Helpful Holidays 2003.

Holiday cottages and self catering properties in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

The End of England Penwith peninsula: a wild land, but much inhabited since long, long ago; and very beautiful in its wilderness. The equal-top coastal drive in the West Country is along its north coast from Pendeen to Zennor to St Ives (Exmoor's sea-view road is its rival). Gorse and bracken hills, granite-topped and bouldered, above you; below, small drystone-walled fields sprinkled with sheep, granite farmhouses and barns, spectacularly rocky headlands (to walk), and if you're lucky and it's evening a deep, deep blue sea beyond. There are Stone Age burial quoits, Bronze Age hut circles, a remarkably preserved Iron Age village. On the softer southern coast, Mousehole is Cornwall's prettiest fishing village, Newlyn the West Country's busiest; built into the cliffs above Porthcurno's sandy cove is the Minack Theatre a 'must go', but wrap up warm. Sennen Cove's huge sandy beach is wonderful for children and sunsets as well as surfing. The tall chimneys of extinct tin-mining stand strangely romantically above the sea at Botallack. All this and the light bring painters, especially to St Ives. Penzance is a good, sensible town and base with fine prom for strolling. Helicopters or a ship will take you to the Scilly Isles, the main line railway to and from the world you left behind. Your first glimpse of St Michael's Mount is one of travelling's thrills. Go to Land's End if you must (only). All round the peninsula goes the coast path, of course one of the very best stretches of it.

Telephone numbers: Penzance TIC: 01736 362207

St Ives TIC: 01736 796297

Minack Theatre: 01736 810181

Isles of Scilly Travel (boats): 01736 334220

Skybus Scillies: 01736 785220

... on a hilltop looking out to sea in the hamlet of Tregiffian two miles from Sennen Cove, at the end of a mile of no through road, four apartments with far reaching views across meadows to sea/coast on a clear day to the Scilly Isles even. Footpaths for walkers, birds for 'twitchers', beach for surfers this area provides all, plus peace and serenity. Originally only the ancient granite farmhouse stood; these apartments are 20th century additions with plenty of parking space at the back, pretty garden to front, and a meadow to the side for ball games. Dogs on leads please (sheep). No smoking. Central heating and electricity included in all.

Apartments 1 and 2, first floor, are mirror images. External stairs to internal landing; door into studio apartment with terrific views. Comfy armchairs, table/chairs positioned to take advantage of views, kitchenette to one side. Flat 1 has 2'6" attachable twin beds; Flat 2 has a cupboard cleverly concealing a pull-down double bed; both have en suite shower-room (suite). Both are practical and functional rather than stylish. Laundry room at extra cost.

Apartment 3 - at furthest end of building (not pictured) - entrance into living/kitchen/dining room with windows back and front (great views) and cupboard concealing a pull-down double bed. Twin bedroom; shower-room (suite). No smoking. Practical and functional rather than stylish. Laundry room at extra cost.

The Garden Apartment on ground floor with its own patio and views of the pretty garden. Suitable for partially disabled with approach ramp to entrance. Hall with floor tiles and quaint Normandy charcoal oven (decorative only); attractive living room with glazed door to garden; fitted kitchen/dining room (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer); two bedrooms twin with en suite bathroom (suite),and double with a very posh en suite bathroom (suite plus hand-shower and bidet). Very comfortable and rather stylish. No smoking.

Botallack: hamlet of granite cottages (once miners') with a good pub, high up on the almost treeless heights about 1½ miles from St Just and ½ mile from a spectacular cliff coast (mainly National Trust, wonderful walking). Ruins of tin mine engine houses perched on cliff-tops; the mine shafts ran far under the sea. A fascinating, very Cornish and unspoilt area. Sennen Cove's great sand/surf beach, 5½ miles; a couple of smaller coves nearby.

... a terraced former mine officer's house on the edge of the hamlet (200 yards from the pub) with good views from the back over the cricket pitch and towards the sea and mine ruins. Inside, surprisingly spacious with stripped floors/doors; tiled hall; comfortable sitting room ('living flame' gas fire, CD/cassette/radio); dining room (ornamental fireplace), off which good-sized, well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer) opening out into a sun-room with views towards the sea and French windows to a small enclosed, paved and gravelled garden (table/chairs); from this, easy access - avoiding roads - straight to the coastal path. Upstairs, two bedrooms - pretty double with huge en suite dressing room/bathroom (suite plus separate power-shower), both rooms with lovely views, and large twin facing the front; small internal shower-room (suite). No smoking. Heating and electricity included. Telephone for incoming and local calls.

St Just-in-Penwith: England's most westerly town - tiny, granite, formerly tin-mining, still lively with plenty of shops, pubs - a mile from the sea. Sennen Cove's magnificent sand/surf beach, 4 miles, others nearer. Wild, beautiful, endlessly interesting and unspoilt surroundings: great cliffs (coast path), stone-walled fields, rock-topped hills, prehistoric remains, ruined cliff-edge mine-buildings, art/craft studios, golf course. Within 5 miles are Land's End, Pendeen lighthouse (where the sea can be tin red) and Geevor Mine (now a museum). About 7 miles to the unique Minack Theatre or Penzance; St Ives, 14 miles.

... 5 minutes' walk from St Just's centre, a double-fronted traditional terraced cottage; enclosed front garden and delightful little walled back garden with fishpond and original outside loo! (tumble drier). Inside, recently renovated and smart. Hall; TV/living room with Victorian open fireplace; granite-floored living/dining room with big granite open fireplace, beams, window seat, CD/cassette player; large, well-equipped pine kitchen (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, ceramic hob) with beamed ceiling, table/chairs, and back door to super small conservatory (tables/chairs, barbecue). Steepish stairs (handrail) up to three bedrooms - master double (5' bed, wood floor, two windows, original pine ceiling, washbasin), twin, and smaller twin with Victorian fireplace. Bathroom (suite plus separate shower). Payphone. A very sweet cottage, surprisingly big: once three one-room cottages, maybe. All fuel included.

.... and just south of St Just (see left), an amazingly luxuriant little valley leads down to the sea - Cot Valley. The lane along it ends after ½ mile at the entrance to this beautiful house and garden - Cot Manor; about ½ mile walk (path) further on is the sea at Porthnanven Cove (reachable also by car via St Just) with grassy cliffs, smooth rocks for sun-bathing, raised beach, low-tide sand and coastal path.

The house is Tudor, Jacobean and Georgian, Grade II listed, in 5 acres, some of that fields (views to the sea), much of it lovely garden with lawns (tables/chairs, barbecue), stream, and valley-side of trees and flowering shrubs, including eucalyptus, mimosa, white and lace-cap hydrangeas, magical to explore (hide'n'seek), popular with birds (tawny owls breed, water-rails seen, migrants rest).

