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SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION, PORT GAVERNE, CORNWALL

Courtyard Cottage

Characterful dog-friendly cottage, close to the beach and lovely cliff walks

Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms (+ cot) Saturday arrival Up to 2 well behaved dogs welcome Short breaks available
The Retreat

Courtyard Cottage sleeps four guests in comfort and like all of our Port Gaverne holiday cottages, welcomes dogs. The open plan living, kitchen and dining area has stripped pine floors and a cosy wood burner. Both bedrooms are airy and full of natural light and there is a lovely shared enclosed garden, a fantastic nearby pub, and miles of walking to be had.

Short breaks are available on selected dates between September – April. (Saturday or Monday arrival, 2 night minimum). If your desired dates are not bookable online please contact the team here.

This is one of four unique holiday cottages in a terrace on the small lane that runs down to the beach. Courtyard Cottage is one of our Green Door collection, all situated in the heart of a tiny hamlet, right by Port Gaverne cove on the spectacular North Cornish coast. Here you can enjoy being moments away from popular Port Isaac with its restaurants and boutique shops but in a much quieter setting.

Take a look at our webcam which provides stunning live views of Port Gaverne beach.

Bedroom at Courtyard Cottage - Self catering accommodation by Forever Cornwall

In and around Courtyard Cottage

Slate steps lead up to the property, into a wonderfully bright and spacious living area. Attractive wooden furniture, stripped pine floors and a vaulted ceiling complement the open plan arrangement of kitchen, dining room and lounge area. Whitewashed walls accentuate the local artwork, whilst inviting sofas create a snug atmosphere around the wood burning stove. The well equipped kitchen area has all you’ll need to rustle up delights when you are not eating out and you a have a rustic wooden table and chairs for four. The views onto the courtyard garden and country lane give the upstairs area a fresh feel.

As you go down the carpeted stairs you will find the two spacious bedrooms; the principal bedroom has a double bed, and Bedroom 2 has twin beds and access to the courtyard outside through doors. Both come with ample built in wardrobes, shelves and chests-of-drawers. Garden furniture and sun loungers make the slate terrace outside the bedroom door an ideal place to catch some sun on your doorstep, and your private parking is conveniently located nearby. Both bedrooms are bright and airy due to the large windows and doors allowing natural light to flood in.

Out and about

Courtyard Cottage is one of ten delightful ‘Green Door’ properties nestled in the beautiful, secluded cove of Port Gaverne on the north Cornish coast. Owned by the National Trust, this sheltered inlet has a small beach inviting you to explore the sands, rock pools and caves at low tide. Port Gaverne is a charming destination come rain or shine with coastal walks, magnificent views and stunning sunsets. Take a look for yourself with our live Port Gaverne webcam. It’s just a short stroll from the famous 14th century fishing village of Port Isaac which you may recognise as Portwenn, the location of the famous TV series ‘Doc Martin’.

The South West Coast path is immediately behind the property, and this entire stretch of coast has been designated both Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Heritage Coast status.  You can walk east towards legendary Tintagel, or west past Port Isaac and tiny Port Quin cove to Pentire headland, Polzeath and the Camel estuary. Or simply stroll out to the dramatic headland right here for a perfect evening view. Port Gaverne is also one of the top wild swimming spots in Cornwall, and you can hire kayaks and SUPs on the beach, so pack your wetsuit, wellies and sunscreen and we’ll provide the fishing nets, body boards and walking maps!

For eating out, the multi award-winning Port Gaverne Restaurant & Hotel is just next door, dating back to the 17th century and specialising in local produce — particularly seafood and delicious local ales. Or there’s the seasonal “Pilchards” right by the beach with plates for sharing, teas and coffees.  Or stroll into Port Isaac with its growing foodie credentials, given that it’s home to famous celeb chef Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen.

Things we love…

Courtyard Cottage is cosy and practical, with everything you possibly need. We love the country cottage feel of the stripped pine floor and with a fire roaring from the doors of the traditional wood burner, you’ll feel yourself stepping back in time.  The reverse level layout and open plan design of the living area encourages an easygoing holiday with plenty of conversation. Enjoy an evening BBQ on the beach or in the shared courtyard garden — wander over to the Port Gaverne Hotel & Restaurant or the Pilchards café, or stroll up to Port Isaac to look for eateries. There’s always something to do here, but doing nothing is also an attractive option.

Courtyard Cottage sits between Torca and Marigold, and is one of four terraced cottages along this little lane by the pub — each one can accommodate four guests, and each is a unique retreat, but with a similar layout. Have a look at all of our Green Door cottages and apartments in Port Gaverne here.

Exceptionally clean, spacious and very comfortable
Christmas at Courtyard — we've had a fantastic break at Port Gaverne. Courtyard has everything you could need. It is exceptionally clean, spacious and very comfortable. The Christmas tree and welcome pack were a lovely touch. Stan (our spaniel) was very impressed with having the beach on the doorstep. We had already booked our summer holiday here before we came for Christmas. We are sad to be going home but very much looking forward to summer 2024!
Helen, Rich & Stan — December 2023
Features

Retreat Features

  • Free Superfast Wifi
  • Private parking
  • Miles of coastal walks on doorstep
  • Moments from the beach
  • Hop, skip and a jump away from the nearest pub
  • Access to lovely communal garden
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: double bed
Bedroom two: twin beds
All bed linen and bath towels provided
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dining table and chairs for four
Tea towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Open plan lounge/kitchen/diner
Smart TV
Bluetooth speaker
Superfast WiFi available
BATHROOM
Bathroom with shower over bath, hand basin, toilet
Bathroom towels provided
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Saturday standard changeover
Short breaks available, September — April. Changeover days are Monday and Saturday.
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
*Please note from the 1st April 2024 the check in will be after 3pm and checkout time will be before 9.30am
OUTDOORS
Access to shared, enclosed communal garden
Outdoor seating
HEATING
Gas central heating throughout
Wood burner (free logs provided)
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot and highchair on request (cot linen on request)
PETS
Up to two well behaved dogs welcome
PARKING
Allocated parking for one car
Communal EV charging point
ACCESSIBILITY
These properties are two storey and are ‘reverse level’
Access to the front door is via steps
Stairgates are fitted at the top of each staircase
Please contact us for more information
Location

PORT GAVERNE

Port Gaverne is right next to Port Isaac, of Doc Martin and Poldark fame. However, this little cove has an intimate charm all of its own, away from the crowds of its neighbour. Although the beach is small, it’s dog-friendly all year round — and wait for the tide to go out and you’ll be rewarded with sand between your toes, rockpools to search through and caves to discover. Take a look for yourself with our live Port Gaverne webcam. For those with a taste for adrenalin, this sheltered cove offers some excellent coasteering too – get hold of Cornish Rock Tors who will guide you safely along the rocky shore and through the water. They also offer wild swimming sessions, kayaking, and stand up paddle-boarding, as well as plenty other land-based activities – so if it’s an active holiday you’re after then look no further.

Travel times

  • Port Gaverne is about 17 miles from the nearest mainline station at Bodmin Parkway. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • Port Gaverne is 20 miles from the A30, with a driving time from London approximately 5 hours with good traffic and Exeter is roughly an hour and a half away. Full details to plan your route will be available on booking.

Things we love

  • The property is seconds away from the nearest beach, which is dog-friendly all year
  • Nearest shop for amenities is located in picturesque neighbouring Port Isaac, 10 minutes up the road
  • Port Gaverne Inn is moments away, a great gastropub
  • Miles of glorious coastal walks await, right from your doorstep

The port gaverne guide

Port Isaac Outlaw's Fish Kitchen close to Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

A foodie's favourite

In the heart of the hamlet, the Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant serves up Cornish produce — and it’s delicious. Try a range of gins, taste local ales and let the bar staff recommend a fine wine, as there are plenty to choose from.

Stroll from the Port Gaverne holiday cottages along to Port Isaac and experience exquisite dining at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw. Famed for its seafood taster menu, this Michelin starred restaurant is the perfect place for a celebration or romantic treat for two. If you’re accompanied by children, who may not appreciate Mr. Outlaw’s finest cuisine, follow your nose to the Angry Anchovy for excellent pizza and Cornish craft ale. There are also plenty of other places serving fresh seafood, such as Fresh From The Sea at the top of town.

 

Port Gaverne Cove - near Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Sheltered cove right on your doorstep

Port Gaverne’s dog friendly beach is a small one, but wait for the tide to go out and you’ll be rewarded with sand between your toes, rockpools to explore and caves to discover. See for yourself with our Port Gaverne webcam with live footage of the cove. For those with a taste for adrenalin, this sheltered cove offers some excellent guided coasteering too — get hold of Cornish Rock Tors who will guide you along cliffs and through the water. They also offer wild swimming sessions, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, as well as plenty other land-based activities. The cove is moments away from our cottages and apartments in the area, so walk sandy footsteps back up to your retreat, or wrap up in a towel and get the wood burner going to dry out.

Walking Holidays in Port Gaverne Cornwall

Coastal footpaths and clifftop walks

North Cornwall is famous for its dramatic, rugged coastline and Port Gaverne is no exception. Whether you head east or west, you’re greeted with stunning coastal walks — or head inland for circular strolls. Take the coastal footpath and walk east up the coast towards Tintagel, which will take you past some fantastic beaches, often requiring a walk down to their sandy shores but certainly worth the trip. Head west along the coast in the opposite direction and up the footpath to Port Isaac for a great coastal walk that’s not too long or strenuous, just up to Port Quin and back again.

Between Port Quin and Polzeath is a fabulous stretch of the coast path, jutting right out into the Atlantic and offering some really spectacular views. All of the coastal footpaths are dog friendly, but there are some steep sections so make sure you keep the lead handy.

Beaches
Port Isaac harbour as seen from Forever Cornwall holiday cottages nearby

Port Gaverne and Port Isaac

With Port Gaverne beach literally on your doorstep, and Port Isaac beach just a 20-minute stroll, there’s no shortage of sheltered coves within walking distance. These beaches are small, picturesque and family and dog friendly — a great way to while away an afternoon at any time of year. Port Gaverne beach is flanked by Port Isaac headland and ‘The Main’ (Port Gaverne’s headland), which tend to protect the beach from the big Atlantic waves. Port Isaac beach has a breakwater, so is generally a calm harbour with picturesque fishing boats dotted around.

Beaches Padstow Area Polzeath 26 August 2016 2. Matt Jessop

Polzeath

An inspiration for poet Sir John Betjeman, Polzeath is a wide sandy beach about six miles from Port Gaverne. The village of the same name has plenty of restaurants and amenities to fuel a fun-filled day at the beach. With lifeguards on duty during summer days, a surf school on hand and plenty of rockpools to explore, Polzeath is the ideal place for a beach day.

Beaches Padstow Area Daymer Bay 26 August 2016 2. Matt Jessop

Daymer Bay

Daymer Bay is a very sheltered beach about 8 miles from Port Gaverne. It sits in a sheltered spot at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, with calm waters and a long stretch of golden sand, and was one of poet John Betjeman’s favourite locations in Cornwall — it’s not hard to see why. One of this beaches great features is that it’s dog-friendly all year round too — and the wide open space makes it perfect to tire a four legged friend out!

Trebarwith, Adamgibbard

Off the beaten track

Follow the coastal footpath to the east, or drive the road out of Port Gaverne and park up at Tregardock Farm. From here, it’s around a 20-minute walk and a bit of a scramble over some rocks to reach the sandy, quiet beach of Tregardock — be sure to check the tides beforehand! If you don’t fancy the walk, keep driving until you reach Trebarwith, with pub, shop and carpark, making it a little more family friendly and accessible — but a bit busier too. Both have an air of the undiscovered about them though, with waterfalls, caves and rockpools to explore, as well as being a little quieter than the likes of Polzeath.

Food & drink
Pub at Port Gaverne near Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Port Gaverne eateries

Port Gaverne has an extremely good food offering given the size of this tiny hamlet. Two of the best are in the heart of the hamlet — The Port Gaverne Restaurant and Hotel and The Pilchard’s Cafe, both of them are just off the beach. The Port Gaverne Restaurant and Hotel serves up excellent gastropub food and fine wines, or rinse off sandy feet and call in at The Pilchard’s for some tapas-style light bites and freshly made lunches.

Port Isaac Outlaw's Fish Kitchen close to Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Michelin-starred food

Neighbouring Port Isaac is filled with brilliant restaurants, but the most famous perhaps are those of Michelin-starred Cornish chef, Nathan Outlaw. The seafood tasting menu at Outlaw’s New Road is a real experience for anyone who appreciates good food — make sure you book in advance! If you’re after something a little more relaxed, wander down into the town to Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, where fishermen and local growers dictate the menu daily. Housed in a 15th century fisherman’s cottage, you can still expect white tablecloths and superb service but with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Angry anchovy Port Isaac Pizza

Laid-back dining

Follow your nose to popular Angry Anchovy and take a seat for excellent pizza and Cornish craft ale. This dog friendly restaurant serves freshly made pizza, and despite its name, offers plenty of non-seafood options, too. If you’re hankering after a crab sandwich, head to the top of the hill to Fresh From The Sea. Husband and wife team Callum and Tracey catch crab, lobster, mackerel and Cornish varieties of fish from their own boat and have been championing sustainable fishing practices since 2003.

Buying local in Port Isaac

This little town with two Michelin-starred restaurants is, unsurprisingly, one of the best places to get hold of fresh seafood. There are several fishmongers in this tiny village where you can pick up freshly landed fish, as well as delis in the centre and farm shops in the surrounding area.

Find out more about buying local in with our handy Local Food Guide to Port Gaverne and Port Isaac

Things to do
Port Gaverne Stand up paddleboarding Rock tors

Coasteering

If you’re after an injection of adrenaline, you’ll need to speak to Ben at Cornish Rock Tors. North Cornwall’s coastline lends itself particularly well to coasteering and other adventurous sea sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and wild swimming. Cornish Rock Tors have equipment to hire if you know what you’re doing, but we’d recommend getting Ben to show you around the Port Gaverne waters.

Matt Jessop VCL Statue Tintagel North Cornwall

Tintagel Castle

The English Heritage Site of Tintagel Castle is often portrayed as King Arthur’s birthplace, with its Dark Age ruins, rich history of royals and mystical feel. Cross the footbridge and climb the 148 steps up to the island and walk through the wooden door that opens out to the Grand Hall, built by the fist Earl of Cornwall. Immerse yourself in the legend of King Arthur with the story slabs in the medieval garden, the bronze statue on the headland and search for the wizard Merlin’s face carved into the cliffs on the beach below.

St Nectans Glen

St Nectan’s Glen

With an unmistakeable air of magic, this woodland walk with three waterfalls and hermitage are a must visit at any time of year and in any sort of weather. Park your car and walk 20 minutes into the woods to discover the first and biggest waterfall — at 60ft, this impressive waterfall has carved its own path through the rocks and tumbles down into the pool next to the pathway. Walk into the pool (if you forgot your wellies, the shop will lend you some for free) to really experience the magic of this waterfall – and make sure you don’t miss St. Nectan’s Kieve, the sacred hermitage next to the pool.

North Cornwall Padstow 24 August 2016 5. Matt Jessop

Padstow Foot Ferry

Port Gaverne to Padstow is a good 30-minute drive. Head to Rock, however, on the other side of the estuary and marvel at the millionaire’s playground. Hop onto the Padstow foot ferry that carries its passengers across the mouth of the Camel Estuary, past the Doom Bar and on to Padstow. The ten-minute journey is much shorter than driving to the town, and a much more entertaining mode of travel. The ferry goes every twenty minutes, usually from Rock but sometimes from Daymer Bay on a very low tide.

Guests Say
  • Exceptionally clean, spacious and very comfortable

    Christmas at Courtyard — we've had a fantastic break at Port Gaverne. Courtyard has everything you could need. It is exceptionally clean, spacious and very comfortable. The Christmas tree and welcome pack were a lovely touch. Stan (our spaniel) was very impressed with having the beach on the doorstep. We had already booked our summer holiday here before we came for Christmas. We are sad to be going home but very much looking forward to summer 2024!

