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Firefly | Luxury Woodcutter´s Cottage | Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

Firefly

Trebudannon, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, UK

Made for those who dream of doing nothing more than drifting with the wind for a while. Firefly is a luxury woodcutter's cottage with a hot tub near Mawgan Porth in North Cornwall. Made of corrugated tin, poured concrete, steel doors and lashings of oak, this Newquay nook is tucked away in a countryside hamlet not far from the county's laid-back surfing hotspots and an 18-mile cycle trail.

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Introduction

If anyone needs to find you, you’ll be somewhere deep in the countryside sipping whiskey. Where? Firefly. Clever craftsmanship meets nomadic appeal at this luxury woodcutter's cottage in the hamlet of inland Trebudannon near Mawgan Porth. Designed with connectivity in mind, timeworn materials meet cool concrete in this rustic creation, where back-to-nature living draws artists, foragers and city-escapers. With a dining deck, hot tub and wildlife pond, this retreat is a magnet for outdoorsy homebodies; and all this a short jaunt from Fistral, one of the finest surf spots in the UK.

Inside

Rusticity reigns at this Cornish cabin; think rope lights, corrugated metal and reclaimed floors. From handcrafted pottery to willow weave artwork, there's a story behind each of the carefully-chosen artefacts on display. While it's outwardly a simple timber shack, no element of luxury has been spared; with a cloud-like bed, cocoa velvet sofa, rainfall shower and double-ended bath. Firefly encourages a return to the simple life – think board games, twitching for birdlife and late-night feasting by the fire pit, with a hidden television that's designed to make time together distraction-free.

Outside

Tucked into Cornwall’s rugged countryside, with coast and moors on the doorstep, Firefly is within easy reach of walking trails, wild swimming spots, reefs and rockpools alive with marine life, and some of the country’s most reliable surf breaks. Spend your days roaming inland or at the beach, strolling barefoot across the sand with a hamper filled with burrata, beef tomatoes and good wine pulled from the fridge in Firefly’s upcycled kitchen. Back home, it’s all about yoga on the deck, indoor-outdoor living, and grilling the day’s fresh catch over the barbecue outside.

The Facts

  • SleepsUp to 2 guests
    From £1,250 per week, £950 per short break
    Day hire options are available
  • Bedrooms and bathroomsOne bedroom with king-size bed, one en suite wet room with concrete bath and rainfall shower.
    View bedrooms
  • HousekeepingAdditional housekeeping is available on prior request
  • FeaturesHot tub
  • PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
    Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
  • Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
  • FamilyBabes-in-arms are welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
  • PracticalitiesThis well-equipped self-catering cottage has ample parking for two cars, plus an Aga, Belfast sink, microwave, dishwasher, washer-dryer, fridge freezer and toaster. There is a fully enclosed garden that´s perfect for dogs. Please take care around the shared freshwater pond in front of the property.
  • Homestay includesHot tub, smart TV with Freeview, Netflix, Sonos sound system, iPad, WiFi internet, Nespresso coffee machine, an outside fire with grill, local produce, linen, hammam towels for the hot tub, 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 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.
  • Eco-friendlyAir source heat pump, recycled materials and furnishings
  • Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions

Get in touch

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The bathroom features corrugated tin walls and a custom-built concrete bath
Firefly promises to enchant all those who stay
Put local eggs to work in an indulgent weekend fry-up

Prices & Availability

Newquay

Firefly is located in the tiny hamlet of Trebudannon between Newquay and Mawgan Porth on the north Cornish coast. Vast stretches of golden sands, world-class eateries and the UK’s best surf breaks are all within easy reach of the cottage.

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Newquay
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Getting there

  • On the Map Firefly is 10 minutes from Mawgan Porth, Newquay, Watergate Bay and Lusty Glaze beaches in North 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 in Newquay, less than a 10 minute drive away. There are more frequent services from London to Truro and Bodmin Parkway which are both approximately a 20 minute drive away.
  • By Air Newquay Airport is around 10 minutes drive away.

From the owner

“Creating Firefly was a real labour of love, with many an hour spend trawling reclamation yards and designing one-off features for the cabin. For me Firefly offers an idyllic haven from which to escape the everyday, it´s a truly immersive space.”

From the owner

I worked closely with a team of local craftsmen and a designer to create this traditional 'cabin in the woods'. Although we were working within the remits of the previous stable dimensions, it was a new build by design, and as our aim was to create the antithesis of 'new' it was an interesting challenge! We wanted to afford the impression of a previously undiscovered cabin that had been unearthed and brought back to life. 