The fourth bedroom (top left window) is included in the price for 8 or 9 people. If your party is 7 or less but you would like a fourth bedroom, it is available at extra charge - except in the High Season, Spring Bank Holiday, and Christmas/New Year when it is included in the price. The owners live in the wing (on left, mostly out of the picture) and keep the downstairs window/room on the left in picture for themselves; they will transport from/to Penzance station and from ends of walks.

Lovely house, glorious situation, plenty of lawn for playing, very good place for two families holidaying together. Relaxed, smiling atmosphere. Legend of hidden treasure involving a wicked priest. Table tennis and badminton by arrangement. Payphone. Central heating and electricity included. Lots of footpaths around: one leads in ½ mile to St Just (and pub), which is 1½ miles away by road. From Land's End's small aerodrome a mile away, day trips to the Scilly Isles in summer. Golf and heated swimming pool at Country Club, 2 miles. £100 Cautionary Deposit required.

Towednack: hamlet cared-for little granite church and scattering of farms/houses in lanes and hill farmland 2 miles from Zennor (see page 3) and the wonderful north-coast headlands/coves. St. Ives, 3½ miles. Penzance and St. Michael's Mount (see page 6, sensational view of it en route), 6½ miles. Golf, 5. Trout farm, coarse fishing and riding locally.

Ludgvan: little Penwith granite village (church, pub, on the St Michael's Way footpath between north and south coasts), 3 miles from Penzance towards St Ives (5 miles). Marazion (sandy beach) and St Michael's Mount (see page 6), 2 miles.

... the end one of a row of south-facing pretty stone cottages near the church and pub, a super cottage with small shrub garden in front and a cobbled path/driveway to front door. Behind the cottage, a most enchanting small enclosed garden, full of interesting plants, and small patio (garden furniture). Inside, double-glazed, light, surprisingly spacious, excellent use of mainly Laura Ashley fabrics and old pine furniture. Hall; living room with window seat, Welsh dresser, chaise longue; off the living room, kitchen/dining room (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, ceramic electric hob) with door to small conservatory (table/chairs) looking on the delightful back garden; door to garden. Steep stairs (partial handrail) from the hall lead up to three bedrooms - all prettily furnished and decorated - master double (5' bed with footboard), twin (2'6" beds), and a single. Bathroom (suite). Heating and electricity included.

Mousehole: the prettiest Cornish fishing village; horseshoe of granite cottages, shops, pub round its harbour. Little sandy harbour beach. Bird hospital. Newlyn (busy, fishing harbour), 1 mile. Penzance, 2; Land's End, about 12.

... in a quiet road on the edge of the village, within 350 yards (steep road) of pubs, shops, a smart split-level detached house with stunning sea views, surrounded by landscaped, manicured, shrub-filled enclosed garden (steps leading to different levels, patio, garden seat - not suitable for toddlers). Inside, very comfortable living/dining room with picture windows and patio doors to balcony (brilliant views of village and coastline), attractive pictures - many by local artists - books, games. Extremely well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, split-level cooker and ceramic hob, hatch to dining area) with superb sea view. Two bedrooms at this level - one kingsize double, one twin, both with superb sea views. Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Stairs down to two further bedrooms - a double (pretty views of the garden) reached via a child's single room with glazed doors to the garden. Shower-room (suite). Four bedrooms in all. Integral garage (washing machine, tumble drier, fridge/freezer, darts, small snooker table). Driveway parking. Best for no more than 5 adults. No smoking. No children under three. Phone for incoming calls. Heating and electricity included. Cautionary Deposit of £100 is required.

Penzance: England's most westerly town/resort on a beautiful bay in which is St Michael's Mount. Broad seafront promenade; entertainments, cinemas, theatre; good shops; museums and art galleries; harbour (boats to Scilly Isles) with yachts; heliport (flights to Scillies). End of railway. Newlyn (old village with busiest fishing harbour in the South-West and artist-popular - famous gallery), and lovely National Trust gardens (Trengwainton), 1 mile; Mousehole (the prettiest fishing village), 2 miles; St Ives (see right), 7; then all Penwith (see map, page 3) to Land's End, 10 miles. Tremendous variety to see/do close by. Nearest of many good beaches at Marazion (by St Michael's Mount), 2 miles.

... charming, 'own home', semi-detached, c1810 cottage only 100 yards back from the 'prom' yet hidden from it in a quiet residential area. Delightful little sunny, high-walled, enclosed courtyard/patio at the back, quite Mediterranean with honeysuckle-roofed trellis shading chairs/table, and flower and herb tubs. Stable door from small fitted kitchen (microwave) out to it; window seat in the comfortable living room (coal fire in old brick fireplace prettily flanked by lit recesses with good glasses, Chinese vases) looks to it. Old-tiled entrance hall with archway; dining room with books. Upstairs, two bedrooms - double and one with two single beds; bathroom (suite). Across the courtyard, utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer).

Penzance: England's most westerly town/resort on a beautiful bay in which is St Michael's Mount. Broad sea-front promenade; entertainments, cinemas, theatre; good shops; museums and art galleries; harbour (boats to Scilly Isles) with yachts; heliport (flights to Scillies). End of railway. Newlyn (old village with busiest fishing harbour in the south-west and artist-popular - famous gallery), and lovely National Trust gardens (Trengwainton), 1 mile; Mousehole (the prettiest fishing village), 2 miles; St Ives (see page 7), 7; then all Penwith (see map, page 1) to Land's End, 10 miles. Tremendous variety to see/do close by. Nearest of many good beaches at Marazion (by St Michael's Mount), 2 miles.

... charming, 'own home', semi-detached, c1810 cottage only 100 yards back from the 'prom' yet hidden from it in a quiet residential area and looking onto a little square. Delightful little sunny, high-walled, enclosed courtyard/patio at the back, quite Mediterranean with honeysuckle-roofed trellis shading table/chairs, and flower and herb tubs. Stable door from small fitted kitchen (microwave) out to it; window seat in the comfortable living room (ornamental brick fireplace prettily flanked by lit recesses with good glasses, Chinese vases) looks to it. Old-tiled entrance hall with archway; dining room with books. Upstairs, two bedrooms - double, and one with two single beds; bathroom (suite). Across the courtyard, utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer). Heating and electricity included.

Pretty little Grade II listed c1820 cottage with neat walled front garden (ceramic plant holders, bench to catch the morning sun) and attractive little courtyard (table/chairs) at the back. Delightfully simple décor. Entrance door to hall with modern-tile floor; surprisingly spacious living room with deep window seat looking to front garden; archway to dining room; smart white fitted kitchen (washing machine, tumble drier, fridge/freezer, microwave) with door to attractive courtyard. Upstairs to landing and two bedrooms largish double and twin; one step down to tiled bathroom (suite). Excellent position for all amenities, yet tucked away. Central heating and electricity included.

