Thimble Cottage

Thimble Cottage sits on Cliff Street in Mevagissey village centre - a two-bedroom cottage for four, tucked into the car-free network of lanes that runs down to the working double harbour. With a wood burner and a courtyard garden, the cottage is set up for cooler months. It can only be reached on foot, up a cobbled path and steps, so it is unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility. The cottage spans three floors, with the shower room on the ground floor and both bedrooms on the second.

Inside, the cottage sleeps four across two bedrooms, with one bathroom and a washing machine. The sitting room's wood burner can be used from 1 October to 1 May - useful in winter when the harbour takes on a quite different character. Wi-Fi is included. Parking is in Willows car park, about a 7-minute walk from the cottage, and a permit is payable.

Mevagissey's inner streets are too narrow for cars, so the cottage's position means the harbour, fish and chip shops, and the ferry landing are all on foot. Fresh crab is landed and sold on the quay during the season. Pentewan Beach - a nearly mile-long stretch of sand with lifeguards and kayaking - lies 1.4 miles north. Gorran Haven, a sheltered south-facing cove, is 2 miles, and Hemmick Beach - a quieter option below the coast path - is 3 miles.

Best for: couples or families wanting a genuine working harbour village as a base, coastal walking, and easy access to south coast beaches. Less good for: those wanting a rural, secluded setting.