Blue Monkey

BFB's Overview

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 five spacious and an four 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, wood burner, 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.

The house now offers five bedrooms. The master suite 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. A further twin room with bunk beds has been added which is perfect for children. 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.

A welcome pack of wine, bread, milk, scones, jam, flowers and coastal magazine are provided on arrival.

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.

Blue Monkey has been awarded by The AA their most prestigious 2017 5* Gold Award for Self-Catering Accommodation.

The Sunday Times featured Blue Monkey amongst “the UK’s Best Coastal Holiday Cottages, providing a child-friendly welcome in stylish surroundings.”

Trip Advisor rated Blue Monkey ‘Excellent’ with over 125 5* reviews

Tatler Magazine included Blue Monkey in their June 2016 edition: ‘Tatler on Sea… Get the Most from the Coast!’

Location Information

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.