How to pick the perfect Cornish cottage for your holiday

One of the biggest challenges any prospective Cornish holidaymaker will have is trying to narrow down the perfect holiday cottage out of the seemingly enormous choice on offer.  There are literally hundreds to choose from and if you are unfamiliar with Cornwall or have never stayed there before, this makes it even more of a challenge.  Read our handy guide to help you find the ideal cottage for your holiday.

What kind of cottage do you need?

If you have a pet then just set pet filters on the websites you are looking at as this means they will only show you cottages which accept them.  There is no point falling in love with a perfect cottage only to find you can’t take your dog.  People with allergies rely on pet-free properties being exactly that – pet-free.  So don’t approach holiday home owners and ask them to make an exception as it can put them in the most awkward position.  There are lots of properties of all sizes and types throughout Cornwall which accept pets so you will find that you don’t need to compromise.

Do you require generous living accommodation perhaps because you have young children?  Many of the truly quaint fishermen’s cottages will have small rooms downstairs, a galley kitchen and little or no garden if they are harbourside in a town or village.  If you opt for a more contemporary property then you will find that the layout is open plan and could better suit a young family.

Harbourside properties in some of Cornwall’s most picturesque locations can be ideal for some holidaymakers but not always so suitable for others.  Many properties right in the centre of locations like St. Ives or Mousehole don’t have dedicated parking.  Parking is nearby and may even be in a local car park a short walk away and for which there will be additional charges.  This might not matter if there are just two of you and it is low season but if you are a family with young children then you might want to have a dedicated parking area to load and unload the car regularly exactly outside or adjacent to where you are staying.

Why not pick a beach and find a cottage nearby?  A cottage within a short walk or drive of a pretty cove will be much quieter and more private than one situated right next to the water.  Remember, in some of the harbourside towns and villages, some of the best views can be found higher up the hill.  Many of the popular locations are usually found at the bottom of a steep incline or hill and the properties slightly away from the quayside often have easier access by car and more space and can enjoy the most stunning views over the harbour or bay.

Age restrictions

Some properties have a restriction on young children or a minimum age below which they cannot stay.  Sometimes, this is because the property has a quality of interior design and furnishings which would make it unsuitable or prone to damage from small children. Other restrictions could be because there is something unsafe about the property such as an unfenced pond or waterway.

Numbers of guests

Any website will tell you the maximum number of guests the property can accommodate.  This is not just a question of bedrooms but also crockery and other household furniture which is all geared towards the maximum number of visitors.

If there are only two or three of you, why not opt for a slightly bigger property which sleeps more guests?  Often a property which sleeps three rather than two people or four rather than three will have more space downstairs, with larger reception rooms which can make you stay more pleasant even if you don’t need all of the upstairs accommodation.

Bicycles

Cornwall is a great county for cycling so you might want to pick a cottage that has immediate access to some of the many cycle paths and green lanes which are available to enjoy this beautiful county.  Check with the cottage owner that there is a safe location for you to lock away your bikes at the rear of the property.  Can you access the rear garden or yard or do you need to wheel them through the cottage?  Some holiday home owners will make good provision for cyclists whereas other cottages may be either less well equipped or have more difficult access and storage arrangements.

Babies and Infants

Some holiday homes advertised for two people with just one bedroom will accommodate a baby or small infant in a travel cot beside the parents.  However, once that child is toddling, most holiday home owners will not allow you to stay at what is effectively a cottage for two people that just has one bedroom.

Check out what equipment is provided for toddlers and young children.  Many cottages have full-size cots and travel cots but if your child will have to sleep in a bed then you need to find out whether that bed is of a suitable type and size.  Many cottages are generously equipped with high chairs and stairgates – sometimes, it is just a question of letting the housekeeper know what you need before you arrive as often children’s equipment is stored away from the cottage and only brought in when it is needed for certain bookings.

Wi-fi and mobile coverage

If wi-fi coverage is important to you because you need to keep in touch with work whilst you are away then you may find that some areas of Cornwall have better provision than others in this regard.  Equally, mobile coverage in some locations is challenging because of the terrain and the construction of the buildings which tend to have thick granite walls.

Holiday home owners vary in how much detail they provide on technical information but generally, you can expect cottages hidden away in plunging granite ravines and constructed from hefty stone walls are going to struggle in this regard compared to a property sitting higher up above sea level and on top of the cliffs.  Check out coverage with the agency or property owner. Ofcom has a really good property checker where you can look at the quality of service for both broadband and mobile provision at any UK address if you want to be totally certain before you pay the deposit.