, which is, as the name indicates, where pilchards were literally pressed in order to extract oil to use as fuel for street lamps in the old days. Who knew that fish oil was once used as fuel, huh?
The cottage has been sympathetically renovated with all the comfort and style of a modern holiday home. But one thing I loved about it was that it has retained plenty of original features that give you hints of its past.
Details such as the exposed stone walls, wooden beams and a pilchard theme throughout the house reminded me that I was staying in a village with a very long fishing tradition.
The Hideaway has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a generously-sized kitchen with a dining area, a living room with a wood burner, and desk/working area.
My favourite part of this cottage was the living room, with its stone fireplace, the stable door and the high ceilings with exposed beams.
There is also a little patio for those summer balmy evenings or for breakfast al fresco.
Classic Cottages has a lot of properties throughout Cornwall, as well as the rest of the UK, and it was super easy to book through them.
Pssst… If you are exploring the South West of England, here are some great ideas for days out in Devon.
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Top tips for an amazing stay in your own Cornish Cottage
Book well in advance
Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England and the UK, so it’s always a good idea to book well in advance, especially if you are planning to visit during the school holidays.
Plus, by booking with plenty of time, you will have more choice and will get to pick the best cottage for you!
Cornish cottages can be old properties
A lot of Cornish cottages can be very old. And I’m talking about hundreds of years old. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t come with all the style and comfort we need for a good holiday.
In fact, my favourite cottages tend to be those with the most character and original features, and Classic Cottages are great at having a selection of super stylish properties no matter their age.
Read the property description thoroughly
When selecting your Cornish cottage, make sure you read the property description thoroughly. Details like location, amenities and what facilities are included in the property can make a difference on your decision of what to pick.
Check what’s included
Things like wifi, a TV, a microwave, even a hair dryer will help you plan your holiday and even what you’ll need to pack, so always check what facilities are included in your Cornish cottage.
And if it’s not clear, don’t hesitate to contact Classic Cottages and ask. They’re super helpful!
Parking
If you are driving and have a lot of luggage, check if you can park outside the property even if it’s only for a few moments.
Even if the parking is a few minutes away, if you can stop outside just to unload the car on arrival and load again on departure, it’ll be a big help.
Cornwall can feel pretty remote
Yes, Cornwall can feel pretty remote, but that’s the beauty of it! This means that in some areas the phone signal can be a bit patchy, so you may not always be able to rely on your phone. It’s a great chance to disconnect from the world though!
FAQS about holiday Cornish Cottages
Most Classic Cottages in Cornwall have wifi, but always check the property description to make sure. If it’s not clear, get in touch with them and they’ll confirm it for you.
All Classic Cottages in Cornwall and around the UK come with bed linen and towels, so you don’t need to bring your own. However, they do not include baby cot linen, which you will need to bring if you’re travelling with a baby.
A lot of the properties by Classic Cottages are pet friendly, but there are a few rules such as dogs not being allowed on the bed or the furniture. Also, dogs are not allowed to be left in the property on their own, as they may feel distress and cause damage.
A lot of Cornish cottages are baby friendly and include facilities such as high chairs, cots, baby baths, etc. With Classic Cottages you can filter your search results with a ‘baby friendly’ filter to find them easily.
Do you have any questions about staying in a Cornish cottage?
Let me know in the comments!
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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Classic Cottages. As always, all views are my own.