Close Icon
Penlaurel property

In this month’s owner spotlight, we catch up with William and Charlie Morris – Cornwall holiday home owners. The Morris’s own a beautiful Georgian manor house called Penlaurel.  We find out how they started in the industry and their plans for the future.

This photogenic Grade II listed property lies in the hamlet of Daw’s House, just a mile outside of Launceston.

Close to both Cornish coastlines, this charming cottage is perfect for families, couples and friends alike to explore a fabulous region.


An unconventional route into holiday letting

Snug at Penlaurel with bear cushions, grey sofa and views of the garden.

Holiday letting wasn’t the original plan for Cornwall holiday home owners William and Charlie. Their first thought was to create a new build on the land.

William said, “We originally bought the property back in 2010 as it had a fabulous building plot attached. The initial intention was to give it a quick lick of paint and sell on.”

The self-build took a little longer to get off the ground than we had hoped for many reasons. So, we put a great deal of time, effort, and love into restoring Penlaurel back to its former Georgian glory.

But over the years we have grown to love its big rooms and romantic garden. So, it is important for us to keep it in the family and at the same time let other people enjoy Penlaurel’s charm.”


Renovation – top tips from the holiday home owners

do not disturb bedroom sign hanging on door with bed.

The owners own a very well-known teddy bear company, Charlie Bears. And as such you might imagine the bears have had some influence on the design for Penlaurel. We find out more…

“We wanted to create a theme that people would recognise but that wasn’t too over the top. Whilst we haven’t yet expanded our portfolio… look out for future ‘bear houses’ throughout the UK”.

There are many things which make Penlaurel the perfect romantic retreat, including an abundance of garden space.

The sheltered outdoor hot tub sits to the rear of the property. It is surrounded by a romantic and secluded garden which is especially vibrant in the warm months.

Cook up a feast for your loved ones in the country-chic kitchen, while keeping an eye on the little ones as they play in the enclosed garden. Once dinner is ready to serve, head through to the dining room to enjoy a meal by the cosy wood burner.

Penlaurel is in an ideal location for exploring both Cornish coasts without the heavy price tag of being by the sea.

William discussed; “Guests have very much used Penlaurel as a base to discover the best of Devon and Cornwall, without having to pay premium prices to be near to the coast.”

“We are very much an animal friendly property and as such we have had plenty of well-behaved pets through the door. Including dogs, one very well-behaved cat and even a request for a parrot!”.


Guest feedback

welcome hamper on kitchen table with strawberries, juices, coffee, toast.

Penlaurel is beautifully decorated throughout so you can imagine the great reviews it receives from its guests.

“We get 100% feedback on nearly every booking which we are really very proud of. We go that extra mile to put up a birthday banner or a Christmas tree which really does make a huge difference. And it keeps guests coming back time and time again.”


Cornish Cottage Holidays – taking the hassle out of holiday letting

laundry room at Penlaurel, a property management service.

Holiday letting needn’t be a hassle, if you work with an agent who can take care of the day to day running of the marketing and housekeeping.

We asked the Morris’s about working with us…

“Cornish Cottage Holidays (CCH) have been fantastic. We were with another firm prior to CCH and achieved around 35% occupancy. However, since moving to CCH and taking advantage of their flexi lets and short break options, this has meant the property has had well over 70% occupancy.”

For owners who need a hands-off approach, Cornish Cottage Holidays offer a fully managed service. Where property management, housekeeping and maintenance is all taken care of.

William said, “For us this service is vital, not only because we are incredibly busy and find ourselves always in the wrong place to manage the property.

But with a future eye on wanting more properties, we wanted to try the managed service to make sure it worked without us being present. It does! And I cannot recommend this service highly enough.”


What advice would you give to others who may be thinking of holiday letting?

Penlaurel bedroom with nod to the bears throughout.

Think about what you are offering and who is going to let the property. Be as flexible as you can be – holiday cottages are ideal for people with pets, so we’d recommend welcoming pets. And if your property has lots of quirks, then show them in the photos.”


What are your plans for the future?

Bear statue in the garden of Penlaurel.

“We hope for many more bear houses to come.”


So tell us more about Charlie Bears…

Holiday home owners William and Charlie - owners of Charlie bears.

William and Charlie Morris (pictured) also own the hugely successful brand of teddy bear, Charlie Bears. You can find the home of Charlie Bears at the Bearhouse Gallery in Launceston, and that’s where the magic really happens.

You will be transported into a teddy bear fantasy world the moment you step through the huge, curved oak door. It has been heralded as one of the best kept secrets in Cornwall, offering two full floors of all the amazing bears Charlie has created.

Entry is free but you are welcome to make a donation to one of Charlie Bears’ nominated charities.

Great for a wet weather day for all the family to enjoy!

For more information about Charlie Bears, visit their website.


Penlaurel holiday cottage

Penlaurel holiday cottage dining room - bear theme throughout the house. Dining table with open fireplace and woodburner.

If you’d like to find out more about this Launceston holiday cottage – Penlaurel, take a look at their property listing here for pricing and availability.


Let your cottage with Cornish Cottage Holidays

Exterior image of Penlaurel holiday cottage, drive and gates into the holiday let.

Thinking of letting your holiday cottage? If you’d like to know more about letting your property with Cornish Cottage Holidays, visit our Let Your Cottage page.

Here you can download our FREE owner’s guide with detailed information on the services we offer. As well as the marketing coverage and how you can achieve the best possible holiday let income.