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The best cottages, manors and AirBnBs to rent in Cornwall
It is no secret that trawling through the hundreds of houses, shepherd's huts and apartments on house rental sites can be taxing. Indeed, it seems unfair that in order to plan the ultimate relaxing holiday, one must spend many a stressful afternoon clicking through the internet's homestay muck. In Cornwall, the UK's gloriously sea salty, sandy region, this inevitability seems especially true: there's much on offer, but few rentals are to a high standard. Luckily, we at House & Garden have done the sleuthing for you, closing the harrowing gap between you and your next Cornwall holiday. Whether you're after a fisherman's cottage in St Ives or a sprawling former rectory with impressive sea views, we've rounded up the region's best, most stylish and charming home-stays.
Discover Cornwall's most charming cottages, manors and AirBnBs to rent for your next holiday
- The Fable</a>, Perranporth","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643e600dc41ee0b952e8ab05","index":0,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
1/31The Fable, Perranporth
For those longing for those bygone days of yore when life was simpler, slower and lived under thatched roof, your yearning days are through. Luxury provider Unique Homestays, in collaboration with luxury lifestyle brand The White Company, has just launched an ‘immersive’ holiday experience. Cottagecore-loving guests will want to spend a few nights at The Fable, a charming thatched cottage in the Cornish countryside just a stone's throw from the sea. Filled with products from The White Company including signature scents (including Lime & Bay), quality tableware and fluffy robes and with the attentive, sparkling service associated with Unique Homestays, a stay at The Fable is a fairytale of luxury.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £1,695 for weekly stays and £1,250 for shorter breaks. Pets allowed for an extra fee.
- Rock Country</a>, Padstow","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643e61e6c9463336329f09cc","index":1,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
2/31Rock Country, Padstow
Foodies especially will want to flock to this charming stone estate, thanks to its close proximity to some of Cornwall's finest (and Michelin-starred) restaurants. Those who are seeking a seaside retreat, too, will enjoy a stay here: Grade II listed, Rock Country is full of history and Cornish design delight. A perfect day spent playing house here begins with a leisurely stroll through the lovely town of Padstow in the morning before tucking into freshly-caught fish for lunch and a massage in the town's renowned Scarlet Spa. After an early evening tipple in the lush garden, enjoy a meal with friends sat at the welcoming dining table. Pure Cornish bliss.
Sleeps up to 10 guests, from £795 per night.
- Fisherman's Cottage</a>, St Ives","brand":{"name":""},"id":"618942914a03b8fcef3d150e","index":2,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
- The Edge</a>, Whitsand Bay","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643e7da8bf36dd5159364dfe","index":3,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
4/31The Edge, Whitsand Bay
Every morning spent at The Edge is one spent soaking up the most of a bright white British sun and taking in the bracing, panoramic views of the glittering blue sea beneath. Perched on the sandy cliffs above Whitsand Bay, this bolthole is the idyllic couples getaway, cosy without being too stuffy, with enough space to truly relax and to practise the oxymoronic art of being ‘alone together’ (although, you'll most certainly relish the chance to share this experience with your love). If its stunning views and white-washed, cedar-clad interiors weren't enough, perhaps the beach hut's eco-friendly and responsible design will give you yet another reason to book in and enjoy the bounty and beauty of Cornwall.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £1,750 per week and £1,295 per short break. Homestay includes bottle of champagne and Cornish chocolates.
- Trematon Castle</a>, Castle Hill","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189428fb028fc86ce4881fa","index":4,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
5/31Trematon Castle, Castle Hill
Fancy a night or two in a castle with an Indian-style pool and beautiful walled garden? The lodge house at Trematon Castle is the place to book, recently refurbished by House of Hackney with their signature prints and fabrics, suitably grand antique furniture and splashes of colour. It's a lovely place to stay in a totally wonderful Cornish location – if you ever leave the castle grounds, that is.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £193 per night (with a 10% discount for weeklong stays).
- Withiel Barn</a>, Withielgoose","brand":{"name":""},"id":"62667c866fc29fccf7657ee7","index":5,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
6/31Withiel Barn, Withielgoose
This converted barn–complete with beamed ceilings–is a delight of skirted cupboards, flagstone floors and lovely furniture. It's a romantic hideaway for two with a wooden hot tub and sauna outside to up the ante. The owners can arrange masseuses to visit too, to make it a spa break by the sea.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £262 per night.
