The Artist´s Retreat
Michaelstow, Wadebridge, Cornwall, UK
Between the moors and sea in mystical North Cornwall, where folklore and truth twist to forge history, a bohemian country home festooned in wisteria lies. Outside, there's a pool and fire pit primed for s'mores. Inside, there's roaring fires, ceiling-high piles of novels, and a warmth that could only come from a house filled with family memories. An artsy self-catering manor that comfortably dances with the rhythms of life; welcome to The Artist's Retreat.
Introduction
Filled with colour and an abundance of comforts, The Artist's Retreat is a cosy self-catering escape for families looking to hide from the rest of the world, leaving only to meander through sprawling Cornish landscapes. In one direction, the craggy coastline between Port Isaac and Tintagel conjures images of bootlegging pirates and siren songs, while in the other, Bodmin’s bewitching tors tempt moorland rambles and pub lunches by the fire. Back home, this unique manor exudes a dignified, free-spirited air which welcomes deep rest; whether sunbathing by the pool or thumbing a paperback.
Inside
An eclectic mix of antique pieces and modern design, prodigious original art, and authenticity intertwine inside this homely self-catering country house, showcasing the owners’ life well-lived through the film industry. Bibliophiles will be in their element at The Artist’s Retreat, with over 20,000 books lining the Georgian shelves of the four double bedrooms, living spaces and dining room conservatory promising escapes to faraway lands over freshly brewed coffee on quiet mornings. Come night, sink into the fireside freestanding tub, stars twinkling above the treetops outside.
Outside
With walks straight from the door, Artist's Retreat is a haven for ramblers on their family holiday to Cornwall; saunter to the coast, or hike over wild Bodmin Moor. Back at home, twist through eight acres of garden and past the ancient wishing well to the heated pool, where the lion’s share of summer days are sure to be spent evolving from morning dips, to waterside picnics, to sundowners. A tipi hidden in the orchard makes an adventurous base for children in between picking apples for crumbles, while a Bali day bed, football goal, and al fresco dining area ensure the whole family are catered for.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £2,895 per week, £2,095 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are four bedrooms on the first floor, one with super king-size bed and en suite bathroom with freestanding bath, walk-in shower and separate WC, along with three further bedrooms which share the family bathroom with freestanding Lusso stone bath and handheld shower attachement; two with king-size bed and one with double bed. There is also one separate WC on the ground floor.
View bedrooms - FeaturesOutdoor swimming pool (heated June - September), outdoor ping pong table, fire pit, croquet lawn, badminton
- PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabies and children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesAccess to the property is via single, narrow country lanes and there is space for four cars in the yard outside. The kitchen includes an Aga, Range cooker, fridge/freezer and two dishwashers. There is a separate utility room including a washing machine and tumble dryer. Due to the unfenced pool and pond, parents are requested to supervise children at all times. Please note when booking the smaller group option, the office and library room will be unavailable.
- Homestay includesHamper filled with local produce, two turntables and vast selection of records, Bluetooth sound system, Bose sound system, Smart TV with Netflix, DVD player and DVDs, Chemex coffee machine, Superfast WiFi, seasonal freshly cut flowers...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Michaelstow
Whether pottering between North Cornwall´s picture-perfect fishing villages of Port Isaac and Tintagel, or exploring the wilds of Bodmin Moor´s imposing tors, Michaelstow offers the best of all worlds in this remote corner of England´s first and final county.
Getting there
- On the Map The Artist's Retreat is located in the Cornish village of Michaelstow, between Bodmin Moor and Port Isaac. The nearest proper town is Wadebridge.
- By Car From London, take the M4 towards Bath and the M5 South; the property is around five hours by car and just over an hour from Exeter.
- By Train The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway 12 miles away, which is around 25 minutes from the house by taxi.
- By Air Newquay airport is around a 30 minute drive away, while Exeter airport is around an hour away. Both have car hire available and we advise you book in advance.
From the owner
“The Artist´s Retreat has been the most wonderful family home for us and our children over the last 15 years; its most special features being secret, delightful and unexpected spots hidden in the house and throughout the gardens.”
