My sister and I sat down in the early summer and spent hours planning a weekend away for Mum’s 50th birthday in October. We considered London, Dublin and all the usual city break destinations but then had a brainwave! So many people visit our beautiful county every year, yet so many of us Cornish folk take it for granted. Also, less time travelling meant more time relaxing and celebrating. Cornwall it was.
We wanted somewhere with a nice restaurant and good walks close by, in addition to that bit of extra luxury. So when we discovered Mackerel Skies, with its cosy living room, log burner and bubbling hot tub… it ticked all the boxes on our wish list!
Arriving at dusk on a warm autumnal evening was truly magical. When I opened the gate to the candle-lit secret garden, I felt a million miles away from home and I couldn’t wait to see inside! Our wonderful hosts Graham and Helen greeted us, eager to welcome us into their home and make us feel settled. We stepped through the front door into a gorgeous country cottage packed full of original features, quirks and character, and oodles of luxury.
We spent Friday evening at the cottage, sipping chilled champagne in the hot tub, drying off by the log burner and evoking childhood memories over a game of Cluedo. I felt like a little girl again, spending quality time with my mother and sister, far away from life’s everyday distractions.
Saturday morning brought double bubble fun with bucks-fizz in the hot tub before breakfast. We then walked down to Perranporth beach for lunch at the Watering Hole and watched the waves as we used to here with Mum as children. After a long, blustery walk back and touch of pampering, we made our way to Offshore that evening, a brilliant restaurant near Cubert. We were treated to fantastic service and the food was astounding; I cannot recommend this place enough.
Sunday morning involved a lovely, lazy lie-in followed by warm croissants and tea before we packed up and headed home. I truly felt saddened to be leaving this wonderful abode behind. Our stay at Mackerel Skies was so wonderful, it made us realise that you don’t have to be a million miles from home to feel as though you are.
The cottage has a heart-warming ambience which captures you right from the start. It oozes charm, luxury and thoughtfulness that makes your stay feel special and thoroughly looked after. From the picnic facilities, to the ice buckets, beach towels, flip flops (for getting to and from the hot tub) and even the jar of Jelly Babies for when you’ve been good… it’s all testament to the owners and their genuine desire to ensure guests have a brilliant stay. I will never forget our stay at Mackerel Skies and can’t wait until we have an excuse to visit again!
Thank you Graham, Helen and Unique Homestays!
