Elysian
Rilla Mill, Cornwall, UK
Lose yourself in nature when you flee to this luxury moorland cottage nestled in the pretty Cornish hamlet of Rilla Mill. Here is a place where peace and tranquillity promise only to be disturbed by the sweet melody of morning birdsong or hooting owl. Ensconced in nature, Elysian is a cosy retreat for groups of up to four people and two dogs on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor; a place of big skies, trickling streams and soaring granite tors.
Introduction
Hidden in a secluded south east Cornwall village, Elysian sits on the fringe of Bodmin Moor between the ancient market towns of Launceston and Liskeard. Awe-inspiring walks over towering moorland tors, evenings at the local theatre and dinner at a country inn will be the only things to tear you away from the comfort of this luxury stone cottage with its cosy Aga and roaring woodburner. For ultimate peace and quiet, retreat up to the adjoining linhay – a private haven for writers and artists, complete with desk overlooking the cottage's flower-filled garden across the lane.
Inside
Calming hues and traditional character features combine with nature-inspired artwork and curio to ensure Elysian is in-keeping with its rural surroundings. A year-round paradise, this is one of the few places where cold winter days will be cherished as much as those in midsummer. Stock the shelves with goodies from Trevallick's Farm Shop and cosy-up by the crackling fire with a large glass of burgundy. Matched with a roast dinner browning in the Aga, the soft sheepskins and weathered vintage furnishings make this a home you won’t ever want to leave.
Outside
The pretty cottage garden just across the lane is fully enclosed and features a lawn bordered by fragrant beds and climbing rose trellis, great for both two and four-legged members of the family. For some R&R, the summerhouse provides a peaceful haven from which to observe the plethora of wildlife on the doorstep, while Bodmin Moor's wild, rugged landscape beckons for walks. Start a day’s adventure through fields, past waterfalls and then climb hilly moorland to find never-ending panoramas of purple heather, highland cattle and grazing ponies.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 4 guests
From £925 per week, £650 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe double bedrooms are on the first floor, one with a king-size bed, the other two with doubles. The family bathroom is on the floor floor and has a bath and overhead shower, and there is a separate WC on the ground floor.
View bedrooms - HousekeepingAdditional housekeeping is available on prior request at an additional cost
- FeaturesCinema room and linhay studio, summer house
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10amTimes may vary due to Covid-19 requirements, please refer to your booking.
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available. Parents are advised to supervise children and pets at all times in the outside spaces of Elysian.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for up to three cars. The cottage has an Aga, fridge-freezer, washer-dryer, dishwasher, microwave and a Nescafe Dolco Gusto coffee machine. Please note that Elysian accommodates a maximum of four people, but these guests can use the third bedroom for an additional fee of £150. Due to the age of the property, low beams and ceilings feature throughout; please mind your heads!
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper with a bottle of Prosecco and home made scones, Smart TV, iPad, radio in kitchen and summerhouse, WiFi internet, charcoal barbecue, 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
Rilla Mill
Tucked high at the top of the Cornish peninsula, this little moorland village is just outside Bodmin Moor, perfectly placed for long walks and nature rambles. Poldark fans can get into character with the stunning scenery as a naturally beautiful backdrop, or have a go at spotting that elusive fabled cat.
Getting there
- On the Map Elysian is located in the moorland village of Rilla Mill in North East Cornwall.
- 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 nearest train station is Liskeard and Bodmin Parkway with regular services from London Paddington.
- By Air The property is around 45 minutes drive from Newquay and Exeter Airport.
From the owner
“Approaching via winding country lanes, I felt as if I’d stumbled across a magical moorland cottage. With its wooden floorboards, wonky walls and a warm Aga with whistling kettle sat atop; Elysian is brimming with enchantment and a real haven for relaxation.”
My partner and I had been searching for a picturesque country setting for some time before we stumbled upon the tiny hidden village of Rilla Mill, or ‘Melin Reslegh’ as it’s known in Cornish. From the warm welcome we received at the local pub to the abundance of wildlife that greeted us on our first countryside stroll here, we knew Elysian was it.
The cottage dates back to the 17th century and thankfully had retained much of its homely character and charm. That said, we thoroughly enjoyed putting our own stamp on this little slice of Cornish paradise; making rustic wall hangings to complement a subtle wildlife theme and scouting out quirky furnishings that reflected the history of the building.
If you stay at Elysian, we'd really recommend you explore the dramatic granite tors of Bodmin Moor, which is also home to the highest point in Cornwall: the 1378ft Brown Willy. The buildings and remote relics on the moor date back to medieval times and, like many parts of Cornwall, the moor is alive with myths, ghosts and legends. The so-called Beast of Bodmin Moor has apparently been spotted more than 60 times since its first sighting in 1983.
The Fottles Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Rilla Mill with an insider’s perspective.
To See
Lanhydrock House
A magnificent country house with garden and wooded estate, you can discover two sides of Victorian life at Lanhydrock; from the kitchens, nurseries and servants´ quarters to the luxurious family areas and the comforts of ‘upstairs’ living.
To Eat
Trevallick´s Farm Shop, Pensilva
Situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Trevallick´s boasts breathtaking views, a relaxed atmosphere, a charming tea room and shop filled with local produce. They also have resident Kune Kune pigs who are worth paying a visit for alone!
