The Old Borough House

The Old Borough House is a four-bedroom house in Tintagel that has been occupied for around 500 years - past residents include playwright JB Priestley and Sir Francis Drake. Slate floors, exposed beams, and an original open fireplace in the lounge give the interior a weight that newer properties rarely match. Sea views reach into the room through the conservatory and from several bedrooms.

The house sleeps 8 across four bedrooms: two doubles and two twin zip-and-links (convertible to king-size on request). All four bedrooms and both bathrooms are on the first floor, reached via a step down for both twins and one of the doubles. Ground floor has reception room, lounge, dining area, kitchen with a range cooker, and a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, plus a separate WC - the lounge and kitchen are each reached via a step down too. The conservatory, leading off the kitchen, is the natural gathering point for sea views without going outside.

The enclosed garden has a patio, BBQ, and seating with a clear sightline to the coast. Bossiney Cove is 600m away on foot - a small, secluded beach at the foot of the cliffs with coast path access in both directions. Tintagel Castle (English Heritage, GBP14.80 adult entry) is 1 mile up the road. Rocky Valley, with its 3,000-year-old rock carvings, is a 10-minute drive east.

Best for groups of two families or a large family party who want a base with real historical character and coast path access built in. Less good for anyone who cannot manage stairs or step downs - all four bedrooms are on the first floor, several ground-floor rooms are reached via a step down, and the path to Bossiney Cove also requires care. Up to 3 dogs welcome.