If you are dreaming of your next staycation, then we’ve got a gorgeous suggestion for you nestled amongst the woodlands of north Cornwall. We sent blogger Nancy Straughan down to check out Unique Home Stays property Libertine, a super stylish country cottage, which once housed three little pigs!Â
After the long drive from London my friend Erica and I arrived at a country track and spotted Libertine, our home for the next few days – all lit up and looking extremely cosy. Walking through the traditional stable doors, we instantly felt at home. Originally a pig sty, dating back to 1860 – the cottage has been totally transformed – now decorated with bright pops of colour, industrial elements and modern features, yet still retaining it’s country charm.
The owner, Caroline, had left us ingredients and hand drawn recipe cards for us to make three cocktails, an Aperol Spritz, Kir Royale and her famous Gin and Tonic. We took note to make them the next night, after the seven hour drive all we wanted was a cuppa by the fire and bed! She’d also left goodies for breakfast and a pretty bunch of fresh flowers on the kitchen table. I went to bed excited for the next day.
We awoke to the silence of the countryside and a misty view of the hills. Erica managed to keep the wood burning stove slowly going all night so the cottage was toasty. I crept into the kitchen and put on the stove top kettle and we made eggs and soldiers while planning our day out. As a keen cook, I really loved the kitchen, beautifully designed, with accessories clearly chosen to match the ‘country cottage meets industrial’ style of the house.
Caroline popped in to tell us the best places to visit and her favourite pub for dinner, I promptly booked a table for us that evening. We headed for Perranporth beach which was around ten minutes away by car. The beach has golden sands and the sort of rock formations you’d see in a Monet landscape, and despite the slightly foggy weather – it was stunning. It was great to get the London air out of my lungs and soon we were ready for lunch. We headed to Truro and came across a sweet little café, and of course, a Cornish pasty was a must! Lunch sorted. We finished up with a bit of Christmas shopping and a visit to the cathedral.
We headed back to the cottage late afternoon and indulged in a traditional Cornish cream tea by the fire. I had brought a few pampering products with me in preparation for some serious relaxation – and relax we did! I experienced one of the best bathing experiences of my life – the tub was so long that I could float in it and I honestly didn’t want to get out! The bathroom decor was incredibly striking – bold colours with a blend of contrasting metals. The walls surrounding the bath had been covered with sheet metal while the exposed pipework and toilet were copper. It made for a pretty epic bathroom!
Feeling fully pampered and relaxed, we headed to the pub, and enjoyed a fantastic dinner that featured locally sourced pheasant, scallops and mackerel. Then it was back to the house to lounge in the Ercol chairs by the bar cart and enjoy those cocktails! After some dancing around the living room and a bit of vintage Top of the Pops we were ready for bed. Sadly we had to leave by 1pm the next day to get back to London. So after a lie in and a leisurely breakfast, it was time to pack up and leave the beautiful Cornish countryside. I wish we could have stayed longer but I’m sure I’ll be back very soon.
Looks fab doesn’t it?! Thank you Nancy for sharing your experience and thank you to Unique Home Stays and property owner Caroline for putting Nancy and her friend up! You can find out more about this property and lots of other lovely places to stay at Unique Home Stays.Â
Photo credits: Unique Home Stays and Nancy Straughan.Â
