The Old Barbican

Detached 1700s cottage on the eastern edge of Looe, set back from the harbour with off-street parking - rare here in summer. Sleeps six across three bedrooms (two en-suite). Wood burner, oak-and-granite kitchen.

Inside: exposed beams, sitting room running into a dining room, full kitchen for six. Two en-suite bedrooms upstairs look out over the garden.

A gate at the bottom of the driveway opens onto The Wooldown - a public green with a view east to Plaidy Beach. Paths drop from there to East Looe Beach, the Banjo Pier, and the town centre, all within 500 metres.

Looe is a working harbour: boats head out before dawn and land the catch on the quayside that afternoon. East Looe Beach is sheltered and lifeguarded in summer. Hannafore Beach (0.8 miles west) has the best rock pools in Cornwall at low tide. For dogs, head 10 minutes east to Plaidy Beach (year-round dogs) or further to Talland Bay (two beach cafes).

The coast path heads east to Whitsand Bay along sheer cliffs, west through woodland to Polperro. Looe Island half a mile offshore is a Cornwall Wildlife Trust seal reserve; boat trips run Easter to October.

Best for: families wanting beach and harbour walks with parking sorted. Less good for: solitude-seekers in July or August - streets are full 10am to 8pm.

_"Superb cottage, everything is such a high standard, comfortable and homely as well. We had a wonderful stay and wouldn't hesitate to come back."_ The Allen Family.