Rosudgeon: hamlet with pub and shop a mile from the sea (beaches), 6 miles east of Penzance and 3 from that first thrilling sight of St Michael's Mount. Sandy beaches at Perran Sands, 1 mile, and Marazion (also causeway to St Michael's Mount - Nat. Trust), 2½ miles. Spectacular cliff walks (coast path) via Prussia Cove (once a smugglers' favourite), also 1 mile. The north coast surfing beaches, about 8 miles. Golf nearby.

The Tower Apartment comprises the top two floors of the central tower and has exclusive use of the castellated roof terrace (railed but beware toddlers). It is sophisticated and beautiful: the spaciousness, decor (all white), lighting, comfort, and the view from all the main rooms and terrace are exceptional. The living/dining/fitted kitchen (top floor) is 40' long and looks spectacularly out to sea; recessed spotlights drop pools of light and colour on its lovely maple floor; the very smart, well-equipped maple kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer) with marble worktops and excellent china/glass is tucked neatly round the corner. From the landing, stairs to the terrace (sun loungers), wonderful for evening drinks. On the floor below are three to four bedrooms; two large doubles with tiled bathrooms en suite (suites plus bath-showers) and sea-from-the-bed views; also small sea-view sitting room with double futon/sofa, and, at the back, very large (20' x 15') room with twin beds and two pine single beds (could be used as children's playroom). Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Utility room (washing machine, tumble drier). Own entrance via slope and a few steps at the back. Heating and electricity included.

... the ground and first floor apartment (arrow 1) has high ceilings, recessed spotlights. Own ground level entrance. Small hall; very well-equipped kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer) with slate floor, maple dining table/stools. Stairs up to large living room (sofa bed) with huge stone-mullioned window (window seat) with excellent sea-views, and two bedrooms, one double, one bunks (2'6"). Smart tiled bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and separate loo. Heating and electricity included.

... the Garden Apartment (arrow 2) is reached via the stone steps at the front of the castle. Entrance hall; large, high-ceilinged living/dining room with brilliant views out to sea and St Michael's Mount. Fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave). Stone steps (handrail) down to two bedrooms - smart double with en suite shower-room (suite) and French windows to terrace, and a bedroom with bunks (2'6"). Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and separate loo. No smoking. Electricity included 17 May-13 September.

... on the castle's ground floor, an extremely interesting apartment with stunning sea views (all ground floor of the left wing, see arrow 3). Slate-floored hall, cloakroom (loo/washbasin, pretty tiles). A marvellous huge living/dining/kitchen (47' x 18') with two stone mullioned windows looking seaward; slate floor relieved by rugs and a hexagonal wooden centre, big stone fireplace with 'coal effect' electric fire, double futon/sofa, books, games, music centre, play station. Well-equipped kitchen area must be best kitchen sink sea views! - with dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, small freezer, halogen hob. Two bedrooms double and a single with truckle bed in blue and white. Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower). Heating and electricity included. No smoking. Suitable for the partially disabled (2 steps).

... the first floor apartment in the North Wing (on left in picture), approached via stone steps at the back. A small hall leads to a big beautiful living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, CD/radio/cassette player) with wonderful west-facing views over the bay. Stone fireplace with electric fire, recessed spotlights; lots of comfy chairs and sofas; plenty of room to be sociable or just sit and sea-gaze from the long stone mullion windows. Two bedrooms - pretty double (5') in blue and white, and small twin. Bathroom (suite plus hand-shower) and separate loo. Payphone. Electricity included 17 May - 13 September.

... and ¾ mile by footpath from Rosudgeon (see page 5) and its Packet Inn, and 1½ miles inland by footpath from Prussia Cove of smuggling history and from a sandy beach, three wonderfully nautical granite cottages converted from ancient barns, steeped in history, said to be the refuge of two 18th century buccaneers who stored their smuggled cargo here. Surrounded by 1½ acres sub-tropical gardens, with courtyard, pond and fountain, this is a delightful oasis with a definite feel of Tresco. Each cottage has a private little garden with raised decking, picnic bench and barbecue; all share a large lawn with gazebo, tennis court and play barn cum communal dining room with barbecue (originally the old pottery, complete with bellows!). Utterly enchanting place all year round. Friendly and helpful owners. Goldsithney, 1½ road miles away, is one of Cornwall's pretty villages. Central heating and electricity included in all three. All no smoking.

The Old Granary is an 'upside down' cottage (left in picture above) attached to Smugglers Lane (see below). Door from courtyard to hall and three bedrooms with smart navy blue and white theme - double, twin and bunks; bathroom (suite plus hand-shower); stairs up to large living/dining/kitchen with lots of exposed roof beams, books, games, videos, CD player, glazed door to ramp down to garden; excellent fitted kitchen area (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer).

Smugglers Lane, with lovely knobbly walls, is attached to the Old Granary. Door from courtyard to beautifully fitted little kitchen (microwave) with grey-blue floor tiles, cream and green tile-work and pine units, two steps up to spacious living/dining room (enough for four) with woodburner (logs supplied), jasmine-white sofas and room-height window to courtyard; double bedroom with en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

During high season weeks, Spring Bank Holiday, 19 July - 30 Aug (inc), Christmas and New Year the Granary and Smugglers Lane, which have an inter-connecting door, are on price band O and sleep 8. They cannot be booked separately at these times.

Carters Croft is detached, at the far end of the courtyard, with access via garden to stable door into living/dining/kitchen (washing machine, microwave) - imaginative use of beams and ship's mast, very 'below decks' here - stone and slate inglenook fireplace (open fire). Stairs up to two bedrooms - pretty navy and white double and twin; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

St Ives is a very popular (including with artists), very attractive small old fishing town, nearly surrounded (it's almost an island) by superb beaches (some for surfing, some sheltered). Narrow, cobbled streets, alleyways, slate-hung cottages, lots of hanging flower baskets, splendid Tate Gallery, and Barbara Hepworth's studios (lovely garden). Beautiful harbour and leisure centre with indoor pool. On the railway. Superb cliff/headland walks west to Zennor (see page 3), and far beyond. Excellent golf course, 2 miles, Penzance, 9 miles, Land's End (very beautiful drive), about 16. Carbis Bay, 1½ miles away, is a modern resort (big sheltered sandy beach).

.... and close to the Tate Gallery in Bowling Green Terrace, not far from Porthmeor Beach (steep hill), a very deceptive house, from the outside much as any other in St Ives, but inside made spacious and beautiful by its owners. Clever use of light, soft colours, warm woods. Small front garden (garden seat). Inside, hall, off which big, airy, open-plan living/dining room (CD/cassette player, good books) with polished parquet floor, comfy furniture, bay window with small wicker table and chair for sitting (side-long sea views) and watching the world go by. Very smart fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, electric oven and gas hob) with lovely hand-made dresser, pretty china. Utility room (washing machine), shower-room and cloakroom (loo, washbasin). Upstairs, half landing off which bathroom (suite plus hand-shower) and separate loo. Four steps up to three bedrooms, all with fresh and pretty cotton linen - double (5' bed) with bay window and lovely sea views over roofs (see picture), pretty single, and bunk bedroom with 2nd TV and chair bed for a child. From landing, narrow, steeper stairs to another double bedroom, atticy but spacious, with superb sea views over the rooftops. Four bedrooms in all. No smoking. All fuel included.

