The Artist's Retreat

The Artist's Retreat is a one-bedroom studio apartment in Calstock, in the Tamar Valley, sleeping two in a king bed. It has a walk-in shower, dressing room and a private courtyard garden for outdoor dining. Booking.com guests rate it 9.7 out of 10 from 54 reviews.

The kitchen comes fully equipped, with local bread, Cornish butter and milk left for arrival, alongside a Nespresso machine using biodegradable pods from the Eden Project. A barbecue and garden seating sit in the courtyard. Free parking is available on a quiet unadopted road, and entry is by key safe through a private, separate door.

Calstock village is a 10-minute walk away, with its viaduct over the River Tamar, two pubs, a cafe, art galleries and the Calstock Arts Centre for live performances. The Tamar Valley railway runs through the village, and Cotehele House and Gardens, run by the National Trust, is close by. Whitsand Bay is 11.4 miles from the apartment, for a longer trip to the coast.

Best for a couple wanting a quiet, self-contained base for exploring the Tamar Valley rather than the beach. Less good for anyone planning day trips to the coast, since the nearest sandy beaches are over 11 miles away.