Church Hill, Port Isaac

“An ethereal Cornish retreat with a soothing coastal palette and views onto the village’s sandy harbourside”

Tucked away on one of the narrow, winding paths of Church Hill, the historic core of picturesque Port Isaac, lies this characterful three-bedroom cottage. A few steps from sandy shores and rock pools that disappear and reappear with the changing tide, the house is ideally placed for spellbinding views of north Cornwall’s rugged Atlantic coast. Lovingly renovated by the current owners, its interiors are washed with restful shades of white, green and blue, drawing the coastal landscape deeply inward. Original features have been preserved in situ, and a wonderful garden has been oriented towards views of the town and the harbour’s resting fishing boats.

Setting the Scene

Port Isaac is arguably one of the most picturesque and oldest fishing villages on the north coast of Cornwall, its winding lanes and harbour often recognised from the television series Doc Martin and the original Poldark productions. The South West Coast Path runs through the village, providing steep walking paths with sweeping views over the Atlantic.

The house is situated on Church Hill, one of the village’s steepest and most historic streets, descending to the harbour. It has a traditional façade, half-whitewashed and half-slate, balanced by sash windows with prettily painted blue frames.

The house has been run as a successful holiday let for several years; more information can be provided on request. Pieces of furniture may be available for purchase through separate negotiation.

The Grand Tour

A short flight of stairs rises to a small patio with a bench overlooking the town, and a front door is painted the same sky-blue as the windows.

Inside, an open-plan kitchen-living room introduces the interior, delineated by a central staircase. The kitchen is on the right, with a simple colour scheme applied to the cabinetry to complement the rusticated slate paving underfoot. The countertops are slate, and a butler sink sits beneath the window with views out towards the sea.

On the opposite side, the living room is entirely whitewashed, lending the space an airy, restful quality. A built-in sofa with storage underneath is arranged around a wood-burning stove, whilst a bright dining area occupies the nook of the bay window, with a built-in seating/storage bench that watches the coming and going of the tide.

A winding staircase with exposed woodwork leads to the first floor. Similarly proportioned, two bedrooms are positioned at the front and one at the rear. Each has elegant wood floorboards underfoot, light-painted walls and sash windows with serene views, while one has a preserved cast-iron fireplace.

Just off the landing, a shared bathroom has tongue-and-groove panelling painted in a soft butter-yellow, and a shower over the bath. From this floor, a door leads out to the tiered garden at the rear.

Accessed from the garden, the snug is exceptionally bright with light permeating the house. Here, built-in storage exemplifies the thoughtful design applied throughout the house, and views overlooking the sea and harbour.

The Great Outdoors

A charming garden lies at the rear of the cottage, peppered with a variety of mature perennials and evergreen shrubs. The views are arresting throughout the seasons and create an overwhelming sense of openness, while its elevated position and encircling hedgerows provide seclusion and privacy.

Rare for the village, the house has a parking space reserved just north of the hill, secured on an annual basis.

Out and About

Church Hill winds through the historic heart of Port Isaac, framed by whitewashed slate cottages and narrow pedestrian alleyways. Near the top of the hill, the home’s vantage point pairs elevated, sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline with immediate access to the village.

A short stroll down the hill leads to the harbour and Nathan Outlaw’s The Fish Kitchen, an intimate Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a 15th-century fisherman’s cottage, while local pubs and tea rooms nearby serve fresh crab sandwiches, cream teas, and local Cornish ales. On summer evenings, the Fisherman’s Friends sea shanty group hosts outdoor performances. Church Hill connects directly to scenic footpaths and the South West Coast Path, allowing hikers to head east over the cliffs toward Port Gaverne for wild swimming or venture along the coastal route towards Port Quin and Polzeath.

By car, Padstow, home to Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant and Paul Ainsworth at No.6, is 30 minutes away via the A39, with mainline rail connections to London Paddington easily accessible from Bodmin Parkway.

Council Tax Band: N/A - Business rates currently apply.