Guest testimonials
Thanks so much for creating such a unique property and for letting us stay in it. It truly is a memory to savour! Great that you can walk straight out of Morse and get on some lovely walks, all without using a car, which we very much appreciate.
What a beautiful stay! The attention to detail transforming this former bunker into a stunning retreat with perfect little spots for sitting in the sun, or hiding from the rain with the fire on and cosy lighting - we couldn´t have asked for a more gorgeous place to stay! The new hot tub was also a lovely surprise, and was the best way to finish off a long day exploring the Cornish coastline! We´ll definitely be back!
What a lovely Easter week we had at Morse. Our next door neighbours were lovely (Jersey cows!) looking over at us every morning over the hedge. Lots of lovely walks and beautiful countryside.
What an experience - a holiday within a holiday to come back to such a beautiful place. With Minack, Mousehole and St Ives on the doorstep, not to mention Newlyn and Penzance, every day brought something different. Thank you for all the work that went into reviving this historically significant building.
We’ve had the most incredible stay at this truly unique property! The transformation from an old WWII bunker and former cow shelter into a luxury rental is nothing short of remarkable. You can really feel the thought, care, and craftsmanship that went into the conversion. Beds were so comfortable, showers were great, and the hot tub was just the icing on the cake. Sitting in it, with the stars above - peaceful and private & perfect! This is a special spot and something completely different from your typical rental. We will be back!
We escaped here to avoid the early stages of empty nest blues. Morse kept us happy and busy. There are so many wonderful places to visit. We loved Newlyn and ate delicious lunches at The Falcon Inn. Porthcurno Beach is stunning, as are the coastal paths around it. We visited Porthgwarra and walked almost as far as Nanjizal Beach. We loved Sennen Cove; the beach is incredible and surfer-watching is mesmerizing. Morse is an extraordinary house - so comfortable and peaceful.
Thank you so much for the hamper of vegan goodies, we were very touched. We have loved our stay at Morse; unique and rich in history. It´s a beautiful place and well worth our long drive from the North. The Cornish tea has gone down very well, and that´s from Yorkshire folk. Five stars!
I can´t believe we are the first people to experience this amazing place. It´s the perfect place to unwind. It´s bright and comfortable, it´s extraordinary and fun. Fabulous interior. We love the contrast of warm furnishings with the brutal exposed concrete and best of all light pouring in from glass doors on three sides. The setting is lovely, surrounded by fields and lovely nooks and plenty of cosy places to sit. Loved it and we had a magical week.
OMG! Wow wow wow! We loved everything about Morse. The peace and tranquillity, the light during the day and then the cosiness of the evenings with the shutters closed. Fabulously finished and let it be so comfortable. It´s an amazing conversion. Well done to the owners. You´ve kept the brutal nature of the concrete and paired it with luxury. The beds are sublime! Thanks for doing the project and making it available to people who wish to experience. We will be back!
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Morse
St Levan, Porthcurno, Cornwall, UK
Up to 4 guests
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Children and babies are welcome.What may, at first glance, appear to be an unassuming green mound camouflaged into this corner of West Cornwall, is a home waiting to have its secrets revealed. As seen on Channel 5's Cornwall: A Year by the Sea, this is a WWII bunker whose position, moments from the most sublime slice of Cornish coastline, important past and clever design, when you step 'underground', evoke an irrepressible, clandestine awe. Read more...
Allows babes in arms
Allows children
Two well behaved dogs welcome
Wi-Fi
Hot tub
Real fire
TV
Barbecue
Cot
Highchair
Introduction
Constructed as a communications bunker to facilitate secret messages being transmitted across the sea to the USA during WWII, it’s impossible not to feel an appreciation for Morse's important role in the UK's wartime history when setting foot inside. To celebrate this, original elements of the building have been left untouched, including ventilation pipes and concrete walls – made to Ministry of Defence standards. Now, post renovation, light pours in through glass doors and windows on all four sides. For war buffs, design lovers and nature enthusiasts, Morse is out of hiding.
Inside
Brutalist and distinctive, the pebble-grey palette of floor-to-ceiling concrete flirts with designer furnishings. Charcoal-black additions from the architect owner immediately draw the eye in the living space, including the iconic Ligne Roset Togo sofa by Michael Ducaroy and 1950s leather Coconut chair by George Nelson, with Artemide light fixtures bringing a touch of Milanese chic. The kitchen, visible through an opening sliced through the concrete, spills onto the west-facing ‘gin and tonic’ terrace; whilst two honeyed, wood-clad bedrooms provide snug dens for slumber.
Outside
Emerging from the grass-covered bunker, the half-acre garden has many seating spots speckled around; all with views of the encircling countryside. And a wood-fired hot tub awaits in a decked corner of the garden, casting views down towards Penberth Cove. From Morse, Cornwall’s famed Pedn Vounder, Porthcurno and Sennen beaches (whose turquoise waters and white sands rival that of any Maldivian isle), trendy food spots of Penzance and Newlyn (where fresh seafood is the star of the show) and iconic cliffside Minack Theatre are all in touching distance by car, foot or bike.
There are two bedrooms: one with an en suite and one with use of the second WC and shower room.
