Simons Lookout

Simons Lookout is a Victorian terraced house in Polruan, the fishing village on the east bank of the Fowey estuary. The house spans 3 floors, sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms - 2 king-size and 1 twin - with 1 bathroom and an en-suite WC on the top floor. From £810 per night. One parking space comes with the property, which is uncommon in Polruan's narrow terraced streets.

The layout places the vaulted kitchen and dining area at the rear of the ground floor, opening onto a south-facing patio with glimpsed harbour views. The main open-plan living and dining room sits up a short flight of stairs, where the harbour outlook becomes more open. The top-floor king bedroom looks out over the rooftops to the water. The house has dishwasher, washing machine, and a garden with mature planting. Dogs are welcome (up to 2).

The Fowey passenger ferry runs every 10 to 15 minutes and docks a short walk from the house, giving access to the town's restaurants including Sam's on Fore Street. Readymoney Cove - a sheltered sandy cove below Henry VIII's St Catherine's Castle - is 600 metres from the Fowey quay. Lantic Bay, a National Trust beach reached via a 20-30 minute walk along the coast path, is 1.2 miles further.

Best for: couples or families of up to 6 who want Polruan's village atmosphere, harbour views, and ferry access to Fowey's restaurants and shops without driving. Less good for: guests needing Wi-Fi, or those who struggle with stairs across 3 floors.