Carbis Bay: resort village (two shops, supermarket) with big sheltered sandy beach, 1½ miles from St Ives (see left). On railway (single track branch line to St Ives from main line at St Erth).

... and 1^½miles inland from both Carbis Bay and St. Ives but peacefully in farmland, a single-storey, double-glazed, stone-built cottage, semi-detached from the owners' house. Plenty of space outside; own patio and garden area looking on large courtyard with fishpond and fountain. Beyond are the friendly owners' seven acres of fields with cattle, geese, which you are welcome to wander. Inside, well-decorated in pastel shades. Good-sized living/dining room (ceiling to apex, French windows to courtyard). Fitted kitchen (washer-drier, microwave); back door. Two bedrooms: master double plus single bed and en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower), and one twin bedroom. Another tiled bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Central heating and electricity included. Suitable for partially disabled.

... Lamorna Cottage (interior picture below) is terraced, in the heart of St Ives , a short walk from Porthgwidden and Porthmeor beaches and from the harbour. Inside, pretty, neat and nicely renovated; its owners are an artist and gallery owner, hence good use of colours and fabrics, interesting pictures and prints. Entrance to cosy living room with open fire, CD player; smart, well-equipped fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave). Stairs from living room up to three bedrooms - double, twin, and a single. Shower-room (suite, double shower) and separate loo with washbasin. Weekly parking ticket available for public car park (extra). Central heating and electricity included.

... and in Carbis Bay (see above), a large detached 1960s split-level hillside house with stunning views over the beach to Godrevy lighthouse. 38 steps down from garage and parking bay to front door and patio. Very private ½ acre of enclosed sloping lawn (beware small children). Public footpath (steep in places) a few yards from the house down to the beach (about 800 yards) and lovely footpath to St Ives (Hoppa bus back).

Inside, hall; stairs down to living (comfy seating for 5)/dining room with ornamental fireplace, music centre, full length picture windows/doors opening on to width-of-the-house balcony with panoramic sea views (perfect for breakfast outdoors); fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, hob and eye-level fan assisted electric oven); loo/washbasin. Stairs down again to utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, Belfast sink), bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and a few more stairs down again to four bedrooms - two twin (washbasins), one single (all with sea views), and double (washbasin). An exceptionally positioned house. Telephone. Heating and electricity included. Sleeps maximum six adults. Bring your binoculars!

Bodilly: tiny working-farm hamlet of stone-built barns and houses amid sheltering trees beside the quietest of lanes (to nowhere else), a mile from the nearest main road. Completely unspoilt country. Porkellis (old stone village with shop, good pub), 2 miles; the Poldark mine (visitable), 1½. Nearest town, Helston (see below), and Loe Pool (big lake, lovely walks), 4 miles; Porthleven (very attractive fishing village), 8; Gweek Seal Sanctuary, 5½; fine sandy beaches on either south or north coasts (Gunwalloe, Praa Sands, Gwithian Towans), 10 miles.

... a time-forgotten, very special and totally welcoming place. The young Cornish farming owners are as friendly as can be and welcome you to enjoy all they have and to help on their 80 acre dairy farm, wandering up the lane to bring in the 60 Friesian and Ayrshire cows, feeding calves, collecting the eggs, watching milking (or even 'having a go' yourself with patient old Rosa and Blackberry). There are two peacocks, Holly the pony, Jemimah the duck, Sweet and Sour the pot bellied pigs, two rabbits (Peter and Benjamin), two collie dogs, and Paxo the rooster. Badger hide. The original stone farmhouse is divided into two cottages; good-sized, mostly lawned, enclosed garden (table/chairs, gas barbecue, swing and slide) in front, farmyard and, across it, stone farm buildings at the back. Heating and electricity included in both.

Ducks-a-Crossing is the larger cottage (on right in picture). Front door from garden to small hall; living room (open fireplace, electric keyboard, lots of books, toys, games); big, good-to-be-in farmhousey fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, freezer, oil-fired Rayburn plus electric cooker, Sheila Maid) with very fine granite fireplace (ornamental); back hall (for coats/boots); door to farmyard. Upstairs (stairgate), three good-sized bedrooms - one double (washbasin), one twin, and one single plus bunks - and big bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

Robins Nest, the smaller cottage, is single-storey (on left in main picture). Living/dining/fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer) with inglenook fireplace (woodburner), beams, wooden floor (rugs), books, games, toys. Two bedrooms - double (electric blanket) looking to garden, and small bunk bedroom looking to farmyard. Shower-room (suite, washer-drier). Suitable for the partially disabled.

Here is a place for a proper farm holiday in an area with masses to see/do and the sea/beaches in easy range. Excellent value, delightful atmosphere. Bring your wellies.

The Lizard peninsula: quite different to Penwith: not wild; very varied. Down its west side are sandy coves of which Kynance, with towers of serpentine rock, is stunning. In the middle, Goonhilly Downs are flat, little cultivated, with their very own wild flower species and a satellite tracking station (interesting and visitable). Lizard Point (lighthouse) is the English mainland's southernmost. The south and east coasts are also of coves between cliffs and one bigger, child-friendly beach, Kennack Sands, and pretty thatch-roofed villages (not many in Cornwall), Cadgwith and Coverack, and handsome St Keverne (Roskilly ice cream is made nearby), and off-shore The Manacles, which sank many sailing ships, till, approaching the Helford River's mouth, you come to Gillan Harbour and St Anthony-in-Meneage and all that is soft and dreamy, lush, sub-tropical and wonderful about south-west Cornwall; and so it continues up the wide river to Helford village, Frenchman's Creek and, up another creek, Port Navas. Helston is the base town; Mullion has a golf course with great views; Porthleven is the fishing village (quite big); Gweek has a seal sanctuary; from Culdrose airbase, sailors of all kinds (and occasionally tourists) are rescued.

Helston: small market town, the Lizard's main shopping centre, with indoor swimming pool, boating lake, popular Flambards 'theme park' and 'Furry Dance' festival in May. Porthleven (fishing village), 2½ miles. Church Cove, Gunwalloe with sandy beach and pub, 4 miles.