- Firefly, Newquay","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643ea720a6939b184ac119e5","index":6,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
7/31Firefly, Newquay
A stone's throw from the characterful Mawgan Porth, this woodcutter's cottage is perhaps as cosy as a Cornish retreat can be. Understated luxury permeates the entire property, which features elevated fixtures and furnishings (including an AGA and hot tub!). Those travelling solo in hopes of a quiet, nature-filled escape will want to consider a stay at Firefly, as will couples hoping for a quietly romantic getaway amidst the splendour of nature.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £1,495 per week and £1,150 per short break.
- The Luxury Schoolhouse</a>, Fowey","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189428f7c63ccf003961059","index":7,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
8/31The Luxury Schoolhouse, Fowey
You have to wonder what Fowey's school is like now, as this lofty building with sweeping views across Fowey harbour is a former Victorian schoolhouse, converted into a four bedroom house (though able to accommodate 12 guests at a time). Not only does it have ample living space and some of the best views in town, there are also parquet floors, a garden and a games area with a table tennis table.
Sleeps up to 12 guests, from £625 per night.
- Damselfly, Bodmin Moor","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643e67e3bf36dd5159364dfa","index":8,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
9/31Damselfly, Bodmin Moor
Henry David Thoreau had Walden Pond, Humphrey Bogart always had Paris and, after a stay at this idyllic woodland cottage, guests will have Cornwall. Perched in a tree tunnel on the River Warleggan, this cosy cabin is a true jewel perfect for nature lovers. Dragonflies whiz to and fro across the expansive porch, which looks onto the babbling river and the many creatures that live within it. With a fishing permission, too, avid anglers will relish the opportunity for a close-to-home fishing opportunity; their guest will relish the opportunity for a truly fresh-caught dinner.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £1,150 per week and £895 per short break.
- Aphrodite, Boscastle & Tintagel","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643e7c7ebf36dd5159364dfc","index":9,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
10/31Aphrodite, Boscastle & Tintagel
Bright and spacious interiors give way to expansive, impressive views over the rugged cliffs of North Cornwall. Nestled between the enchanting villages of Boscastle and Tintagel, this lovely house is ideal for a solo traveller in search of true peace and quiet amongst nature, or for a couple seeking a romantic getaway from live's daily slough. Whether your ideal holiday is one spent cosying up against the crackling fire or trekking down to the nearby beaches to take in the surf and sea, you are sure to find it in spades with a stay at Aphrodite.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £1,795 per week and £1,350 per short break. Dogs are allowed.
- Blis Shop</a>, Mousehole","brand":{"name":""},"id":"62667b36a930117841d84d15","index":10,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
11/31Blis Shop, Mousehole
This harbour-side cottage has the best of both worlds; it's cosy in winter and breezy in the summer, making the perfect coastal retreat for two. The interiors are pared-back and modern, with a rustic, natural feel, ample space and a lovely edit of furnishings.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £110 per night.
- Aurora, Whitsand Bay","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643ebb9bcad372a09340ad31","index":11,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
12/31Aurora, Whitsand Bay
High above the crashing waves and churning sand piles of Whitsand Bay sits the glorious cottage Aurora. With its panoramic sea views and expansive deck which seamlessly blends into the rugged Cornish cliffside, a stay at Aurora is one certain to be memorable. In summer, expect the pinnacle of indoor-outdoor living, moving as the waves do from sun chair to comfortable linen sofa to beach and repeat. Steps away from the South West Coast Path and with hidden coves home to no one but friendly seals and fish, adventure is always around the corner.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £1,695 per week and £1,250 per short break.
- Falmouth Townhouse</a>, Falmouth","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189428f77b9da749dd4a02b","index":12,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
13/31Falmouth Townhouse, Falmouth
When you're at the seaside, you sort of want sea views to make the holiday feel complete. If that sentence encapsulates how you feel, then this Falmouth pad is the one to book, as the terrace has uninterrupted views over the harbour. Inside, it's modern and well-equipped with decoration that hints at the nautical theme.
Sleeps up to 10 guests, from £168 per night.
- Renovated Fisherman's Cottage</a>, Mousehole","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189428feea7137eaf372b88","index":13,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
14/31Renovated Fisherman's Cottage, Mousehole
From this Cornwall AirBnB, you can lie in bed and watch the boats bob around in the harbour – what could be better? The house is unique and inviting, decorated in muted tones and with seaside elements mixed with exposed brick walls and flagstone floors. It's simply charming and the setting couldn't be more ideal for a seaside escape.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £136 per night.
- The Barn</a>, Warleggan","brand":{"name":""},"id":"61894291d90b1c76b9d590b1","index":14,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
15/31The Barn, Warleggan
This secluded holiday home sits amongst bluebells woods and an army of oaks, overlooking the Warleggan river below. It's peaceful, rural and a real escape, as well as having serious eco credentials with its 100% renewable energy supply. Sit outside on the deck, listen to the wildlife or wander inside and warm yourself by the log-burning fire.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £74 per night.
