Cornwall draws many people, both the Brits and a wash of other nationalities to it's stunning shores. It's typically known for it's Cornish pasty, clotted cream, crab, the Cornish car wash (the high and treacherous hedges that line the single lane roads), famously friendly people, tropical micro climate, killer beaches and oodles of things to do and see. There's so much jammed in one tip of England! No wonder the region is packed during the summer. We had a week. It wasn't nearly enough.
We found our rental house through an up and coming company geared towards travelers and their kids--Kid & Co. They only rent properties that are kitted (to perfection) for people traveling with kids. Our hostess with the most-ess Antonia ran an extremely tight ship. There is nothing she hadn't thought of; and no extra service she couldn't offer. So far, her brilliant house stay has proven to be the gem of our entire trip.
Antonia and I are standing in front of a wall of buoys collected by her husband David. His penchant for collecting bits and bobs, antiques, you name it...put my Charlie to shame. As soon as Charlie walked into their house he was gobsmacked by the sensibility. It was pure genius from floor to ceiling.
As a gesture, they gave us their keys to the Harbour Master's Office. This was once home to the most important man in town. Parking ships like sardines into the small harbour was his role. No easy dice. Nowadays, it's become a romantic study at the tip of the harbour. It's replete with tea/coffee making kit, a comfy couch, a desk and a spot for proposals (there have been 3 to date!)
Our largess living room. It was filled to the brim with places to sit (something Charlie likes to see) and had a train set in the corner (not shown) that Alfie rampaged any spare moment he got.
The facade of the Charlestown Villa. We kept seeing the house pop up in all the old pictures at the local museums.
The view of the Charlestown Harbour in late afternoon.
A tall ship coming in to port.
Our dining room for the week. Antonia stocked the house with vino chosen by Jamie O's top guy. It's a little dangerous having that much good wine on tap.
A nightime frolick is in order. There are wonderful paths overlooking the coves and harbour.
We didn't just stay put in Charlestown. Our noses led us to all sorts of vibrant little towns around Cornwall. There were beaches to comb and roam, tasty restaurants to try, festivals to frolick in and a lot of antique shops to peruse.
Who knew Cornwall had such enticing beaches. Wait, is that a hand model?
Beach collection is one of Sophia and Charlie's favourite ways to spend an afternoon
Tangled sea rope and glass catch Charlie's eye. Yes, they are now in our luggage.
Sniffing the sea air. It's enough to put the wildest kids straight to sleep.
Lostfest in Lostwithiel. We've had crazy luck with landing in places at the right time. Somehow we happened on this annual festival by chance. We got lost in the spirit, dancing, cider and merry go rounds.
Charlie got lost in the antiques in Lostwithiel. He bought a painting of an old dog and then I pulled him away.
A view from Fowey harbour. This was one of the more artsy towns in Cornwall. It's narrow, hilly streets were lined with galleries, artisanal restaurants and bakeries, pubs and boutiques.
At the beach in Porthcurno. Digging through my bag of goodies. Picnics on the beach...mmm sandy sammie anyone?
Sophia climbs for the view.
Meanwhile, Mummy tries to catch some zzzz's.
The Cornish waters draw surfers and kayakers from far and wide. This is Mousehole (pronounced Mosel) a top spot for the experienced. The water is frigid so everyone suits up for a dip.
We adored Mevagissey (or Mega-gizzy as we called it). This fishing port had a wild undercurrent. WIth only 2 hrs to explore, we could tell there was a lot rumbling under the surface.
I had to take the kids (ahem: me) to a real sweetie shop in Mevagissey.
We bought salty licorice and the famous flying saucers sweets I grew up loving.
Looking for fish stalls to buy our dinner.
Alfie and Sophia couldn't believe how much the beaches reminded them of Shirley Hughes 'Alfie' books.
Just a few fishing boats sitting idle.
Digging in the sand. It's as simple and beautiful as that, especially when you're in costume.