Phoenix and Little Phoenix

Phoenix and Little Phoenix are two adjoining houses at Talland Bay, let together as a single booking. They sit a few steps above the cove on the south coast between Looe and Polperro, with five bedrooms and three bathrooms split between the pair. The arrangement suits two related households who want their own kitchens and front doors but a shared garden between them.

Inside, each house has its own open-plan living, kitchen and dining area. The combined fit-out includes an open fire, dishwasher and wifi throughout. Step-free access is provided. With three bathrooms across five bedrooms, the bigger house carries the extra rooms - worth checking the merchant floorplan if room allocation matters.

Outside, a private garden runs between the two houses (rather than the more usual shared estate lawns), and parking is at the property rather than at the village car park. Dogs are welcome. The South West Coast Path passes the door, and steps drop down to Talland Bay - a south-facing cove with sand and rock pools at low tide, two beach cafes and year-round dog access.

Polperro's white-washed harbour is 1 mile west along the cliffs (the village is pedestrianised - cars stop at the top); Looe sits 3 miles east via Hannafore. The Eden Project and Fowey are around 30 minutes by car.

Best for two related families or a multi-generation group who want togetherness without sharing a fridge. Less good for solo couples - the per-night rate doesn't make sense for two people.