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

Bang in the centre of Cornwall this handsome Edwardian house on the edge of Redruth is only 12 minutes by car to Porthtowan, for surfing. It is a home from home, with books, games, a full larder of basics and a generous approach to guests (including reductions for smaller groups). It has big gardens, front and rear – with room for croquet – and space galore to sleep, eat and play. It's a light-filled, generous house with everything you need for a comfortable, easy stay. There are hugely comfortable beds in the four bedrooms, a wood-burning stove in each of the two sitting rooms, books and a kitchen/dining room large enough for everyone to eat and chill in. Children can let off steam on one of the lawns while you sip a drink on the patio, or barbecue fresh fish picked up from the coast. Hop on the train to St Ives – you just need to change at St Erth onto the branch line. Perfect – and no wrestling with cars in the town. The River Fal is also close – so you can choose which coast to be on. Redruth has a brand new Cultural centre, a superb bakery, a main-line train station and a splendid cinema with sofas and waiter–service.