Shilla Mill - Just off the Beach

Shilla Mill was the first building ever put up in Polzeath, a working mill dating to 1591 and now a four-bedroom holiday cottage run by Alison and James. It sleeps six across two full beds and two twins, and is rated 9.3 from 20 guest reviews, with a 10/10 score for staff and 9.7 for location.

Original features survive from the mill days: floor joists made from shipwrecked timber, a Lion's Head figure over one door and a bedrock wall running through the front room that still channels water underneath the garden patio doors in wet weather. Two wood burners heat the cottage through autumn and winter, and the property has wheelchair-accessible features throughout, with free on-site parking, a dishwasher and washing machine.

Polzeath Beach is around 1,100 metres away, a flat 7-minute walk with no hills to climb. The Point Golf Course sits just 25 metres from the cottage, with a path leading to the clubhouse and restaurant. Coastal paths and a National Trust cafe are within walking distance, though a car is needed to reach the Eden Project or Tintagel Castle, both around 20 miles off.

Best for a group or family of up to six wanting level beach access and mill history in one place. Less good for anyone chasing sea views from indoors, since the cottage sits back from the water rather than facing it directly.