    Helen, Rich & Stan — December 2023
  • Our 15th visit

    Had a wonderful stay in Port Gaverne, our 15th visit to Green Door Cottages. We have stayed in five different ones and all of them are lovely. After all these years we still seem to find little gems, as in places to eat and unexplored coves. Many thanks to the team of cleaners and worker at Green Door as the cottages are always immaculate, such a comfort to know.

    Nicole & Vernon — November 2023
  • So good to be back!

    It's so good to be back! Courtyard has been perfect after a summer of camping — such a treat to return to Green Door. We lucked out with the weather and have just loved sea swimming every day in Port Gaverne. We enjoyed some very special sunsets out on the point. Thank you so much — as always Ali and Jill make us so welcome and whilst we missed Pip, it was good to meet Will and see some exciting additions to Green Door. Can't wait to be back!

    Helen & family — August 2023
  • Third year

    Thanks for another amazing stay in Port Gaverne! This is our third year at Courtyard and it never fails to be just what we need! Well equipped — great location.

    Becki & family — July 2023
  • Well designed and well equipped

    The cottage is well designed and well equipped. We have enjoyed our stay. We were able to celebrate a birthday with dinner at the Port Gaverne hotel — highly recommend. Port Gaverne is a delightful place and so close and convenient for Port Isaac. We experienced a very high Spring tide during our stay, which was quite memorable!

    John, Stella & Anna — March 2023
  • Cosy and comfortable

    Very good week in this cosy and comfortable cottage. Clean with everything you need for a relaxing break. Easy walk to Port Isaac.

    Mark, Sarah & Stefan the dog — February 2023
  • Cottage is so quiet and we were able to completely relax

    Lovely cosy cottage, the open plan arrangement is so practical and easy. The kitchen is very well equipped with everything you need. Thank you for the welcome biscuits and wine - much appreciated. The cottage is so quiet and we were able to completely relax. We will definitely book again!

    Sue & Carl — Christmas 2022
  • Just perfect

    Thank you so much for a lovely stay, Courtyard is just perfect. Everything you need, very clean, tidy and cosy. The treats were a very nice touch and much appreciated. It was a perfect base to explore and do lots of good walks with our doggies. Will definitely be back again to this home from home.

    Mike, Allison, Flo & Pippin — November 2022
  • The Knights — October 2022
  • Everything we hoped it would be!

    We love it so much here that we booked it for a whole month and it was everything we hoped it would be! Courtyard is so cosy and comfortable, with all you need to make it feel like a home from home. Spotlessly clean, lovely and clean laundered sheets and towels every week, and the little special touches like the biscuits and bottle of wine when we arrived. Pip and Will were on hand for any problems, they were so friendly and helpful. We loved just spending time on the beach every day with our dogs Dolly and Dexter. We can't wait to come back next year.

    Jan & Gordon — October 2022
  • Wonderful

    Thank you for a wonderful break at Courtyard. We've visited Cornwall for 25 years but never stayed in this area and love it. Perfect spot for paddle boarding too. We loved the guest directory — best we've ever had in a cottage. We'll be back.

    Yvonne, Mark, Ellie & Flyn the cocker spaniel — September 2022
  • Won't be our last

    A lovely week away to recharge our batteries. The weather has been amazing. Love the location, not far to fall from the pub! Memorable for the friendships made. Our second year here and won't be our last.

    The Woods — July 2022
  • Beautiful cottage

    Courtyard is a beautiful cottage - very well presented, homely and clean. We have had a super week here at Port Gaverne and look forward to another visit in the future.

    Maureen & Richard — June 2022
  • Fabulous

    Fabulous fortnight in this lovely cottage - weather certainly helped. Lots to see and do in the local area. We will almost certainly return. Thank you.

    Lynne & Kate — June 2022
  • Amazing time

    Had an amazing time at Courtyard Cottage for our 25th wedding anniversary. Plenty of memories to take back. Absolutely love Port Gaverne and Port Isaac. Look forward to coming back again with our friends.

