Smuggler's Retreat
5 guests
-
2 bedrooms, 5 beds
2 bathrooms
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Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
In the hilltop hamlet of Trowan, this old stone house hides many a secret. It’s right on the South West Coastal Path – the long-distance walking trail that snakes across the Cornish coast – so days can be spent hiking right from your doorstep. The stunning seaside town of St Ives is a mile away, where the fresh catch of the day is landed in the harbour and a horseshoe of sandy beach attracts the crowds. Stepping inside, you can feel this history radiating from wood-beamed ceilings in the bedrooms and flagstone floors in the living area. Get a fire crackling in the wood-burner for a cosy evening in. This coast was once a hive of smuggling and in the kitchen, you’ll see a smuggler’s hide for storing contraband through a glass panel in the floor. Your host has added a few vintage touches like an old treasure chest and an antique ship’s light so you can really feel like you’re on a castaway adventure. Then there’s the outside; a fabulous green garden brimming with flowers and a perfectly manicured lawn. On a hilltop location, you can see the sea from the outdoor dining table and there are a couple... of deckchairs for sunny summer days.
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Ask the host anything
Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights
Head to the pretty beach town of St Ives, a mile away
Spot the sea from your elevated position in the garden
Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with nautical books and toys on offer
Get a fire crackling in the wood-burner for a cosy evening
Feel the history of the home with stone alcoves and smuggler's holes in the kitchen
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
Your host can provide a cot, high chair, safety gates, baby dinnerware and a baby monitor, just ask
In a fairly remote location, having a car is recommended and there is private parking with this home
The smuggler's hide in the kitchen can fill with water when it rains, but it won't flood
The second bedroom has two trundle beds suitable for children, making the maximum guest count six
Bringing a torch is advised if you're walking after sunset as the hamlet has no outdoor lighting
Both bedrooms and bathrooms are upstairs so this place may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
About this stay
Amenities
Desk / workplace
Laptop friendly workspace
Wi-fi
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Dryer
Garden
Bedrooms & bathrooms
2 bedrooms, 5 beds
2 bathrooms
Extras
Additional fees
Pets are welcome for an additional fee of £75
Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.
Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.
Local guide
About St Ives
You could easily mistake St Ives for a town on the coast of Italy, France or Spain, thanks to its smart waterfront overlooking the clear, blue sea and white-sand beach. Just wandering along the charming narrow, cobbled streets is a delightful experience. But it’s not just its picturesque appearance that makes this former fishing town a popular place to stay, particularly for families. St Ives has one of the best...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts
Explore Tate St Ives
Discover a bright and airy modern gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach. Enjoy a range of local and international artworks, including pieces by Mondrian, Miro, Bacon, and Picasso. Don't miss the stunning sea views from the cafeteria and gift shop upstairs.
Explore Barbara Hepworth's Art and Garden
Immerse yourself in the preserved museum and sculpture garden of Barbara Hepworth, a talented artist devoted to her craft. Discover her works, studio, and even her bedroom, while enjoying the peaceful ambiance and knowledgeable staff.
Dine at Porthminster Beach Cafe
Enjoy impeccable service, stunning sea views, and a delicious seafood-based menu with vegetarian options at this lovely beachside restaurant in St Ives.
Dine at Hub St Ives
Lively waterfront restaurant and bar offering creative burgers, delicious food, draft brews, and cocktails. Friendly staff, spacious seating, and dog-friendly. A must-visit spot for exceptional food in Cornwall.
Explore Paradise Park's Rare Birds and Animals
Discover rare birds, endangered species, live feeding sessions, indoor play centre, walled garden, and a miniature railway, all in meticulously maintained surroundings.
Get around
Airport
Land's End
43 min
Cornwall Newquay
1 hr 6 min
Saint Mary's / Isles of Scilly (ISC)
3 hr 38 min
Train station
St. Ives
10 min
Bus stop
Bullans Hill
28 min
Local shops & services
Convenience store
22 min
Cafe
27 min
Pharmacy
28 min
Points of interest
Beach
Porthmeor Beach
19 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Children welcome (1-12 years)
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
Pets welcome
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 16:00
Departure before 10:00
Wifi
No air con
Cancellation policy
Up until
7
days
Cancel at least 7 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 7 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Natalia
This home is managed directly by its owner who will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Natalia loves her family, beautiful places, good company, laughing, the sea, and a good book. She wants her house in Cornwall to be a second home to you; a place to snuggle up under a blanket, wash the sand from your toes, cook up a lovely meal and marvel in the endless stars or the calling sea.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
The Plum Promise
- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
- Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
- Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.