“Where Thomas Hardy met his wife, now a welcoming B&B. Secluded, tranquil and romantic- the traditional rooms feature large sash windows and delicately patterned curtains. Lovely walks and a charming walled veggie garden. Beautifully cooked cornish food. Ideal for a typically British country stay.”

Hotel review

Who could resist staying in the very house where Thomas Hardy met and fell in love with his wife, Emma Gifford? Hardy, then an architect, was working on the church and Emma was the rector's sister-in-law; the Old Rectory later featured in Hardy's A Pair of Blue Eyes. Even better, the house is now a welcoming b&b, run with warmth and efficiency by owners Sally and Chris Searle, who grow much of the fruit for the locally sourced breakfasts in their garden, over which the cosy guest sitting room looks.

Fiona Duncan
Fiona Duncan Review published: 26/02/2024

Recommended for

  • Eco break

    • Dedicated to sustainablity- where possible produce comes from the gardens and farm and power comes from their solar panels
  • Country Escape

    • A stunning Cornish country house with chickens roaming the garden and fantastic walks from the property
  • Great walks

    • Grab a packed lunch from the hotel and set out to explore the rugged coastal landscape just five minutes away
  • Pet friendly

    • Up to two dogs can be accommodated in the Old Stable Room, but are not permitted in the main house
  • Learning

    • Learn about sustainability and how to create a greener, cleaner, healthier planet
  • Other Activities

    • Wander the grounds and admire the rare breed pigs, sheep and chickens
  • Surfing

    • The nearest surf beach is Crackington Haven, a ten minute drive away
  • Sights nearby

    • The Eden Project and Lanhydrock House are easily accessed
  • Restrictions on children

    • No children under 12
  • Literary

  • Quiet

  • Organic food

  • No restaurant

  • Secluded setting

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • House party feel

  • Eco

  • Romantic

  • Traditional

  • Beach nearby

  • Historic

  • B&B

  • Sea Views

Facilities

  • Rooms

    4 rooms in this hotel
  • Pet friendly

    Up to two dogs can be accommodated in the Old Stable Room, but are not permitted in the main house
  • Restrictions on children

    No children under 12
  • Fireplace

  • No restaurant

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Parking

  • Wifi

  • Sitting Room

  • Garden

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Grab a packed lunch from the hotel and set out to explore the rugged coastal landscape just five minutes away
  • Learning

    • Learn about sustainability and how to create a greener, cleaner, healthier planet
  • Other Activities

    • Wander the grounds and admire the rare breed pigs, sheep and chickens
  • Surfing

    • The nearest surf beach is Crackington Haven, a ten minute drive away
  • Sights nearby

    • The Eden Project and Lanhydrock House are easily accessed

Map & Location

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