- The Old Signal House</a>, Torpoint","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643ebcabcad372a09340ad33","index":15,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
16/31The Old Signal House, Torpoint
It doesn't get much more private than this. Once a lighthouse used by weary sailors navigating the rocky Cornish coastlines, this house is now a gloriously unique home-stay, perfect for a family seeking secluded luxury. With a private sandy beach, too, guests will have the pleasure of having jumping dolphins and ‘ar-ar-ar’-ing seals as sole company. However, should you wish to venture afield from this Cornish paradise, delicious pub food and quaint villages await only thirty minutes by foot (and minutes by car). Busy Whitsand Bay and all its surfers, too, are close; it's just fifteen minutes by car.
Sleeps up to 6 guests, from £198 per night.
- Quaint Cornish Cottage</a>, Poughill","brand":{"name":""},"id":"618942911e012b436fda3ac3","index":16,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
17/31Quaint Cornish Cottage, Poughill
A 15 minute walk in land from Bude and its sandy beaches, this cottage is quaint and pretty from the outside, with a clean, modern interior. It sleeps four guests in kingsize and twin bedrooms, alongside two bathrooms and an airy living room with adjoining kitchen-dining room. At the front of the picturesque property, there's a south-facing terrace for soaking up the sun and firing up the BBQ.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £105 per night.
- The Lost Slipper</a>, Newquay","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643ebe29e0c3bfdbd08d98cc","index":17,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
18/31The Lost Slipper, Newquay
Perched on twenty-two acres of landscaped grounds is this magnificent Regency home, full of the grandest reception rooms kitted with storied antiques and traditional furnishings. Perfect for grand parties or a larger family reunion, this is the idyllic Cornish escape for those seeking to live large. Peruse the many leather-bound titles in The Lost Slipper's panelled library, have formal dinners in the impressive dining room (and more low-key breakfasts at the farmhouse kitchen table) and a lovely wander along the pond, through the gardens and in the orchards. Just ten minutes from the beach, the salty Cornish experience is to be had, too, for those hoping for a bracing sea swim.
Sleeps up to 16 guests, from £967 per night. Two additional homes on the grounds can be booked, allowing for up to 30 guests.
- Riverside Cabin</a>, Constantine","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189428f82d6ea0c229eaf5a","index":18,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
19/31Riverside Cabin, Constantine
It's rare to come across a house like this, hand built with love and nestled in the woods by a river. It's a true retreat, though in easy distance to the amenities of Falmouth. There's a woodburner inside and fire pit outside for outdoor cooking, as well as the babbling brook to cool off in. Sleeping arrangements are via a double bed on the mezzanine and bunk beds below.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £145 per night.
- Beachfront Loft</a>, Marazion","brand":{"name":""},"id":"61894290eea7137eaf372b8a","index":19,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
20/31Beachfront Loft, Marazion
This Victorian seafront apartment could not be better situated, right on the waterfront of the village of Marazion with views over St Michael’s Mount. Inside, it's airy and bright with a soft colour palette and exposed beams, as well as a small terrace at the front of the house – ideal for a sunset glass of wine as you drink in the views. It sleeps four guests but has just the one bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £160 per night.
- The Pilchard Press</a>, Mevagissey","brand":{"name":""},"id":"618942912b3485c018838dd4","index":20,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
21/31The Pilchard Press, Mevagissey
The fishing village of Mevagissey is one of the sweetest spots in Cornwall and this apartment in a Grade II listed building is mere steps from the harbour, where the boats come in and out daily with their catch. Pop down, pick up the freshest fish straight from the source and cook it in this lovely flat, which is beautifully decorated with a marble bathroom, hardwood floors and kingsize bed. It's a small but perfectly appointed rental, able to accommodate two guests.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £121 per night.
- The Game Keeper's Lodge</a>, Helston","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189428f62b737ababca1421","index":21,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
22/31The Game Keeper's Lodge, Helston
If this house looks familiar to you, it's probably because you've seen it on Grand Designs. A former game keeper's Lodge, this vast house is now a wood and stone marvel, with curving walls, a wraparound terrace and balcony and meticulous design details. The amount of wood used gives it a rustic feel, while a hot tub offers a touch of luxury for guests.
Sleeps up to 12 guests, from £1,000 per night.
