The Cottage Charlestown

Exquisite tiny-house rental in a seaside Cornish village; ideal for a small family or romantic break (sleeps 2-3)

Rapidly becoming famous as a magical film location (Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, for one), Charlestown is a tiny port with a big reputation; a World Heritage site. Nestling in a Georgian terrace about 300 yards from the historic harbour, this tiny Grade II-listed cottage has a lawned garden out front, a courtyard at the back, and a snug two-up-two-down inside. It's a charming bolthole for a couple (with or without an older child), and perfect for a year-round break. Though we only had a whistlestop tour, we loved it.

Little sister of The House Charlestown, The Cottage is equally spoiling, with little luxuries throughout and the same designer touch. Owner Antonia has filled it with handmade and antique furniture, cleverly retaining its 19th-century quirks but providing 21st-century mod cons. The front door flanked by brass ship lanterns leads into a small kitchen with luxurious underfloor heating and top quality equipment for self-catering. The cosy living /dining room is bedecked with quirky finds - retro shop signs, a restored trestle table - and there's a delightful wood-burning stove.

Stairs lead to a peaceful king bedroom at the front, and a tiny double (more of a single) overlooking the garden, with a raised cabin-style bed. After a day of rock-pooling and playing on the shingle beach, this maritime bed will be just the ticket to coax a child to bed, whilst you enjoy a cosy dinner a deux downstairs. Pure English seaside style.

Highs

• Wonderful for a couple whose child is old enough for the cabin bed, and space for a baby too; Antonia provides a wealth of baby kit, so you don't need to lug all the paraphernalia with you
• Or for a couple - it's a lovely romantic bolthole, well priced, and Charlestown's laid-back pace is the perfect antidote to stressful city life
• Spoiling details: a cast-iron tub for long soaks, top-spec kitchen gadgetry, digital TV and a collection of DVDs
• Well placed for day trip to Cornwall's loveliest beaches, Rick Stein's restaurants, the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan
• A lovely, carefully planted courtyard garden walled for your privacy, and a big lawned front garden with a sheltered outdoor eating area

Lows

• Deservedly popular - you'll need to book well in advance
• The cabin bed won't suit toddlers, and all rooms are on the cosy side
• It's not on the harbour front, but 5 mins' walk up the Charlestown Road (set back from the road)
• Strictly a 7-night minimum stay except during Low Season, changeover day is Friday
• Strict cancellation policy