Ivy Cottage

Three-bedroom cottage sleeping six in the heart of Polruan, the harbour village on the east bank of the Fowey estuary. Reverse-level layout, with bedrooms below and the open-plan living space upstairs to catch the view across to Fowey.

Two doubles and a family bathroom sit on the ground floor; the open-plan lounge, kitchen, dining area, and a third bedroom sit above. A wood burner heats the living space, with an open-fire feature alongside. Wifi and a washing machine are in. Parking is at St Saviour Car Park up the hill - the owners refund the cost on receipt, and there's a brief unloading slot at the foot of the lane.

The elevated decked garden looks straight over the harbour. The Polruan passenger ferry to Fowey town quay runs every few minutes through the day, a five-minute crossing for restaurants, shops and the Daphne du Maurier Literary Centre. Hall Walk - a 3-mile loop around Pont Pill creek - starts on the village edge. Lansallos and the coast path east to Polperro begin from the same hillside.

Best for: couples or two families wanting a working harbour village base with the view, the ferry, and the coast path on the doorstep. Less good for: anyone who wants to drive to the door - the lane is too tight, and the car stays at the top of the village.