Crab Cottage

One-bedroom couples' cottage in Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzle") sleeping two, with sea views from the tiered garden and Mousehole Beach 100 metres from the door. Set on the lower slopes of the village, a 2-minute walk from the harbour wall.

The double bedroom and en-suite sit on the lower ground floor. Above, the kitchen-diner and lounge open through French doors to a terrace with BBQ. A wood burner and underfloor heating handle off-season evenings, and the layout works well for one couple plus a dog.

Mousehole's harbour, with the Ship Inn, Rock Pool cafe and a handful of galleries, is downhill within a few minutes. The South West Coast Path leaves the village south to Lamorna Cove (2.8km, sheltered south-coast cove with a beach cafe) and north along the cliffs to Newlyn fishing port. Marazion and St Michael's Mount sit 20 minutes east by car; the Minack Theatre at Porthcurno is 25 minutes west.

Mousehole's December harbour lights and Tom Bawcock's Eve at the Ship Inn (23 December, stargazy pie) draw winter visitors county-wide - book early for that fortnight.

Best for one couple wanting a dog-friendly base steps from the water. Less good for guests with mobility limits - bedroom is on the lower ground floor and the village streets climb steeply.