    The Hills — November 2021
  • Comfortable and well stocked

    Another mini break for our 56th wedding anniversary. Back again to Port Gaverne - this time in Courtyard. Had a good walk up the Valency Valley at Boscastle, with stunning Autumn colours. Trevathan Farm Shop has everything you need. Tintagel Castle is well worth a visit - incredible views down onto the village and beach one side, and the stony beach on the other. Courtyard is our third cottage to stay in and as usual it is a comfortable and well stocked one. Here's to our 57th!

    Pat & Tony — October 2021
  • Recharge

    Lovely place to visit and recharge the batteries.

    Debbie & Rob — October 2021
  • Everything you need

    A lovely week in a lovely cottage. Beautiful little village. Children enjoyed paddle boarding in the sea and the puppy enjoyed paddling! Cottage has everything you need for a holiday.

    The Fellows — July 2021
  • So close to the beach

    We had so looked forward to our week in Cornwall and as always it came up to expectations. Port Gaverne was a new area for us and one which we would definitely return to. The position of Courtyard so close to the beach and coastal walks has been a real bonus. The cottage is well equipped and comfortable. Great walks at Daymer Bay, Port Quin, Pentire and The Rumps. Super time, thank you.

    Sue, Pete, Sally & Bertie the cockapoo — July 2021
  • Fantastic

    A fantastic week in Cornwall as the country emerges from lockdown. Early morning walks to the beach were wonderful. Trips to Padstow, Lanhydrock and Boscastle were well worthwhile. Thank you.

    Andy, Kathy & Amy — May 2021
  • Lovely

    A lovely week in a lovely cottage. Beautiful little village. Children enjoyed paddle boarding in the sea and the puppy enjoyed paddling! The cottage has everything you need for a holiday.

    The Fellows family — July 2021
  • Would definitely return

    We had so looked forward to our week in Cornwall and as always it came up to expectations. Port Gaverne was a new area for us and one which we would definitely return to. The position of Courtyard being so close to the beach and coastal walks has been a real bonus. The cottage is well equipped and comfortable.

    Sue, Pete, Sally & Bertie the cockapoo — July 2021
  • We'd love to come back

    We had a fab six days here. Port Gaverne is a lovely place to stay and a short walk and drive to Port Isaac. We went to Daymer beach, Polzeath and checked out Prawn on the Lawn. We'd love to come back.

    Deep, Emma & Matilda — September 2020
  • We've had another great stay

    Our second stay in Courtyard and we've had another great stay. We love the walk from Daymer Bay to Rock especially when the tide is out. We will hopefully be back in the Spring.

    Julia, Sean & Coco the cockapoo — September 2020
  • Amazing holiday!

    Thank you for an amazing holiday! We enjoyed it so much. Highlights include: boat trip in Padstow, swimming in Polzeath and seeing the beautiful countryside! Thank you so much.

    May, Matthew, Lachlan & Zara — July 2020
  • Perfect post-lockdown break

    Second stay for us in Port Gaverne. Perfect post-lockdown break. Highlights of trip: the walk to Port Quin, kayaking and paddle boarding.

    Jan, Iain, Holly, Lucy & Finn — July 2020
  • Magical

    Thank you for a wonderful stay at Courtyard. We ate far too much and swam lots - cliff diving will have to wait another year! Our stay was memorable for me, as this week saw the world premier of my piece "the enchanted forest" in St Kew Church as part of the St Endellion festival. A truly magical experience - highly recommend to guests who are visiting late July - early August! We very much hope to be back!

    The Aldis-Evans family — August 2019
  • Perfect place!

    This was our second stay at Courtyard Cottage; we rented two properties for a family reunion to celebrate a 'significant' birthday of one of our children. Three 'children,' their partners and six grandchildren fitted in effortlessly. Beds were very comfortable, kitchens were very well equipped, and everything worked wonderfully well - plus that stunning view from the lounge windows, that wonderful pub and restaurant next door, and Port Isaac just over the hill - perfect place!

    Mr E McManus — November 2017
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View our Terms and Conditions here, which includes our dog policy, cancellation policy, and more.

Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.

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