No 14

Polruan is an old fishing village with a boat-building heritage, its one road leading down to a historic quay where a ferry crosses to Fowey's shops, bars and restaurants. A small beach sits beside the quay, or follow the coast path a mile east to Lantic Bay for paddling and picnics on quieter sand. The Bodinnick to Fowey car ferry gives access to the Eden Project, 13 miles away, and to Charlestown, known for its tall ships and the TV series Poldark.

This reverse-level house sits on a hillside, facing west with views across the water to boats in the harbour and Fowey opposite. Steep stairs from the parking area lead to the first-floor entrance and an open-plan room for cooking, dining and lounging, with granite worktops, a wine fridge, a corner sofa, a Smart TV and a wood burner for winter evenings. A full-width balcony runs across the front with wooden decking, a dining suite and a gas BBQ, and a snug with a sofa, easy chair and TV/DVD offers quieter space. A ground-floor cloakroom and utility room, with a patio door for pets, add convenience. Downstairs, three bedrooms include a master with a super-king-size bed, river views, garden patio doors and an en-suite bath and shower; a twin room with an en-suite shower and river views; and a third bedroom, reached by its own stairs, with a king-size bed, garden patio door and en-suite shower.

The hillside setting gives real privacy, extending to the enclosed terraced garden. The first-floor patio with bistro-style furniture and the balcony off the kitchen are both suntraps - it's a steep climb up from the village, but the views make it worthwhile.

Best for dog-friendly groups wanting river views and space to spread out, with three en-suite bedrooms and a wood burner for cooler months. Less good for guests with limited mobility or heavy luggage, given the steep stairs from the parking area up to the entrance.

Nearby: Readymoney Cove (900m) and Lantic Bay (1.1 miles). See our Bodinnick guide for more beaches and walks in the area.