Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

It's so tempting to keep this a secret! Drop down a quiet lane and enter what can only be described as your own private quay. This blissful quay is home to just a couple of lucky people and two fishing boats. You could easily never budge – river views from every window and a brilliant waterfront balcony from which to spy birds and clock the ever-changing tides. Canoes, rowing, sailing and motor boats are at the ready, and the water becomes a compulsory part of the day. Eventually dragging yourself indoors, you'll find rooms oozing family history and artefacts, and a delightful mix of modern and traditional. The kitchen is a wrap-around affair: all pine units, quarry tiles and a sink with a view; and nearby is a panelled 'cabin snug' for cosy, chatty meals. The jaunty white and blue bathroom passes the closest inspection, and you'll be fighting over the bedrooms – a big wooden sleigh bed in one, twins or bunks in others; and a retro 'beach hut' double which, of course, faces the water. Brunch on the balcony, try a little light rowing or dabble with watercolours, take an afternoon siesta and feast on fresh fish, delivered right to your quayside. The glorious Helford River gardens, art galleries in Penzance, and wonderful clifftop walks and beaches are close.