The Meadows – a modern rustic hideaway in Cornwall

It’s hardly an undertstatement to say it has been a tumultous year. After what felt like the longest winter, summer has finally arrived and we are all even more in need of a holiday than usual this yea

When it comes to booking summer getaways Graham and I are usually a bit last minute about things, but after our holiday last year was cancelled due to lockdown we decided that this year we’d plan ahead and make sure we didn’t miss out. So when the details of The Meadows, a new property at Unique Homestays, landed in my inbox back last August it looked perfect and we decided to book it there and then. During the months of lockdown that followed, foreign holidays began to look increasingly difficult, and by Spring availability for accommodation in Cornwall and other popular parts of the UK had become increasingly scarce. Graham and I both found the third lockdown here in the UK pretty tough, so by the time restrictions began to ease we were so thankful that for once we’d booked ahead and had something special to look forward to.

And we couldn’t have chosen a better place to stay.

We’ve stayed at a couple of Unique Homestays properties previously, so we knew it would match up to our preferred way of getting away from things and offer what we are usually looking for in a holiday rental.

For us the perfect holiday includes peace, tranquility and a sense of escape, combined with considered design and attention to detail. We found all of the above and more waiting for us at The Meadows. The location is wonderfully secluded – well away from the crowds that converge upon Cornwall at this time of the year. You feel as if you could be miles from anywhere but in reality you are just a few miles from Newquay, the airport and Cornwall’s main arterial road, the A30, so it’s quite accessible and provides a good base for exploring other parts of the region.

Tucked away within an old farm settlement, the property is approached via series of narrow hedged Cornish lanes and when you arrive it’s immediately obvious why it’s called The Meadows. There are wonderful sweeping, uninterrupted, panoramic views over wild flower meadows and gently undulating hills. Once inside, with no other properties in view, it feels completely private and very peaceful.

Formerly an old stable block it was constructed using Cornish stone, slate and reclaimed local timber in a contemporary country style. Arriving at sunset on a warm June evening it felt almost as if we had landed in Ibiza or Provence though. We were welcomed by magical golden light on the honey coloured stone and immediately felt a wave of calm wash over us and the stresses of the past 16 months or so beginning to recede.

Inside we were greeted by a generous welcome hamper with delicious local produce – including bread, jam, pasties, some bubbly and organic Cornish rose gin, which we enjoyed so much we ended up taking a bottle home with us. There was even a special Not in the Dog House box of treats for Albert whippet.

The style is relaxed and understated – Scandi minimalism meets modern rustic – with every detail of both the exterior and the interior of the property carefully considered.

There is a large open plan living area with a polished concrete floor and huge glass doors that completely slide back to seamlessly connect the interior with the outside space and the landscape beyond. A vaulted ceiling with exposed beams creates a light, spacious feel and it has been thoughtfully furnished throughout with Skagerak furniture, architectural lighting and cosy cushions and throws in soft, natural tones. Underfloor heating keeps the property at a comfortable temperature and there’s also a woodburner, although it was warm when we visited so didn’t need to use it.

In the kitchen there’s a large oven and induction hob and ample equipment to keep cooks and foodies happy. We loved the concrete worktops and the beautiful handmade plates, bowls and mugs by South Devon based Pippi & Me. In the past we’ve stayed at places that have been let down by cheap or mismatched tableware and cutlery so this was something we particularly appreciated.

We also noticed the focus on localism, sustainability and the environment, and the choice of products from small independent designers – from the cleaning products and toiletries to the delightful bee bricks by Green & Blue and the beautiful lambswool cushions by Harriet Grist.

There is a stunning minimalist shower room with twin showers and brass fittings. Adjacent to this are a dressing room and a large bedroom with a huge freestanding bath from which you can enjoy the views out over the wildflower meadows while enjoying a long, lazy soak. Wide planks of limed oak flooring, exposed stonework and a huge bed make this a simple but enviable space. Needless to say we slept soundly throughout our stay.

It would be hard to find fault with the design, the finish and the attention to detail at The Meadows. We found everything thoughtfully provided, including a Dyson hairdryer in the dressing room and Sonos speakers for Ibiza style sounds when we drew back the huge glass doors to enjoy a gin on the terrace at sunset.

Although The Meadows is centrally located with a huge range of things to do and places to visit within easy reach, most importantly we found that it offered what we most desired from a holiday – a get away and the opportunity to rediscover some inner peace after over a year of lockdowns.

It was pretty hard to tear ourselves away from the place to be honest. It is so comfortable that it has everything you really need for a wonderfully relaxing break, including an outdoor social area with a fireplace and a hot tub. We ventured out to head for the beach at Perranporth and Crantock and walked around the cove at St Agnes where we called into the Finisterre store and stopped for cinnamon buns. There was also a wonderful visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan which were even more enchanting than I had hoped. I came away with a tree fern and a million photographs.

But for much of the time we just enjoyed the beautiful calm and space back at The Meadows, relaxing on the huge comfy sofas – one each – gazing out at the peaceful views and watching a pair of wagtails busily building a nest in the woodpile outside.

We read, we ate, we walked the dog, listened to music, reconnected with nature and watched the world go by. There were lazy afternoon naps, early evening soaks in the hot tub and glorious sunsets. Aside from the odd spell of Cornish mizzle we were blessed with good weather for most of our stay. Albert whippet adored it and quickly made himself at home. I think he was even more reluctant to leave than we were.

Thank you The Meadows for providing the location for one of the best UK holidays we’ve had. It was such a treat and the perfect antidote to 16 months of lockdown.

Time to start the search for somewhere just as good for next year.

All images © Helen Powell for Design Hunter.

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