WHAT? WHERE?

Kernock Cottages Cornwall exterior from above

Kernock Cottages are a set of four self-catering cottages set in a secluded 22-acre estate in South East Cornwall, just over the water from Plymouth. Kernock Cottages are family-run and since 2022 have been owned by a lovely couple called Damian and Louise, who live on site – handy if you need anything, and for your welcome meet & greet, but they leave you in peace for the duration of your stay.

This area of Cornwall is often referred to as the forgotten corner of Cornwall, and as such is significantly quieter than other more ‘famed’ areas. Each cottage is set in its own private garden with access to and views over the wider estate, with outdoor dining and a hot tub. Book one cottage, or splash out for a celebration and book the entire estate.

THE VIBE

Kernock Cottages Cornwall driveaway lined with trees

This is a gorgeous Cornish country estate, and feels properly lovely ending the journey by turning off and heading up the tree lined driveway in the late summer afternoon sunshine.

Although Kernock Cottages are still near to the coast – there are a number of excellent beaches within a 20-45 minute drive, you really feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. It is quiet and peaceful; sleeping in the beautiful Cornwall countryside gives you the best of both worlds for a relaxing holiday. We sat watching the swallows dash and swoop as the sun dropped over the valley and then listened to the tawny owl calling as it went dark. And it really did go properly dark, even though we were actually close enough to Plymouth to watch the annual fireworks competition from the dog walking field!

Kernock Cottages Cornwall Owl and Tree Barns exterior

The cottages used to be the workers cottages when the estate was a working estate where heather was grown, and when they were converted some of the old details remain, and the vibe is cosy, with dog-friendly decor. The area is still clearly a great place to grow plants, with a wholesale growers next door, and the estate home to a unique set of Wollemi pines and a community vineyard nearby.

PILLOW TALK

Home from home comfort here; crisp white sheets, fluffy white towels, robes and toiletries are standard at Kernock Cottages. Plenty of space to hang your clothes, or unpack into the drawers, and bedside tables, with USB chargers in the sockets.

Bedrooms either have king sized beds or the flexibility of becoming twins. Owl Barn, where we stayed, had a super-king in the master suite, plus another king sized bed in the second bedroom, and a third room as a twin.

For added flexibility, two of the cottages are closer together and can be booked together (that’s Owl Barn and Tree Barn, together sleeping 10 plus cots, called The Roost) or, book the whole estate for private use of the dog park and all four cottages sleeping 16 plus cots. Heather Barn is fully wheelchair accessible (see more below).

SCOFF & QUAFF

Heather interior Kernock Cottages Cornwall

Each cottage is fully equipped for cooking, with everything you might need. Damian and Louise provide a super welcome pack, sourced locally from the community shop at St Dominick, which includes sausages and bacon for your first breakfast. Supermarket deliveries can also be made to the property (there’s a nearby Waitrose at Saltash, one of only two in Cornwall).

If you don’t fancy cooking, Damien and Louise can recommend a variety of local restaurants and cafés, plus let you know which ones deliver. We liked The Canteen at Maker Heights from ex-River Cottage chef Nick, who serves up amazing breakfasts and roasts, and while the café and bakery are closing at the end of August, the Michelin starred restaurant at Crocadon from chef Dan Cox in nearby St Mellion remains open.

The local pub, The Weary Fryer, in Pillaton, is both walking distance and dog-friendly, but we ate at The Devonport Inn in Kingsand by the beach; it is a ‘proper’ low-ceilinged pub that the locals love, with jolly bunting and a prime location – they were finalists in this year’s Muddy Awards for Best Destination Pub.

SPA

Each cottage has its own private hot tub under a gazebo, with far reaching valley and countryside views.

Included in your stay is membership of the nearby Chinafleet Country Club where spa treatments can be booked, and there’s a pool. Perfect for a rainy day!

OUT & ABOUT

So many things to do nearby I had to write a full guide to the area – coming very soon! There are extensive woodlands and fields to walk in from the house, which is very welcome if you have kids or dogs with you, as it is easy to stretch the legs first thing.

Kernock Cottages sit just into Cornwall just beyond Saltash, a very handy location for the Rame peninsular as well as the south coast of Cornwall including Looe and Fowey.

Rame Head is part of Cornwall National Landscape (previously known as AONB) and the peninsular is bordered on three sides by water. It feels remote, and it is true that it is quieter than other parts of Cornwall, but it is actually very near to Plymouth. Visit the town by foot ferry, with options leaving from both Cawsand and Cremyll at Mount Edgecombe Country Park. Head for either the Barbican or onto Royal William Yard for the shops, cinema and restaurants.

On the Cornwall side of the Tamar there is plenty to keep you occupied: not one but two National Trust properties include Cotehele and Anthony, plus Port Eliot where the café is recommended and Mount Edgecombe Country Park, all of which have lovely walks. There are also plenty of little villages to explore – like Kingsand and Cawsand, pictured, and St Germans, and Millbrook.

Other walks nearby include rivers Fowey, Lynher and Tamar, Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor, plus South West Coast path from Plymouth to Fowey and the new Tamara Way along the Tamar valley.

Beaches depend on your preference, and whether you have kids / dogs in tow. We liked Kingsand (pebbles) for a swim and proximity for a drink; Whitsand is expansive sand with a steep climb down. Downderry and Seaton are also locals favourites.

KID FRIENDLY

Yes, and welcomed. All properties are securely fenced and bedrooms can be configured with twin beds. Children’s books and games are available in the reading areas. A large flat grassy area perfect for ball games, and fishing nets and crabbing lines are available for beach outings. All cottages can have cots and highchairs, and all stairs are gated (for both toddlers and dogs!).

DOG-FRIENDLY

Yes! and more yes! Kernock Cottages are dog-friendly. So dog-friendly that most guests have one, so you can expect to see plenty of dogs around the site.

dog overlooking beach Kernock Cottages Cornwall

Each cottage is individually accessed, and securely fenced, and there is a six-acre secure dog walking park called Central Bark for exercising dogs, so it is all carefully discrete. Bins and balls / ball throwers hang on the gates. Doggy visitors receive their own welcome packs and are even allowed on the sofas! I’d go so far to say that I’ve not seen many places more welcoming to four-legged visitors.

WHAT ELSE?

Damian and Louise pride themselves on sustainability and their award-winning eco-credentials, which includes biomass boiler, bore hole water, solar energy, sewage treatment and EV charging points. Even the dogs are doing their bit with an on-site wormery in which to place their mess.

Damian and Louise are also on hand to help with any issues if any arise, and provide extensive guides to what is going on locally and places to visit nearby, both in the lead up to your stay, and in terms of info left in the property.

ACCESSIBILITY

Heather Barn (sleeps 4 plus a cot) is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and bonus, it is also dog-friendly. Set in its own orchard garden, it is perfect for the less mobile, and those with toddlers. See their accessibility page for the full low down, but as with everything else at Kernock Cottages, it is well thought through and very detailed.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Families, couples, or individuals looking for a quiet base for a Cornish holiday. Dogs are not mandatory but it is extremely dog-friendly!

Not for: While the coast is nearby and very accessible, this is a peaceful countryside estate, so not for you if you want entertainment on site and a sea view from your room. If you don’t drive, you might find it a little too rural.

The damage: From £1015 pw for the one-bed cottage. Flexible on bookings from one night.

GETTING THERE

Around a 15 minute drive from Plymouth and easily accessed from the A38. The nearest railway station is Plymouth. On-site EV/ Tesla charger available.

Kernock Cottages, Pillaton Saltash Cornwall PL12 6RY

Review: Kernock Cottages, Nr Saltash, Cornwall

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