- Little Trenant Barn</a>, Constantine","brand":{"name":""},"id":"618942902b3485c018838dd0","index":22,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
23/31Little Trenant Barn, Constantine
You don't come across too many AirBnB properties like this one, which is set in a timber-framed barn full of rustic charm. The main bedroom is on a mezzanine level over the spacious open-plan kitchen and living room, with a second twin room in the eaves on the other side of the property. Large windows flood the space with light and plentiful decorations make it feel more homely than most holiday houses.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £200 per night.
- The Spyglass</a>, Gorran Haven","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643e643de0c3bfdbd08d98ac","index":23,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
24/31The Spyglass, Gorran Haven
Built in the Napoleonic era, this tiny white jewel is full of history. Hidden behind strong stone walls, The Spyglass is full of authentic Cornish charm. With luxurious digs – including a chef's kitchen, sumptuous king-sized bed and comfortable armchairs ready to be pulled closer to a crackling fire – a stay here will be as restorative as it will be heavenly. Just seconds away from the sea's gentle lapping onto Goran Haven beach, one could not be closer to the sea, making a stay here the most idyllic of Cornish holidays.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £1,595 per week and £1,150 per short break.
- Tinners' Retreat</a>, Lanner","brand":{"name":""},"id":"618942902b3485c018838dd2","index":24,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
25/31Tinners' Retreat, Lanner
A shepherd's hut is a wonderful way to escape to the country and this particular wooden number is equipped with an outdoor oven and barbecue, as well as a full kitchen inside. The bathroom is a unique one, complete with copper taps, pipes and radiators. Not all shepherd's huts are made equal–and this is one of the better examples.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £63 per night.
- 17th-century rectory</a>, Perranuthnoe","brand":{"name":""},"id":"618942901e012b436fda3ac1","index":25,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
26/3117th-century rectory, Perranuthnoe
It doesn't get more idyllic than a former rectory with sea views, which is exactly what this AirBnB offers. The period charm extends inside with cornicing and orginal fireplaces mixing with a modern aesthetic for the furniture. There are four bedrooms, two with views over the beach, a large kitchen-diner as well as a separate dining room, three bedrooms and a terrace positioned to take in the beauty of Cornwall's coastline.
Sleeps up to 8 guests, from £400 per night.
- Artist's Retreat</a>, Penzance","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189428feef9bf701c65f68a","index":26,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
27/31Artist's Retreat, Penzance
Where some AirBnBs clearly feel like holiday rentals, this artistic chapel feels very much like a home, full of the owner's collected finds over the years. An eclectic mix of antique and reclaimed furniture and lots of snug corners make it a wonderful place to unwind after visiting the nearby fishing villages of Mousehole and Newlyn – two of Cornwall's most popular haunts.
Sleeps up to 10 guests, from £462 per night.
- Surf Style</a>, Penzance","brand":{"name":""},"id":"643e661dcad372a09340ad0c","index":27,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
28/31Surf Style, Penzance
Surfer's paradise awaits at this modern house in Penzance. Atop a cliff overlooking a sparkling sea, guests can enjoy sea views from nearly everywhere in the house, be they curled up in a lovely bedroom or sunning themselves on one of the Adirondack chairs on the wooden deck. Of course, that's if they are not enrolled classes at one of the two local, highly-rated surf schools. A stone's throw from the lovely Sennen Cove, a magical place wherein tousled-hair surfers and gruff fishermen can be found sharing steaming, vinegary plates of fish and chips. Guests are in for a delightfully authentic Cornwall holiday.
Sleeps up to 7 guests, from £256 per night.
- The Artsy Apartment</a>, Falmouth","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189429082d6ea0c229eaf5c","index":28,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
- Beachfront House</a>, Treynaryon Bay","brand":{"name":""},"id":"6189428f9b2ce0e907b867d1","index":29,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
30/31Beachfront House, Treynaryon Bay
This house is generous in every way, with large rooms and enough space to sleep 12 guests. There's a sweeping garden overlooking the sea and even a garden room that functions as a games room. A path leads from the garden directly to the beach and there's an outdoor shower and hot tub for warming up if the sea is a bit cooler than you'd expect.
Sleeps up to 12 guests, from £604 per night.
- The Cob</a>, Bude","brand":{"name":""},"id":"618942919b2ce0e907b867d5","index":30,"contentType":"photo","offers":[],"component":"gallery_slide_component"}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
31/31The Cob, Bude
The Cob, as this four bedroom house inland from Bude is known, was designed by award-winning architects–and it shows; the double height dining room has floor to ceiling windows and all the floors are heated underfoot. There are three double bedrooms and a bunk room for kids with three single beds but the highlight has to be the cedar hot tub in the garden.
Sleeps up to 9 guests, from £263 per night.
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