Finest Retreats – Trennal Barn

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Trennal Barn? The absolute silence when you step out of your car. I mean, you’re tucked away on Bal Lane in this tiny Cornish village called Germoe – honestly, you’ll probably drive past the turn-off twice before you spot it. It’s one of those converted barns that actually feels authentic rather than trying too hard, if that makes sense. The original stone walls have this weathered texture that tells you they’ve been standing here for ages, watching over fields that roll down toward Mount’s Bay in the distance.

The thing about staying here is you’re genuinely in proper Cornwall, not the touristy bits. Germoe’s got maybe 200 people on a good day, and the nearest pub (which serves decent food, actually) is a pleasant walk through lanes lined with those classic Cornish stone hedges. You’re about ten minutes from the coast path near Praa Sands – locals will tell you it’s less crowded than the famous beaches but honestly just as beautiful. The barn itself sits in this perfectly quiet spot where your biggest decision each morning is whether to have coffee in the garden or wander down to watch the sunrise over the moors. Parking’s never an issue here, unlike some places I’ve stayed where you’re circling the block at midnight with your luggage.

Inside, well – it’s comfortable without being flashy. The 4-star rating feels about right; everything works, the beds are solid, and there’s character in the exposed beams and thick walls that keep things surprisingly cool even in summer. The kitchen’s properly equipped if you want to cook (the farm shop in nearby Ashton sells amazing local produce), though honestly, after a day exploring the coastal path or poking around St. Michael’s Mount, you might just want to collapse with a glass of wine. The Wi-Fi’s reliable enough for checking emails, but patchy enough that you won’t be tempted to work – which is probably the point. I’d say the only minor downside is that the bathroom’s a bit on the compact side, typical of these old buildings where they’ve had to work around original structures. But the water pressure’s great, and after hiking along the cliffs all day, that’s what really matters. If you’re looking for somewhere genuinely peaceful where you can hear owls at night instead of traffic, and you don’t mind being a bit off the beaten track, Trennal Barn delivers that authentic Cornish experience without making you rough it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $250. Two-Bedroom House with 1 single bed, 1 double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• John from United Kingdom – 26 February 2025 (7/10)

  Location, space, facilities – but some improvements possible Dog friendly.
  
  What could be improved: The search for the key safe ! Some areas not so clean. Lack of wood for one night of log burner.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities