Riverstone Mill
Rilla Mill, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, UK
Deep in Cornwall’s rural hidden heart near the River Lynher, this former watermill offers a slice of bucolic slow living at its best. True to its pastoral roots, Riverstone Mill lies inextricably woven into its natural setting, with much of the interior's wood coming from a fallen ash tree; and rich vegetable, fruit and flower gardens encouraging connectivity to the land. With a rustic-luxe farmhouse feel and eight-acre grounds complete with a river, wellness deck and swimming pool – this, surely, is paradise found.
Introduction
Once home to British cartoonist Norman Thelwell, the Grade II-listed mill house now lies in the hands of a new young custodian whose love and respect for the natural world emanates. Sustainability and regeneration abounds, with homage paid to the old mill's past thanks to a considered two-year renovation. Relics of its important history, like the once-churning water wheel and cogs, are left frozen in time. Now lies a Cornish manor wherein lovers picnic beneath the riverside willow, families congregate in the deVOL kitchen to make suppers of plum crumble and cream, and little feet chase just-hatched ducklings across the lawn.
Inside
An inner Eden; earth-inspired tones intertwine, eco-friendly Cornish lime plasters the walls, and floors remain in their original flagstone-tiled state or reclaimed board-by-board from a church nearby. Antique furniture salvaged from vintage markets brings character, and local artwork and poignant poems proudly pepper walls. Luxury additions including a copper Catchpole & Rye bathtub and French linen beds evoke the allure of a boutique Provençal hotel; whilst edgy, Brooklyn loft-esque design manifests in an industrial bathroom suite visible through glass from bed, and cinema snug created by sweeps of terracotta curtain.
Outside
Beyond the wisteria-clad walls awaits a permaculture cottage garden abundant with seasonal fruit and vegetables, young Cornish cider apple orchard, and greenhouse heady with the perfume of tomato vines. Among the foxgloves and dropmore purple, there’s a swimming pool, tennis court, gym and wellness deck complete with wood-fired hot tub and sauna. For those able to prise themselves away, Stara Woods – with its secret waterfall for wild swimming – and the north coast’s golden beaches promise long days beneath the sun. And nearby field-to-fork restaurant Crocadon Farm for some Michelin-star worthy refuelling.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £5,995 per week, £4,495 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe property has four double bedrooms; two with en suite bathrooms. The non en suite bedrooms have ladders to loft relaxation spaces, and can make use of the first-floor family bathroom and ground-floor WC.
View bedrooms - FeaturesOutdoor swimming pool (available May - September), wellness deck complete with wood-fired hot tub, sauna, tennis court, outdoor gym and Big Green Egg barbecue
- PetsTwo well behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per stay - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyChildren of all ages are very welcome
- PracticalitiesThe property is situated down a country lane. There is private parking at the front of the house for up to four cars. The well-equipped kitchen features an oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and coffee machine. Original features from the working mill remain in the property, so please use caution when encountering these. Likewise, when using the ladders to the mezzanines in two of the bedrooms as these are steep. There are areas of water surrounding the property including a river and mill ponds, as well as animals that graze in the fields nearby such as ducks and horses, so please ensure that children and dogs are supervised at all times. The three mill ponds that surround the house are very shallow and not suitable for swimming in. The garden is not fully enclosed.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper including fresh bread, a selection of Cornish cheeses, local produce and luxury eco soaps, Wi-Fi internet, Smart TV with projector, board games and log burners with wood 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.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Bodmin Moor
Rising mounds of imposing granite, deep valleys brimming with leafy forests and remote villages hunkered around community inns roaring with welcoming laughter; Bodmin Moor is as wild and free as it is intriguing.
Getting there
- On the Map The village of Rilla Mill is located in southeast Cornwall, north of Callington.
- By Air Newquay Airport is an approximate 50-minute drive from the property, and 27 minutes from Bodmin Airfield.
- By Car The property is an approximate four and a half hours from central London, and two and a half from Bristol.
- By Train Liskeard Train Station is an approximate 20-minute drive from the property, with regular trains arriving from London Paddington and beyond.
From the owner
“Time spent here feels like stepping into another world – one where nature, history and creativity come together.”
Riverstone Mill is a historic Cornish watermill steeped in character and charm. Nestled within eight magical acres in one of Cornwall’s wildest corners, it’s a place full of stories – and ready for new ones to unfold.
The house has a unique claim to fame: it was the inspiration for A Millstone Round My Neck by artist and cartoonist Norman Thelwell. In the book, he hilariously and heartwarmingly recounts his adventures restoring this very property after buying it as a derelict mill in the late 1960s.
You’ll see the mill wheel on the book’s cover – once turning, now still, but many of the original workings remain. In fact, you’ll find them in the master bathroom, where you can take a bath surrounded by the echoes of the mill’s industrious past.
Beyond the history, there’s so much to enjoy here: three mill ponds, a swimming pool, wood-fired hot tub, sauna, gym, permaculture gardens and a young orchard to explore at your own pace.
For me, time spent here feels like stepping into another world – one where nature, history and creativity come together. I hope Riverstone Mill brings you the same sense of peace, wonder and inspiration. Make yourself at home.
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Bodmin Moor with an insider's perspective.
To Do
Stara Woods, Liskeard
A collection of magical 17th century woodlands with a brook that runs over cascades, joining the River Lynher. Here, guests can enjoy a unique wild swimming experience between the trees.
To Eat
Coombeshead Farm, Lewannick
A working farm with Georgian guesthouse, restaurant, bakery (making the famous sourdough) and shop, set amidst 66 acres of spectacular Cornish countryside.
To Eat
Crocadon Farm, St Mellion
A soil-centric farm with a Michelin-starred restaurant serving tasting menus and Sunday lunch, and courtyard café offering good coffee and homemade baked goods.
To Do
Polzeath Beach
One of North Cornwall´s best Blue Flag beaches, heralded for its world-quality surf and 500 metres of golden sand at low tide. There´s a choice of beachside restaurants to enjoy nearby.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
The owners have created a wonderful space to relax and unwind in. We loved the way the mill and its workings are integrated into the building and how the history of the mill is captured in the drawings and paintings inside. We had every facility we could have asked for and enjoyed them all - the wood fired hot tub, the pool and the tennis court all seeing a lot of use over the week. Some holidays really stay with you and we think our week at Riverstone will be one of them.
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 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
A home in a WWII bunker?
Living Etc.
September 2025Why now is the time to book your festive party house
The Telegraph
September 202517 of the best beaches in Cornwall
The Times
September 2025Woodland oasis
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2025Friends in high places
Condé Nast Traveller
August 202525 of the best places to stay in Devon
The Times
July 202515 houses with really great interiors to book for a British holiday
House & Garden
July 2025Eleven of the UK´s best cottages with pools
The Times
July 2025
Collections > Wellness retreats > UK > Cornwall > Bodmin Moor > Riverstone Mill
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.
