The Lambing Shed, Cornwall

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first pulled up to The Lambing Shed at West Carne Farm, I wasn’t sure what to expect – the name’s a bit quirky, right? But once you wind through those narrow Cornish lanes (and I mean properly narrow, so maybe practice your reversing before you go), you’ll understand why this place has that 9.8 rating. It’s tucked away on actual working farmland just outside Altarnun, which is one of those villages most people drive through without stopping, but locals will tell you has the best cream teas at the King’s Head if you fancy a proper pub lunch.

The converted barn itself is absolutely gorgeous – they’ve kept all the original stone walls and those massive wooden beams that make you feel like you’re sleeping in a piece of Cornwall’s history. What really got me though was how quiet it is at night. I mean, properly quiet, the kind where you can actually hear your own thoughts after months of city noise. The only sounds are the occasional sheep (you’re on a farm, after all) and maybe some distant church bells from Altarnun village. The owners have done something clever with the heating too – it’s one of those underfloor systems that keeps the stone from feeling cold, which honestly makes all the difference when you’re padding around in the morning. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, none of that corporate hotel nonsense, just real people who actually live nearby and know everything about the area.

You know what surprised me most? The location is actually perfect for exploring this part of Cornwall without dealing with the tourist crowds down in Padstow or St. Ives. Bodmin Moor is literally on your doorstep – and I’m talking proper dramatic moorland with those ancient stone circles that give you goosebumps. If you’re into walking, the Camel Trail is maybe twenty minutes away, and you can cycle all the way to the coast without hitting major roads. The owners mentioned that most guests use it as a base for day trips (Tintagel’s about forty minutes, the Eden Project’s doable), then come back to this peaceful little corner where parking is never an issue and you can actually see stars at night. Fair warning though – if you’re the type who needs room service and a concierge, this probably isn’t your scene. But if you want to experience what Cornwall feels like when you strip away all the tourist polish and just enjoy the landscape, the history, and that particular quality of light you get on moorland mornings, then honestly, I can’t think of anywhere better.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $140. Two-Bedroom House with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Nathan from United Kingdom – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  The accommodation was beautiful. Clean and very well decorated, giving it a nice cosy and homely feel.
  Paula and Peter were accommodating and made us feel very welcome. Their dogs are also adorable.
  
  It is perfectly situated for all of the places we wanted to visit (Padstow, Polzeath, Tintagel, etc.), plenty of site seeing, and beautiful vistas.
  
  The next visit is already on our agenda, but we will definitely be staying for an extended visit.
  
  Happy memories made.
  
  What could be improved: None.

• Karen from United Kingdom – 17 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very clean and bed very comfy- had everything needed for short stay.
  Host was on location if required.

• Dionne from United Kingdom – 13 June 2025 (10/10)

  What a stunning place to stay and explore Cornwall from. The Lambing Shed is equipped with everything you would need for a vacation and more. The accommodation is beautiful inside and out. The beds are very comfortable and the bedding is high quality. I slept better than I have slept in a while there and waking up to bird song was a joy. I cannot think of anything I would add or change. Loved that there were lots of DVDs to watch.
  
  Spending time outside on the grounds we relaxed on the loungers and went to meet the sheep (who are adorable). We travelled up and down Cornwall from here it was an ideal location.
  
  Paula and her husband were wonderful hosts. Checked in by text to make sure we had everything and were very helpful when we were looking for a beach to body board.
  
  Its certainly somewhere I would stay again.
  
  What could be improved: There wasnt anything we didnt like.

• Angela from United Kingdom – 31 May 2025 (10/10)

  What a wonderful place! Everything has been thought of. the location was perfect for us to reach all the beaches, walks and restaurants we wanted to visit. I slept through the night for the first time in many years. The owners are fabulous
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything !

• Gear from United Kingdom – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  A fantastic place to stay. Furnished to a very high standard. Very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Leaving !

• Ceri from United Kingdom – 4 March 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful property, extremely comfortable with everything you need. Airy in a beautiful setting, decorated to a high standard, perfect place to relax and chill out. Wonderful owners who are not just welcoming but very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend!

• Jo from United Kingdom – 23 February 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful setting , beautifully furnished and decorated to a high standard
  
  What could be improved: There was absolutely nothing to dislike

• Anita from Australia – 13 January 2025 (9/10)

  The Lambing Shed was charming, well equipped and we both loved it. The property is stunning and I can imagine in better weather it would be lovely to get out and have a wander around. The process for getting into the property was straightforward and we had no trouble at all while we were there.
  
  What could be improved: I am so torn writing this because I really did love the property so much but the hairy road to the property was definitely not fun. I think this was made worse by the rain and the fact we were driving a sedan. When we were leaving it had been raining over night so we decided to get going early because we were worried about the road. We got to the little bridge into Altarnun and it was flooded!! Thankfully a young man on a tractor met us as we were backing up and told us he thought we could get out another way. We did but it was quite a stressful drive. I don’t want this to put you off the property but more as advice – a four wheel drive will make it easier. We were very lucky that the vehicles we met on the one lane road did have four wheel drives and pulled into the muddy shoulders as I am 100% sure we would have got bogged. I also think it would be way less stressful in drier conditions.

• Jade from United Kingdom – 30 November 2024 (10/10)

  Everything about this property was just perfect.
  
  The location was so beautiful, the lambing shed was immaculate with everything you need, with additional special touches throughout.
  
  First impressions from walking through the front door, hot roaring fire, subtle music playing on the radio, smell of citrus and rosemary in the air.
  
  Most comfortable warm bed to sleep in and cosy sofas with blankets to curl up on with a glass of your favourite wine.
  
  When I say it was perfect, it’s only because I can’t find a better word to describe our stay. It was more than what we could have hoped for, on our mini-moon.
  
  Paula was so welcoming and fantastic communication prior to and during our stay. Absolutely wonderful host.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all!

• Beverly from United Kingdom – 1 October 2024 (10/10)

  The property is superb, it has a homey feel to it. Clean and spacious, modern artistic interiors, every room has so much attention to detail. Great communication from the owners Paula and Peter. Enjoyed the freebies we had when we arrived. Would definitely stay again in the future.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities