The Fish Store
Mousehole, Cornwall, UK
Belonging to the same family for almost a century, this luxury coastal retreat in Mousehole has equal measures of style and soul. The Fish Store celebrates the beauty that only passage of time can bring to a home, while its enviable position in the heart of the village is the icing on the cake. The delights of Cornwall’s wild west are all within easy reach too, if you can tear yourself away from that sea view.
Introduction
A home with allure, there’s something rather special about The Fish Store in Mousehole. Maybe it’s the dramatic seaside setting, or perhaps it’s the cool, utilitarian interiors that pay homage to the building’s former life as a pilchard factory. It could be the cinema room with three-metre projector screen, or the impressive kitchen which has earned this home its very own cookbook. Whatever it is, there’s something well worth going the extra mile down west when planning your next luxury self-catering holiday in Cornwall.
Inside
With its high beamed ceilings and lofty living spaces, The Fish Store possesses an abundance of space (quite a rarity in Mousehole) which fronts the glistening ocean. Start the day with steaming coffee and views over the harbour from the huge windows. Come dusk, after a game of table tennis or family film on the projector screen, pick your favourite from five bedrooms. A combination of sizes and set-ups means all generations can look forward to a deep and restful night's sleep tucked under soft duvets, starry skylights overhead.
Outside
The bijou stone courtyard is an ideal spot to barbecue fresh crab from the harbour; a fine match to a balmy summer's evening. From renowned poets to the likes of Vogue; literarians have celebrated Mousehole’s magnetising village charm since the heyday of the British seaside holiday, when Dylan Thomas famously pronounced it ‘the loveliest village in England’. Swimming in the bay, scouring the rock pools for starfish and admiring the Christmas lights twinkle over the harbour will provide families with memories to cherish forever.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests
From £2,595 per week, £1,995 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionsUp to 4 or up to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOne double bedroom on the first floor with a king-size bed and in-room bath and sink, two first floor zip-and-link bedrooms (which can be set up as super king-size doubles or twins) one of which has an en suite shower room. One ground floor double bedroom with king-size bed, one ground floor zip-and-link bedroom (which can be set up as a super king-size double or a twin). There is also a first-floor bathroom with separate shower, and a ground floor shower room with steam shower.
View bedrooms - FeaturesCinema room, table tennis, steam room
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One travel cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThe house has garage parking for one small to average-sized car with additional parking in the public car park (£5 per day). The kitchen is superbly equipped with all the essentials and more. The laundry room has a washer and a dryer.
- Homestay includesSmart TV, projector screen with internet access for entertainment, Apple TV, Sonos multi-room sound system, WiFi internet, two bucket-style charcoal barbecues, linen, towels, essential oils for the steam room, 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 adrenalin-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.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Mousehole
Imagine a tangle of fishermen’s cottages and winding alleyways, a maze of slips, a harbour bobbing colourful boats atop its surface and an ice cream parlour serving up the most heavenly flavours on earth... you wouldn’t be far off thinking the arcadian town of Mousehole was some kind of fictional land.
Getting there
- On the Map The Fishsore is located in Mousehole, a picturesque fishing village on the west coast of Cornwall.
- By Car From London, take the M4 toward Bath, the M5 South and the A30 to Cornwall, then follow the directions provided to the property.
- By Train With a journey time of around five hours from Paddington to Penzance, The Fish Store is an easy 10 minutes from the end of the line (try the sleeper train for a real adventure)!
- By Air Daily flights run from London Heathrow to Newquay Airport with a flight time of an hour, and from here it will take you around an hour to drive to The Fish Store.
From the owner
“The Fish Store was built in 1899 to process the pilchards (Cornish sardines) which swarmed around Mounts Bay. In 1939 our grandparents Betty and Edwin fled Paris and the impending war, settled in Cornwall and made this disused fish store their home.”
The house was built in 1899 and was used to process the pilchards which swarmed around Mousehole’s harbour. The fish were salted in vast tanks below ground then hoisted through a trap door to the top floor where they were gutted, packed and pressed. The valuable oil extracted was used locally for lighting lamps, but most was sent to London and the fish exported to Italy and Spain.
Our Fish Store had fallen into disuse when in 1939 our grandparents Betty and Edwin John, who were fleeing Paris and the impending war, bought it for £300, (£600 less than it cost to build forty-odd years before). In September 2009, 4 years after our dad’s death, we embarked on a comprehensive renovation.
The Fish Store has always been a fabulous space – with enormous rooms by Mousehole standards – and now it's double the size. We have retained its original character with woodburning stoves, the stunning wood floors and overhead beams, but we now also have the added luxuries of underfloor heating, table tennis, WiFi, a cinema lounge and windows that don’t rattle!
Zach & Henry
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Mousehole with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
On the Water
From surf lessons to sea kayaking to coasteering, there are many activities for water-lovers within easy reach. Spend a day on the ocean waves; take a boat trip from the harbour and admire a totally different perspective of the coast.
To See
Art Galleries
Spend a day soaking in a little artistic inspiration; discover galleries hidden away down cobbled streets and visit the Tate St Ives to see how the very special light in this corner of the world has inspired generations of artists.
