Blue Monkey

It is hard not to feel more than a little bit smug when renting this gem of a coastal chic cottage because its exactly the kind of place people harbour fantasies about living in. Nestled in the heart of the exceptionally pretty and quaint village of Cawsand, just a few steps from its sandy bay, winding cobbled streets and pastel coloured Georgian houses, The Blue Monkey offers a taste of the good life, by the sea with the beach on the doorstep and romantic log fires and claw foot baths inside. It is the perfect bolthole to escape to for a bit of family rejuvenation any time of year, whether beach combing and rock pooling in winter with hot chocolate and log fires, or beachside picnics, buckets and spades and long lazy evenings on the terrace in summer.

It comes as no surprise to learn the house has had something of a celebrity following, although going back some years to when Nelson was commonly spotted dancing in the lounge in its previous incarnation as the local tap house! Nowadays, thanks to a 12 month labour of love by the young couple who own it, its picture-perfect Grade II listed, exterior hides a beautifully renovated interior with four spacious bedrooms and an equal number of glamorous bathrooms, including two with deep and indulgent free-standing baths. Mini guests are well catered for with a travel cot, highchair and a stair gate at the top of the second floor stairs, where they are commonly accommodated in the pretty twin bedroom. The enclosed terrace garden at the rear is a lovely space for little legs to stretch, although the beach just a 30 second dash from the door, is often a stronger draw.

The spacious open plan living/dining area is a lovely spot for cosy family nights thanks to its plentiful comfy seats, exposed stone walls, open log fire, television with Sky package, DVD, VHS and CD player plus a handy range of books, DVDs and board games. The dining room is bright and airy thanks to its white washed walls warmed by a stone feature fireplace and large wood dining table with seating for up to 10 guests. The dining area also provides access to the lovely courtyard garden with BBQ and seating area. It is quite a suntrap and an idyllic spot for morning coffee, lazy afternoons or evening meals al fresco. The large kitchen is well equipped for families and stylishly kitted out with an electric oven, grill, hob, fridge freezer, wine/beer fridge, dishwasher, microwave, food blender, plus a casual dining area perfect for breakfast time. There is a separate utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer plus a second access door to the garden.

Of the four bedrooms, two are on the first floor along with the main bathroom, and two on the second floor. The master bedroom is a perfect retreat for frazzled parents, with a lovely double bed and en-suite bathroom with romantic roll top bath. The second bedroom, a further double, is another haven with a contemporary white theme and a scattering of antique pieces. It has 'Jack & Jill' access doors to the main bathroom. The second floor is home to a further double bedroom with original fireplace and shared shower room with the twin bedroom, which also has a lovely feature fireplace. There is a fourth shower room on the ground floor which is ideal for washing off days at the beach before settling in the house for the evening. It is also handy for four-legged guests, since well behaved pets are welcome at Blue Monkey.

Please note: A 30% refundable deposit will be requested by the owner on confirmation of reservation with the full rate payment required 6 weeks before guests stay.

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The historical fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand offer the perfect base for families, unspoilt by mass tourism they are postcard perfect with colour washed traditional cottages, narrow streets, friendly pubs, good restaurants, a handy deli (just a few steps from Blue Monkey) and pretty shops. The villages are set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and said to be an artists' dream - equally a family's dream holiday and certainly the type of place classic seaside holiday memories are made for little ones.

There are several beaches to choose from nearby including the lovely sandy beach at Cawsand Bay which is great for swimming, windsurfing and waterskiing and Kingsand which is a shingle and sand beach on which dogs are allowed year round. Cawsand beach also has a passenger ferry across to Plymouth which is a larger town where you can find all the usual high street shops, independent shops, theatres and a range of restaurants, cafés and bars.

Plus around 45 minutes away, the Eden Project is a great day out plus if using the land train (tractor pulled train through the attractions) is very toddler friendly. The shop sells a great spotting book to keep kids interested and the café does decent nibbles. For an 'Enchanted Forest' experience, head to Cardinham Woods (around 45 mins away) and stumble upon the wonderful tea shop set in a centuries old woodsman's cottage, with a handy children's play area outside and useful baby-changing room.

Getting There: Cawsand is one of Cornwall's most accessible locations being just 10miles from Plymouth via passenger or car ferry across the Tamar. Plymouth is served by hourly trains from Central London taking approx. 3-3.5hours. Those without cars can take the train, then taxi to ferry terminal and passenger ferry crossing - something of an adventure for most toddlers!

Nearest Medical Services: GP in Cawsand & A & E at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

testimonial scores:5:0:0:0

Lovely house, perfect location and very baby friendly. Would recommend any time...

Lovely house, perfect location and very baby friendly. Would recommend any time of year.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

Just what we needed After a hectic couple of months (return to work after mater...

Just what we needed After a hectic couple of months (return to work after maternity leave) we were looking for a retreat that would allow us to unwind and slow everything down. We found Blue Monkey by chance and were delighted when we got there. The welcome pack was comprehensive and gave us all the info we needed to get started. When we arrived the house was a revelation. Lots of space for our little man to bomb about and everything we needed to make ourselves at home. There is real character in this house and it formed a great base to explore Cawsand and beyond. If you are looking for a retreat that allows flexibility for a young family in an area with lots to do then the Blue Monkey is a great choice. We would happily recommend it to our family and friends.

"Fantastic" My family and I had the most amazing week here and have already boo...

"Fantastic" My family and I had the most amazing week here and have already booked for next year. The house was large enough and comfortable for four adults and two children. Would also recommend the Devonport inn under new ownership and only in its second week of trading, be sure to try it.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the most wonderful, spacious and welcoming house...

Upon arrival we were greeted by the most wonderful, spacious and welcoming house we have ever stayed in. Wine in the fridge, crisp Egyptian cotton sheets on the bed, fresh towels and lovely products to use. The 3 children spent the first hour just running from room to room just enjoying the light and the space before we took them on the short (30second?) walk to the delightful beach. The house was wonderfully equipped for children - there was a blender for making purees, Sky TV for the odd CBeebies programme!, a high chair and a stair gate at the top of the house where the children slept. Each room was decorated beautifully and kept to a very high standard, extremely clean and comfortable to live in - like a hotel! The main bedroom with it's luxurious bathroom was pure heaven - soaking in the tub with a gin and tonic after a hard day at the beach was perfection. The beaches and the local walks were perfect for both children and adults, running routes were glorious, crabbing was entertaining and the local ale, ice cream and pasties were delicious. This is a place I can imagine returning to again and again as the children grow older - where they really can be children; running bare foot past the house with a sense of pure freedom, wielding crab nets and shrieking with laughter is something that all children should experience and Blue Monkey is the place to do it!

Owner Profile

Hi, Living in London I try to escape to Blue Monkey frequently with the intention of living there one day, I think you will see why when you visit. Blue Monkey is located in Cornwall's stunning forgotten corner where there are so many fun filled activities to do you will just have to return to try them all. Partially due to some great holidays and reviews, over 70% of the year's bookings are taken by the end of March. • Blue Monkey featured in “The Sunday Times” UK’s best holiday coastal cottages review. • Additionally we have received over 60 Trip Advisor 5 * reviews over the past few years. We aim to provide a highly personalised service and this has reflected in many 2012 bookings coming from returning customers and personal recommendations. Please do ask any questions that you have about Blue Monkey and the stunning local area etc. I have very good knowledge of Polhawn Fort and the local area would love to share one of the most beautiful places in the world to relax and unwind with you, please do just ask.

Blue Monkey is a unique home away from home experience. Location in the heart of a peaceful tranquil village Each room has its own boutique style with a family touch. You are greeted by our manager who runs the property in our absence to show you where everything is, make you feel at home right from the moment you arrive and answer all your questions. Complimentary wine on arrival. Blue Monkey is located in the heart of the idyllic sleepy village Cawsand “Britain in Bloom Winner.” Less than 30 meters from Blue Monkey you can enjoy sunrise on the beach with a warm cup of coffee and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this “forgotten corner of Cornwall.” It is ideal for families or those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of working life. You deserve the finest of retreats and Blue Monkey makes an ideal destination and one that all our guests to date have said they can’t wait to return to. Blue Monkey is a stones throw from 3 sandy unspoilt beaches, is less than 1 minute from the car park, has 2 passing bays just outside the neighbour's property to help with unloading and picking up of your family and is a 2 minute walk to the village shops, local galleries post office etc. There are also plenty of pubs serving very reasonable pub food i.e the "Devonport" on the waterfront - do book early. For fine-dining with exceptional panoramic views the award winning "View restaurant" overlooking Whitsand Bay is recommended Also on your door step open during peak season is Moran’s Deli - we recommend the chilli concarne. If you choose to cook the store cupboard at Blue Monkey stocks all the essentials you require for when you arrive and our kitchen is fully-equipped with plenty of cooking gear, including bread making machine and blenders. The house and each bedroom is serviced by an award winning cleaning agency and fresh linen and towels will be ready for your arrival to help minimise your travel load.

Previous guests have said; Upon arrival we were greeted by the most wonderful, spacious and welcoming house we have ever stayed in. Wine in the fridge, crisp Egyptian cotton sheets on the bed, fresh towels and lovely products to use. The 3 children spent the first hour just running from room to room just enjoying the light and the space before we took them on the short (30second?) walk to the delightful beach. The house was wonderfully equipped for children - there was a blender for making purees, Sky TV for the odd CBeebies programme!, a high chair and a stair gate at the top of the house where the children slept. Each room was decorated beautifully and kept to a very high standard, extremely clean and comfortable to live in - like a hotel! The main bedroom with it's luxurious bathroom was pure heaven - soaking in the tub with a gin and tonic after a hard day at the beach was perfection. The beaches and the local walks were perfect for both children and adults, running routes were glorious, crabbing was entertaining and the local ale, ice cream and pasties were delicious. This is a place I can imagine returning to again and again as the children grow older - where they really can be children; running bare foot past the house with a sense of pure freedom, wielding crab nets and shrieking with laughter is something that all children should experience and Blue Monkey is the place to do it. Thank you very much for a wonderful stay. Williams Jan 2010. At Blue Monkey there are the following baby / child friendly items (NB certain items may left in different locations to what is stated below): Kitchen: · 2* High chairs - (they are wooden backed with no padding provided. We have found most guests like to bring their own high chair cushions / use fresh clean towels to comfort their · Steriliser · Baby Place Setting · Melamine Feeding Set · Bucket & spades / Boules (please wash to remove sand and dry before storing to prevent rusting by drying them after use) / fishing nets / body boards / crab lines / boomerangs – see tall kitchen cupboard Living room: · A good selection of children's books, DVDs and toys, primarily targeted at children aged 4-7 are available, and our collection of younger books and toys is growing. · Fun Blocks First floor under back bedroom bed / in trunk: · 2* Cots - (no sheets are provided on the basis that most parents prefer to bring their own) Please call Holiday Home Management when making the booking if you would like extra sheets) · Baby bath · Beach tent with sun shade · Socket protectors · Baby door-bouncer · Day travel rucksack First floor front bedroom trunk: · Stair gate Garden: · 2 kayaks with paddles and their trolley are located in the garden (children must be supervised by adults. Life jackets are provided and are stored in the airing cupboard - please return to airing cupboard after use to ensure they dry out asap)