Hillrise

Hillrise is a renovated three-bedroom house above the harbour in West Looe, sleeping six with one ensuite and a second family bathroom. The hillside cottage frame has been kept; the inside has been pulled forward to current standards.

An open fire anchors the living room and the kitchen is set up for full self-catering, with dishwasher, washing machine and wifi throughout. The layout splits cleanly across two floors for two couples sharing or a family of six. Several steps lead up to and through the house, so it won't suit anyone with significant mobility difficulties.

Outside, garden terraces step down the hillside and parking takes two cars on site - genuinely useful in Looe, where the central car parks fill by mid-morning in summer and the Millpool car park across the river is the only large overflow. Dogs are welcome, and the back terrace gives a flat patch of garden above the rooftops.

Two minutes downhill puts you at the West Looe quayside, with a cafe, a pub and the foot ferry across to East Looe. East Looe Beach sits just over the bridge, sheltered by harbour walls and lifeguarded in summer. The South West Coast Path heads west past Hannafore Beach - some of the best rock pools in Cornwall - and on 3 miles to Polperro, the white-washed pedestrianised harbour village.

Best for couples, families or two couples sharing who want renovated comfort, a dog with them, and a working harbour two minutes from the door. Less good for guests with limited mobility - the steps are unavoidable.