Merlyn

Merlyn is a five-bedroom cottage for nine in central Porthleven, close to the harbour that has made the village one of Cornwall's better-known food destinations. The bedrooms comprise a king, a double, a twin, a bunk room and a single, giving families several ways to split the group, and two bathrooms serve all nine guests.

Sliding doors open the living space onto a lawned garden with an outside shower for rinsing off after the beach. A wood burner, a barbecue, a dishwasher and a washing machine are all included alongside WiFi and parking, and up to three dogs can stay.

Porthleven Beach is 700 metres away, facing south-west with winter surf that draws experienced surfers and a calmer harbour end for families. Rinsey Cove is 2.4 miles from the cottage and Praa Sands is 3.4 miles.

Kota Restaurant and Kota Kai, run by Rick Stein-trained chef Jude Kereama, sit on the harbour a short walk away, alongside Amelie's and the Harbourside Refuge, and the Penrose Estate with Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest natural freshwater lake, is reachable along the coast path east of the village.

Merlyn holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating from 20 reviews, with cleanliness, equipment, comfort and location each scoring 4, a reminder the aggregate is solid rather than exceptional.

**Best for:** A larger family wanting five distinct bedrooms, a lawned garden, outside shower and room for three dogs near the harbour.

**Less good for:** Nine guests wanting more than two bathrooms, or anyone needing sea views, EV charging or step-free access.