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Secluded Hideaway Retreats in Cornwall

Secluded Hideaway Retreats in Cornwall

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We know that sometimes you want all the convenience of a hotel or the busy life of a popular town. Sometimes you just want to go somewhere quiet with your own space to relax and get away from it all in the Cornish countryside. Each property we have selected here in our guide has its own private outside space and, of course, parking. Most are outside of the main towns in small villages, giving you the option to venture into the towns to explore or dine out. There are different options here, depending on your party size and needs. All have self-catering facilities, so you can retreat to these wonderful properties and enjoy all Cornwall has to offer on your own terms in your own space. Here at Cornwall Holidays, we have handpicked some great rural properties that are not in the main towns and offer the privacy and peace you are craving.

Cornwall’s countryside is threaded with quiet lanes, wooded valleys, and hidden hamlets that most visitors never find. The properties in this guide sit away from the busy resort towns - tucked beside rivers, set among private woodland, or perched on farmland with views that stretch for miles.

What makes a stay truly secluded

A secluded retreat in Cornwall doesn’t mean roughing it. Each property here comes with private outdoor space, off-road parking, and full self-catering facilities. Most sit within a short drive of beaches and towns, so you get the peace without the isolation.

Who these stays suit

These hideaways work well for couples wanting a quiet romantic break, small families who prefer their own space, or anyone recovering from the pace of daily life. Dog-friendly options are available at several properties, so the whole household can come along.

Practical tips for a countryside stay

  • Stock up before you arrive. Some properties are a few miles from the nearest shop. Consider ordering a supermarket delivery to the property for your arrival day.
  • Pack layers. Evenings in the Cornish countryside can be cool even in summer, and many of these cottages have wood burners to keep things cosy.
  • Bring walking boots. The South West Coast Path and inland trails are on the doorstep of most of these properties.
  • Check mobile signal. Some of the more remote spots have patchy coverage - but every property listed here has free WiFi.

Our Picks

The Engine House

truro

This beautifully converted complex of farm buildings is packed with gorgeous character. With amazing views of the river and only 2 miles away from the ocean, this gives you a real countryside feel when you stay. Each of the houses gives you 2 bedrooms and can sleep up to 4. The house features gorgeous beams and flawless decoration, which you will definitely love. Free parking and WiFi come as standard here. The kitchen is equipped with everything that you will need for your self-catering Cornish countryside stay. Beach days are just a short drive away. You are also close to the city of Truro, the capital of Cornwall, which features many shops, restaurants, and its famous cathedral, which dominates the skyline throughout the city. The river offers boat trips, but if you want to explore water sports then check out the nearest beaches and see what they offer as all are different. I recommend The Engine for anyone wanting a Cornish countryside retreat and if you want to relax in peace.

Polgwedhen Lodge

truro

Rustic and secluded, this lodge is set in an amazing country lake and is the only lodge on the property. You are literally on your own in this magical location. There is a farmhouse nearby, but it does not overlook the lodge, so you really can relax in your private lake-view lodge. Free WiFi and free parking are included, so you are not totally in the wilderness. The lodge has a kitchen with an oven, microwave, and fridge and a separate bedroom with en-suite. Although secluded, this beautiful lodge is only 4 miles away from the city of Truro, the capital of Cornwall. You are also only 5 minutes away from St Agnes, which has gorgeous beaches. Right on your doorstep, you have hiking, cycling, fishing, beach, and water sports of all descriptions. The city is not too far, with a huge variety of restaurants and bars as well as a whole host of takeaway restaurants for you to enjoy in your private lakeside lodge, or stock up at the Tesco store and have your own BBQ using the BBQ facilities on site. I would recommend this for couples or small families if you want that feeling of total seclusion but also to have some of the best of Cornwall on your doorstep.

