Truly Paradise Cottage

This cob-built cottage in Golant dates to the mid-1600s and was reportedly once a girl's school. It sleeps five across three bedrooms, including a master with a river view over the Fowey estuary. Rated 9.4 from 42 Booking.com reviews, with a 9.9 score for staff.

The 'owl' room has a small double bed (122 x 190cm), and a third bedroom looks onto the garden with a bed that converts between single and double. A Jack-and-Jill bathroom connects the garden bedroom to the corridor by the master. Downstairs, a wood burner heats the living room and the kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering.

Wheelchair-accessible features, a private garden, sun terrace and barbecue are included, along with free on-site parking, and dogs are welcome. Host Patrick Towell grew up in the cottage; his parents moved to Golant from London in 1963.

Golant is a village of around 350 people with an 11th-century church, the Fisherman's Arms pub, a rowing club and a paddleboard and kayak company on the water. Fowey is a 40-minute walk or 10-minute drive, and Readymoney Cove is 2.3 miles from the cottage.

Best for families or groups wanting river views and a village with its own pub and boating club. Less good for anyone wanting a beach within walking distance, since the coast is a drive from Golant.