The benefit of starting from scratch with Firefly was that we were able to introduce unique features, such as the huge barn style doors that completely open up the side of the building onto the veranda, a modern twist that doesn't detract from the traditional cabin essence. We used reclaimed items wherever possible, all the floor, walls and ceiling were re-purposed, and every single item that features within the cabin was chosen with the ethos of the whole in mind.

It has been wonderful to watch this 'wild dream' realised and to finally have my own woodcutter’s cottage. I love spending time here, it's genuinely a restorative place to be. I grew up in Trebudannon, so walking the familiar tracks long before the world is awake is second nature to me; I feel fortunate that I'm able to share Firefly with guests. 

The Stanleys

Owner recommendations

Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Newquay with an insider's perspective.

Bedruthan Steps

To See

Bedruthan Steps

A 10-minute drive from Firefly loom the stately rock stacks of Bedruthan. These mighty granite pillars have been carved out by the relentless action of thousands of years of wind and waves, and now provide a stirring spot for a sunset stroll.

Camel Trail

To Do

Camel Trail

Why not hire a tandem on the Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow? The popular Camel Trail is a great day out, especially when combined with fish and chips on the quay and a stop off at the fantastic Camel Valley Vineyard!

Dive Newquay

To Do

Dive Newquay

Ever wanted to try your hand at Scuba diving? You can explore Cornwall´s top wrecks and reefs, take a snorkelling tour, experience a wildlife sea safari and more at Dive Newquay, just a 15-minute drive from Firefly.

Rick Stein´s Restaurant, Padstow

To Eat

Rick Stein´s Restaurant, Padstow

Enjoy simple seafood dishes with classic flavours at Rick Stein´s Seafood Restaurant. There is a seafood bar right in the middle of the restaurant where you can watch chefs assembling platters of oysters, langoustines and sashimi.

Guest Testimonials

Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google

Despite some wet weather, we had a fabulous stay at Firefly. We felt very comfortable during our stay, and a lot of thought and attention to detail has gone into this property. We would suggest trying the following: The Tartan Fox Pub-Amazing food 10/10, Lobster Box for home-delivered prepared lobster 10/10, The Lobster Shed at The Pig and Harlyn Bay, The Beach House at Carbis Bay Hotel (view to die for). I hope all you future guest enjoy themselves as much as we did.

What can I say! Such an inspirational hideout. The design of the place is perfect. A wonderful retreat, what a special place. Thank you for creating such a beautiful place to stay. We will be back

I´ve had my eye on this property for over two years and finally it worked out to book. It´s a great combination of privacy, cosiness, practicality, perfectly decorated and great location.

We had the most glorious week at Firefly. Following our wedding, we were exhausted, and it was the perfect place to recharge our batteries. Everything was perfect, from the welcome hamper and the soft bed to the fabulous hot tub. We’re regular visitors to Cornwall, so this time we took the opportunity to simply pause and rest. A big thank you to Jane, we can’t wait to return to Firefly.

Thank you for a wonderful few days hiding away from the world. We love Firefly so much, a beautifully curated haven, perfect for switching off. The lanes and hedgerows are so beautiful at this time of year; it was such a treat to enjoy them slowly on foot, rather than whizzing past in a car. A truly magical stay. Thank you.

After a chaotic year so far, we need this stunning getaway, a perfect place to recharge the batteries. From the moment we walked in, we were blown away by just how well thought out and beautifully laid out Firefly is. It has offered us both a welcome escape from reality. Days spent exploring the rocky, crystal clear coves of the Cornish Coastline and evenings curled up in complete contentment. Is there anything about Firefly we would change..... Can´t think of a thing. Thank you for a truly amazing long weekend.

What an absolutely incredible place to stay that truly had all we could possibly want and more. I can honestly say, we felt so relaxed and our two cocker spaniels were so secure. The interiors of the home are so beautiful and the perfect location for exploring Padstow and the coast. We would highly recommend the Knightswood Welly Walk, an enclosed woodland a few minutes away, which is well worth doing. We would stay here again in a heartbeat.

Wow! What a beautiful place to stay. Everything is so well thought out and we loved the vibe of the place. Rainy days were lazy and cosy and sunny day spend on the porch! Thank you for our amazing stay our honeymoon was perfect!

What a way to kick off 2025! We have loved our stay in this beautiful place and didn´t want to leave. The hot tub and open fire have been a particular highlight, alongside the cosy bed. For other visitors we highly recommend food at the Ugly Butterfly in Carbis Bay, both the food and the view is magnificent. Also had a delicious Sunday roast at The Cornish Arms near Padstow. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

We had the best time with our pup, it was the perfect place to relax and and have some time away for London. We got engaged on our arrival day and this perfect home will forever hold memories. It is the most amazing place to have a perfect moment. We will be back. Our dog loved the beach!

Thank you so much, we had a very relaxing stay. Highlights were the hot tub, brilliant Sonos sound system with the perfect playlist, and of course, three blissful nights of sleep. Also, it was wonderful to cook on an Aga for the first time in over 25 years. We will be back. Please say a special thank you to Jane the housekeeper.

Wow. What a perfect way to spend our 14th Wedding anniversary, eat, sleep, and unwind. We brought our dog on his 1st holiday and he loved the freedom to run in the garden, thank you for making his stay memorable with his own bed and treats. We explored a different beach every day and headed back to unwind in the hot tub, cosy up in front of the fire with a glass or two, and slowly cook something lovely on the Aga. Overall a great time in a beautiful home, we will be recommending it to friends.

We had such a lovely stay. The property was everything you could ask for and more. Such comfort and luxury, we loved the decor so much and how cosy the Aga made us feel. The hot tub was amazing! The location is great and is central to some lovely places, our favourites were Holywell Bay, Watergate Bay, Bedruthan Steps, Harly Bay Beach, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. We hope to revisit in future.

Thank you Jane for looking after us and the gorgeous cabin so well. We have been incredibly lucky with the weather, spending every day at a different beach and swimming in the sea. We are so sad to leave but feel relaxed and refreshed to return to the City. Until next time Firefly, we love you.

And breath...what a place. Every design touch at Firefly is pure bliss. From walking in, pressing play on the music, pouring some wine, a million miles away from the stresses of life. You have created utopia. Calming, peaceful, romantic -it is everything and more. Just Magical.

We´ve had a wonderful few days in Firefly to celebrate a special birthday. Can´t fault a thing, such a life enhancing and inspiring cabin. We really liked the veranda and cosy nights, Wilfie and Berties our doggies were equally at home curled up in front of the fire. Even though it rained for much of our stay it didn´t distract from the warmth and pleasure we had. What a memorable few days, and thank you until next time.

A rare opportunity for us to have a Christmas to ourselves and what an amazing place to spend it! Beautiful, cosy, rustic and relaxing. We visited a different beach every day of our stay and also booked a trip to Jamaica Inn, everything is so accessible. Thank you for a lovely stay! We will most definitely return!

We spent our extended weekend here to getaway from London and we couldn´t have imagined a better stay. Firefly is more than perfect for being at one with nature, experiencing the tranquillity of the countryside and escaping the busy city. We have loved every bit of our stay so much, that we even decided against going anywhere close to civilization!

Our first trip away with our new dog and what a delightful place to go. Firefly was so warm, cosy and really well set up, we could not have asked for more. Superb location for beaches, Coco loved her first experience of the sea, now home seems so dull for her. Plenty of wonderful restaurants locally. I will definitely recommend this to friends and family, thank you so much.

We wanted to say that Firefly didn´t disappoint. We have enjoyed lovely cosy evenings, learnt to use an Aga, quiet times on the veranda, hot tub time, but above all we have a collection of beautiful memories of a unique and wonderful stay. Thank you, we would recommend this beautiful place to all.

Excellent location for touring Cornwall and the perfect holiday home to come back to, cook dinner then relax in the beautiful hot tub. Thank you for such a memorable stay, we´ve had a wonderful time.

It was the perfect, blissful and relaxing week here. We completely recharged after a very stressful year and it was perfect, just what was needed. We loved this completer experience of being alone and secluded instead of booking a hotel.

Thank you so much for the loveliest stay. It has been so relaxing and peaceful, with everything we have needed. This is the most prefect place to just ´be´and do nothing. Its something we haven´t done in a very long time. The cabin is utterly stunning. The interior and ambience is unique and adds to the energy of the surroundings. We have really kicked back and relaxed. Bliss.

It was our second time staying at Firefly and certainly won´t be our last! A little slice of heaven. Thank you for creating such a wonderful little oasis, we love it here!

A lovely warm cabin to shelter from the rain and late March storms. Such a unique place and very well thought out with all you need, even an Aga. It was a real treat- warm and toasty, really enjoyed the hot tub too. Beaches were braved and the dogs loved it too.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Press

Below are a selection of features in which Firefly 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.

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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.

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