Home of the UK’s most southerly working port, Porthleven has a gorgeous granite harbour where small boats land their catch bound for the town’s cafes, restaurants and fishmongers. It’s a 5 minute walk from your doorstep to the slipway; arrive at low tide and intriguing rock pools are revealed close to the harbour entrance. Amble along the adjacent pier wall for a breathtaking view of the famous clock tower. Just beyond, Porthleven Beach extends 3 miles to the sand and shingle Looe Bar, which separates Cornwall’s largest natural freshwater lake from the sea. Both Looe Pool and the bar are part of the National Trust’s Penrose Estate, where 17 miles of paths and multi-use trails wind through woodland, plantation and parkland. For excursions further afield, mesmerising St Michael’s Mount is just off the shoreline of Marazion (9 miles), and Lizard Point (14 miles) is one of the county’s most iconic landmarks.
Park on the driveway, unpack and forget about the cars for a few days – this exceptional property puts you at the heart of Porthleven life. A social hub for your stay, the open-plan kitchen/diner is stunning with all the essentials for effortless self-catering, and features a four-seater breakfast bar for impromptu chats while dinner cooks. Adjacent, the dining suite sits before bi-fold doors onto the south facing terrace, with a Smart TV to one end and, at the other, armchairs by a wood burner that adds after-dark ambience. From the terrace you can enjoy ever-changing views of the ocean. A sitting room off the kitchen is similarly styled and has a huge sofa, wood burner-effect electric fire and a Smart TV. Also easily accessed from the kitchen, a handy utility room has laundry facilities and is complemented by a separate WC. Three king sized boutique hotel-style bedrooms complete the ground-floor layout, each with its own en-suite shower room and Smart TV. Upstairs, a second snug-style lounge creates another inviting social space, with a pair of comfortable sofas – one of which converts into a bed – plus a kitchen area, workspace, Smart TV and bi-fold balcony doors, again with lovely sea views. This room divides the two upstairs bedrooms, each of which has a Smart TV and shared use of a shower room.
A choice of social spaces outdoors ensures you can make the most of the Cornish climate. At ground level, the south-facing terrace boasts a luxury 7 seater hot tub and dining table to enjoy al fresco food and drinks. Above it, the first-floor balcony has a comfortable rattan suite and offers stunning harbour views. As the sun starts to set relocate to the tropical-style back garden where you can pop a freshly made pizza in the oven and fire up the BBQ before settling down in the covered seating area as fairy lights sparkle overhead.