Charlton Lodge

Charlton Lodge is a detached lodge about a mile from Mawnan Smith, reached along a tree-lined lane in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A sweeping drive climbs to the lodge, which is all on one level and looks over Falmouth Bay from the grounds of a country house.

The living and dining room has garden and sea views, a wood-burning stove and French windows to the garden, and it leads straight into the oak fitted kitchen. The king-size four-poster bedroom also has a sea view and sits next to the bathroom, which has a bath. The second bedroom is a twin with an en-suite shower room. The lodge sleeps 4 guests, and bed linen, towels, fuel and power are included.

You have your own patio and lawn, plus a decked area with rattan furniture from Easter to October, and you can use part of the 6.5 acres of grounds. A path through the field reaches a picnic table with views across the bay, and a lane beside the property runs down to the beach, with Prisk Cove five minutes away on foot. Parking is off-road for two cars. The grounds hold a five-foot-deep wildlife pond and a fountain pool, both unfenced.

Children under 10 are not accepted, pets and smoking are not allowed, and stag and hen parties are not taken. Because the ponds are unfenced, it is less good for families with young children; it suits two couples or a quiet retreat for two adults.