Shearwater

The picturesque creekside hamlet of Port Navas is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets. At the water’s edge, you’ll discover Shearwater, a quintessential two-bedroom cottage set upon the quayside. Shearwater has a way of transporting guests to a different place in time, where the pace of the modern world becomes one of carefree leisure and quiet tranquillity. Your stay at Shearwater will be set to a gentle soundtrack of water lapping on the quay, wind softly rustling through trees, and the sweet murmurings of wildlife.

The bench outside the property offers a perfect vantage point to observe the various residents of Port Navas. Watch as the neighbourhood kingfisher darts into the water, or spot the family of egrets pacing the shoreline at the turning of the tide. And you never know, you might even see a few locals out rowing – if you sit for long enough.

Within the cottage, you will find everything you need to ensure your stay is spent in comfort, including a wood burner to make for a real country escape. The joy of a holiday lie-in reaches new heights with views over the creek from the master bedroom. Although at daybreak you might just find yourself leaping out of bed, the draw of the creekside at sunrise simply too alluring to miss. A private quay and your own mooring provides a safe harbour after bucolic boat rides on the Helford, where you can haul up on sandy beaches along mystical creeks, or lay anchor in a sheltered cove to enjoy a picnic on the water.

This is where it all began for Cornish Holiday Cottages. The idyll of Shearwater made it the holiday home of our Grandmother and founder, Ruth Austen – and she certainly knew a thing or two about what makes a cottage truly special.