Duchy Lemain Garden Apts

Quieter than its eastern counterpart, West Looe is home to a 16th-century inn, quayside church and unspoilt seafront. Its beach is a mix of rock pools and shingle, looking out towards the marine nature reserve of St George’s Island, a mile offshore. Across the seven-arched Victorian bridge sits East Looe – also accessible by passenger ferry – where you can work up an appetite for some locally-caught seafood by watching the fishing boats bring home their catch, or perhaps arrange to have a go yourself on an organised boat trip out to sea. Unwind with a stroll around the narrow streets and shops, walk the South West Coast Path which passes through town, or wander along the riverside. For more laid-back sightseeing, take a 30-minute train ride on the scenic Looe Valley Line inland to Liskeard, an ancient town on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor.

This is one of a group of apartments in a skilfully-refurbished Victorian villa on the hillside above Looe Bay. A sloping path and around 63 steps lead to this magnificent penthouse apartment, where every room has a sea view, yet there’s a real sense of privacy and peace. An open-plan layout emphasises that being here is all about spending precious time together, the kitchen/diner/living room offering sofas for lounging plus everything you need to cook up a tasty meal for two. If you can draw your attention away from the views there’s a TV, DVD and CD/radio for entertainment, and a utility room complete with a washer/dryer adds to the home-from-home convenience, Following a busy day in the fresh air, you’ll be lulled to sleep in the super-king-size bed. Snuggle up with the TV on or throw open the curtains for your final glimpse across the water to St George’s Island; the bathroom here echoes the light, bright look of the entire apartment.

A private walled and paved sun terrace to the rear is fantastic for evenings under the stars and offers a splendid view of St Georges Island and the sea beyond.