Umber Cottage
St Agnes, Cornwall, UK
Settled at the end of St Agnes’ most famous terrace, this pretty stone cottage offers luxury self-catering accommodation just a short ramble from both Trevaunance Cove and the South West Coast Path. Umber by name and umber by nature, earthy tones and kilim rugs create a warm, bohemian interior, while a multi-level garden overflowing with greenery encourages al fresco living during Cornwall’s hot summer months.
Introduction
Hidden right at the bottom of Stippy Stappy row (fans of Poldark may recognise this as a lane in the novels’ fictional town of St Anne’s), sits Umber Cottage, a stonewall dwelling with a curious interior of eclectic and textured patterns sourced from travels afar. Originally built to house ship captains in the early 1800s, couples and young families will feel right at home in this laidback abode ensconced in a traditional Cornish fishing village. By day, meander slowly down to the beach, stopping for a locally brewed tipple at Schooners on the way, before spending the evening lounging on the garden’s upper deck, sipping sweet pink wine as the sun sets behind the trees.
Inside
Grown-up bohemian meets quintessential Cornish dwelling inside Umber Cottage, where exposed stone walls give life to the image of captains resting after long weeks at sea, while weathered books and tall sea grasses add a soft edge to this Grade II listed coastal home. While wild winter days rage against the windows, it’s certainly no chore to sink into the sofa, woodburner blazing as the warming smell of a casserole slow-cooking on the stove floats down the stairs from the kitchen. In summer, enjoy sipping a morning mug of coffee with the sliding doors open to the back garden, a sea breeze gently drifting in over the treetops.
Outside
Nestled in a deep and leafy valley, St Agnes exudes all the charm one would expect from a village in north Cornwall. Higgledy piggledy homes with gabled ends and red brick chimney stacks line the narrow, winding roads, pubs roar with a fierce community spirit and a reliable surf break ensures there’s an atmosphere here like no other. Along the coast path, which is just a short ramble from Umber Cottage, sunshine-yellow gorse prickle the cliffs and cerulean blue spreads in all directions, from the rippling sea to the cloud-spotted skies. For the night owls, a hike to the top of St Agnes Head, a Dark Skies Discovery Site, will reward with sparkling heavens aplenty (be sure to pack a flask!).
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 4 guests
From £1,250 per week, £950 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsUmber Cottage has one ground floor bedroom with super-king zip-and-link bed (that can be arranged as a twin) and a second bedroom on the first floor with king-sized bed. Both bedrooms share the family bathroom on the ground floor with freestanding bath and walk-in shower. Outside, the cottage also has an outdoor shower and sink for sandy dogs and toes.
View bedrooms - PetsOne large or two small dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair is available.
- PracticalitiesWhile there is no dedicated parking for Umber Cottage, there are both long and short term options nearby. There are parking spaces at the top of the row which may be used for luggage pick-up and drop-off if available. The well-equipped cottage kitchen features an induction hob and oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. The front and rear gardens are enclosed, however please ensure pets with escapee tendencies are supervised. Please note, the property is built into a hillside and accessed via a steep path. The rear garden is stepped and the stairs inside the house are narrow, therefore due to the characterful nature of the property, please keep a close eye on children and pets at all times.
- Homestay includesHamper of local produce, Smart TV, luxury bed linen and towels, kindling and firewood to get you started, Weber barbecue, recipe books...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- 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.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
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St Agnes
Clinging onto the sides of a steep, V-shaped valley on Cornwall´s rugged north coast, St Agnes and its colourful atmosphere is an appealing destination. With pubs galore, fine dining and a small golden beach too, why would you want to go anywhere else?
Getting there
- On the Map Umber Cottage is nestled in the heart of picturesque village, St Agnes in North Cornwall.
- By Car The property is approximately 1.5 hours south of Exeter, 3 hours from Bristol and 5 from London.
- By Train The two closest train stations to the cottage are Truro which is around 20 minutes away, or Bodmin Parkway at around 40 minutes.
- By Air Newquay Airport, with regular flights from London, is around a 40 minute drive away, while Bristol International Airport is just under three hours’ drive.
From the owner
“Surrounded by woodland, but still at the heart of this roaring multi-generational community village, we have loved every second we have spent at Umber Cottage.”
Umber Cottage sits proudly along the Stippy Stappy row and there are many qualities we love about our pretty stone cottage. Some might ask what we loved the most...
Many things, of course, but waking up and letting the light shine through the shutters into the master bedroom, surrounded by the canopy of the surrounding trees has to be one of the finest pleasures in this life.
We also love to bookend hot days here in the two gardens; slow mornings are made for gorging on coffee and croissants (fresh from the bakery up the road) in the early sunshine from the deck at the top of the back garden, while the end of the day always calls for a glass of wine on the front terrace. Not forgetting the most dramatic days here in St Agnes (or Aggie as the locals fondly refer to it); shuttering the lounge patio door with the fire on when a storm is brewing outside, rain lashing the windows.
Umber Cottage was originally built to house ship captains during the years of a period of rapid growth in the early to mid 1800s, at a time when St Agnes had a working harbour at Trevaunance Cove just down the hill. You can almost feel the history of the house when you dip and duck through its topsy-turvy doorways and staircases!
The Williams Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in St Agnes with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Sorting Office, St Agnes
A small, quirky converted Post Office just up the hill from the cottage, serving artisan coffee and a wealth of homemade treats and cakes.
To Do
Breakers Surf School, St Agnes
See what all the fuss is about and join the local surf school for a lesson in wave catching with the experienced and friendly folk at Breakers.
To See
St Agnes Beacon, Chapel Porth
A strenuous but worthwhile walk from the village; on a clear day views from St Agnes Beacon stretch all the way up and down the north coast, from Padstow to St Ives.
To Eat
The Canteen, St Agnes
A laid back lunch spot with the ethos of ´good food, good people´, The Canteen is a refreshingly simple set-up with community at its heart and fire in its belly. A minimal menu offset by imagination by the bucketful awaits.
Guest Testimonials
A beautiful property in an amazing location. We discovered a great local bakery, fantastic fish and chips, lovely pubs and restaurants and a stunning beach with gorgeous coastal walks. Parking wasn’t an issue as we always found a space a short walk away. It was exactly as pictured and a lovely property.
This was a last minute booking and we really felt we had "landed on our feet". The property was just right - comfortable, relaxed & obviously well planned. We had everything we needed without the property being "over styled".
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 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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Smart sleepovers
Conde Nast Traveller
September 2023Design tricks from the UK´s most stylish holiday lets
The Telegraph
September 2023Homes from House & Garden you can rent for a holiday
House & Garden
September 2023Travel by design
Conde Nast Traveller
September 2023The UK´s best stargazing spots
House & Garden
September 202325 wild and wonderful UK places to stay
The Times
September 2023The best UK lodge and chalet holidays
The Independent
August 2023A guide to Bodmin
Conde Nast Traveller
August 2023
Collections > Last Minute Luxury Breaks > UK > Cornwall > St Agnes > Umber Cottage
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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.
