Holanen
Mousehole, Cornwall, UK
From its perch above the Cornish coastline, Holanen embraces the rhythms of sky and sea. In the treasure-trove enclave of Mousehole, this light-filled home captures what locals say are "the best views in the village". It's a place where walls of glass frame a cinematic seascape, and nothing intrudes but the cry of fulmars wheeling against the sky.
Introduction
Ready to surrender to the rhythm of the tides? At Holanen, each element flows naturally into the next. Among Mousehole's winding lanes, this elevated retreat sits just moments from the harbour's bustle, yet feels worlds apart. The interplay of clean lines and natural materials creates an atmosphere of calm sophistication, while vast sliding doors welcome the sea breeze. Spend languid mornings watching fishermen tend their lobster pots, while the gentle illumination of St Michael's Mount emerges at dusk. Here, the village's weathered stone cottages cluster below, while the ocean stretches ahead.
Inside
Raw steel meets smooth concrete, hard lines soften into curves, and everywhere, the sea commands attention. The living space pivots around a circular hearth suspended in mid-air, where flames paint shadows across long evenings. Behind, the kitchen stands in deep charcoal, while avant-garde canvases bring bold splashes of colour to white walls. The dining area, set beneath a modernist light, offers the perfect spot for lunches that stretch into nightfall. In the bedrooms, silk and cashmere beds promise deep rest, while balconies capture the Lizard Peninsula's lighthouse piercing the horizon.
Outside
Exotic succulents and tender plants flourish in sheltered corners, creating havens bordered by protective evergreen hedges. Three terraces cascade towards the sea, each offering a different view of the bay. Gannets dive for fish in the deeper waters while cormorants sun themselves on the rocks below; occasionally, a pod of dolphins plays in the waves. The Scilly Isles ferry charts its course through these waters, passing fishing boats heading out for their catch. The Cornish coastal path beckons adventurers to explore its rocky foreshore and tidal coves, while Holanen's firepit tempts them back come evening.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 4 guests from £1,895 per week
- Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOne double bedroom with king-size bed and en suite shower room, one zip-and-link bedroom which can be set up as either a twin or a super king-size double. One family bathroom with bath and overhead shower.
View bedrooms - PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children aged 10 and over are very welcome but careful supervision at all times is needed due to steep drops and prickly plants.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for two cars at the front of the property in clearly marked spaces, which is something of a rare find in Mousehole. The kitchen includes an oven, hob, fridge, freezer, washer-dryer, and dishwasher.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, local walking guides, books, maps and tide tables, Smart TV, Netflix, Sonos speaker, iPad, Wifi internet, wood-fired barbecue which doubles as a fire pit, linen, towels, logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point available
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Mousehole
A tangle of fishermen’s cottages, winding alleyways and a tiny harbour with bobbing boats: just add an ice cream and this is a classic Cornish idyll.
Getting there
- On the Map Located in the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole in West Cornwall, just three miles from Penzance.
- By Car From London, take the M4 toward Bath, take M5 South and A30 to Cornwall and follow the directions provided to the property.
- By Train The closest train station is Penzance, with regular lines to London Paddington.
- By Air Newquay Airport is approximately 35 miles from the property.
From the owner
“Spectacular sunrises across Mousehole Bay and hearing waves crash on the rocks make living so close to the sea a real joy. Mousehole is a very special village, and our aim was to make the house as unique as its extraordinary Cornish location.”
Nick has been an architect for more than forty years; but nevertheless, building this house has been a very special project. We first saw the site, alongside a dilapidated 1960s bungalow in 2014 and, although covered by bramble, Nick was immediately excited by its architectural potential.
Locals told us that we were looking at the best location in Mousehole because of the views, the position within the village, the proximity to the sea, and the shelter from the westerly storms.
A large part of Nick's practice was involved with commercial buildings, but he always enjoyed designing unique homes in extraordinary locations in the UK and France. Here, his aim was to work with the site's geography, neighbours, and in sympathy with the coastal environment, whilst maintaining high standards of design and build.
Since the house was completed in early 2019, we've filled it with the sort of art, books, and furniture that we love, including antiques and fabrics from our travels. Since then, Tim has also published two books on gardens in Cornwall; 'The Great Gardens of Cornwall' and 'Secret Gardens of Cornwall', the influence of which can be seen in Holanen's matured landscaping.
Nick and Tim
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Mousehole with an insiders perspective.
To Eat
2 Fore Street
Awash with white and blue, this chic French-style bistro on the harbour front enjoys views across Mount´s Bay as far as Lizard point. Try the brunch menu in their pretty courtyard and book ahead to dine in their popular restaurant.
To See
Porthcurno
Porthcurno has a spectacular (though busy) beach and stunning walks along the cliff. It also houses the Telegraph Museum, which is great for children and tells the story of when the village housed the largest telegraph station in the world.
To Do
Saltwater Swimming
Mousehole has two small, safe and sandy beaches protected by the harbour walls. Beyond the harbour is a shallow childrenīs pool which has been created between the rocks. See if you can find the localsī favourite swimming spot "Dicky Danielīs".
To Do
Minack Theatre
Even if you donīt see a show, a trip to the world-famous Minack Theatre comes most recommended. If you do book ahead for a performance, the done thing is to arrive early with a picnic; you´ll notice candelabras, lobsters in hampers and Champagne in paper cups!
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
A beautiful and relaxing seven days in an enchanting home. The views are to die for. We have been very lazy and eaten out most days and can recommend The Mackerel Sky, Fore Street and The Old Coastguard for an enormous Sunday lunch. The Cormorant boat trip is worthwhile but be prepared for a poignant story from the captain.
