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. Check-in is from 5pm and check-out is by 11am. The cottage has a living room, a fully equipped kitchen and streaming services, plus an outdoor fireplace, a seating area and a picnic spot.

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 comes 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 a flat walk to the beach and mill history in one place.