When it comes to coastal cottages, we’ve got them all: beachfront abodes perfect for swimming, sea view escapes that promise salt-kissed vistas aplenty, waterside boltholes with a hot tub to boot, and even cosy cottages with moorings so you can spend your days pootling on the water or even arrive by boat!
Oh yes, from oceanside cottages to riverside retreats, these welcoming holiday homes in Cornwall accommodate the most unique mode of transport. With private pontoons, slipways, and moorings at your fingertips, the world (or waterways, at least) is your oyster, giving you unrivalled access to Cornwall’s beautiful coastlines and estuaries.
Get your boat shoes ready, these Cornish cottages with moorings are the ultimate way to enjoy your holiday by the sea…
The Clock House
Feock, Cornwall | Sleeps 8
Best for: Al fresco moments
With mesmerising views across River Fal and a beautiful walled garden promising many hours lounging in the sunshine, The Clock House boasts a dreamy waterside location. Pop in your boat or canoe and paddle around the corner for a bite to eat at The Pandora Inn (you can moor your boat here, too), or head upstream and visit Truro for the day. Full of excellent eateries and lovely shops, there’s much to see and do in Cornwall’s capital.
Back at home, you can curl up by the wood-burner with a good book or cook up a feast in the fabulous kitchen, which overlooks the pretty garden. The outside space is simply idyllic at The Clock House, with sub-tropical plants lining your haven away from home and tables and chairs beckoning for some alfresco dining. Whether you want to spend your days on the water or relaxing on the lawn, The Clock House boasts tranquillity at every turn.
White Cottage
Falmouth, Cornwall | Sleeps 4
Best for: Swallows and Amazons-esque adventures
Nestled in the utterly idyllic wilds of the Helford River, White Cottage promises a dreamy escape to the water’s edge. Boasting beautiful views and a wonderfully cosy interior, it might be difficult to tear yourself away from all the cottage has to offer – the stunning setting of the terrace alone will have you basking in the sunny views till the day’s end.
However, with your own private slipway and mooring, and the enchanting river and creeks on your doorstep, the chance to live out your very own Swallows and Amazons style voyage will certainly draw you from your riverside reverie as you take to the gentle waters in search of adventure. One of Daphne du Maurier’s famous Cornish spots, Frenchman’s Creek can easily be explored from the cottage by watercraft, from dinghies to kayaks to SUPs, or by foot on one of the prettiest riverside walking routes in the county.
Whether you love early morning dips or leisurely afternoons sailing just around the riverbend, White Cottage has everything you need for a holiday by the water.
Quay Cottage
Portscatho, Cornwall | Sleeps 6
Best for: Your own personal haven
Nestled on the edge of the Percuil River and surrounded by woodland and rolling countryside, Quay Cottage is the epitome of seclusion, promising easy-going days in your own little pocket of South Cornwall. The views are simply unbeatable, with the tidal river gently ebbing and flowing past the 17th-century cottage as the sun idles across the sky.
With the beautiful Roseland Peninsula on your doorstep, lazy days spent exploring this idyllic stretch of Cornwall are a must, from paddling around hidden coves to sun-soaked afternoons ambling through pretty fishing villages with an ice cream in your hand. Portscatho, St Mawes, and the famous Hidden Hut (Cornwall’s popular beach café) are all within sailing distance, promising a myriad of memorable outings throughout your stay.
The mooring here dries out at low tide, but there are still many hours left in the day to launch your watercraft and soak up the surrounding idylls of this magical tidal estuary.
Chyvounder
Falmouth, Cornwall | Sleeps 5
Best for: Dog-friendly adventures
Full to the beams with charm and character and enjoying a beautiful position close to the banks of Restronguet Creek, Chyvounder boasts a heady mix of rural and riverside scenes. Fancy exploring the surrounding creeks and rivers on your own vessel? Arrange use of the private mooring and boat storage and take to Cornwall’s dreamy waterways as you uncover tree-lined passages and secluded shorelines you can enjoy all to yourself – not to mention a number of bird species for wildlife watching aficionados.
With Mylor Bridge just around the corner and Flushing, Falmouth, and even Truro within easy reach by water, Chyvounder is perfectly placed to enjoy all this tranquil corner of Cornwall has to offer. Returning to your oh-so-cosy cottage, you can curl up by the flickering wood-burner or settle into a balmy evening around the outdoor table as you plan the next day’s adventures. Beach day or boating, the choice is endlessly yours!
Chybean
Falmouth, Cornwall | Sleeps 2
Best for: A romantic escape
With a lovely little shingle beach a few steps from the cottage and the option to use the nearby mooring and boat storage, Chybean is a true waterside wonderland. Set sail from your doorstep (well, almost) and spend your days exploring the many tranquil waterways that wind their way through this beautiful National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). We recommend packing up a picnic filled with delicious local goodies and finding your own little slice of paradise along the Carrick Roads.
The quaint, Grade II listed cottage boasts charm aplenty, with quirky features adding character throughout, from the fabulous stable door that leads into the kitchen to the lovely, secluded garden that enjoys sun for most of the day. Whether you dream of drifting off (not too literally) in a riverside reverie or navigating the waterways under your own steam, Chybean is an enchanting cottage from which to soak up the surrounding idylls.
Chybean and Chyvounder are two lovely adjoining cottages, making them ideal for multigenerational holidays or getaways with friends (and dogs!).
Dreaming of a waterside stay? Explore our beautiful coastal holiday cottages in Cornwall, whether you’re looking for glorious sea views or a pontoon to moor your boat!