Our third visit and as before a wonderful time celebrating our Silver Wedding Anniversary. Thank you to the owners for the "welcome back" bottle of rosé- it didn´t take us long to open it! Many thanks to the Housekeeper too for her part in maintaining this beautiful home.
When we entered your stunning house we were amazed at the fabulous view- the panoramic window brings the ocean into the living space- and we loved it every day. So lucky to see and gaze at the ever-changing scene. An extremely comfortable and delightful way to celebrate our birthdays.
Wow! Oh my goodness- my first reaction when we entered the house, how beautiful, the view is spectacular and the house is stunning, The sunrise on our first morning here took my breath away...heavenly, with sunlight streaming through into the house, just simply wonderful. Thank you to the owners for making this stay a home from home, you had thought of everything.
We have had the most wonderful time here. The place is beautiful and the view is breathtaking. We came here after a few months of more challenging times to relax and unwind and that is exactly what we did. We are already looking forward to returning but very sad to be leaving.
Thank you so much for this incredibly beautiful stay- this place is truly magical! We will miss this view and all the comforts of this amazing home. Thank you once again.
Totally breathtaking when walking into Holanen. Fabulous views and a totally unique homestay. Thank you guys for a truly wonderful and peaceful stay. The Lobster Box delivery was a great recommendation to eat beautiful fresh lobster in such an amazing house. We feel very lucky.
We had the most amazing week in the most stunning home we have ever visited. I will be informing all of our friends that they cannot miss out on this experience. Thank you to the owners for such an amazing stay!
What more can we say that hasn´t been already! Holanen has certainly "ticked all the right boxes" where everything is concerned. Genius design in a beautiful location, such an enchanting view which is ever changing and mesmerising. The attention to detail is faultless- a peaceful and thought provoking haven. A memorable home to spend a special birthday.
Thank you very much for all you have done to create and share such a wonderful retreat. You have thought of everything that could be needed to thoroughly enjoy every moment of our stay. Through sunshine, showers, winds and storms, Holanen has been uplifting, magical and spectacular. Mousehole is now our favourite place in Cornwall. Thank you!
A truly exceptional home with the best views in Mousehole! We have loved staying at Holanen, thank you. Staying here has made this one of our most memorable visits to Cornwall (and there have been many!) It´s hard to leave but we look forward to a return visit before too long.
A magical experience, in a magical village, in a magical setting! The views are amazing and the wildlife abundant. You have renewed our love of Cornwall, we will treasure our visit so much. Thank you.
It´s almost impossible to come up with enough superlatives to describe this house and the experience we have had here! We´ve travelled the world but nothing compares to the splendour of Holanen. The setting, the breathtaking view, the architecture, the furnishings, the many unique details throughout the house... the list goes on. We´ve had an amazing week here, thank you for making it so special.
Perfection; the house the furnishings and above all, the view.Special thanks to the housekeeping team for the spotlessly clean house - no corner was missed! We have had an absolutely wonderful week at Holanen. Thank you!
What an amazing place! Thank you so much, you can never tire of the fantastic views and wonderful scenery. We loved it all and your thoughtful extras were very well received, especially the hamper and the rug (very handy for our trip to the Minack Theatre!) Thank you and we look forward to a return trip soon - Holanen was just what we needed!
We loved spending our honeymoon here. The pictures don´t really do this place justice! It is fabulous; light, airy, modern and homely. The kitchen is so well-equipped which was a bit of a relief as the weather wasn´t ideal for eating out! Thank you for all the effort you have made to make this a perfect holiday home.
We´ve had a wonderful week at this amazing property, a real gem in Cornwall! The views are just incredible even on a rainy, misty day. Holanen gave us everything we were hoping for during our stay; so comfortable, so convenient in the gorgeous Mousehole, and everything has been thought of. We loved reading about the project, the vision, and how Holanen came alive! We hope to be back very soon!
A real treat to come back to Holanene two years after our first visit. The perfect spot and a welcome break. Still perfect - lovely meals and some beautiful coastal walks. Thank you for your flexibility and all the extra work that has gone into making the property Covid safe.
A truly fantastic home with breathtaking views. Our week was a carryover from last year due to the pandemic and it was well worth the wait. The direct views of the sea (and so close!) are just so relaxing to the point we rarely ventured out, instead opting to stay in and enjoy this incredible location.
Wow, wow, wow! Knowing that a break over the new year was likely to bring changeable weather, we hoped that booking Holanen with its magnificent view would make it feel like we were outside enjoying the scenery, even when we couldnīt. It hasnīt disappointed! Every day the scenery changes with the weather. Every hour there is something new to see. A truly magnificent location and a spectacular self-build. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
It takes your breath away when you walk in! I guess you never get used to it, the views are constantly changing. We have had a fabulous week enjoying your lovely design. We loved it so much, we´re coming back next year!
Thank you for a memorable stay in your lovely home, the views are so breathtaking it will be difficult to ever forget. We loved the open space and the various relaxation options both within and outside the walls of the house. We will miss hearing the sounds of the ocean in the morning and trying to spot the seals! Thank you for all the recommendations on where to visit and for the very warm welcome to Holanen.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Stylish winter decorating ideas
Country Living
March 2025A house to book on the Welsh borders with just the right amount of rustic charm
House & Garden
February 2025The most romantic places to stay
The Times
February 2025Stay at this off-grid Hansel and Gretel cottage hiding in the woods
Country Living
February 2025Seven of the cosiest cottages for couples
The Times
February 2025How to get the best holiday at the best price in 2025
The Telegraph
January 2025Top 12 big kitchen trends for 2025
Country Living
January 2025Where the travel editors and experts are going in 2025
The Telegraph
January 2025
All Properties > UK > Cornwall > Mousehole > Holanen
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
