The Cornish Barn

The Cornish Barn: Cornwall

Set on twenty-six acres of rolling farmland and blessed with soaring vaulted ceilings, a sociable open layout and plenty of natural light – there's a lot to love about this gorgeous Cornish cottage.

Underfloor heating, a wood burner and a sumptuous corner sofa create a cosy atmosphere during the cooler months. Meanwhile, an enclosed garden, outdoor hot tub and a west-facing deck make for a spectacular spot to sip on sundowners as golden hour approaches on those seemingly endless summer days.

Settle in around a fire pit in the communal courtyard and sink some beers with new friends. And on those occasions when the weather isn't playing ball, your hosts are more than happy to set up a screening room in their event space – blankets and popcorn provided.

A mile down the road is the village of Stithians. Here, you'll find a popular pub serving modern takes on British classics, a couple of well-stocked corner shops and even an artisan bakery (who'll deliver to your door if you like). But, of course, there's no need to stop by a supermarket with all this on your doorstep, though you'll find a few options 4.5 miles away in Redruth.

Stithians reservoir is sure to appeal to watersports enthusiasts, with sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding on offer, while the Mineral Tramways cycle path is also worth exploring.

The cottage's location in the west of the county makes it impossible to stray far from either the north or south coast. Seasoned surfers and weekend warriors will appreciate the proximity to plenty of excellent surf spots, including Porthtowan, Gwithian, and Porthleven, all within half an hour's drive.

Home truths:
Please note, this cottage is attached to your hosts' house by a very thick granite wall – the other side is a spare room so won't impact your privacy
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request
*Your hosts can provide dog crates and bowls on request
*Many Cornish beaches operate dog restrictions over the peak summer months
*We'd recommend a car to explore the area – parking is in the front field away from the cottages
*The courtyard is shared with other guests
*Access to the cottage is via a private entrance
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*The second bedroom can be set up as either a twin room or a super king-size double