The House on the Props

Hotel Description

You know what? I almost walked right past The House on the Props when I first arrived in Polperro – it sits so naturally on Talland Street that it feels like it’s been part of the village forever. Which, honestly, it probably has. The name makes perfect sense once you see it perched there above the harbor, and I mean literally propped up like so many of these old Cornish houses that seem to defy gravity.

What really got me was how quiet it stays despite being right in the heart of things. Polperro gets absolutely mobbed during summer days (I’m talking coach loads of tourists shuffling down that narrow main street), but somehow this place feels removed from all that chaos. The rooms have this lovely view situation going on – you can actually watch the fishing boats bobbing around below while you’re having your morning coffee. Fair warning though: parking is basically non-existent in the village center, so you’ll need to use the car park up the hill and walk down. It’s not far, maybe ten minutes, but worth knowing if you’re hauling luggage.

The thing that struck me most was how the staff actually know the area – not just the obvious tourist bits, but proper local knowledge. They pointed me toward this little coastal path that starts just past the Crumplehorn Mill (which most people miss entirely) and leads to some incredible viewpoints. The rooms themselves feel authentically Cornish without being all twee about it, if you know what I mean. Thick walls that actually keep the sound out, proper heating for those damp Cornwall evenings, and bathrooms that work properly – which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many boutique places get that wrong. I stayed during shoulder season in late September and it was honestly perfect timing. The summer crowds had mostly cleared out, but the weather was still decent enough for walking the coastal paths. The whole village takes on this different character once the day-trippers leave – you can actually hear the waves against the harbor walls and have a proper conversation at the local pub without shouting. That 9.4 rating doesn’t surprise me at all, actually. It’s one of those places that just gets the fundamentals right without trying too hard to impress you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $148. Standard Twin Room with Sea View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Anita from United Kingdom – 16 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location
  Breakfast
  Cosy rooms
  
  What could be improved: No number or name on the door.

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

  Lovely welcome from Clare and her team .spacious room overlooking Polperro harbour ..Breakfast plentiful and delicious 😋
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike

• Paul from United Kingdom – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  Book this property if you want great value in a cosy, historic, clean, quirky and friendly b and b that’s also in a superb location. We absolutely loved The House on the Props. Oh and the breakfast was great!!!
  
  What could be improved: Needed two tea bags in my pot at breakfast….. to be fair I could have just asked and Clare would have seen to it!!!!

• Christel from United Kingdom – 22 May 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfasts were delicious and the homemade walnut toast to die for.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing that we didnt like

• Elizabeth from United Kingdom – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  Claire was very welcoming. The room was comfortable and the breakfasts set me up for the day. A very enjoyable place to stay.

• John from United Kingdom – 3 May 2025 (10/10)

  Location and authenticity. Very caring and considerate.

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 19 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great staff, breakfast and location.
  
  What could be improved: No parking, but I knew that.

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

  Excellent location. Lovely, cosy room with a great view and well equipped.
  Very good breakfast with lots of choice and generous portions. Nothing was too much trouble for the very friendly and helpful staff.
  Would definitely visit again.

• Jane from United Kingdom – 23 March 2025 (10/10)

  Everything.

• Kevin from United Kingdom – 18 March 2025 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities