Trebarfoote

Three-bedroom cottage sleeping six in an elevated position above Polruan, the harbour village on the east bank of the Fowey estuary. The balcony and lounge look across to Fowey, Readymoney Cove and the open Atlantic. South West Coast Path access starts on the doorstep.

Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room that pulls the river view inside. Dishwasher, washing machine, wifi and open fire. Parking is on site - rare in Polruan, where most lanes are too tight to drive. Dogs are welcome.

Lantic Bay - a National Trust sandy cove a little over a mile east along the coast path - is the local swim spot and dog-friendly year-round. Polruan's own Quay Beach and Back Beach work at low water but disappear at high tide. The Polruan passenger ferry crosses to Fowey town quay in a 5-minute crossing; the Bodinnick car ferry sits three miles north for vehicle access. Daphne du Maurier wrote her first novel in Bodinnick, and Ferryside - her family home with its blue shutters - is still on the waterfront.

Best for: walking families or two couples wanting the view, the coast path, and somewhere to park the car. Less good for: anyone who needs a flat approach - the lane up to the cottage is steep.