Thumbelina

Thumbelina is a one-bedroom cottage for two in Mabe, a village outside Falmouth in west Cornwall. One of three converted cottages in the Trenoweth Vean row (alongside Lilliput and Tom Thumb), it sits in an elevated rural position with views across the surrounding countryside.

Inside, sleeping is in a king-size bed with the kitchen, bathroom and living space laid out for a couple. The conversion retains original farm building character and adds double glazing for year-round use. Dogs are welcome (one dog of any size), and parking is included, one space per property.

Outside, the cottage opens to a low-walled patio garden at the front, with a shared lawned garden and drying area at the rear. Mabe village is half a mile away, with a post office store and a pub serving food. The sandy beaches of Falmouth Bay sit about 5 miles distant: Swanpool at 3.4 miles, Maenporth at 3.4 miles and Gyllyngvase at 3.6 miles.

Falmouth is a 10-minute drive for the National Maritime Museum and Pendennis Castle. Argal Reservoir and Stithians Lake both lie within a short drive for walks, sailing and kayaking. The gardens of Penjerrick, Glendurgan and Trebah on the Helford River are within 15 minutes. Changeover is on Saturdays.

Best for couples wanting a quiet countryside base with parking included and a dog welcome. Less suited to guests wanting a beach on the doorstep, since the nearest sandy beaches at Swanpool and Maenporth are both a 3.4-mile drive away.

Nearby: Swanpool Beach (3.4 miles) and Maenporth Beach (3.4 miles). See our Penryn guide for more beaches and walks in the area.