Riverside Exclusive Retreat

One-bedroom boathouse for two on a private lake at Black Cross, four miles north-west of St Columb Major. The unusual draw: two freestanding baths inside the floorplan, a private patio and decking over the water, and no neighbours within sight. Sykes rates it 5 stars from 16 reviews.

The cottage works as a single open space with one king-size bedroom and two bathrooms - rare for a property of this size, and useful when one is plumbed for a soak and the other for the morning shower. Walk-in showers feature in both. Wifi, parking and a dishwasher are included; there is no BBQ, no hot tub, and no washing machine on this listing. Note: the property is not dog-friendly, and the lakeside setting means the gardens stay damp underfoot in winter.

The setting is rural mid-Cornwall, sat between the A39 and the Newquay road. Watergate Bay is a 7.5km drive for surf and the Beach Hut restaurant; Mawgan Porth is 8.8km for a quieter sand. Cornwall Airport Newquay is three miles south, Padstow nine miles north for the Camel Trail and harbour-side restaurants.

Best for couples wanting a romantic, water-side bolthole within easy reach of the north coast. Less good for dog owners, families, or anyone who wants beach steps from the door.