Guests say
Downhouse is a charming, characterful Cornish cottage in a peaceful, scenic location with stunning coastal views and a large, secure garden ideal for dogs and children. Guests praise the well-equipped kitchen, authentic decor, and proximity to beautiful walks and beaches. The owners are frequently described as welcoming and helpful. While most found the cottage clean and comfortable, a few noted issues with dampness, dog odours, and the steep staircase. Overall, it offers a relaxing and memorable stay, especially for those seeking tranquillity and a dog-friendly environment.
Most guests found the cottage clean and well-presented, with fresh bedlinen and towels. However, a few reviews mentioned damp smells and lingering dog odours, as well as some issues with damp towels. These concerns were not universal but did affect the overall impression.
The location is widely praised for its tranquillity, beautiful views, and proximity to coastal walks and beaches. Guests appreciated the peaceful setting and easy access to local attractions, making it a standout feature.
Guests generally found the cottage cosy and comfortable, with a spacious kitchen and pleasant bedrooms. Some noted the beds were high but comfortable. However, several reviews mentioned uncomfortable seating in the lounge and the challenging, steep staircase, which may not suit everyone.
The cottage is described as well-equipped, with a large secure garden, good kitchen, and dog-friendly amenities. Some guests suggested the outdoor seating and some furnishings could be updated, and there were occasional maintenance concerns such as draughts and slippery stairs.
Many guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as a welcoming Cornish cream tea on arrival and helpful, friendly hosts. Please note that such gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Surfing at Trebarwith Strand just one mile. Coastal Path, Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, and the ferry from Rock to Padstow are all easily accessible. Nathan Outlaw, Paul Ainsworth & Rick Stein have restaurants in North Cornwall..
Ground Floor:
Living room: Freeview TV, DVD Player
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Cooker, Fridge/Freezer
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 3: Single (3ft) Bed
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet.
Electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Oil central heating (£5 per day to be paid to owner on arrival or by BACs in advance, October- May). Cot, highchair and stairgate. Lawned garden with garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: The properties have a water supply from the owner’s bore hole and there is a narrow metal spiral at the Downhouse property.. These two stone holiday cottages (ref 29227 and ref TJU) date back to the 17th century and enjoy a rural location with superb sea views.
Pet-friendly, the cottages were extended from a pair of one-up, one-down ancient cottages, which were extended in the nineteenth century. Both cottages have a rustic feel with a clome oven, beamed ceilings and flagstones.
The large garden at Downhouse offers endless enjoyment for families with racquets provided for swing ball tennis, along with cricket bats, a football and hockey sticks, also surfboards. Home from home is our motto.
Both cottages benefit from a sitting-out area with stunning views of the coastline. Surrounded by countryside, they are perfect for walkers to enjoy the views from the Southwest Coastal Path. Ideally situated for visiting some of the many attractions of Cornwall, including Tintagel, the mythical home of King Arthur, the harbours of Boscastle and Port Isaac, made famous by the TV series ‘Doc Martin’. Further down the coast is Polzeath, the ferry at Rock to Padstow with its array of interesting shops, pubs and Paul Ainsworth and Rick Stein’s famous restaurants.
The private water supply is renowned for its natural, refreshing taste and is tested annually. Please refill your water bottles rather than buy plastic ones. Beach 1 mile down the lane, then through fields. Port William pub for good food and spectacular views. Millhouse pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Full oil central heating at £5 per day from October to the end of May.
Let your dogs have a run in the field at the rear of the cottage.
Free WiFi
There are open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
The water is from a spring, well or borehole, and not a mains supply.
Only dogs allowed at the property.
There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property.
Central heating if required £35 per week to be paid to owner on arrival.
Suitable for up to 3 pets
Reviews (20)
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Confirmed Guest
Lovely cottage. Old and characterful but clean and well equipped. Peaceful location looking down towards the sea. Shops and other amenities within sensible driving distance. Would book again if visiting the area again in future.
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Joanne Miller
What a lovely holiday cottage to spend a relaxing weeks holiday in . Couldn’t fault a thing about it. Everything was perfect & our little doggies loved the freedom of the very large closed in garden which they spent many a happy hour playing outside. We will definitely be back ..our home from home .
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Catherine Arnold
The owners are very welcoming with a cream tea awaiting. The garden is lovely and the location is amazing. The house is steeped in history which was interesting. It has it's own well. The shower was nice and it was clean.We had a couple of issues that was sorted out satisfactory. But the house smelt very damp and fousty and like a dogs bed every where, unfortunately, even with windows open. The towels were damp, with one being wet. The arm chairs are extremely old and very uncomfortable and piled high with old cushions. The very high bed needed a step to get into it. The beds were comfortable once I had sorted out the bedding, which I have discussed with the owner and hopefully she will address it for future people. The outside picnic bench wasn't suitable for outside dining because it needs washing. The deck chairs were adequate, although a few nice chairs outside would make the garden a beautiful place. Only one door to the outside which I felt was a bit dangerous in the event of a fire because the upstairs windows were locked. (We did find the key and unlocked them)I know I hired a dog friendly place, but I honestly didn't expect it to smell like a dog. I know the owners ask for no dogs on beds or furniture but from the smell of it nobody takes any notice. So for us, who don't allow it, we found this difficult. We persevered with our holiday as we had been looking forward to some family time. And we did enjoy ourselves despite it being not what we expected. I have found it hard to right a review because I didn't want to hurt the owners. But I don't want other people having their holiday to be like ours. It was a comedy of little horrors. With some love and attention this place could be made in to 5* I hope the owners will see this as constructive feedback for future people.