Durgan Old School House

Falmouth, Cornwall

Make the beach your playground in this former Victorian school. Just below its walled garden, the shores gently sweep in and out, to reveal a small and sheltered beach. Built in 1876, the shutter-windowed stone cottage sits on the north bank of the Helford River estuary with views of the waters from its windows. After a careful restoration, the two-bedroom cottage reveals a modern interior with historic character. Exposed beams, wood panelled walls and a log-burner are met by contemporary furnishings.

Durgan Old School House sits at the edge of Durgan village, with only a handful of cottages around. Sheltered from Atlantic gales, you’ll have the benefit of being in one of the mildest corners of the country, with a south-facing beach just outside your door. 

The South West Coast Path runs through the village, offering links to vast stretches of coastline. Head east from Durgan along the river and out to Falmouth bay. Head west from Durgan along the Helford Passage, where a passenger ferry runs across the river to the idyllic Helford village and the Lizard peninsula.