Guests say
Merlin's Retreat in Tintagel offers a clean, well-equipped holiday experience in a superb location. Guests appreciate the property's proximity to local attractions and the village, as well as the spacious garden. While some guests mention issues with comfort and maintenance, the overall sentiment is positive, with many planning to return.
The majority of guests found Merlin's Retreat to be clean and tidy, with only a few isolated reports of cleanliness issues such as pet hairs and a smell in the bathroom. The positive remarks on cleanliness from several guests contribute to a high score in this category.
The location of Merlin's Retreat is highly praised for its quiet setting and easy access to Tintagel village and local attractions. The convenience of the location is a recurring positive aspect in the reviews, leading to an excellent score.
Comfort receives a mixed response, with several guests finding the beds and sofas uncomfortable. However, others describe their stay as comfortable, indicating that experiences vary. The score reflects a balance between the positive and negative feedback.
Facilities at Merlin's Retreat are generally well-received, with modern appliances and a well-equipped kitchen. Some guests mention a lack of instructions and minor maintenance issues, which slightly lowers the score. The presence of Sky Q and other amenities is noted positively.
Guests mention thoughtful touches such as welcome gifts of milk, biscuits, and washing tabs, which are appreciated. However, as these gifts are not consistently referenced and may not be guaranteed for every stay, the score reflects the positive sentiment while acknowledging the variability.
About this property
Merlin's Retreat is a wonderful, detached holiday home, a short walk from the bustling town centre of Tintagel.
Set solely over the ground floor, this delightful bungalow is perfectly equipped for families, friends and couples exploring the sensational north coast of Cornwall. There are USB ports and Sky Q, with full movies, children's and Sky Sports, in the sitting room and both bedrooms, a fantastic double electric range in the kitchen and beautiful, hand-picked and hand-crafted furnishings throughout. The sitting room, at the front of the property, has a huge window with enforced glass that enjoys bright sunshine in the morning. Draw the curtains in the evening and enjoy a Sky Movie, for the perfect end to a long day on the beach, or exploring the coastal trails. The spacious, modern kitchen is set at the back of Merlin's Retreat, with double glass doors opening into the conservatory overlooking the garden. The dining table was purpose-built, using the same wood as the kitchen counters, and the beautiful placements were also crafted from the vivid blue wall tiles behind the hob. The conservatory is a great place to dine as a group, planning the day's activities over breakfast or reminiscing a day spent exploring the Tintagel high street. There are two bedrooms with wall-mounted TVs that connect to the Sky Q box, one double bedroom and one with the flexibility to be a twin room or a double. The lawned back garden is large and fully enclosed, a delightful place to sit and dine when the weather is warm. The centre of Tintagel is less than 10 minutes' walk, with an assortment of shops, restaurants and pubs. There is also a butchers, a bakers, a fish and chip shop and a Post Office where you can send your postcards from. On the opposite side of the town is an English Heritage site, Tintagel Castle which is full of mystery and legend making it a great place to visit and explore. Approximately one mile up from the town is a small, tidal sandy beach called Benoath Cove. When the tide is out you can have a stroll across the sand, along to Bossiney Cove on the other side of the headland. Though access to the beach is a bit tricky, over farmland and down steep steps, it's a wonderful hidden gem and worth it when you get there. Based in Tintagel, you're in a really fantastic spot for exploring the Pentire Head Peninsula and its plethora of walks and lovely towns and villages. Slightly further afield, just an hour in the car, is Cornwall's surfing centre of Newquay. The town has some wonderful shops, bars and several beaches with great surf. Alternatively, if you fancy visiting the opposite coast for the day, there are some wonderful attractions to keep you busy including The Eden Project, St Austell, Looe and even Plymouth all within an hour and a half. Cornwall is a truly sensational holiday destination, and Merlin's Retreat is just the place to call home on your Cornish getaway.
Tintagel is a popular but not overcrowded tourist destination. The surrounding area is dominated by the sea, rocky coves and stunning scenery. Several beaches, including Bossiney Cove, are within easy reach and surfing is the main attraction for those who love the water. Tintagel has several pubs and restaurants and the Old Post Office is a must. For the energetic, the SW Coast Path passes through the village and it winds its way along the cliffs and down to the waters' edge through dramatic countryside.
Accommodation
All ground floor.
Two bedrooms with TVs: 1 x double, 1 x twin (zip/link, can be super king-size double on request).
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Sitting room.
Conservatory with dining area.
Oil central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, Tassimo coffee machine, family sized fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer.
Two portable fans complete with cooling facility.
3 x TVs with full Sky Q including football, movie and children's channels, apps available but guests would need own account for apps and please remember to log out of apps before check out.
Fast stable WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for 2 cars.
Enclosed lawned garden with picnic bench.
One well-behaved dog welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 5 mins walk.
Note: Check-in time 4pm.
Reviews (41)
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Ginette
In a quiet area but close to the centre of Tintagel and the coastal path. If you love walking, the coastal path to Trebarwith Strand or Boscastle is recommended.
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Debbie
We actually went out and bought some for the week. But otherwise it was very comfortable with everything we needed. Lovely location with short walk to the village and castle.
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Nigel
I rented Merlins Retreat for my pregnant daughter and young grandchildren to stay in as part of our big family get together in Tintagel. On arrival it was very strange that the heating was on at 28 degrees and the house was like an oven. The next morning my 3 year old grandson became very ill. On closer inspection of Merlins Retreat it was obvious that there is a serious damp issue in this house. There was mould on the window and window ledge of the twin room and once I moved the bedside cabinet and bed the wall and skirting were full of mould and the flooring blown with the damp in the corner . There was mould in the bathroom all over the ceiling. The conservatory was so mouldy and stunk of damp it couldn't be used and on opening the cutlery tray there was substantial mould all over it! I had to spend a morning of my holiday to bleach the mould the best I could and eventually had moved my pregnant daughter and grand son over to the other cottage we rented in the village as it was making them ill. Shame I could not upload photos on this review to show how bad it was. Will never stay in this cottage again