Cornwall, Looe – Magical Pendriffey

Hotel Description

You know what’s funny about Cornwall? Everyone flocks to the obvious coastal spots, but sometimes the real magic happens when you venture just slightly inland. That’s exactly what I discovered at Pendriffey – this absolutely gorgeous place tucked away in Pelynt that somehow manages to feel both completely secluded and perfectly positioned for exploring the best bits of southeast Cornwall.

Honestly, the first thing that hits you when you arrive is just how quiet it is. I mean properly quiet – no traffic noise, no crowds, just the kind of peaceful countryside silence that makes you realize how wound up you’ve been. The property itself is beautifully restored (you can tell someone actually cares about this place rather than just running it as a business), and while it’s got that classic Cornish character with the stone walls and period features, everything feels fresh and thoughtfully done. The rooms are genuinely comfortable – proper beds, good lighting for reading, and those little touches that show attention to detail. Plus, parking is right there which, if you’ve ever tried to navigate Cornwall’s narrow lanes with a car full of luggage, you’ll appreciate more than you might expect.

What really makes this place special though is the location – it’s like having a secret base for exploring. Looe is literally a ten-minute drive away, so you can easily pop down for fish and chips on the quay or catch one of those little boat trips, but you’re staying somewhere infinitely more peaceful than the seafront hotels where you’d be listening to late-night revelers stumbling past your window. Polperro’s close enough for an afternoon wander, and if you’re into the Eden Project or Lost Gardens of Heligan, you’re perfectly positioned without having to deal with the tourist traffic around St. Austell. I actually found some brilliant coastal walks starting from nearby villages that most visitors never discover – the South West Coast Path section between Polruan and Fowey is absolutely stunning and much less crowded than the famous bits.

The whole experience just feels authentic in a way that’s increasingly rare. The hosts clearly know the area inside and out (they pointed me toward this incredible pub in Pelynt village that I never would have found otherwise), and there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that focuses on being genuinely welcoming rather than trying to tick every trendy hospitality box. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time just being there – maybe reading in the garden, maybe planning your next day’s adventure – rather than just crashing between sightseeing marathons. If you’re looking for that perfect Cornwall escape that combines proper comfort with authentic countryside charm, and you want to explore the coast without being stuck in the middle of tourist chaos, this is honestly one of the best finds in the area.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $515. Five-Bedroom House with 1 large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 2 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 10

Reviews

• Alison from United Kingdom – 29 May 2025 (8/10)

  Very clean, comfy beds.
  
  What could be improved: Needs a bit of TLC.

• Adam from Australia – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

  Pendriffey really is magical! It is a home away from
  Home. It is close to the seaside, local shops and pubs. The place itself is absolutely beautiful, Pete is a ripper of a host and perfect for making family memories.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing I didn’t like was I had to go home!

• Liz from United Kingdom – 16 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great place to stay , lovely walks along the coast line . We were all very relaxed with plenty of space for all the family . The children loved it especially feeding the chickens . House was warm and had everything we needed.

• Derek from United Kingdom – 2 December 2024 (10/10)

  The location was perfect for us being close to Looe and also the Eden Project.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all.

• Jean from United Kingdom – 18 June 2024 (10/10)

  This is a beautifil spacious house, ideal for a family celebration. The large farmhouse style kitchen is well equipped and the large pantry area was very useful. The beds are very comfortable and Pete the caretaker was very helpful. It was wonderful to walk in the fields to see all the wild rabbits running around and feeding the hens.
  
  What could be improved: Space for sitting outside is limited.

• Emma from United Kingdom – 12 May 2024 (10/10)

  Absolutely stunning location, lovely views, , beautiful house, plenty of room, clean, good nights sleep, found the beds so comfortable.
  Well equipped. My favourite room was the huge kitchen, but my favourite time was first thing before everyone else was awake, I sat outside having a coffee listening to the animals I could hear, no noises but nature.
  
  What could be improved: I'm sorry, I can't think of anything.

• Caroline from United Kingdom – 3 January 2024 (10/10)

  Someone was there to give us the keys as soon as we drove up and we were then shown around parts of the property. The host also explained how to work the aga.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• John from Canada – 11 November 2023 (10/10)

  It was truly Magical. We were in town for a wedding and it was a great place to relax after. It was laid out efficiently so as a group you have space as well. The farmhouse theme with modern convinences was done well.
  There were also farm animals around which was great
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Berenice from United Kingdom – 5 October 2023 (9/10)

  We liked the spaciousness for our family group and the mix of old features with modern bathrooms and underfloor heating. Very comfortable beds and lovely welcome pack. The caretaker Pete was very helpful. Great country views.

• Anita from United Kingdom – 4 September 2023 (10/10)

  Absolutely beautiful house, comfortable beds, great facilities and a wonderful host.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities