The Old School House

The Old School House is a converted 1860s schoolhouse in Lewannick, a village in east Cornwall, sleeping up to seven across four bedrooms. The building retains its original character after a full renovation and holds Sustonica certification for environmental and social responsibility - one of a small number of Cornwall holiday properties to carry that accreditation.

Four bedrooms share a single bathroom with a shower. The layout is ground-floor accessible throughout, with no internal stairs between the main living spaces. A games room provides entertainment for children; the well-equipped kitchen has a dishwasher and washing machine. An enclosed garden suits families and dogs with enough lawn for children. A welcome pack with scones, fresh cream, and jam is left on arrival - a practical touch, given the nearest supermarket is a short drive.

The cottage is well-placed for north Cornwall. Boscastle and Port Isaac are within 45 minutes; Padstow harbour is a similar drive. Crackington Haven, the nearest beach, is 21km north-west across the Bodmin Moor edge. The moor itself is accessible to the south-west, with open walking country within 15 minutes.

Best for: families with children or dogs wanting a spacious rural base for north Cornwall. Less good for: beach-focused breaks - all beaches are at least a 30-minute drive.