Morwell
Calstock, Tamar Valley, Cornwall, UK
In a land of tree-smothered hills, and wide, meandering rivers, where the sky skims mist-glazed valleys, and community reigns over titles, lies a luxury retreat far from Cornwall’s well-trodden path. A white farmhouse, surrounded by oxe-eye daisies, where kingfishers flit over wild swimmers, and a natural pool reflects thunderheads in its mirrored waters. Tamar Valley in its roots, Provence in its form; Morwell nourishes minds, and refills hearts.
Introduction
Tipsy-turvy lanes, their hedges crowned with foxgloves, mark the way to Morwell, a home so hidden it stands as an island amidst the valley’s swathes of green. It’s mile-and-a-half of riverfront greet the tidal reaches of the Tamar, where salmon and sea trout swish beneath the surface, otters dive from sandy inlets, and kayakers ripple through the reflection of Chimney Rock towering overhead. Look up, and one could mistake its crag for one in the Dévoluy Massif, and it is just as overlooked, it’s trails equally devoid of fellow hikers. If peace is what you’re looking for, this must be the place.
Inside
Quiet, gentle, refined luxury awaits through the heavy farmhouse doors, where summer’s blaze is calmed, and winter storms hushed; a space of warm whites and roaring fires, of running hands along the walls to feel 400 years of history through each chiselled groove, an everlasting story of passing hands, lives beginning, and suppers shared. Upstairs, a rolltop tub looks over the ancient orchard through one window, the kitchen garden the other; an obvious place to stockpile time for oneself. Downstairs, the open-plan living areas were designed around togetherness, whatever the day’s task.
Outside
A giant mulberry stands amidst the orchard, branches a host of shade and play, a nation of its own where children are sure to hide as they conjure worlds of imagination; a stronghold against the dragons beyond, the sirens singing from the cool, natural pool. Up the steps and through the swathes of wildflowers, raised beds are filled with onions, and chard, raspberries, and chives; all welcome to sprinkle on pancakes, or run through salads. To the east, Dartmoor, to the south, Whitsand, around the corner a Michelin-starred restaurant. Whether staying, or going, a wholesome time is guaranteed.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £2,250 per week, £1,695 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsTwo first floor double bedrooms, one featuring a king-size bed and en suite bathroom hidden behind the partition wall, and one further double bedroom. There is one first floor twin bedroom, one first floor family bathroom with shower attachment, one first floor wet room with walk-in shower and one ground floor WC.
View bedrooms - FeaturesTable tennis, natural outdoor swimming pool (1st April to 30th September)
- PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children are very welcome. One travel cot, one highchair and one toddler´s chair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for three cars. The utility room has an additional fridge and dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. Please note there is no microwave. Guests have exclusive use of the house and grounds, however please note the gardener may be on-site from time to time. When booking the standard group size of six, guests are welcome to choose from three of the four bedrooms. If booking the alternative group size of eight, all four bedrooms will be available. The natural pool is available to use from the 1st April to 30th September.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, 50" VideoWave TV with Bose surround-sound system and film library, Bang & Olufsen BeuPlay A9 speaker, iPad, WiFi internet, charcoal barbecue, linen, towels, logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom foraging weekenders to crash courses in cold-water therapy, our bespoke retreats bridge the gap between luxury and back-to-nature philosophies. Create a hand-crafted stay that puts connectivity at the fore.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Calstock
Dominated by a viaduct that links the Tamar Valley to Plymouth, Calstock is a village who´s community is fierce, with a heavy roster of events taking place around the small, but picturesque, village green.
Getting there
- On the Map This large farmhouse is between the villages of Calstock and Gunnislake on the Devon-Cornwall border within the Tamar Valley.
- By Car From London, take the M4 towards Bath, the M5 South and A30 to Cornwall and follow the directions provided to the property.
- By Train Gunnislake train station is less than a mile away and has regular connections to Plymouth, with regular train services running from Plymouth to London Paddington via Exeter.
- By Air Newquay and Exeter airports are both approximately one hour away, with taxis and car hire available.
From the owner
“One of our favourite aspects of Morwell is the walled garden; a haven for the whole family to enjoy a Cornish game of Smite as the sun takes a bow and sinks behind the pines. We hope that the beautiful surrounds capture you every bit as much as they have us.”
The house was originally built around 1610 and we have worked hard to restore its original features. We do hope that you will enjoy the simple, monastic feel of the original lime render, and antique fittings and furniture spread throughout our home. While it can often feel as though one has stepped back in time here, there are certainly no lack of modern day amenities, making this a truly relaxing and pleasurable place to be.
