Set in the tranquil village of Lerryn near the River Fowey, Trewel Cottage offers up to four guests a peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With contemporary interiors and ever-changing river views from the sunny terrace, it’s the perfect retreat for relaxed, romantic creekside living.
Inside
Hidden up a quiet lane moments from the creek, Trewel Cottage is in an elevated position looking out over the river Lerryn in the heart of the village. There’s a calming, contemporary palette of blues and greys and thoughtful touches throughout the single-storey, dog-friendly retreat. Entering the cottage you’ll find yourself drawn into the modern kitchen with smart dark blue units, breakfast bar and dining area by the big windows; even on the days you can’t dine outdoors you’ll still be able to enjoy the view. Leading on from the dining room, the lovely principal bedroom has a king-sized bed, plenty of hanging space and river glimpses from the window to enjoy from the comfort of your bed. Heading back through to the other side of the cottage you’ll find bedroom two, with a comfortable double bed and single bunk overhead which is ideal for two adults. The main bathroom has a step-in shower, and then to the heart of the home, the living room. This light-flooded room has a smart TV, wood burner and plenty of books and games — it’s the perfect spot to retreat to after a day’s kayaking along the river, exploring the fabulous coastline, or wandering creekside footpaths; the small conservatory at one end opens out onto the patio for inside-outside living.
Outside and in the village
Trewel Cottage has a sprawling patio and terrace that wraps around two sides of the cottage giving you plenty of privacy; it’s the ideal space for outdoor dining or for simply taking in the gorgeous views from the comfortable rattan sofas. The west-facing terrace catches the sun all day until it sets over the river — perfect for summer sundowners. The picturesque village of Lerryn is right on your doorstep. Within a few paces of your garden gate you’ll find the historic Ship Inn with its restaurant and beer garden, as well as the amazing little Lerryn River Stores, your local shop/café/deli. It’s brilliantly well-stocked for all the kitchen essentials as well as local produce, such as cheeses, meats, Cornish gins and ales, oven-fresh bread, and pasties and ice creams.
For those who love messing about on the river, the Fowey Estuary itself is the biggest draw. You will find yourself tuning in to the ebb and flow of the tides as the stresses of the 9 to 5 fade away. The landscape is reputed to have inspired Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, and it’s easy to see why. You can walk along the creek though stunning woodlands to the tiny hamlet of St Winnow, used as a film location in the original screen adaptations of Poldark. You can find Angie’s Kiosk serving farm-reared bacon rolls, home-baked cakes and local ice creams, as well as the surprising St Winnow Barton Farm Museum — it’s well worth the walk there and back (allow three hours of more at a gentle pace and lingering stop-over).
This may be one of Cornwall’s quiet, creekside spots, but the sea is close by too. The sandy shores and turquoise waters of Lantic Bay are truly spectacular and only six miles away (or a beautiful 2.5-hour walk). Further along the coast you can drop down to another little gem, Lansallos, a quiet, sheltered cove (and possibly our favourite), complete with refreshing waterfall. Both beaches are dog-friendly year-round (although families should note that there are no lifeguards at either of these). If you want a beach with all the frills, head a little further east to idyllic Polkerris beach — one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches — with watersports lessons and hire, plus café, pub, restaurant, and shops on the waterfront. Near Lerryn, the 12th-century stannary town of Lostwithiel will be your go-to hub with independent shops and places to eat.
Things we love
Trewel is the pride and joy of its owners. It has been lovingly — and very thoughtfully — renovated it to make it a comfortable year-round retreat. Lerryn is a perfect place to escape and unwind — here on Cornwall’s wooded and sheltered south coast it’s all about exploring the creeks and coastline. A perfect week here would have to include a day looking around Lostwithiel’s great little independent shops and cafés and visiting remarkable Restormel Castle. Another day trip is Fowey itself — an essential visit — and best reached via the Bodinnick ferry (you can take a car over or park in Bodinnick and go across as a foot passenger), just as Daphne du Maurier would have done from her home in Bodinnick. Then perhaps get on the water yourself by kayak, SUP, self-drive boat hire or sea safari (there are plenty of options locally), or go for a wild swim at Lansallos or one of the other local beaches near Fowey. However, possibly our favourite thing to do here is to change gear entirely… enjoy company of loved ones, pull on your walking shoes and amble over the creek’s stepping stones and just follow the path. Return later to the best ice-cream at the Stores, pick up something delicious to eat and drink, and then it’s back home to Trewel to light the fire and settle into your own little slice of creekside heaven.
