The Dairy Shed

Scandinavian cabin chic in the heart of the Cornish countryside, this gorgeous three-bedroom cottage is unrecognisable from its former incarnation as the farm's dairy.

Inside, your hosts have made clever use of unfinished natural materials to provide a link to the landscape, with heated tiled floors, comfy seating and a wood burner adding to the cosy atmosphere. Vibrant prints and luxurious fabrics characterise the two double bedrooms, with one boasting a four-poster bed and the other finding space for a freestanding tub. Meanwhile, a bespoke bunk bed adds an element of fun to the third.

Step out onto the west-facing deck for glorious sunsets, best enjoyed from the warmth of the wood-fired hot tub. Afterwards, dry off by the fire pit before cooking some locally sourced produce on the barbecue. Alternatively, grab a seat in the communal courtyard with friends old and new.

Away from the cottage, the village of Stithians is just a mile down the road or a half-hour scenic walk away via the network of bridleways and footpaths that crisscross the Cornish countryside. The popular Seven Stars Inn serves modern British classics and cold pints, while the corner shops and local artisan bakery ensure you can shop local for your whole stay.

Watersports enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the reservoir, where you can sail, windsurf and paddleboard to your heart's content, with the traffic-free Mineral Tramways trail worth exploring by bike.

Finally, you can't visit this far-flung corner of the country and not head to the seaside. The cottage's location means that you're never more than seven miles from either the south or north coast. Standout surf spots include Porthowan, Gwithian, and Porthleven, all within a half-hour drive of your home.


Home truths:
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request
*The second bedroom can be set up as either a twin room or a super king-size double
*Bedroom 3 has bunk beds that are suitable for adults, with a small double on the bottom and full single on top
*Your hosts can provide dog crates and bowls
*There's a secure dog walking field on the farm
*Many Cornish beaches operate dog restrictions, particularly 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