GX4 The Old Barn - sleeps 5 - 7 

GEW  Rosemullion Cottage - sleeps 6

Helford, Cornwall.

With glorious views over the countryside, this truly charming and delightful detached cottage lies just 5  miles from the cove at Crackington Haven and the superb beaches of the north Cornish coast. In a tranquil setting, it dates back over 300 years and boasts many original features including an inglenook fireplace with clome oven, slate floors and beamed ceilings. Refurbished to an excellent standard, it boasts a well-equipped kitchen, three reception rooms, four bedrooms (one en-suite) and further separate bathroom and shower room, and makes an ideal holiday base for larger parties, or two families wishing to holiday together. There is the additional benefit of an enclosed, secluded garden overlooking open countryside.
The North Cornwall coast boasts a magnificent coastline with miles of rugged cliffs stretching down to mystical Tintagel, with its ruined castle on the headland and legends of King Arthur. The splendid Blue Flag beach at Widemouth Bay lies only a few miles distant, as does the seaside resort of Bude with its leisure complex, golf course, shops and restaurants. Just a few miles inland, the Tamar Lakes offer fishing, sailing and canoeing. For walkers, Bodmin Moor is also within easy reach. Shop and pub 2 miles.

A truly stunning detached single-storey property, furnished and equipped to the very highest of standards and boasting many fine features including a secluded enclosed garden enjoying wonderful sea views of Crantock Beach. Adjoining NT land, there is a beach within 10 mins' walk. Newquay, 4 miles, offers a variety of attractions and city of Truro is just a 20-min drive. Eden Project 35-min drive. Pubs within walking distance.

That's how the local postman has described the Vellan Dreath Valley, a lovely and hidden corner of Cornwall overlooking the wide sweep of Whitesand Bay.

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - a haven for botanists and wildlife enthusiasts - these delightful cottages are set in a privately owned, unspoilt 8-acre valley, bordered by a stream, and offer spectacular panoramic sea views all year round. Converted with flair and imagination to the same high standards of comfort, each of these cottages enjoys its own personal garden. Their quiet and magical settings are only accessible on foot down the sandy beach path from Sunny Corner Lane.

The local inn and the attractive little fishing harbour of Sennen Cove are only 10 minutes' walk across the vast expanse of the sandy Blue Flag beach, which is perfect for water sports and famous for surfing. If you are lucky, you may see dolphins, spot the odd seal or basking shark. Rock climbing is popular on the cliffs and headlands, and this is superb walking country. Dogs are permitted on the sand dunes and neighbouring Gwenver beach, with restricted access during summer at Whitesands Bay beach. Land's End is only about a mile further along the glorious coastal footpath, while in the opposite direction the path leads to the dramatic scenery of Cape Cornwall.

All around this coast are countless pretty and secluded coves to explore. Inland, this wild and unspoilt corner of Cornwall, is dotted with prehistoric relics. The little fishing village of Newlyn and picturesque Mousehole harbour, both popular subjects for artists, are 8 miles away. At Porthcurno (4 miles), is the open-air Minack theatre, in a spectacular setting on the cliff top with the sea and setting sun as its backdrop.

A short drive away is St Ives, long popular as an artists' colony, with its pretty stone cottages and narrow cobbled lanes in which to wander. There are many galleries, including St Ive's Tate Gallery. The town of Penzance (8 miles) has a wealth of amenities for visitors, including museums, cinema, golf, tennis and riding, as well as many good shops and restaurants. In the summer months, day trips by ferry or helicopter are available to the romantic Isles of Scilly.