Thatchings

stratton

This gorgeous 3-bedroom cottage is a real Cornish dream. Thatchings near Bude has 3 bedrooms and can sleep up to 7 people. There is a private garden to enjoy and parking for 2 cars right on the property. This place has it all including real curb appeal with its white picket fence. This is a great property to rent if you want to get away from it all and have some privacy. It is not in a town but does have amenities close by. Inside the cottage, you will find 3 bedrooms and the capacity to sleep 7. The house is decorated and presented as you would imagine, with gorgeous wooden beams and a cosy burner in the sitting room. The dining and kitchen area is open-planned. The kitchen has everything that you will need during your stay, including a washing machine and dishwasher. The garden has seating and a dining area too, so just bring yourselves. This property is dog-friendly too so the whole family is welcome. Free WiFi is also standard here. The surrounding area is great for walking or cycling. The coast is not far if you want to visit the beach during your stay. There are many different attractions in Cornwall that you can drive to such as the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The beaches are the biggest draw though and near this property. You can sign up for water sports such as surfing and windsurfing. There is a selection of supermarkets in Bude and something to consider would be to order delivery before you arrive to get there when you do. This is the perfect secluded little cottage in Cornwall.

Gwel Teg

bodmin

Gwel Teg is a four-bedroom farmhouse on a rural lane outside Bodmin, sleeping eight in three super-kings (convertible to twins) and a king. It fits this guide because the seclusion is real - the lane carries woodland footpaths rather than traffic, yet town supplies are only minutes away. The sitting room's open fire and a kitchen with full-size appliances handle a big group or two families sharing, with two bathrooms between the four bedrooms. The enclosed front and rear gardens take up to three dogs, and a BBQ is provided. Cardinham Woods' 8 miles of trails are about 2 miles east, the Camel Trail starts at the town's edge, and the central position puts both coasts under 30 minutes by car - Port Gaverne is 9.6 miles and Carlyon Bay 10.1. A rural base for exploring in every direction.

Woodland Retreat

bodmin

Secluded and sumptuous, Woodland Retreat in Bodmin is tucked away in the deep woodland landscape of the Bodmin Moor fringes. This sleek, modern getaway is surrounded by deep woods and offers a peaceful ambiance together with modern conveniences. Floor to ceiling windows in the open-concept living areas let in an abundance of natural light and peaceful atmosphere while displaying the natural beauty of the nearby forest. For people who love the outdoors and want a peaceful, rejuvenating rural escape, Woodland Retreat is an ideal option. Guests can relax on the large outside deck, watch animals, or explore the surrounding walking pathways.

Five Degrees West

st just

Five Degrees West is a single-storey stone cottage for two near St Just, right out in Penwith where Cornwall runs out of land. Everything sits on one level with no internal stairs, so it works for guests with limited mobility, and one well-behaved dog is welcome with towels, bowls and a blanket provided. The open-plan living space has a kitchen and breakfast bar, the shower room a double shower, and electricity, linen and towels are all included in the price. Outside is a small enclosed courtyard with furniture and a charcoal BBQ, plus off-road parking and secure bike storage. The shops and pubs of St Just are a 10-minute walk, Priests Cove below Cape Cornwall is 1.4 miles, and the Atlantic surf at Gwynver and Sennen is 3 to 4 miles away. Rated 4 out of 5 across 124 reviews. Adults only - no children.

Harbour Cottage

boscastle

Harbour Cottage delivers the guide's promise in miniature - a ground-floor cottage for two at The Harbour in Boscastle, 200 metres from the water and the village shop, with its own garden and parking. The open fire makes it a proper winter and spring bolthole, and Wi-Fi, a dishwasher and washing machine cover the practical side. It holds a 5-star rating from 103 reviews, one of the highest counts for any Boscastle property. From the door, the South West Coast Path runs south through Rocky Valley to Tintagel in about 7 miles and north to Crackington Haven in about 5, and the Museum of Witchcraft sits at the waterside below. No dogs here, and the garden is compact - but for a couple who want the harbour on the doorstep and the cliffs from the gate, it is the pick of the village. Saturday changeover.

Honey Pot

bude

Escape to this utterly romantic abode, settled in a peaceful pocket of Cornwall, close to Looe - a working harbour town with a sandy beach and an independent high street. Honey Pot offers valley and woodland views from its windows, and a wooded valley to explore with a dog. Return for a cosy evening snuggled beside the wood-burning stove or savour summer moments with a barbecue and alfresco dining. Shared facilities on site include a hot tub and gym. The sitting area has a smart television, comfortable leather sofa, and wood-burning stove; underfloor heating adds warmth. The open kitchen/dining area has everything you need for the stay, including a slow cooker and a Nespresso-style coffee maker.