Old Miners Cottage

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Old Miners Cottage? The name makes it sound rustic and basic, but this place is actually a proper retreat tucked into Newbridge Hill in Gunnislake. I mean, yes, it’s got that mining heritage charm you’d expect in this part of Cornwall – the building itself has those lovely stone walls and character features that remind you of the area’s copper mining past – but honestly, it feels more like staying at a well-appointed friend’s countryside home than some dusty historical relic.

The location is one of those spots that looks unremarkable on a map but makes perfect sense once you’re there. Gunnislake isn’t exactly a tourist hotspot, which is actually brilliant because you’re getting authentic Cornwall without the summer crowds that swamp places like Fowey or St. Ives. You’re right on the Devon-Cornwall border here, so you can easily explore both counties, and the Tamar Valley is gorgeous for walking if you’re into that sort of thing. The cottage sits quietly on Newbridge Hill, and I was surprised how peaceful it was – no road noise, just countryside sounds. Parking wasn’t an issue either, which anyone who’s driven around Cornish villages in summer will appreciate.

What really won me over was the attention to detail inside. The owners clearly understand what travelers actually need – proper WiFi (worked perfectly for video calls), a kitchen that’s genuinely functional rather than just decorative, and beds that don’t leave you with a sore back. The heating worked brilliantly too, which matters more than you’d think in this part of the world where it can get properly chilly even in shoulder season. I stayed in October and it was cozy as anything. The decor strikes that tricky balance between honoring the building’s history and feeling comfortable for modern guests. There are mining artifacts and period touches, but it doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping in a museum. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – none of that awkward key-passing drama you sometimes get with smaller properties. The whole experience felt thoughtfully managed without being fussy or over-managed, if that makes sense. For a 4-star rating, it definitely delivers, and that 9-point rating from other guests seems spot on to me.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $219. Two-Bedroom House with 2 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Fiona from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (5/10)

  The sitting room is lovely, beautiful views across the valley and very comfortable. The kitchen is well appointed. The shower in the bathroom is wonderful. The property was very clean and well looked after. It was lovely to be able to sit on the patio. The larger bedroom was very comfortable. The beds in both rooms were comfortable with nice bed linen. The cottage would be ideal for a couple who are fit. The owners were very responsive.
  
  What could be improved: The access to the property…the lane is a challenge, as very sharp turn from the main road and more directions would have been helpful. We damaged our car as drove too far up the lane and reversing down was very narrow with a steep drop on one side. There is long run of steep steps up to the cottage, which is a challenge with luggage and although has some lights was more difficult in the dark.The second bedroom has a small double bed and about a 1m square area of space to stand in. We were a group of 2 couples in our 60s and 70s – all pretty fit for our age, but anyone with mobility issues would not find this property accessible.

• Claudia from Austria – 18 June 2025 (9/10)

  Geschmackvoll eingerichtet, blitzsauber, Grundausstattung wie Salz, Tee, Gewürze in der Küche, toller Ausblick. Bequeme Betten. Wirklich gemütlich.
  
  What could be improved: Der Parkplatz ist nur etwas für beherzte Einparker. Wir waren vorgewarnt, aber es war trotzdem eine tägliche Challenge. Außerdem ist die nicht sichtbare Straße unterhalb des Hauses sehr laut.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities