Pendavey Farm House

A detached Georgian farmhouse near Wadebridge, sleeping 8 across four bedrooms, with a private heated outdoor pool as its main draw. The fields surrounding the property back directly onto the Camel Trail, so guests can walk or cycle out of the garden without getting in a car.

Four bedrooms split into two doubles - each with a four-poster bed and views across to the Camel Estuary - and two twins. Two bathrooms serve the house: one with shower-over-bath, one shower room only. Downstairs, a full-sized snooker table occupies the lower ground floor (children need supervision here). The kitchen-diner has a range cooker, dishwasher and washing machine. Outside, there is a lawned garden with patio, BBQ and the heated pool, which runs from mid-May to October and has a separate shallow end for young children. Dogs are welcome.

Port Gaverne Beach is 5.9 miles north - a sheltered cove near Port Isaac with calm water and rock pools at low tide. Daymer Bay Beach at the mouth of the Camel Estuary is 6.4 miles and suits families with its shallow, protected swimming. Padstow is 5.5 miles along the Camel Trail or a 15-minute drive, with Rick Stein's fish and chip shop, brasserie and cookery school all within 200 metres of the harbour.

Best for families or two couples wanting a countryside base with a pool and cycle access. Less good for guests who want a coastal walk from the front door - the nearest beaches are a drive.