The Smithy at Okel Tor Mine

The Smithy, now a place of utter tranquillity and birdsong, was once a place of noise and industry and there are little decorative reminders of its mining heritage dotted all around it. The morning river mist and the ever-shifting seasonal panorama of the woodland are gentle on the eye and ear. Wind down in this cosy little cottage and from it, explore the quirky village of Calstock and beyond.

The Smithy a perfect bolthole, with extraordinary views of woodland, abandoned mine-workings, a sliver of river, and Devon beyond, and the sound of tawny owls calling to each other and geese in the wetlands below. Gird your loins for the last bit of the 'road' up there, but it's completely worth it once you're there. Jon and Jenny, despite only taking over 2 weeks before our visit, were delightful, generous hosts.

Wonderful place to stay-we regularly return and are booked again-this place feels like our ‘bolt-hole’. Beautifully situated cottages in a peaceful woodland setting. Ideal for dog walkers. Beautiful stretch of River Tamar to walk by. Cottages very clean and well appointed. A wonderful place to stay.

It just goes to prove that you can always trust Sawdays when looking for somewhere to holiday! Our stay was wonderful in lots of ways. Beautiful surroundings which are off the beaten track but a short walk to the delightful village of Calstock. A place to really relax and immerse yourselves in the tranquility of a cosy cottage and the local area. We stayed in a heat wave but are looking forward to our stay in December, keeping warm around the log burner! We fell in love with it and highly recommend.

The Smithy has been very thoughtfully and affectionately restored to become an unusual and unique holiday experience. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, yet easily accessible to all towns and places of interest. The tranquility is inspiring and soul rejuvenating leaving those that visit feeling fresh and cognitively revitalised. We have visited in the months of January and March, finding both experiences unique but equally breathtaking.

The Smithy proved to be entirely suited to our needs being very comfortable and fully equipped. The location is perfect - close enough to the village (which boasts good pubs) to enjoy the walk but remote enough to be tranquil. Exploring the old mine workings with interesting walks around the site was a bonus. We have already booked a return visit next year.