The Herringbone
Mousehole, Cornwall, UK
Wend through wildflower-lined Cornish lanes to reach the picture-postcard village of Mousehole and you'll find The Herringbone sat in prime position on the water's edge. Set in the fishing harbour famously named 'the loveliest village in England' by Dylan Thomas, this former net loft and its chalky interiors make solo breaks and couples' escapes all the more romantic.
Introduction
Dreamy days and cosy nights by the sea are the order of the day in this luxury self-catering retreat in Mousehole. Perched right by the water, the cottage is as close to the ocean you can get without getting wet. Step outside the front door and discover the maze of treasures this arcadian village has to offer. Or, if you can't bear to leave the Herringbone’s peaceful haven, idly pass the time perched on the generous window seats, sipping coffee or pencil drawing. With bobbing boats in the foreground and the legendary St Michael’s Mount in the distance, you'll be captivated.
Inside
The hand-built galley kitchen is small but perfectly formed; if there's one home-made meal to enjoy when not dining in the village's acclaimed restaurants, make it the fisherman's daily catch with a side of Cornish asparagus and new potatoes. In winter months, cosy up on the high pile rug as the fire crackles and melts away the frost on the windows. Snug alcoves make enchanting advantage points to watch the ever-changing coastal scenes outside, from glassy days to raging storms. At night, a king-size bed awaits complete with goose down duvet, pocket sprung mattress and Egyptian linens.
Outside
In summertime, throw open the windows to welcome the warm, salty breeze along with the sounds of the harbour. For an idyllic spot to sit with a book and cup of tea, wander to the small shared courtyard and terrace. Relax, unwind and, when you are ready to stretch your legs, take a leisurely stroll into Mousehole to experience the delights of a traditional working Cornish harbour town abuzz with life. Head along the seafront to artsy Newlyn, take your pick from any one of the sandy beaches and enjoy a sun-kissed day at the seaside.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 2 guests
From £895 per week, £695 per short break
Day hire options are available - Bedrooms and bathroomsOne double bedroom with king-size bed and one en suite shower room.
- PetsTwo dogs welcome on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Monday or FridayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms are welcome. Please note, there is no cot or highchair available but guests are welcome to bring their own.
- PracticalitiesGuests can park in the harbour car park (£3 per day). The cottage includes an oven, hob, dishwasher and Nespresso coffee machine; please note there is no washing machine or freezer. The garden is shared with The Oyster Catcher.
- Homestay includesTV, DVD player, superfast WiFi internet, local books, OS survey maps and coastal walking guides, linen, towels, logs and kindling to get you startedHouse book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Mousehole
Imagine a tangle of fishermen’s cottages and winding alleyways, a maze of slips, a harbour bobbing colourful boats atop its surface and an ice cream parlour serving up the most heavenly flavours on earth... you wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking the arcadian town of Mousehole was like one plucked from a fairytale.
Getting there
- On the Map The Herringbone is located in the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole in West Cornwall, not far from Penzance.
- By Car From London, take the M4 toward Bath, take M5 South and A30 to Cornwall and follow the directions provided to the property.
- By Train The closest train station is Penzance (three miles away).
- By Air Newquay Airport is approximately 35 miles from Mousehole village.
From the owner
“Our stylish, romantic cottage is the perfect seaside pad. From the squishy bed, to the sea views and muted calming interiors, it´s somewhere we are sure you will want to return to again and again.”
The 17th century Herringbone shares its history with the Cornish fishing industry, the mainstay of which was pilchard fishing. A thriving business for over 200 years, by the time of the First World War, the pilchard industry was in huge decline.
Giving way to the tourist trade, Pilchard palaces began closing down and the house, then owned by a well-known Cornish family, was divided into private living accommodation. Thus our lovely little Herringbone was born!
Shortly after, an emerging colony of artists heralded a new focus for the area. Renowned artists Jack Pender and Christopher Wood spent time at the cottage – the latter so much so that a skylight was installed for him.
We fell in love with the building as soon as we entered it and spent many months intensely renovating the property, mindful that our work be sympathetic to and in-keeping with its rich history and character. We feel deeply privileged to be able to act as custodians to such a fabulous place; one that has existed long before and will exist long after us.
The Massey Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Mousehole with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Buckets and Spades
Soak in the stunning seascapes and miles upon miles of award-winning beaches. From surf lessons to coasteering to paddling along the shore, there are many and varied water-based activities for bathers and adrenaline-junkies alike.
