Cosy barn on rural smallholding with alpacas, goats & pigs

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first pulled up to East Trethellan Farm near Stithians, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect – I mean, how many places can you stay where alpacas might actually photobomb your morning coffee photos? But this converted barn absolutely nailed that sweet spot between rustic charm and genuine comfort that so many places try for but completely miss.

The barn itself feels properly lived-in without being shabby, you know? Someone clearly put real thought into making this work as an actual getaway rather than just slapping some beds into an old farm building. The conversion keeps all those lovely exposed beams and stone walls you’d hope for, but adds things that actually matter – like a kitchen where you can properly make breakfast (the local farm shops around Stithians have incredible produce, by the way) and heating that works when Cornwall decides to be moody. What really got me though was stepping outside in the morning to find the alpacas just casually wandering about, completely unbothered by guests but curious enough to come say hello. The kids were absolutely beside themselves, and honestly, so was I. There’s something ridiculously therapeutic about watching goats do their goat things while you’re trying to decide if you can justify a second cup of coffee.

The location works brilliantly if you want to actually explore this part of Cornwall properly – you’re close enough to the coast that Portreath or Godrevy are easy day trips, but far enough inland that you get those proper countryside mornings with actual birdsong instead of traffic. Stithians itself is one of those villages that feels genuinely Cornish rather than tarted up for tourists, and the reservoir nearby is perfect for walks when you need to clear your head. Parking’s never an issue (which, let’s be honest, is half the battle in Cornwall), and the whole setup feels refreshingly straightforward – no fussy check-in procedures or rules about when you can use the kitchen. The owners clearly know what they’re doing but don’t hover, which I appreciated. The only minor thing I’d mention is that if you’re not used to proper countryside quiet, the silence might actually take some getting used to – though personally, I found swapping car alarms for occasional sheep commentary a pretty excellent trade-off. That 9.5 rating makes complete sense once you’ve been there; it’s the kind of place that delivers exactly what it promises and then adds those little extras (like fresh eggs if you time it right) that remind you why staying somewhere with personality beats generic hotel rooms every single time.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $169. One-Bedroom House with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Sara from United Kingdom – 22 November 2023 (10/10)

  The cosy barn was just that. The heating was on when we got there so it was cosy. It was very tastefully decorated and there was everything you needed.
  The information book was very useful giving ideas of places to eat.
  Everything was clean and tidy.
  Ian and Julia are lovely hosts and we had a good chat while feeding the pigs, alpacas, horses and goats one morning.
  It is just for 2 with a comfy double bed but there are other properties on the farm for more people. I would definitely recommend and stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Not much!!

• Michael from United Kingdom – 22 August 2023 (9/10)

  Total peace and relaxation. Great hosts.

• Emil from Austria – 29 July 2023 (10/10)

  A cozy cottage in romantic settings. Everything was perfect: well equipped cottage for 1-2 week stay, professional check-in and housekeeping instructions, as well as, excellent advice for sightseeing.

• Ella from United Kingdom – 4 June 2023 (10/10)

  Iain and Julia are superb hosts. They are very welcoming. Feeding the animals was a great experience for our grandchildren.

• Paula from United Kingdom – 2 May 2023 (10/10)

  Great location, short distance by car to many local attractions, property very comfortable and clean. Everything you need for a stay; well equipped kitchen, towels, etc. A very enjoyable stay. Very functional set up with an elderly dog, easy to take him out to toilet around the cottage. Rural environment and lovely and quiet. Welcome pack of milk, tea and coffee and flowers on the kitchen table made us feel welcome. Friendly owners too.
  
  What could be improved: nothing!

• Bryan from Philippines – 26 June 2022 (10/10)

  fabulous cosy feel and such a warm welcome
  
  What could be improved: everything was super

• David from United Kingdom – 31 December 2023 (8/10)

  Lovely location.

• Royston from United Kingdom – 18 July 2022 (9/10)

  The location was ideal for our requirements , the location was very picturesque
  
  What could be improved: The host was very friendly and the cottage was very clean and we were very grateful to receive a we,coming pack

• Anonymous from United Kingdom – 29 July 2023 (10/10)

  It was clean, comfy and beautiful.
  We loved the place, especially the farm. The alpacas, pigs, horses and angora goats were pretty and lovely. It is a dog friendly place, and our dog loved it. Iain and Julia were welcoming and helpful throughout the stay.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities