The Old Post Office

A 2-bedroom character cottage on Fore Street in Porthleven, sleeping 4 adults across two bedrooms: a king-size with its own en-suite shower room, and a super-king-size that can be set up as a twin on request, with a separate shower room alongside. The property sits in the centre of the village, less than half a mile from the harbour entrance and Porthleven Beach - a south-west facing beach that picks up Atlantic swell and has one of the more striking coastal settings on the south Cornwall coast.

Inside, the cottage has a wood-burning stove in the living room, a dishwasher, washing machine, and Wi-Fi. Everything is on the ground floor, and the shop and pub are 0.1 mile away. Dogs are welcome, which is less common in Porthleven's centre than in rural properties. Parking is included - useful given the village's limited on-street spaces.

Porthleven's food scene has grown considerably over the past decade. Kota Restaurant on the harbourside is run by a Rick Stein-trained chef and is one of the better known tables in west Cornwall. The South West Coast Path runs through the village; walk east along Loe Bar towards the freshwater Loe Pool, or west towards Rinsey Head and the ruined Wheal Prosper engine house - Praa Sands, a long sheltered beach popular with families, is a short drive east along the coast.

Best for couples or small families who want a town-centre base with serious restaurants on the doorstep and a beach within walking distance. Less well suited to anyone expecting a rural setting - the property is on a busy village street.