Lovely Little Garden Cottage, Tamar Valley, Cornwall

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Lovely Little Garden Cottage? It’s actually tucked away in this proper Cornish hamlet that feels completely untouched by tourism chaos – I mean, you’re driving through these winding lanes past Callington thinking you’ve taken a wrong turn, then suddenly there’s this converted barn cottage that’s absolutely perfect. The Tamar Valley location is brilliant because you get all that gorgeous river valley scenery without the crowds you’d find closer to the coast.

The cottage itself has that authentic farmhouse feel that so many places try to fake – thick stone walls, original beams, the works – but honestly, what makes it special is how thoughtfully it’s been done up. The owner clearly knows what actual travelers need: proper water pressure in the shower, a kitchen that’s actually equipped for cooking (not just making tea), and – this is key – really good wifi that doesn’t cut out every five minutes. The garden is where you’ll probably spend your evenings, especially if you’re there in late spring or summer when everything’s properly lush. There’s something quite magical about having your morning coffee surrounded by all those established plantings while listening to the River Tamar in the distance.

What I love about this spot is how it works as a base for exploring. You’re twenty minutes from Dartmoor if you fancy some proper hiking, but you can also just potter around the local villages – Gunnislake’s worth a visit for the viaduct views, and if you drive down to Cotehele (National Trust property, absolutely stunning), you’ll understand why this part of Cornwall stays so unspoiled. The only thing I’d mention is that you definitely need a car here – there’s good parking at the cottage, but you’re not walking to the pub or shops. That said, the isolation is exactly what makes it work. Most evenings we just stayed in, cooked something simple, and sat in the garden with a bottle of wine, which honestly felt more restorative than any fancy hotel spa treatment. The 9.3 rating makes complete sense – it’s the kind of place that exceeds expectations without trying too hard.

Facilities