...2 miles south of Helston, set in delightful gardens with large duck pond and tumbling mill leat, a semi-detached stone cottage, formerly barns to the 17th cent. mill house. The owners have turned a hobby into a successful business producing white wines from the adjoining seven acres, which include a boating lake. The cottage has its own lawned garden with picnic table and benches. Inside, a spacious, comfy living/dining room (games and books), kitchen area fitted with pretty lilac blue units, dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave. Downstairs cloakroom. Upstairs, three bedrooms: large double with washbasin, smaller double with good views of garden, and a room with two single beds. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Payphone (outgoing calls only). Heating included.

Trescowe: tiny village/large hamlet of maybe 20 houses, higgledy-piggledy alongside a country lane which leads down to the coast and good sandy beach at Praa Sands, 2 miles. Marazion and St Michael's Mount, 5 miles; Penzance (see page 4), 8. Three pubs and shop, 1½ miles.

... in Trescowe, a pretty little granite cottage with lovely, sun-all-day, almost tropical garden (palm trees!). Living/dining room with inglenook fireplace (woodburner), comfy sofas, Laura Ashley curtains, strong exposed granite walls. Shaker fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave) and, outside, a little heated 'boot room', ideal for storing walking gear and housing the washing machine and freezer. Upstairs, two bedrooms - a double and a twin, both pretty - and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Nice cottage; all fuel included. No smoking.

Cadgwith: very pretty fishing village with pub and restaurant in a cove at the foot of a wooded combe 2½ miles from Lizard Point (lighthouse); boats drawn up on its shingle beach between white thatched cottages. Shop/PO, ½ mile. Kennack Sands (sandy beach), 2 miles (less by coast path); Kynance Cove, 3; Helston (see page 8), 10.

... terraced former coastguards' cottage with lovely views (see picture) of the cove and sea, 2 minutes downhill walk (a bit longer back) from the beach. Good-sized long sloping enclosed front garden; slate-flagstoned yard behind. Inside, sunny, south-facing and comfortable living room (open fire) with glazed door to garden; fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, CD player, original stripped-pine floor and doors, lovely Italian tiles); a few steps down to bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and a utility area with washer-drier; small hall; door to yard. Upstairs, three bedrooms: master double with the original coastguards' 'look-out' (superb views for ship spotting and watching the sun rise), and a twin leading through, down a few steps, to another twin room. Parking 50 yards: free ticket provided. Phone for incoming calls. No smoking. Heating and electricity included from 19 April to 25 October.

Godolphin Cross: small village (pub, church), 3 miles from the South Cornwall coast/sandy beach at Praa Sands. Just outside it, Godolphin House is mainly Elizabethan and worth visiting (frequently open and a footpath passes close). Lots of local footpaths, including to Godolphin Hill, fine viewpoint. Porthleven (fishing village) and Helston (see left), both 5 miles; St Michael's Mount, about 5½. Penzance (see page 4), about 8; north coast beaches (surfing), 6 miles.

... and 1½ miles north-west of Godolphin Cross, a Grade II listed cottage attached to the owners' house. Immediately outside, gravelled enclosed patio (table/chairs, barbecue) and, a little beyond, 3½ acres of fields, stream and woodland for you to enjoy. Inside, hall and comfortable living room from which a lockable glazed door leads to the patio. Smallish fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer). From the hall, stairs up to landing off which glazed door to a good-sized balcony, shower-room (suite) and three bedrooms - pretty double in lilac and cream with TV and washbasin, single, and room with double bed plus 2'6" bunks, TV and en suite shower-room (suite). Just outside the cottage, laundry room with washing machine, tumble drier (extra). Spring water. North and south coasts with big sandy beaches, both 4 miles. Central heating and electricity included.

Mullion: good-sized, very popular village (shops, fine church, pubs, restaurants), 3Ž4 mile from a superb coast of cliffs and sandy coves; the nearest on foot, ¾ mile, by car, 1 mile both dog-free. Golf course with splendid views. Poldhu Cove (above),1½ miles, Kynance Cove (very beautiful with towers of multi-coloured rock) and the Lizard Point (lighthouse), 7 miles. Helston (see page 8), about 8.

... about 300 yards from Mullion's old centre a semi-detached bungalow. Double-glazed, light and cheerful with good-sized rooms, comfortable, efficient, easy to live in and beside a very quiet road. The bungalow has lawn in front, enclosed sun-trap patio and garden (lawn, flowers, picnic table) behind. Porch; hall; large living/dining room (windows to both gardens); good-sized fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer, stereo radio/cassette, breakfast table); three bedrooms one double, two twin (one with 2'6" beds); bathroom (bath, bath-power-shower, basin); separate loo. Phone for outgoing calls. Suitable for partially disabled. Electric ceiling central heating.

Gwithian Towans: a magnificent, nearly 4-mile-long stretch of sand/surf/windsurfing beach (part dog-free) backed by dunes and low cliffs stretches between the mouth of the River Hayle estuary and Godrevy Point (island lighthouse). Not built on except at a very few spots. One of them is this settlement of mainly wooden bungalows/'beach houses' with shop/store/café (seasonal, good meals, surf hire). 1 mile by road or 15 minutes by footpath from Gwithian village (tiny, rather pretty; pub). Hayle, 2½ miles; St. Ives, 7; Penzance, 9½. Gentle access to beach.

... this is the beach house with the best position of all - the nearest to the beach, at its far, dog-free end, and with the best view (see right). Sea-side patio to the front and side and small garden beyond, merging into the dunes/beach/sea. Inside, excellent; big double-glazed picture windows, pine-panelled walls, neat and smart throughout. Good-sized living/dining/fitted kitchen (microwave, spin drier). Two bedrooms at the back, one smallish double, one with 2'6" bunks. Good-sized shower-room (suite). Sleeps a maximum of 4 including a cot.

... and directly behind Ref:Q430S, a little detached beach house (see left) with sea glimpses from most windows. Small enclosed grassy area with chairs. Inside, porch leading to smart light fitted kitchen (microwave, spin drier) with colourful prints and seashore 'finds'. Comfortable living/dining room (radio/cassette player), off which two bedrooms - small double, and another with 3' bunks. Shower-room with washbasin and separate loo. No smoking. Heating and electricity included.

The Newquay coast: from the Hayle estuary near St Ives and Gwithian Towans to the mouth of the River Camel estuary near Padstow stretch, almost continuously, superb sand/surf beaches. Newquay on the railway and with airport (flights to Scilly Isles) - is the surfing capital, full of amusements, young people, pubs and 'life', short on some other things, but pretty harbour and what beaches! St Agnes, an ex-tin mining little town, has preserved itself remarkably (small proper shops) and attractively. Bedruthan Steps (cliff-high rock towers out of the beach) is one of the great coast sights (and low-tide walks). On Trevose Head, with its necklace of beaches, is a country club and good golf course. Easy drive to The Eden Project (see South Cornwall, page 31).

Telephone numbers: Newquay TIC: 01637 854020

St Agnes TIC:01872 554150

Perranporth TIC:01872 573368

Padstow TIC: 01841 533449

Perranporth: small resort with immense (three miles long) sand/surf beaches (life-guarded); formerly a tin-mining village. A 7th cent. church is buried in the dunes. Golf course, riding school, folk museum, Iron Age amphitheatre; coarse fishing and gliding locally. Newquay and St Agnes, both about 5 miles; Truro, about 10.

...overlooking Perran Sands, about 200 yards by path from the beach and 300 yards from the centre of Perranporth, a ground floor apartment in a castle-like construction (built in late Victorian times as an hotel) perched on a promontory (arrowed above). Sea, sand and surf dominate the views from tall windows. Own approach road, communal lawn, and ample parking. Inside, living/dining room with spectacular sea views, high ceiling, double-glazed doors to lawn and large bay windows: a very light and pleasing room. Fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave) - more good sea views. Two bedrooms - double with en suite loo/washbasin, and a room with two singles and full-sized bunks (very much a children's room with Pooh Bear and Tigger bouncing across the walls). Bathroom (suite plus shower). Back entrance with useful porch for boots/coats. No smoking. Heating and electricity included. Good for beach or walking holidays - best for four.

Rose: hamlet a mile from Perranporth (see above) and the huge stretch of Perran Sands.

... a sturdy detached stone cottage looking out across the dunes and coast, standing firm for unknown centuries. Quite a large, enclosed garden surrounds it - mostly lawn and shrubs to the front, crunchy gravel drive and parking at the back. Access over owners' fields to beach and golf course. Recently renovated and refurbished by friendly local farming (retired) couple who live in the hamlet, the cottage is surprisingly spacious inside. Living room with narrow beams and big stone inglenook (woodburner, cloam oven). New fitted kitchen with colourful tilework (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer), dining area with dresser and door to back garden. Original quite narrow stairs out of living room to three bedrooms - two double (one with access immediately off stairs and one with particularly good views) and a twin. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Heating and electricity included.

Portreath: seaside village with fine sand/surf beach (dog-free) and old harbour, between cliffs, 3 miles from Camborne (light industrial town, good mining museum, leisure centre). Golf, riding, shire horse/carriage museum, country park and farm park/museum, all nearby. St Ives, Truro, and Falmouth, all about 12 miles; Penzance, 15.

... 2 miles inland from Portreath, a little old terraced cottage beside a very quiet no-through lane on the edge of Cambrose (hamlet). Small enclosed cottage garden at the front (lawn, tables/chairs). The lane forms part of the 8-mile Portreath Tramroad footpath/cycle path (19th cent. built, for horse-drawn trams to take copper ore to ships, now through mining relics, interesting, cycle hire nearby). Porch; cosy living room with huge inglenook fireplace (woodburner); fitted kitchen (microwave); door to small back yard and outhouse (washing machine, tumble drier). Upstairs (steepish, handrail), double bedroom with long view and en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Good restaurant, 3Ž4 mile; pub, 1 mile; shops, 2 miles. Porthtowan - another good sandy beach - 2 miles. Heating and electricity included.

St Agnes is a remarkably attractive and unspoilt tiny town standing high above the Atlantic but sheltered by its beacon, built because of tin mining (all gone), now busy with people who find it a nice place to live, its centre mainly of old, narrow streets with lots of useful small shops (butcher, grocer, newsagents, bakery, etc.), also craft workshops, pottery, gallery. ½ mile to the sea at Trevaunance Cove, one of Cornwall's best, with splendid sand/surf beach between cliffs; another fine beach (Chapel Porth, see above right), 1½ miles; between the two, a seal colony. Ruined mine engine houses/chimneys dot the landscape (spectacular). Splendid walks - to St Agnes Beacon (tremendous views), 1 mile, to St Agnes Head, 2 miles, and many others (coast path). Lifeboat (visitable, practice launches to watch). Local fishermen catch crabs/lobsters. Riding stables very nearby. Golf, 4½ miles. Newquay, 12 miles; Truro and the southern creeks, about 8; St Ives, about 20. In early May St Agnes celebrates the Bolster legend involving the town's 17'6" giant, and in late May is the annual Victorian street fair.

.... the original Grade II listed hotel of St Agnes (mainly 1778 but some parts earlier), in the very centre of town opposite the church, changed into a house for family gatherings/large party celebrations. The owners (for the past 24 years) live in a flat at the back.

On the top floor:

A double facing the front (double-glazed)

Room with a double bed and twin beds, facing the front (double-glazed)

First floor:

Double facing the front

Double facing the back

Room with a double bed and single bed, facing the front

A twin/double in the wing

A twin (with washbasin).

Off the first floor landing is a smart bathroom (suite plus bath-shower).

Cautionary Deposit of £100. Maid service by arrangement. Everything included. Excellent, friendly, big party base for the whole of West Cornwall or just the beach.

Summercourt: village with good pub, shop and PO in the middle of Cornwall. The north coast beaches at Newquay (Towan Beach, see above), about 6 miles; the south coast, about 12; St Austell, about 9 miles; Truro (cathedral city), 10; Probus (large village with Cornwall's finest church tower) and beautiful Trewithen Gardens, 5 miles.

... on the edge of a wooded valley (1½ miles from Summercourt), the west wing (left in picture) of a large, partly 17th cent. Grade II listed farmhouse on a 300 acre organic dairy farm, private and tree-sheltered. Drive and flower-tub filled yard to the front, enclosed lawn garden to the back with paved barbecue area (garden furniture and children's swings), meadows and woodland beyond which you are welcome to walk. Inside, unfussy decor with good modern fabrics. Entrance into boot room with washing machine and tumble drier, shower-room (suite); fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer); one step down to dining room with French windows to garden; attractive living room (radio/CD player) with original sash windows and slate fireplace (open fire). Off the living room is a 'snug' with sofa bed. Stairs up to three bedrooms double, twin and bunk bedroom (or twin) with pretty rural views. Bathroom (suite). Three/four bedrooms in all. No smoking. Quiet and private, yet excellent for easy access to north or south coasts. Central heating and electricity included.

Watergate Bay: a two-mile-long stretch of golden sand (sandcastles or surfing) at the foot of cliffs 2½ miles north of Newquay. Beside it is a hamlet consisting of good pub, hotel, beach bar/bistro and a few cottages. RAF St Mawgan and small civil airfield, 1½ miles.

... ¼ mile from the beach is Pendowr House, a fine Victorian family house, part slate-hung, double-glazed, detached, set in over an acre of really interesting garden. An adjacent cottage is occasionally used by the owners at weekends. There is a grassed and enclosed area close to the house for relaxing or children's games (table/chairs, barbecue), steep steps up through a rockery to an ancient gunnery (now a wonderful viewpoint over fields and out to sea), winding paths through jungle-like vegetation and ponds; great fun to explore and enjoy. Inside, lovely spacious rooms, well furnished and equipped; comfortable living room (woodburner, CD/cassette/ radio) with huge bay window overlooking the garden; dining room leading to a conservatory with plants and cane furniture; fitted kitchen/breakfast room (dishwasher, microwave, Aga, electric hob); and small utility area (washer-drier, fridge/freezer). Downstairs shower-room (suite). Upstairs, the landing has a great vantage point where you can look out over the garden to the sea (telescope provided). Four bedrooms - master double (5'), double plus bunks - both rooms with sea views - pretty twin, and another smaller double. Bathroom (suite) and separate loo. Payphone. Central heating and electricity included. Cautionary Deposit of £100.

Penrose: little old hamlet about 1½ miles from the sea (sandy beach) at Porthcothan or very spectacular Bedruthan Steps (see picture left). Only 3 miles from Constantine Bay/Trevose Country Club (see right), but thoroughly Cornish. Padstow, about 4 miles. Six beaches within 4 miles.

... one of an old, rose-and-honeysuckle-covered, sun-facing row of cottages with pretty farmland views, beside a no-through-track. Enclosed sun-trap patio (table/chairs), larger pretty garden across the almost car-free track (table/chairs, barbecue). Inside, very much - and very attractively - an 'own home'. Large slate entrance porch leads into smallish living room with inglenook fireplace (woodburner), wood panelling and beams (low ceilings and doors downstairs), books, toys and games; kitchen/dining room (microwave); utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, table tennis); bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Steep stairs (handrail) from the living room up to three bedrooms; one double, one twin, one single. Fresh veg. in season. Easy, relaxed atmosphere. No smoking. Telephone for incoming calls. Heating and electricity included.

... and next door to P353S, the end one in the row of traditional, south-facing, stone cottages. To the front, a slate/granite wall topped with roses encircles a small sunny garden (bench); larger garden 10 yards away (swings, barbecue, picnic table). Large conservatory (cane furniture) leads into a beamed length-of-cottage living room with large stone inglenook fireplace (woodburner), comfy sofas, stripped pine furniture (pretty dresser), very much 'own home'. Small dining room with slate floor and rugs, ornamental slate inglenook fireplace, chunky pine table, pew and chairs seating 6. Pine kitchen (microwave); utility room cum pantry (washing machine, fridge/freezer). Stairs up from dining room to three bedrooms (all with stripped pine floorboards and rugs) - pretty double with ornamental fireplace, twin and single. Attractive bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). No pets from 19th July to 30th August, but welcome at other times. Heating and electricity included.

Cornwall's north coast: from the River Camel north to Bude and further, it is of cliffs as much as beaches. Walking (coast path) and bird-friendly cliffs usually no road near. Great sand/surf beaches at Polzeath, Trebarwith, Widemouth Bay, Bude, and Sandy Mouth; sandy coves at Port Gaverne, Bossiney, Crackington Haven, Duckpool, and others less accessible; Rock, also sandy, is the place for watersports, including sailing on the Camel estuary; mini-fjords at Port Quin and Boscastle. Port Isaac is very pretty round its cliff-enclosed harbour. The well-worth-riding Camel Trail cycleway (bikes for hire) goes from Bodmin Moor beside the Camel to Padstow. Pencarrow is a beautiful house with wonderful garden. Tintagel has a ruined castle (King Arthur's?) on a wild headland. St Juliot church was restored by Thomas Hardy and 'a pair of blue eyes' nearly fell down a Crackington cliff. Bodmin Moor is only a little way inland: makes a change from sea: so does lovely Lanhydrock (see Cornwall's 'Med', page 25). Not far to Eden (see South Cornwall, page 31).

Telephone numbers: Padstow TIC: 01841 533449

Wadebridge TIC:01208 813725

Bude TIC: 01288 354240

Camelford TIC: 01840 212954

Camel Trail cycle hire: 01208 814104

St. Merryn: the village (old pub, shop or two, petrol) for the Trevose peninsula, 1^½miles from the country/golf club. At least five very good sand/surfing beaches within 3 miles and splendid cliff scenery/walking (Bedruthan Steps, Trevose Head). Padstow, 4 miles.

... on the edge of St. Merryn village, an efficient, reliable, comfortable, very spacious, double-glazed, detached dormer bungalow, well carpeted, furnished, decorated, with mostly picture windows. Good-sized front garden; masses of forecourt parking (space for boat trailers); patio; small lawned garden backing onto a field. Large, light hall; big living room (open fireplace, CD/radio/cassette) with three windows; dining room (open fireplace) leading to sun-room; hatch to well-equipped fitted kitchen (microwave, fridge/freezer, double automatic oven); utility room with washing machine, tumble drier, door to garage (surfboards); bathroom (bath, basin, bath-shower); separate loo. Three bedrooms: large double downstairs; upstairs, landing with books and another double and a twin bedroom, both very reasonable-sized, both with sea views over fields. Payphone for outgoing calls. Good owners, good place. Suitable for partially disabled.

Constantine Bay (pictured above), with good general store, is the main settlement; no mean dwellings, maximum two-storey houses in own gardens; tamarisk and lawns; an unflamboyant hotel. Peaceful, romantic, evening-stroll places. Generations of Home Counties families have holidayed here - and saved it from being spoilt. Pub at St. Merryn, 1 mile; Padstow, lovely old harbour town, and sailing on the Camel Estuary, 5 miles. Superb golf (St. Enodoc) near Rock.

... and here is a very high quality, large, excellently maintained Edwardian house one of the first built on the Trevose peninsula (c1906) in brilliant position, off the lane leading to Trevose Head (terrific views, cliff walks) and next to the golf course. Over an acre of sunny, tree-and-shrub-sheltered garden (lawns, flowers, walls, paved areas; croquet, barbecue). Caravan park nearby but main garden is completely secluded from it and windows except from one bedroom look away from it: superb upstairs views to the headland and sea over Mother Ivey's Bay (200 yards) and Booby's Bay (10 minute walk), both sandy beaches. Just under a mile to the country club and Constantine Bay general store, or to Harlyn Bay.

The house is extremely well-furnished, decorated and maintained as an 'own home', nearly all double-glazed, very spacious, masses of books, toys, games, excellent ornaments, pictures; big rooms, high ceilings. The living room is upstairs, with marvellous sea views in two directions (telescope provided) a lovely, 37' long, light room (open fireplace, picture windows); also upstairs, two bedrooms, one double, one 6' double (or twin, unzippable), and bathroom (suite). Downstairs: glazed porch; hall; large, very well-equipped, easily-run, newly-fitted kitchen/dining room (2nd TV) with Aga plus electric cooker, dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, big dining table with bench seats in alcove, Welsh dresser, French windows to garden; slate-slabbed walk-in larder; two twin bedrooms (both with washbasins); and second bathroom (suite plus shower). Four bedrooms, two bathrooms in all. Telephone b/a. Daily cleaning service b/a. Central heating and electricity included. £100 Cautionary Deposit.

... and about ¾ mile from Constantine Bay beach (see left) and 600 yards from the country/golf club, a good quality bungalow at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. It is well presented, double-glazed, L-shaped, with good-sized enclosed garden at the back. Inside, light with big windows, well-decorated, comfortable. Large, lovely living/dining room (original paintings, bridge table, books, CD/cassette/radio, games, jigsaws) with deep, comfortable, green armchairs/sofas, Cornish stone open fireplace dividing the living and dining areas, sliding glass doors to the garden; well-equipped fitted kitchen (dishwasher); utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, microwave, freezer); back door to garden. Another smaller children's sitting room with second TV. Four bedrooms - double with en suite bathroom (suite), two twin, one single. Folding bed available. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); also cloakroom with loo and basin. Payphone. Central heating and electricity included. Suitable for partially disabled. No smoking.

Withiel: way off the beaten track hamlet in beautiful, utterly unspoilt farmland, about 10 miles from the sea at Padstow or Rock. The River Camel (fishing and 'Camel Trail' cycleway), 1½ miles. Wadebridge, 4 miles. Riding stables, 2½ miles.

... 1½ miles from Withiel, in the beautiful farmed and wooded Ruthern Valley, a very attractively converted barn, attached to but quite private from the owners' house, end on to a very quiet lane. Small, shrub-screened sun-trap patio (table/chairs) by front door; orchard to wander. Stable door leads into spacious living (open fire, CD player)/dining/kitchen, open and airy with large comfy sofa, interesting pictures, and large Tongan wall-hanging decorating the good, separate, smart fitted kitchen area (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer). Upstairs (childgate), two bedrooms - one double, one twin; wood-panelled bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Cupboard of children's toys and books, large enough to play inside. Tumble drier shared with owners. Pottery lessons by arrangement locally. Spring water. A very peaceful, civilised place. Heating and electricity included.

St. Issey: village with PO and pub 3 miles from Padstow and about 5 from the great sand/surf beaches around Trevose Head (see page 15) and cliff walking (Bedruthan Steps). Sailing and excellent golf (St. Enodoc) at Rock, 10 miles. Petherick Creek, ^½mile (creek-side footpath to Padstow), and 2^½ miles to the 'Camel Trail'.

... on the edge of the village, a romantic little cottage, semi-detached, end-on to a lane, 'own homeish', cleverly organised, thoughtful, with a small enclosed garden/patio (seat, barbecue). Peaceful. Glazed porch leads to open-plan, full-length-of-cottage living/dining room (open fireplace), well furnished. Well-equipped, newly fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, freezer). Pine bathroom (suite plus bath-shower); separate loo. Stairs from the living room to two cosy bedrooms, one double, one twin (2'6" beds), both gently decorated with mostly Liberty prints, lace, mainly pine furniture, dried flowers, pictures, ornaments. Off road parking for one small car. Electricity and heating included. Good cottage, small but excellent situation, best for two adults and two children.

Little Petherick: pretty hamlet in the wooded valley of Petherick Creek, 2 miles from Padstow (left), 2^½ from the Trevose surf/sand beaches (see page 15) and golf. Lovely creek-side footpath to Padstow joining in 1^½ miles the famous 'Camel Trail'.

... on the hillside above the hamlet, all of this excellent, very spacious, double-glazed bungalow except a small part on the left which is the home of the delightful owners (he a landscape gardener). Superb farmland views (estuary glimpses). Big, very well-maintained enclosed garden (lawn, flowers, pergola, croquet), large patio (table/chairs, barbecue), and goldfish pond. Hall; large, comfortable living room (open fireplace) with lots of pictures, ornaments, music centre; archway to dining room; glazed doors to garden from both rooms. Extremely good, attractive fitted kitchen (dishwasher, washer-drier, microwave, fridge/freezer, light oak units, electric oven, gas hob). Two pretty bedrooms, one double (washbasin), one with twin and bunk beds. Two bathrooms (suite, one plus hand-shower). Payphone. Fresh veg. in season. Electricity and heating included. Suitable for partially disabled 2 steps only.

Padstow: very attractive old small harbour town on the River Camel's sandy estuary. Many fine beaches very close (see Trevose peninsula, page 15) and headlands for walking; sea birds. Pedestrian ferry to Rock (watersports, sailing school) and very good golf course (St. Enodoc).

... in the middle of Padstow, a very good first floor flat (arrowed) about 100 yards from the harbour, overlooking entertainingly one of the many narrow shopping streets and market. Above the owner's good quality gift shop, it has own ground floor entrance from pedestrian way at the back beside pretty little coffee shop. Nice stairs lead straight into excellent, large, light, sunny, fitted kitchen/diner (washer-drier, microwave, radio). Through to comfortable living room, two bedrooms one double, one with two single beds and bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Heating included. The coffee shop serves meals; other good eating places near. Excellent easy base.

... and 300 yards up from Padstow harbour, an utterly charming terraced Victorian house stylishly furnished and decorated by young owners. Brilliantly positioned for conveniently walking to all the little shops, pubs, restaurants and harbour (good boat trips), but away from the main bustle. To the back, a secluded decked terrace (furniture). Three steps up from the lane; door to attractive living room with ornamental slate fireplace, navy-blue sofas, muted décor; large fitted kitchen/diner (washing machine, microwave, fridge/freezer); shower-room (suite). Upstairs to two elegant double bedrooms, one with door to terrace; more stairs up to large and airy, pretty attic twin room: three bedrooms in all. Great place at any time of the year. OK for 6, best for 4. Public car park, 250 yards; limited lane parking, 50 yards. Electricity included.

Helpful Holidays 2003.

Holiday cottages and self catering properties in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

... within the Pencarrow estate, a splendid south-facing stone farmhouse with its own large and lovely garden/lawns (enclosed). It is in a wooded stream and farmland valley, about 100 yards and behind trees from the A389 and 3Ž4 mile from Pencarrow House. You are welcome to walk the house's glorious gardens and its grounds and to use the tennis court. House and garden are open to the public, but not the vicinity of the farmhouse.

... 1Ž3 mile from the village centre/pub, off a quiet lane in a stream-valley, a south-facing, ancient granite cottage. Enclosed front garden (lawn, trees, rose-trellis) and copse beside the stream. Inside, small porch; slate-floored living room with big granite fireplace (woodburner); small fitted kitchen/dining room (dishwasher, microwave); reading room (books, CD/radio/cassette player) with double sofa bed. Utility room (washing machine, tumble drier, freezer) and door to garden. Upstairs, two bedrooms - double with pretty ornamental fireplace, and a room with two single beds (one 2'6") with large toy box, both with views over the garden. Bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Telephone. No smoking indoors. Pretty, very peaceful and sheltered situation; excellent base. Central heating and electricity included.