There are so many things we love about the house; the three large reception rooms with roaring open fires, the slate floored kitchen and conservatory gathered full of friends, family and food. Floating in the swimming pool surrounded by oak, beech and alders. Sitting in the wild meadow with a good book. Playing badminton or croquet on the lawn. A picnic lunch under the grand oak. We could wax lyrical until the cows come home!
Being just five miles from the closest surfing beach, Tregardock, on the magnificent North Cornwall coastline and only three miles from Bodmin Moor´s wild woodlands, places the house in an exceptional spot of outstanding natural beauty, perfectly positioned for adventures both on land and sea.
If you can bear to tear yourself away, you can be swimming, surfing, or hiking in the gorgeous Cornish countryside within minutes, all before returning to the luxury of our beautiful country home.
The Whiteblooms
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Michaelstow with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
St Kew Inn
A 15th century inn chock full of original features and character, where all food is seasonal and wines carefully selected. Cosy in winter and with a large garden in summer; here is an inn that foodies should not miss.
To See
Explore the north coast
Explore Cornwall’s wild north, where quintessential fishing villages cling to the edges of cliffs; Port Isaac and Tintagel are a must, while seafood lovers must not miss Bostcastel´s The Rocket Store.
To See
Stand up Paddleboarding, Port Quin
A long, narrow and protected cove west of Port Isaac where paddleboarders can safely navigate the coastline´s caves and rockpools. Explore with a guide and group, or hire boards to go it alone.
To Do
The Camel Trail
Just eight miles from the start of the trail in Wadebridge, keen cycling enthusiasts can hop on their bikes to join the Camel Trail from the property. From here it´s all wine stops and lunch breaks until Padstow, where Rick Stein´s fish and chips awaits.
Guest Testimonials
The property is filled with books, music, and art that you hardly know whether to start reading one of the thousands of books, listening to vinyl records in the conservatory, or marveling at the various photographs and paintings throughout the house. The grounds are vast and you could almost take proper walks just around the property itself, wandering to the little pond at the far end, strolling through the labyrinth cut out in the wildflower meadow, or taking a plunge in the huge swimming pool.
What a wonderful time we had at The Artist´s Retreat. The house, garden, pool, library, fires, and beds are excellent. Cornwall is amazing, the beaches, waves, ice creams, and surfing are spectacular. Your home is a retreat place to explore and an even better place to return to. Thank you for sharing.
We had a wonderful time at your amazing home. We have booked a return trip to The Artist´s Retreat again this year. We are looking forward to returning and seeing more of Cornwall.
Thank you for letting us stay at your wonderful house! Thank you also for the lovely welcome hamper left. We had a wonderful time celebrating my husband´s 60th Birthday here.
We were blown away by the grounds themselves which are so vast, that you could almost take proper walks just around the property itself, wandering to the little pond at the far end, strolling through the labyrinth cut out in the wildflower meadow or taking a plunge in the huge swimming pool, which has retained a 1950s style atmosphere that gave it extra charm. There were so many little spots to sit in the garden that we could choose a different one every day and still not have been through them all at the end of the week. We had an absolutely lovely time there and I´m sure we´ll come back!
The Artist´s Retreat is a simply stunning property. The location, grounds, the house itself, everything was outstanding. We had a very warm welcome from the owner´s brother who was available to us for any questions we had. The house was decorated with so much detail and care that it is a joy to be allowed to wander around and explore all the different rooms. It is filled with books, music, and art that you hardly know whether to start reading one of the thousands of books, listening to vinyl records in the conservatory, or marveling at the various photographs and paintings throughout the house.
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.
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Best cabin stays in the UK
The Times
May 2023Staycation in splendid isolation
Country Living
May 2023Britain´s best holiday cottages
The Telegraph
May 2023Best holiday homes in the UK
Conde Nast Traveller
May 2023A look inside The Fable x The White Company
House Beautiful
May 2023Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023Follying up the folly
Country Living
May 2023The hidden heart of Cornwall
Financial Times
April 2023
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Cornwall > Wadebridge > The Artist´s Retreat
Related Collections
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.
