Guests say
Birchenhayes is a highly praised cottage in Cornwall, consistently lauded for its tranquility, beautiful setting, and luxurious comfort. Guests appreciate the non-intrusive yet helpful hosts, the well-equipped property, and the thoughtful touches, including a welcome pack. The hot tub and local amenities, such as the community shop and nearby pub, add to the delightful experience. The property's decor and comfortable beds are also commended, making it a top choice for a peaceful Cornish retreat.
There is no specific mention of cleanliness in the reviews, so it is not possible to provide an accurate score.
The location is consistently described as peaceful, surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to local amenities, suggesting a very high level of satisfaction.
Guests have highlighted the comfortable beds, luxurious house, and the relaxing hot tub, indicating an exceptional level of comfort.
The property is praised for its well-equipped nature, including a BBQ and hot tub, and for having everything guests could need, suggesting excellent facilities and maintenance.
The hosts are commended for their generosity and thoughtful welcome pack. While gifts are warmly mentioned, it should be noted that such personal touches are not guaranteed.
About this property
Resting rurally on the edge of Pentillie Castle Estate, near the famous Halton Quay and close to St Dominick, a Cornish village within the Tamar Valley AONB lies Birchenhayes, a stunning, Grade II listed barn conversion, inviting eight guests. Enjoying woodland and valley views, offering a haven for wildlife spotting and unwinding, whilst adorned with original features throughout, including beamed, valued ceilings, and exposed stonework, Birchenhayes offers an indulgent base for a family or group break. Accessed via a private driveway, you will arrive at a large, gravelled parking area with space for five plus cars, before travelling through an expansive garden to reach the stone-fronted dwelling. Enter and descend to the lower-ground-floor to locate the open-plan living space and utility, complete with sleek granite worktops, state-of-the-art appliances, and lofty patio doors, with access to the peaceful garden. Prepare meals to enjoy indoors or climb the stairs to the first-floor living/dining room for a formal affair, complete with A-framed, beamed ceilings, seating for eight, plush sofas, and a Smart TV for entertainment; get lost in the views from the Juliet balcony. For an evening of bird watching, as the sun sets over Cornwall, unwind in the garden upon the patio furniture, light the barbecue, and enjoy an alfresco feast, before climbing into the indulgent hot tub for the night. When sleep calls, select from four charming bedrooms, starting with a king-size on the lower-ground-floor, serviced by a shower room; on the first floor a king-size, or head into the master wing of the house, which features a handy twin room for your children along with a master suite, oozing Italian opulence, complete with his and hers sinks and luxurious copper, free-standing bath. Awaken to a stroll across the grounds, down towards the pretty pond, before exploring Halton Quay and the Tamar Valley AONB, following one of the walking routes towards The Tamar Valley Donkey Park, or the National Trust properties of Cotehele and Buckland Abbey. Once you're ready for a change of scenery, head to the coast of Plymouth, brimming with eateries, shops, a bustling harbour, The Mayflower Museum, and the National Marine Aquarium, recommended to tour, the Plymouth Gin Distillery to sample some local produce, the Theatre Royal Plymouth, and Tinside Lido pool. Round off your trip in the heart of Cornwall, passing through key areas of interest including Looe, Polperro, Fowey, before returning home in time for the sunset. Experience a nature-filled haven at Birchenhayes.
Between St Ann's Chapel and Halton Quay, overlapping the Tamar Valley aonb, is the charming Cornish village of St Dominick. The village, which is only a short distance from the gorgeous River Tamar, has a farm shop, a pub, The Who'd Have Thought It Inn, and a post office providing all the necessities. Visits to nearby attractions include the Tamar Valley Donkey Park, Cotehele, a stunning working flour mill owned by the National Trust, and the Cargreen Quay's flowing waters. Saltash also has additional things to do, such as the Mary Newmans Cottage Museum and its breath-taking waterfront, which is teeming with restaurants and shops. The Cornish village of Polperro is another suggested stop, with a pretty turquoise cove, Polperro Model Village, and access to the South West Coastal Path, while Plymouth, a coastal city that can be reached by car, is home to the Elizabethan Gardens, Hoe Park, Theatre Royal Plymouth, and the Plymouth Gin Distillery, all worth adding to your itinerary.
Accommodation
Over three floors.
Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x double with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, and WC, 1 x lower-ground-floor king-size with shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail, and WC, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with free-standing copper bath, walk-in shower, double basin, heated towel rail, and WC.
Lower-ground-floor open-plan living space with kitchen and sitting area.
Lower-ground-floor utility.
First-floor living/dining room with Juliet balcony
Oil-fired central heating.
Electric double oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher.
Smart TV with Freeview, WiFi, CD player, Bluetooth speaker.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and high chair available on request.
Private driveway with ample parking for 5 cars.
Front and side garden with lawn, patio, furniture, barbecue, hot tub, and small pond.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop 1.5 mile, pub 1.6 miles, River Tamar 1 mile.
Note: Children must be supervised around the pond.
Note: There are steep steps throughout the home.
Note: The owner's live next door in the old farmhouse
Nearby points of interest
- Sterts Arts Centre
- Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
- Plymouth Gin Distillery
- Launceston Steam Railway
- Dartmoor Zoological Park
- Dartmoor Prison Museum
- The Cheesewring
- The Hurlers
- Launceston Castle
Reviews (7)
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Sharan
A long winding driveway down from the small country lane and you are greeted with spectacular views across the valley. The barn is an exceptional conversion with no expense spared. On entering, it smelt really nice and clean, and it was. It was immaculate throughout the property and it had everything you could need. Helen and Andrew (really lovely hosts) had left us a complimentary pack including scones with clotted cream and jam, Prosecco, milk, bread, eggs, bacon, sausages etc. and all local high quality produce. There's no shortage of comfortable seating both inside and out with a fantastic hot tub. Looking down the garden and across the valley there is a lovely pond. This is a great feature but they are currently making into something really special. They have created another pond down the hill with a waterfall running to it and are creating a further area down from that with another waterfall. We will definitely be going back to see this when it's finished. The peace and quiet of Birchenhaze was just what we wanted but it is also the perfect place to use a base to visit the rest of Cornwall or Devon. We can't fault the barn is any way and we would love to go back as alluded to.
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Linda
The property (Birchenhayes) is outstanding and equipped with everything you could possibly need. The hot tub was a huge hit with everyone especially the grandsons and the view whilst sitting out couldn't be faulted. We were all very fed up when it was time to leave. Linda Slater and party. Thank you Helen and Andrew ps. The welcome groceries and cake was a lovely added touch.
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Cathy
Perfect for a peaceful break in quiet countryside but still close enough to amenities. Kingsand beach & Looe not far away for some nice beach days. We had a lovely stay & would recommend.