Basking Shark

"A little piece of heaven . . ."

That’s how the local postman has described the Vellan Dreath Valley, a lovely and hidden corner of Cornwall overlooking the wide sweep of Whitesand Bay. In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a haven for botanists and wildlife enthusiasts – these delightful holiday cottages are set in a privately owned, unspoilt 8-acre valley, bordered by a stream, and offer spectacular panoramic sea views all year round. Converted with flair and imagination to the same high standards of comfort, each of these cottages enjoys its own personal garden. Their quiet and magical settings are only accessible on foot down the sandy beach path from Sunny Corner Lane.
The local inn and the attractive little fishing harbour of Sennen Cove are only 10 minutes’ walk across the vast expanse of the sandy Blue Flag beach, which is perfect for water sports and famous for surfing. If you are lucky, you may see dolphins, spot the odd seal or basking shark. Rock climbing is popular on the cliffs and headlands, and this is superb walking country. Dogs are permitted on the sand dunes and neighbouring Gwenver beach, with restricted access during summer at Whitesands Bay beach. Land’s End is only about a mile further along the glorious coastal footpath, while in the opposite direction the path leads to the dramatic scenery of Cape Cornwall. All around this coast are countless pretty and secluded coves to explore. Inland, this wild and unspoilt corner of Cornwall, is dotted with prehistoric relics.
The little fishing village of Newlyn and picturesque Mousehole harbour, both popular subjects for artists, are 8 miles away. At Porthcurno (4 miles), is the open-air Minack theatre, in a spectacular setting on the cliff top with the sea and setting sun as its backdrop. A short drive away is St Ives, long popular as an artists’ colony, with its pretty stone cottages and narrow cobbled lanes in which to wander. There are many galleries, including St Ive’s Tate Gallery. The town of Penzance (8 miles) has a wealth of amenities for visitors, including museums, cinema, golf, tennis and riding, as well as many good shops and restaurants. In the summer months, day trips by ferry or helicopter are available to the romantic Isles of Scilly.

• Elec and NSH incl (elec underfloor in Basking Shark)
• Fan heaters
• Private car park 150–200 yds
• Shops ½ mile
• Freesat TV
• DVD
• M/wave
• Auto wm/tumble dryer
• T/cot and h/chair by arr (except Cat’s Cradle, Little Petra and Basking Shark)
• Garden with patio and furniture
• Barbecue
• Luggage can be transported up and down the valley by tractor – small charge payable to driver
• Wet suit and surf board for hire locally
• Unsuitable for the infirm
• Duvets with linen and towels

A perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. Open-plan studio with stunning sea views, exposed granite walls, slate-style underfloor heating. Stable door to cosy living and kitchen area. Step to double bedroom. All simply but attractively furnished. Bathroom/W.C. with shower attachment.

• Pretty hillside garden overlooking sea
• No children except babes in arms
• Friday to Friday