The house is nestled behind Forrabury church, just a 5 minute walk across the medieval ‘stitches’ to the spectacular North Cornwall coast path.

Discovering the beauties of this part of Cornwall has been special for us. Here are ten of our favourite places to visit. They are in order of proximity to the house.

1. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Stitches. Literally on our doorstep, this area surrounds the church. We enjoy spending time wandering round the SSSI, observing the many different species that grow here.

2. Boscastle Harbour. An exhilarating 15 to 20 minute walk takes you down the coast path into the harbour which has a range of shops, restaurants and pubs.

3. Valency Valley. One of our favourite walks is along the valley to the romantic wooded Minster church. Valency was a favourite spot for Thomas Hardy who stayed several times in the area and met his wife Emma here.

4. Tintagel. A few miles south are the castle ruins at Tintagel. It is easy to catch a bus there and then have a lovely afternoon walk back along the coast path.

5. Trebarwith Strand. A stunning spot with its vast cliffs, dark caves and golden sand. Though we haven't tried it ourselves, we are told that the surfing here can be awesome. Swimmers and rock poolers are also well catered for.

6. Wadebridge. An attractive small town, with interesting shops and good places to eat. You can also hire a bike here and cycle to Padstow along the Camel trail (a disused railway track) and in the opposite direction to Bodmin Moor.

7. Padstow & Port Isaac. Both of these fishing ports are picturesque and enjoyable places to visit. In Padstow we find Rick Stein's Café great for coffee or lunch. We're still saving up for his famous seafood restaurant!

8. Lostwithiel. A pretty village with a number of good antique shops.

9. The Eden Project. The world-famous 'living theatre of plants' is approximately an hour's drive away.

10. Gardens. As well as the Eden Project, there are excellent gardens to visit in the area including Lanhydrock, Cotehele and Heligan.

Padstow Harbour
credit: Barry Hodges


Path leading to Tintagel Castle