10 Rural Retreats in Cornwall

Places to stay Sunday 5th January 2020

Imagine waking up after a blissful night’s sleep, to the gentle sound of birds singing in a tranquil rural setting. You enjoy your morning cuppa with far-reaching countryside views, head out to explore the spectacular scenery and return to your secluded retreat to relax with your loved ones in a peaceful setting. Read on to discover 10 fantastic rural retreats in Cornwall for your next staycation.

Songbirds, Bude

On the outskirts of Bude, there’s a secret retreat surrounded by magnificent rolling countryside. Songbirds is a stunning barn conversion set in pretty secluded gardens, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walk through beautiful fields and woodland and you’ll reach Millook Haven beach, a popular surf spot. After a busy day exploring, you can return to Songbirds for a family feast, cooked on the BBQ or in the pizza oven and watch the sun go down over the idyllic landscape. Enjoy a drink by the firepit, underneath the stars, before heading inside for a blissful night’s sleep in tranquil surroundings.

Snug Barn, Mid Cornwall

Snug Barn is a cosy place to return to after days spent exploring the surrounding countryside. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast on the veranda, enjoying amazing views across rolling hills and farmland. This beautiful rural retreat sleeps 6 (plus 2 dogs) and is perfectly positioned for exploring both coasts. So whether you head south to Mevagissey, north to Newquay, or simply explore the idyllic landscape surrounding the property, you’ll love returning to Snug Barn every day. Enjoy the views outdoors until the sun goes down and then retreat inside to enjoy a cosy evening by the woodburner.

The Barn at Alsia Mill, Sennen

Escape to a cosy bolthole for two at The Barn at Alsia Mill, a gorgeous barn conversion nestled in private gardens in the Alsia Mill estate. This hidden gem is full of character, retaining many of its original features, with comfy interiors and a cosy woodburner to snuggle up next to in the evening. The Barn is just a short drive from Sennen, a gorgeous sandy beach that’s great for surfing and sunset watching. The surrounding countryside is simply stunning, perfect for romantic walks together, or for exploring with your four-legged friend. The Barn welcomes one dog and has its own lawned garden area.

Maggie's Barn, Mid Cornwall

Maggie’s Barn is a stunning, luxury property, perfect for an escape to the countryside. The barn is bright and airy with a large open social area, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, a woodburner and a sumptuous, cosy sofa. Unwind in this peaceful spot and marvel at the uninterrupted views whilst breathing in the fresh, country air. The location is great for heading off in any direction; head south to the beautiful port of Charlestown to enjoy lunch at one of the super eateries and do some ship spotting, or head north to Newquay and catch some waves at one of the many surfing beaches.

The Shepherd's Hut at Bluebell Down Farm, Morvah

Harmonious and snug, The Sheperd's Hut is the perfect retreat away from the rest of the world. It's an ideal hideaway for up to two people to relax, rest and sleep with a comfortable double bed, which has a pull-out table underneath to enjoy a lazy dinner and a bottle of bubbles. This delightful shepherd's hut looks out over the fields and working farm, with natural pastures of plants such as wild carrot, bluebells and chicory, and beyond down to the sea. As well as interesting places to visit locally, there is plenty of scope for walking and cycling or alternatively, just sit on the steps of the hut and take in the views, the birds and the wildlife around. On a clear night, stargazing is a must.

Carne Farm Studio, Rural St Ives

Carne Farm Studio is a converted stable which has been lovingly restored to create a charming country retreat. Sleeping 4, this rustic rural retreat welcomes one dog, and has a shower just inside the entrance for rinsing off sandy or muddy paws and boots. Ramble across the countryside and along the coastal path with your canine companion or head to the beach for a surf, before returning to your country kitchen to rustle up a delicious feast to enjoy with picture-postcard views. Finish off the evening with a movie and a glass of wine beside the woodburner.

Quicks Cottage, Rural St Ives

Get away from it all at Quicks Cottage, located on the rugged West Penwith moors in rural St Ives. Enjoy far-reaching views across the dramatic landscape and out to sea from this characterful property, or head out to explore the surrounding countryside and coastline, discovering secret coves along the way. Sleeping 4, plus two dogs, this rural escape is situated in a sparsely populated area of Cornwall, offering a peaceful home from home to relax and unwind. The vibrant town of St Ives is just a ten-minute drive, whilst nearby Zennor has a lovely traditional Cornish pub called the Tinner’s Arms. Spend your evenings watching the sun go down with a drink, or cuddling up by the woodburner.

The Cowshed, Helston

If you’re looking for a real rural escape, you can’t beat staying in a gorgeous converted cowshed, surrounded by pasture land and fantastic scenery. The Cowshed is a charming traditional holiday home which suits a family of four. There’s plenty of space for children to play in the pretty garden, and grown-ups can relax in the sunny conservatory with a coffee or a glass of wine, overlooking the garden. You’ll be spoilt for choice with beautiful places to explore, including bluebell woods, country lanes and unspoilt scenery, with the pretty harbour town of Porthleven and beautiful beaches just a short drive away.

Boskennal Barn, West Cornwall

Rekindle childhood memories and leave all grown-up responsibilities behind by swapping busy city life for a rushing river and starry sky at the enchanted Boskennal Barn. Sitting amidst a well-tended garden and wild woodlands, a real rural retreat awaits you at this beautiful barn conversion. Discover the delights of Cornwall's coastal villages by day, before heading back home where Boskennal Barn sleeps four guests with the master bedroom enjoying a Juliet balcony overlooking the garden.

St Breca, Prussia Cove

Enjoy wonderful evenings on the sheltered terrace with breathtaking countryside and sea views at St Breca. This extraordinary rural retreat sleeps 4 and has been designed with comfort and luxury in mind, with stunning interiors and comfy bedrooms. A ten-minute walk will take you to the atmospheric Prussia Cove, once a notorious smuggling cove. After a busy day exploring the coastal path or swimming in the sea, head back to St Breca for a barbecue and watch the sun slowly fade as you keep warm by the firepit.

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