A luxurious Grade II listed building in the centre of Padstow, Padstow House is a cosy and comfortable home for ten, offering glimpses of glamour and a loving restoration in honour of its grandiose past!
The interiors ooze rustic chic elegance, with soft greys and crushed velvet greens set against exposed stone walls and original wood panelling, with a delightful old wood-burner in the living room! Settle into the cosy sofa by the fireplace and switch on your vast TV to really enjoy a moment of calm, with a second lounge space set up in the same way – providing space for all. Your enormous kitchen is fabulous for catering for a large group of family or friends, and even getting plenty of chefs involved – with a huge central island which doubles as a breakfast bar, and tons of surface space for chopping, mixing and adding the all-important finishing touches, as well as an adjoining dining area.
There are five bedrooms in total, each demonstrating the same refreshing simplicity and unassuming glamour as the last. There are two super-king-size beds, one king-size, one double and one twin room, all with dazzling touches including fireplaces, ornate furniture and unique styles. There are three bathrooms in total, and each has a breath-taking design, fusing bold colours and patterns, delicate lighting and stunning facilities to create an air of total luxury! The master suite includes a freestanding bath and separate shower, as does the family bathroom. The kids’ room is delightfully cute, more like a den than a bedroom!
The garden is as quirky and surprising as the home, with a unique shape, fascinating plants and trees and plenty of space for exploring and playing! You have several patio areas as well as an enormous lawn for running around and relaxing! Right in the centre of the town, you’ll be some of the lucky ones with a private space for setting up in the sunshine, with a barbeque fired up and a refreshing drink in hand!
Huge skies, glistening beaches and wild flower-strewn clifftops are rightfully the lasting images of Cornwall, and its warm climate, amazing scenery, and diverse Celtic heritage, including the arts and its enormous wealth of archaeology, certainly justifies the fierce pride of its people.
Famous for its water-sports, in particular surfing and sailing, Cornwall also offers an incredible rock-climbing scene, off-road cycling (including the 18 mile ‘Camel Trail’ following the scenic estuary of the river Camel) and of course, walking. The South West Coast Path, which runs for hundreds of miles along the West Country southern coastline, is particularly scenic around Penwith and the Lizard in the far south-west, venturing through vibrant towns, remote cliffs, beaches, farms and fishing villages. Another incredible walking path is the 125-mile Cornish Celtic Way, mapped by a local 55-year-old clergyman, which will show you a wilder, even more romantic side of this luscious county.
Be sure to try a Cornish pasty and delicious sweet Saffron buns, and of course a little Cornish Clotted cream and Ice Cream! And for a local tipple, the three major breweries of St Austell, Sharps and Skinners serve excellent beer in pubs throughout the county, and because of its mild climate Cornwall has a number of vineyards producing delicious wine, and is even known for its production of honey wine!
Though the magic of the county really happens in the rural Cornish landscape, there are many enchanting towns in Cornwall. Some famous ones include: Bude with its excellent beaches, first class surfing and laidback, relaxed vibe on the north coast; Newquay, the surfing capital of the UK, and; St Ives, the home of one branch of the Tate Gallery, with white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
If you must visit a city (for a little retail therapy, or perhaps to see a show) the only one in the county is Truro, with High Tea at Charlotte's offering an unmissable experience, in a charming Victorian building serving Cornish-grown tea! There are two covered markets, one of which sells eco/organic products, and on Saturday mornings there’s a great farmers' market on the piazza where you can find local produce.
To get in, there are ever-improving roads and trains running right through to Penzance in the far south-west of the county, as well as Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) about 5 miles from Newquay, or a 30-40-minute drive from Truro. The nearby airports of Exeter (EXT) and Bristol (BRS) offer a wider range of flights than Newquay and will usually be significantly cheaper. Car hire is available at all three airports.
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Think rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, great surf and sparkling blue seas, the wild moors of Dartmoor to the Somerset Levels and the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, the South West has plenty to offer. With a lively arts scene, great local food and walking and cycling opportunities galore.