To Do
On the Water Activities
Elysian is within an hour of some of the most stunning beaches in north Cornwall, with Siblyback Lake closer still. From surfing and stand-up paddle boarding to sailing and canoeing, you´ll be spoilt for choice for on-the-water fun.
To Do
Cycling at Cardinham Woods
Enjoy off-road biking surrounded by trees as high as the sky. Whether one´s first time without stabilisers or next adrenaline fix, Cardinham Woods offers both hard and gentle trails (and an excellent tearoom with the biggest wedges of cake).
Guest Testimonials
Thank you for a wonderful stay in this beautiful cottage. We have decided it is very like the cottage in the film ´The Holiday´! The attention to detail is fantastic and around every corner there is something else to admire. We loved it so much that we only dined out once and cooked with the Aga to enjoy the cottage at night! We managed to pack so much into a 3-night stay! Thank you.
Wow! We cannot thank you enough for making our stay so beautifully peaceful, just as we had imagined. You really have thought of every last detail to ensure your guests have the best stay! Reading in the summer house and drinking wine by the log fire were a particular favourite. Thank you for the hamper, we shall use it for many more trips and what a great way for us to remember Elysian. We will definitely be back.
We Loved our stay here. Highly recommend Elysian to anyone who´s looking for a peaceful relaxing stay in the countryside. We had everything we needed and more... all the little touches made our stay even more amazing. We will be back again for sure. P.s. The walks around here are beautiful!
We had such a wonderful stay at Elysian. Perfect place for us girls to enjoy Cornwall and all it has to offer. We cooked here every day and loved the Aga! Thank you for a beautiful stay.
We had an absolutely lovely time. The welcome pack was very much appreciated. Perfect location for exploring North and South coast as well as the local area. The Aga was fun to use, we ate a few times in the cottage, however we did also eat at the Manor Arms. Their food was lovely and they were very friendly. We are looking forward to using Unique Homestays again.
Thank you so much for a wonderful mini-break in Elysian. We wish we could have stayed longer, but it was just long enough to relax and unwind. Beautiful countryside and beaches and a marvellous lunch at The Springer Spaniel. I even managed to cook my first ever beef stew in the Aga! Many thanks for being so wonderfully welcoming.
Thank you for letting us share your beautiful home. Everything has been relaxing, comfortable, peaceful and just perfect! Thank you to Jane for making us feel very welcome and for all the wonderful goodies. I think from all the Unique Homestays properties we have stayed in so far this has been our favourite. We look forward to returning soon.
Thank you for allowing us to share your unique and magical home. We loved the interiors - so calming and restful. It really is a small slice of heaven. From the rugged moorlands to the peaceful pretty gardens, the lovely farm shop with local food and the warm welcome from the housekeeper, it has left us with wonderful memories we shall treasure for a long time. A truly memorable holiday!
Thank you for a fantastic stay in this beautiful cottage. We had all kinds of weather from snow to glorious sunshine! The perfect cottage made for a perfect stay.
Just a quick note to say how much mum, Claudia and I enjoyed our weekend at Elysian and how much we loved the cottage! The decor is poetic - the upstairs room looks like a stage set for a play about a Victorian enthusiast of natural history. You’ve done a wonderful job - it feels a very special place.
Our second stay at a Unique Homestay cottage, and did not disappoint, so peaceful and cosy. Despite indifferent weather we managed to find sunshine most days on the North or South coast. Thank you.
It is safe to say that we have found a truly special place. We have fallen in love with Elysian and its rustic charm. From exploring the local trails through the woodland to evenings spent by the fire, hunting down traditional Cornish pasties, enjoying regular lie ins and simply sitting taking in the silence; we loved every moment spent in this beautiful place! If you have a special occasion we highly recommend Paul Ainsworths in Padstow! Thanks to all at Unique Homestays for a week will remember fondly.
Elysian was absolutely lovely. It was very relaxing and cosy but with all the mod cons. The sun came out and it was so peaceful. For trips we recommend Seaton Beach (dog friendly), The Springer Spaniel Pub for good food and Boscastle village.
Elysian is a true sanctuary. From the moment we arrived we slipped straight into relaxation mode. Awaking to birdsong really is quite special when used to city living, and the surrounding countryside walks are just beautiful.The cottage is in a lovely spot, hidden away from all life´s stresses but yet not far from the conveniences if you need them. Thank you for giving us this little piece of heaven! It was perfect for a spring break, with the fire and Aga and all the interesting furnishings, all we needed was a big snowfall so we could stay forever!
An enchanting cottage in such a peaceful location, just the sound of birdsong and the occasional clip-clopping of horses hooves was perfect. We would recommend Harlyn Cove on the North Coast for a beautiful, sandy dog-friendly beach. The Springer Spaniel Pub does wonderful food and great puddings if you have a sweet tooth. Rick Steins in Padstow is definitely worth a visit too. This is our second stay with Unique Homestays and we will definitely be back. The homes are so special and you think of everything.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which 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
Home from Home
Elle Decoration
September 2020Rocky Road
House & Garden
September 2020Finders Keepers
Conde Nast Traveller
September 2020The Best Holiday Homes in Suffolk
The Telegraph
August 2020Coastal Cottages to Rent
House & Garden
August 2020An Insider’s Guide to Buying a Holiday Home in the UK
The Times
August 2020Holiday Hideaway
Self Build & Design
August 202025 Stylish UK Self‑Catering Stays for 2021
The Times
August 2020
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Cornwall > Rilla Mill > Elysian
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 contact us.
