Briar Rose

Briar Rose is a two-bedroom cottage in Polruan sleeping 4 across a king-size and a double bedroom, with views over the Fowey estuary from an elevated village position. A large patio terrace at the front of the property is set up for outdoor meals and provides a clear sightline across the river to Fowey town.

The foot-passenger ferry to Fowey departs every 15 minutes from the quay below the village, making the town's independent restaurants and galleries easily accessible without a car. Readymoney Cove, a sheltered sandy beach on the town side of the estuary, is 0.6km from the door. For longer coastal walks, Lantic Bay is 2km and Lansallos is 4.1km along the South West Coast Path.

Polruan has a pub, bakery, cafe and shop within the village itself, so basic provisions and evening meals are covered without leaving. Dogs are welcome up to 5, with a dedicated boot and wetsuit wash station at the property. Dishwasher and washing machine are included, and parking is available.

This suits families or two couples looking for an estuary base with direct ferry access to Fowey's food scene and easy reach of the South Cornwall coast. Not great for guests with large dogs - the five-dog limit is generous but the village setting requires keeping them on lead near the quay. Lansallos and Lantic Bay are both dog-friendly beaches with off-lead access. Pricing from £578 per night. More about Polruan.