To Do
Walking Routes
There are many beautiful places to explore on foot right from the doorstep. Go for a gentle stroll along the South West Coast Path or for more of a challenge, pick up the Pilgrim´s Way (part of the famous Camino de Santiago).
To Eat
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole
Renowned for its well-stocked cellar and good food, with sweeping lawns stretching down to the sea, this is a great place for breakfast, afternoon tea or a cosy fire-lit three course meal. Don´t miss Sunday lunch, last orders are by three.
To See
Mousehole, Lovely Mousehole
Mousehole is the very essence of a Cornish picture-postcard scene. Steeped in history and firmly entrenched in Cornwall’s fishing heritage, Mousehole today boasts a small community of friendly locals and working fishermen.
Guest Testimonials
Our stay at The Herringbone was outstanding! The number one feedback I can give you is that our stay and the property exactly met your promise and our expectations! Everything was well prepared, very clean and in order. The support and service were excellent, and we received great recommendations for restaurants, cafes and stores. Also, the upfront information on how to proceed to the house in Mousehole and the parking instructions were perfect. All in all, a great experience. We will book again via Unique Homestays!
The location was truly unique! The tranquillity of The Herringbone’s position in Mousehole and just being able to lie in bed listening to the sound of the sea just below the bedroom window was truly wonderful.
A fantastic place in a beautiful location. We have stayed here before and will definitely be coming back. It is the perfect bolthole for a couple; beautifully finished and furnished, and a very comfy bed!
Our stay at The Herringbone was amazing - it was everything we hoped it would be. We loved the style of the place, contemporary but cosy. It was perfectly equipped and the goodies in the hamper on arrival were a nice touch. We very much enjoyed the location, being so close to the water and seeing the rhythm of the tides was a very relaxing way to spend a few days.
We had a wonderful stay at The Herringbone, and Mousehole was delightful! The apartment is cosy and the fishing village decor and fabulous view of the harbour was memorable. The kitchen had everything we needed and the gourmet package was much appreciated. All round, a wonderful stay - we’ll be back!
We have had the most fabulous Honeymoon here. The Herringbone is indeed a unique and special little house, and we shall miss Mousehole. What a fabulous and relaxed time. We shall look forward to coming back soon.
The location was like being in a movie. It had the old sea shanty charm, and was equipped with modern conveniences (without losing the olden-time charm. We loved having a functional kitchen and some food supplies to get our stay started. The items within The Herringbone were impressive and appropriate; the old maps on the wall, the books on the local area and life on the water, the local newspaper and magazines, the movies on the shelf, the old books: we loved it! We fell in love at first sight.
Thank you for a lovely week. We really enjoyed Mousehole and all it´s little galleries and restaurants, and thoroughly enjoyed staying at The Herringbone- very cosy with marvellous views!
The Herringbone is a stunning property, lovingly restored and developed by the owners, it was a fab property. It can´t be faulted it is exceptional, just don´t tell anyone otherwise we won´t be able to re-book!
We wanted a special place to spend a short place and relax. Mousehole s the perfect location for walking around to places and the Herringbone was perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by. The property was beautiful. Furnished and decorated simply but elegantly. Added to the ambiance and general feeling of relaxation.
We loved the Heringbone; it is a beautiful space in an amazing setting with a gorgeous view. Paul &Jules could not have been more welcoming and we will definitely be going back.
Such a fabulous quaint location coupled with a fabulous quaint cottage - wonderful views over the harbor. Well equipped, with lovely extras; it really was just great!
We have loved staying here and hope you consider us safe custodians of your piece of heritage. Loved the little touches which go a long way, we´ve had a lovely stay
The Herringbone is one of our most beloved accommodations and locations from our travels. Absolutely beautiful and very special house and fantastically hospitable owners.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which The Herringbone and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
The UK´s Most Picturesque Coastal Cottages Available to Hire
House & Garden
July 2018
This Modern Rustic Harbourside Loft Is A Real Coastal Treasure
House Beautiful
January 2016
Mousehole; An Insider´s Guide
Conde Nast Traveller
June 2013
The 20 Best UK Cottages to Cosy up in this Winter
The Independent
December 2019
How to Make the Most Out of your Holiday Let
The Telegraph
November 2019
Last-Minute Christmas Holidays in 2019
The Times
November 2019Best Country Cottages and Forest Cabins
The Times
October 2019Wild Nights: Where to Stay in the Woods
The Times
October 2019
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Cornwall > Mousehole > The Herringbone
Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please ask our team.
