Salt Loft

Salt Loft is a two-bedroom cottage in Mousehole - the small harbour village at the tip of Mount's Bay, pronounced "Mowzle" by locals - sleeping four across two bathrooms. Sea views and a 100m walk to the sand are the headline draws. Dogs are welcome.

Two bedrooms and two bathrooms give a workable spread for two couples or a small family. Wi-Fi and a dishwasher are included. At from £411/night, Salt Loft sits at the premium end of the Mousehole market - a reflection of the sea views and the village's standing as one of the most sought-after spots on the Penwith coast.

Mousehole Beach is 100m from the front door - a sheltered arc of sand and pebble in the lee of the harbour wall, calm in most conditions. Lamorna Cove is 2.9km by car: a granite-edged inlet with a small working quay and clear water over rock, good for snorkelling. Penzance town centre, with its rail link to London Paddington, is around 3.5km to the north-east.

Mousehole itself is known for the Dylan Thomas-era history of the Ship Inn and the annual Mousehole Christmas lights - a fixture since the 1960s, lit from December into January.

Best for: couples or friends wanting a sea-view cottage with beach access in a compact, atmospheric west Cornwall village. Less good for: anyone with a large car - the lanes into Mousehole are tight and parking is very limited.