St Austell Beach Let

Tranquility awaits in this Cornish country cottage, a retreat that feels remote yet never isolated. Set alongside a walking and cycle route, there are golf courses close by, ensuring plenty to do for guests of all interests. At Porthpean (2.5 miles/25 minute walk) is a family beach popular with swimmers, paddleboarders and kayakers. From here, pick up the South West Coast Path to discover breathtaking scenery in every direction. The small town of St Austell (2 miles) offers a variety of shops and eating places, while such world-renowned attractions as the Eden Project (5.5 miles) and the Lost Gardens of Heligan (4 miles) are just a short drive away.

Once used to house cattle, the barn has been lovingly restored, its stylish design offering superb luxury features. In the traditional Cornish kitchen, with its heated slate floors, wooden beams and exposed stonework, a good quality dual-fuel range cooker invites the budding chef to get creative, and a huge craftsman-built dining table, easily seating six, invites serious planning of the afternoon's adventures. An Apple Mac computer is available here for browsing, and installed software easily turns the Mac into a TV for terrestrial output. Traditional stairs-in-a-cupboard lead from the kitchen up to the living area under the soaring timbers of the open roof space, where a deep sofa, a projector and surround sound are the perfect recipe for a night in. The two benches here boast single mattresses and convert into day beds, ideal for younger family members (bedding provided). From the living room room a heavy wooden door gives access to a balcony and steps leading down to the enclosed garden, where a pretty pergola shelters a table and chairs under a canopy of sweet-smelling honeysuckle and wisteria. For relaxed al fresco breakfasting the sun hits the balcony perfectly in the morning and a small folding table and chairs are provided. Through double bi-fold doors, more stairs lead back down to ground level and the bedroom, a serene double with crisp linens and a door opening on to the garden. The slate floors throughout this level echo those in the kitchen and also have luxurious underfloor heating. The ensuite shower room, prettily tiled, has a boutique-hotel feel.

Step outside into the enclosed garden, a scenic haven for soaking up the last of the day's sunshine. In a small field adjacent to the barn is a vegetable patch and herb garden, where seasonal produce is often available for you to pick. plus an outdoor dining table that invites leisurely alfresco meals.