Treknow, Cornwall

“The door opens to the sublime North Cornish coastline, a short walk across the meadows to Tintagel Castle”

This charming cottage sits in a prominent position in the small Cornish village of Treknow, just one mile west of Tintagel. The village has immediate access to the South West Coast Path, a two-minute walk from the house. Briar Cottage emulates rural charm with a coastal palette of greens and blues, washed across two well-apportioned bedrooms and wonderfully interconnected living spaces. The closest beach, Trebarwith Strand, is around a 15-minute walk, while the pretty harbour village of Boscastle is a 10-minute drive away.

Setting the Scene

Treknow is a picturesque, historic slate-mining village in the civil parish of Tintagel. Originally held by the monks of Bodmin in medieval times, the village grew significantly during the Victorian era due to the booming coastal slate industry. Today, it is known for its traditional slate cottages and fantastic access to the coast.

Briar Cottage is approached from a quiet street, lined with lush perennial bursts of colour and scent, to a composed, white-washed frontage topped with a traditional slate roof.

The Grand Tour

Entry is from a cobbled lane to a welcoming sitting room with original, white-painted ceiling beams and oak floorboards. A wood burner sits on top of a stone hearth and grounds the room, while a short set of steps leads to a beautiful kitchen-dining room. Here, characterful joinery is painted a soft white, and a dark-painted staircase is a considered counterpoint. Forest-green cabinetry with arresting stainless-steel worktops lends a decidedly contemporary quality to the otherwise pared-back design. Windows on both sides bathe the room in light, while storage has been fitted under the stairs. Underfoot, timeworn oak floorboards continue through to a convenient utility room with access to the garden and lane.

The staircase rises to the first floor, where there are two bedrooms and a bathroom. The principal bedroom sits at the front, brightened by two sash windows that capture views of the valleys that lead out to sea. Built-in shelving next to the back wall creates visual interest, complemented by exposed trusses above.

Across the hall, the second bedroom is similarly finished with simple white walls and built-in shelving, alongside period detailing including original floorboards and a vaulted timber-framed ceiling. The bathroom completes the plan, continuing the vaulted ceiling, and has a freestanding bathtub and a south-facing window.

The Great Outdoors

From a side entrance from the street, a gate leads to the patio garden – also accessed via the utility room – laid with original stone. Potted planting creates a serene space that is inviting throughout the seasons.

Out and About

Briar Cottage occupies a peaceful position in the sought-after hamlet of Treknow, perched above Cornwall's dramatic north coast. The South West Coast Path is moments away, with spectacular walks stretching towards Trebarwith Strand, Tintagel and Boscastle. Much of the surrounding coastline is cared for by the National Trust, preserving its remarkable natural beauty.

Tintagel, known for its beautiful castle, is 8 minutes by car and provides a good selection of independent cafes, pubs and shops. A 10-minute drive away is the picturesque harbour village of Boscastle. Here, local favourites include The Rocket Store restaurant and Boscastle Farm Shop. Other excellent dining options nearby include The Strand Cafe and Port William with incredible sea views at Trebarwith, Port Gaverne and the Michelin-starred Outlaw's Fish Kitchen by Nathan Outlaw on the celebrated waterfront at Port Isaac.

Bodmin Parkway station provides direct rail services to Plymouth, Exeter and London Paddington, while the A39 offers convenient road links across north Cornwall. Regular bus services connect Treknow with Tintagel, Boscastle, Camelford and Wadebridge.