Trewithen

This is a magical spot. Our home is built on the site of an old cottage in 8 1/2 acres of orchard, garden, wildflower meadows and woodland. The old stone outbuildings remain, giving it a secluded, romantic air. The house is down a long drive, hidden from the road. A little-used footpath passes through the garden, which we share with visiting wildlife: birds, squirrels, deer, badgers and foxes are regular visitors. All you can hear at night is the stream that runs through our little bit of woodland.

The house itself was built in the 1980’s but is nonetheless filled with character. There are 4 bedrooms, one with an ensuite. The kitchen has a flagstone floor and a wood pellet boiler/cooker (only lit in winter). There is a large sitting room with a woodburner, a library/snug and a large garden room built of green oak and cedar. This is a lovely place to sit on a sunny day and survey the garden.

Nothing is flat here. The drive and pathways are steep so if you have limited mobility this may not be the swap for you.

We do have a dog but can have her looked after while we’re away if necessary. If you’re pet friendly we’d love to bring her with us if it’s a rural location.

All we ask is that visitors take care of our polytunnel, which involves opening and closing the doors every day. It waters itself. This does mean there will be plenty of fresh produce for you in the summer months.

About the location

We’re on the Cornish side of the Tamar Valley, a hidden gem that divides Devon and Cornwall. It has a rich mining heritage, some of which is still evident in the landscape, parts of which are grittier than picture postcard coastal Cornwall. There is plenty of walking to be done both on Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor. You can also enjoy riding, kayaking, bike hire, tree surfing or just looking at the view. The house is 15 minutes from the lovely old market town of Tavistock, which offers good places to eat, independent shops and an award-winning farmers market. The maritime city of Plymouth is 30 minutes drive away, while the beaches of the north and south coasts are about 45 minutes distant.

The National Trust Cotehele estate is 10 minutes down the road.

The Tamar Valley isn’t all about industrial heritage. It is also lush and green. Famous for its market gardens, the area once sent daffodils, vegetables and strawberries to London.

There is a little station at Gunnislake and the line into Plymouth is very pretty.

Conditions of exchange

Facilities

Nearby