Situated just 5 miles from Crackington Have on the Atlantic coast, Mowhay Barn is a delightful, single-storey, stone barn conversion on a family-run sheep farm. Thoughtfully restored retaining vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, the barn has bright and airy contemporary interiors, while a wood burning stove and underfloor heating keep things warm on cooler days. Ideal for a family or group of friends looking for a peaceful Cornish break.
Outside, the cottage benefits from an enclosed garden complete with a barbecue, secure for all but the most determined dogs. The farm also has a children’s play area and a private fishing lake well stocked with carp, roach, and rudd.
Sheep can be seen grazing in the fields surrounding Mowhay Barn, and guests visiting in spring will have the opportunity to meet new born lambs. The farm is also home to two pet kunekune pigs and four friendly ponies, all of which visitors are welcome to help feed.
Crackington Haven is a pretty village with an unspoilt sand and shingle cove nestled between dramatic cliffs. The sea is safe for bathing and at low tide, dozens of rock pools appear, brimming with marine life. The beach is also popular with surfers thanks to the shelter provided by the cliffs, so even if you don’t fancy a go yourself, it’s fun watching seasoned surfers ride the waves.
Around ten miles north is Bude, a picturesque coastal town with a choice of excellent beaches. Summerleaze Beach is especially popular with families, with a large expanse of golden sand, an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, beach huts for hire, and RNLI lifeguards during the summer. Be sure to visit The Castle, situated in the dunes overlooking the beach, an elegant Grade II listed building completed in 1830, now home to a heritage centre, art galleries, exhibitions, a gift shop, and a café with wonderful views towards the sea and Barrel Rock.
Bodmin Moor, with its rugged landscape, ancient monuments, and wooded valleys can be reached in about 40 minutes. Visit Jamaica Inn, the iconic 18th-century coaching inn immortalised in Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name which welcomes guests with low oak beams and cosy fires. Attached to the inn is the Cornish Smuggling Museum, home to a fascinating collection of artefacts. The inn is said to be haunted, so keep an eye out for shadowy Victorian figures and listen for the sound of phantom horses’ hooves.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on Bodmin Moor, including upland bird species such as skylarks, stonechats, and curlews, as well as deer, weasels, and the wild ponies, sheep, and cattle that graze its open landscape. And you might even spot signs - real or imagined - of the legendary Beast of Bodmin Moor, the mysterious large cat said to roam its most remote areas.
Crackington Haven has a village store and a pub serving food. Supermarkets and other amenities can all be found in Bude.
All ground floor accommodation:
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining table, and sitting area with wood burning stove
Bedroom with king-size bed, and en-suite shower room with shower enclosure, basin, and WC
Bedroom with double bed and French doors to the patio
Bedroom with twin beds
Bathroom with bath with overhead shower, basin, and WC
External shared laundry room
Electric underfloor heating, wood burning stove
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board
WiFi
TV with Freeview, DVD player
Fuel and power
First basket of logs for the wood burner
Bed linen and towels
Private parking for 3 cars
Enclosed garden with furniture and barbecue
Children's play area
Coarse fishing on site with carp, tench, roach, and rudd - a licence is required
Children and infants welcome
Travel cot and highchair available on request
Two well-behaved dogs welcome
Strictly no smoking
Beach 5 miles
Distances are calculated “as the crow flies”, so actual driving, cycling, and walking distances may differ.