We spend much of our days here whiling time away at the river; whether a morning swim or a picnic on its banks. When you can tear yourself away from Morwell (and you must), the Tamar Valley is rich in wildlife, culture, and of course, food. Head into the hills and the Tamar Trails for sky-high pines filled with birdsong, to Tavistock for markets (and an infamous cheesemongers), Calstock for community, or into the valley's hinterlands for secret pubs and their respective gastro menus.
For beaches, Whitsand Bay lies 40 minutes to the south; Bude, 50 minutes to the north and in between it's all quiet river creeks, and wide swathes and moorland. We hope you come to love the magic of this undiscovered corner of Cornwall as much as we do.
The Ogden Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Calstock with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Family Excursions
There is a charming donkey sanctuary nearby where children can meet ´Cornwall´s happiest donkeys´! Great for rainy days, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is just a half hour drive away, as is the Warner Village cinema.
To Do
On the River
Hire canoes for all the family from Cotehele Quay and experience the delight of gliding in a silent boat in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country; past steeply sloping woodland, old quays, mine chimneys, farms and boatyards.
To Eat
Crocadon Farm, St Mellion
Celebrating a collaborative approach to food and agriculture, Michelin starred Crocadon Farm has a rolling menu that works in harmony with their own-grown produce. Booking is highly recommended, as is the courtyard bakery and café for breakfasts, and small plates.
To See
Homes & Gardens
Cotehele House is five minutes from Morwell, festooned with tapestries, textiles, arms and armour. Saltram House, also closeby, was home to the same family for nearly 300 years and provides a fascinating insight into country-estate life throughout the centuries.
Guest Testimonials
It´s so rare to find somewhere that exceeds expectations - from the amazing setting and utter tranquillity outside to the ultimate in style and luxury inside. After lots of fresh air and long walks it was wonderful to come back to a roaring fire, hot water for all, a well-equipped kitchen and separate areas for adults and teens so we could enjoy ourselves while they did their thing. And then to the most comfortable beds possible. I wasn’t happy to leave but have consoled myself with the thought that we will be back soon.
We had a wonderful stay over Christmas at Morwell. The house and its furnishings are simply gorgeous! We particularly loved the keen eye for design throughout, from the Iittala cookware, through to Vola brassware and the Bose TV! We will definitely be back.
What a blissful stay! The serene quiet of Morwell is matched only by the impressiveness of the surrounding countryside. Roaring fires keep you toasty while enjoying the rustic charms of the stone floors, we loved it!
We had a fantastic holiday and really respect the care and love put into the place; the design, finish and kit, it´s beautiful and the river in storm flow and location spellbinding.
We had a brilliant time at Morwell which has clearly been renovated to a very high standard and in an extremely stylish way. The house sits perfectly in the landscape, welcoming people from far and wide, just as it has done for hundreds of years.
It´s great to escape (the city) to a place where you are surrounded and embraced by natural beauty..waking in the morning to breathtaking views of a beautiful gorge and soothing sounds of a nearby river...then spending the day enjoying good walks and fresh air...then resting in the evenings in front of a roaring fire...only to sleep very soundly and deeply. We left Morwell rested and recharged by nature.
Usually houses of Morwell´s size can start to get chilly at this time of year, and I must admit I like my warmth, but was delighted when my cashmere was not even thrown over my shoulders let alone put on! My husband likes cooking and I liked just chilling in your lovely kitchen while he did all the hard work. We plan to return next year!
Many thanks for our stay at Morwell. Loved it! I´m very urban and am not used to grass beneath my feet, but found myself immersed in your land, pottering with the children... the backdrop is stunning and it really is a garden of interest. And the farm itself, every single nook and cranny is filled with good design, an interior fanatic´s dream house! I have never stayed in a place where I wouldn´t want to change a single thing.
Unique extras
From private chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and adrenalin-fuelled retreats, once you’ve booked your stay we’ll introduce you to our owner-recommended suppliers to create a truly bespoke, memorable escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Morwell 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 hidden heart of Cornwall
Financial Times
April 2023Rural Restoration
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2019The best underrated trips to take in the UK
Condé Nast Traveller
July 2024The best UK staycation ideas according to Condé Nast editors
Condé Nast Traveller
July 2024The loveliest remote hotels, huts and castles in the UK for a road trip
House & Garden
June 202412 of the best new UK holiday cottages
The Times
June 202420 of the best treehouse stays in the UK
The Times
June 2024The best holiday cottages in the UK
Condé Nast Traveller
May 2024
Collections > Family-Friendly Self-Catering > UK > Cornwall > Calstock > Morwell
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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.
