Bell Buoy Cottage

Nestled in the little village of Shop, Morwenstow, near Kilkhampton and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is this idyllic thatched terraced house, Bell Buoy Cottage, with the original cast iron bell buoy (now covered in honeysuckle) tucked into the pretty cobbled garden beside the green front door.

Situated adjacent to fields and farmland, the property has beautiful views across the rolling Cornish countryside to the distant sea.

It is within 2 miles of the Hartland Heritage Coast and Marsland Nature Reserve, making a superb base from which to explore the riches of the area for a group of four.

Park your vehicle opposite in the handy off-road parking space, before entering this cosy cottage with its many original features including an inglenook fireplace with clome oven, ancient wooden and flagstone flooring and rustic exposed beams.

Unwind in the cosy sitting room with its vintage furniture and watch a family-favourite on the TV/DVD; in winter, put on the stove for extra warmth and snuggle up!

Continue through to the quirky yet well-equipped kitchen and watch the village world go by from the window seat as a loved one prepares a fabulous meal; hob, oven, microwave, fridge and a washing machine are all on hand for your convenience.

Enjoy lunch in the bright and pleasant dining room with its wood panelled wall and pretty décor or under the parasol on the charming patio with its steps and flowers.

Alternatively, dine al fresco at the wooden picnic table on the gravelled terrace at the top of the sunny, south facing cottage garden, looking out over those wonderful views and watching the birds and butterflies.

In the evening, climb the winding wooden stairs to two pretty bedrooms, one double with a vaulted ceiling and wide, polished floorboards, the other a sweet twin room that is perfect for the kids.

The bathroom downstairs with its green mosaic tiles is furnished with a bath with an overhead electric shower and a heated towel rail to dry off wet swimming gear.

You don't have to travel far for your amenities; enjoy a morning coffee with more lovely views, and afterwards pick up a wide range of fresh local produce from the well-stocked village shop and café only a few hundred metres down the road, then set off to explore the area.

There are many stunning walks to be reached within minutes including the spectacular South West Coast path with its 300ft high jagged cliffs and pounding Atlantic waves.

At Morwenstow, wander through the pretty churchyard and see the graves of ship-wrecked sailors or visit Hawker’s Hut – the tiny lookout built on the cliff top by the eccentric poet Parson Hawker.

Next, visit the 13th Century Bush Inn for lunch or the wonderful Rectory Tea Rooms for a magnificent traditional cream tea (they can also provide delicious picnics for you with a day’s notice).

Marsland Nature Reserve is another local jewel – a magical, remote area with an air of secrecy, straddling the Devon/Cornwall border, brimming with wildlife and including ancient woodland, deep valleys and butterfly-filled meadows.

Or you could travel north to Hartland and visit the stately home of Hartland Abbey, only a short walk from the enchanting Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall before enjoying a cream tea in the beautiful gardens at Docton Mill.

If you would like a day by the sea, the gorgeous National Trust beach at Sandymouth with its backdrop of sheer cliffs offers miles of exposed sand reaching as far as Bude and beyond when the tide is out.

It is very popular with families as well as surfers and often much quieter than the other main beaches.

There are also toilets and a delightful café if you don’t want to take a picnic.

If you prefer the bustle of the town however, Bude is only 10 miles away and offers excellent shopping and eateries in the charming winding streets.

There is also the huge Sea Pool at Summerleaze beach where even the youngest visitors can enjoy safe swimming whatever the tidal conditions.

On a rainy day, discover the fascinating story of Cornwall’s ‘forgotten genius’ (the inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney) and the history of steam carriages and limelight at Bude Castle Heritage Centre, or take the kids for a fun-packed day out at The Milky Way Adventure Park.

There is so much to do and see here with something to interest everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

For a brilliant time in Cornwall with your loved ones, come to Bell Buoy Cottage to relax and to begin your adventure.