Bedroom One
Double Room
This bedroom has a king-sized bed with en suite shower room and WC.
Bedroom Two
Zip Link (Room can be made up as a double or twin)
This is a super-king or twin bedded room with use of the second adjacent shower and WC
- PricingFrom £1,495 per week, £1,150 per short break for up to 4 guests
An alternative group size of up to 2 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate - FeaturesHot tub
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
- PracticalitiesThe approach to the property is along a country lane, less suitable for low slung cars. There is parking outside for up to four cars, and a bike rack. The kitchen is well equipped; featuring an oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge, a range of modern appliances including an air fryer, as well as a dishwasher and washer/dryer. Dogs are very welcome and the land is fenced, however it is not guaranteed to be dog proof. Animals also graze in the fields surrounding the property, so dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and must not enter the fields
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- A bottle of wine
- A crusty loaf of fresh bread
- Local fresh milk
- Local free-range eggs
- Biscuits
- A selection of savoury and sweet treats
- A bottle of alcohol-free drink
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper. However, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people in your party. Please indicate any dietary requirements on your booking form.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Freshly cut flowers
- Land and Sea hand wash and hand cream
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Bath robes
- Firewood and wax firelighters
- A selection of teas
- Olive oil and white wine vinegar
- Board games and puzzles
- Bike hire arrangement
- Hairdryer
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Recipe books
- A selection of hard and paperback fiction and non-fiction
- Local maps, tide times, walking and cycle trails and visitor guides
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
Penzance
Set on Cornwall’s rugged coast, Penzance blends maritime heritage with a booming creative and foodie scene. From Chapel Street’s independent stores to the Art Deco Jubilee Pool, this town has a laid-back vibe steeped in smuggler lore.
Getting there
- On the map St Levan is a small hamlet located in West Penwith, near Porthcurno.
- By car From London, the journey time is approximately six hours and 15 minutes, or under four hours from Bristol.
- By train There are regular trains departing from London Paddington to Penzance. Penzance train station is approximately a 25-minute drive from the property.
- By air Lands End Airport is approximately a 14-minute drive from the property, and Newquay Airport one hour and 15 minutes.
“A recently retired architect, Nick was excited to take on the challenge of converting an iconic concrete underground transmitter station into a luxurious home. He was keen to retain as much of the original structure as possible and brought in light through carefully considered new openings. He loves the respectful juxtaposition between the new and the old and enjoyed sourcing the designer furnishings.”
Living locally, we recognised the unique nature of the building, its amazing history and the importance of its beautiful rural setting – and so took on the challenge to transform it into what is now a stunning two-bedroomed, two-bathroomed home. The project took three years to complete, and there is a book of photographs charting the journey in the living room.
We knew from the start that a suburban-looking formal garden with neat rows of bedding plants would be completely inappropriate, so we've mown grass paths through what is becoming one large wildflower meadow. Having bought extra land from the neighbouring farmer to allow Morse more privacy, we have planted over a thousand native tree and hedging saplings – hawthorn, wild rose, gorse, blackthorn, wild cherry, sycamore, pine and willow.
As well as the warm and cosy nature of the house, we love the privacy of sitting in the garden, listening to skylarks trilling and buzzards mewing, with Penwith’s Dark and Bronze Age standing stones silhouetted on the skyline. We walk the ancient paths to the coast before an evening barbecue on the sunset terrace as the dark skies fill with stars. This is an ancient place with special stories to tell. We hope you enjoy it all as much as we do.
Nick and Tim
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Penzance. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Eat
Porthmeor Beach Cafe, St Ives
Our favourite of a huge number of restaurants in St Ives. An imaginative modern menu served in a laid back, seaside style. Booking is crucial in the summer. Ask for a pod on their terrace to watch the sun set over the sea.
To See
The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
This world famous open-air theatre is carved into the cliff, overlooking Porthcurno Bay. With a full programme of live performances, you can explore the dramatic site and glorious sub-tropical gardens, too.
To Do
Pedn Vounder, Treen
Not far from Penzance and with its white sands, turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, Pedn Vounder is arguably the most beautiful beach in Cornwall. Reached by foot only, be sure to check tide times when visiting.
To Shop
Mousehole Deli & Kitchen, Mousehole
A busy restaurant and deli right on the harbour in Mousehole. They do takeaway, so we suggest nipping in for a pasty or sandwiches to eat on the beach below, before stocking up on the wide range of wine on offer.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
How close is Morse to Porthcurno Beach?
Morse is a short drive or cycle to Porthcurno Beach, as well as other great local locations such as Pedn Vounder, Sennen Cove and the Minack Theatre.
Are there coastal walks from the property?
Yes. Morse is perfect for exploring the South West Cost Path.
Was Morse really a WWII bunker?
Yes. Morse was a communications bunker during WWII to facilitate secret messages being transmitted across the sea to the USA.
Below are a selection of features in which Morse 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 indulgent rock’n’roll holiday rental
The Times
March 2026A home in a WWII bunker?
Living Etc.
September 202514 of the best holidays with summer availability
The Standard
August 2025Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 20265 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
Related collections
Collections > Baby-friendly breaks > UK > Cornwall > Porthcurno > Morse