To Eat
The Ship Inn, Mousehole
Located in the very heart of the harbour, the Ship Inn manages the elusive balance of being both a visitors’ and a locals’ pub. It is a great place for a drink or meal, and there is a corner seat still dedicated to Dylan Thomas.
To See
Mousehole Christmas Lights
Famous for its Christmas lights, December is a magical time to visit Mousehole. Enjoy the carols sung by the traditional male choir before watching the annual switch on; people come from miles around to see the display!
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We had a wonderful time at The Fish Store! It is a beautiful, welcoming house with a view! It was lovely to start the day in lively Mousehole with a cup of coffee at the local deli and kitchen near the harbour. The extensive kitchen turned out to be perfect for preparing the fresh fish we got from Newlyn. Coming from Europe, Lindsey Bareham and her cookbooks were unknown to us, but they were well used by us this week! It was extra special to learn more about the history of this special house and the people who lived there through her stories.
We had a totally fabulous weekend at The Fish Store that couldn’t have gone better. The most stunning location. We are cooks, and it was a real pleasure to have such a well equipped kitchen.The beautiful weather really made it for us and we can´t wait to return.
When we walked in we were bowled over by the view and this beautiful room. We enjoyed the amazing hamper and we found the bedrooms very comfortable. We made the most of the wonderful kitchen and enjoyed eating the local fresh fish. What a fantastic and spacious home. We loved it all. Many thanks.
Lovely place to celebrate a 70th birthday! The property inspired our granddaughter to paint a beautiful watercolour of the view from the window. Interesting furniture and the outlook from the dining table is magnificent. We enjoyed great food from the deli in the village and fresh fish from the Newlyn.
A spectacular week of sunshine based at The Fish Store. The position, the views, comfortable beds, sharp knives (unheard of for a rental), layout, space and last but not least the art! So much to look at and appreciate including the H Johns and Peter Blake! Thank you for sharing this thoughtfully arranged, beautiful space.
It was such a joy to stay in your beautiful home, the love and care that has gone into it gives you an instant feeling of warmth and calm. We came to give our father a special treat and he thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Thank you for sharing such a special place. We hope to return.
This is such a stunning house! We loved the kitchen and cooking was an absolute pleasure. And what about the view! It was hard to leave and we rarely did. Thank you for sharing our wonderful and unique home, it has been an absolute joy!
As soon as we walked in the door we were mesmerised with the view & The Fish Store, hook, line, and sinker! Quirky beams, muted colours and intriguing artwork made it homely and inviting. Considering the age range of our clan, 7 months to 77 years, there really has been something for everyone. Thank you, it has been a pleasure to share your beautiful home. We´ll certainly be back.
Blown away by The Fish store! Superb accommodation with everything a family could need. We loved cooking in the kitchen & all gathering at the table for meals and games. Will definitely recommend this beautiful property to everyone we know and those we don´t! The hamper full of delicious food was also very much appreciated thank you. We would love to come back one day.
Our second time at The Fish Store and it was as magical as 3 years ago! Breakfast at the table with the most wonderful view, lovely walks into Newlyn, the Mousehole Harbour twinkling at dusk, beautiful weather, seal-spotting, and the changing light (no wonder so many artists have been inspired here!). A delight to the senses, we will treasure the memories. Thanks for sharing this wonderful home.
The history, fun and love oozes out of every beam and floorboard! What a wonderful house, we´ve had an amazing week full of laughter, fun, great food and a view to die for!
First impressions were wow.Ten out of Ten! And we weren´t disappointed. This house was the perfect home for our weary, jet lagged family wanting to mellow down. We cooked, walked, read and most of all, enjoyed the view from the kitchen table. Having read the introduction in The Fish Store´s cook book, we became quite taken with the story of The Fish Store and feel privileged to have been able to become part of it. Thank you.
Everything about The Fish Store and Mousehole exceeded our expectations. Sunshine and storms, great food, mushy peas, cheese, wine, crisps and ale... A delightful week writing, creating, drinking, walking, sleeping and relaxing.
We all adored the property. Special mention for the decor; we love the lighting, the little triangular window pane, cushioned window seats, nice chairs, the splash of green on the stairs, all those clothes pegs, great floors, the beams and the books explaining the history of The Fish Store. Thank you!
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Fish Store. Excellent accommodation and facilities for a large group, enough space to not be under each others feet, good location in the village within walking distance of everything, easy to get to places outside the village without driving too far
It was a very special house with a WONDERFUL kitchen and living space which we greatly enjoyed. The folder in the house was immensely helpful and we were most interested in the history of the house and owners and local information. Unique Homestays and The Fish Store were a delight and we were thrilled to arrive to beautifully made-up beds and a wonderfully clean and welcoming house. MANY, many thanks.
We have had a wonderful week basking in some unseasonal sunshine all week - very lucky. Celebrated a birthday and enjoyed the fantastic hospitality The Fish Store has to offer. A wonderful house and a joy to be here. You would be a happy man staring at the view - awesome! Thanks Fish Store - we will back
Wonderful property - we had real problems tearing ourselves away to go and explore. Amazing! Dude the dog had several photo calls from passing tourists as he sat in the doorway at the top of the steps
The house is absolutely lovely. It was a privilege to be allowed to stay in a space that was clearly a family home and loved by its owners. Its location is perfect and the facilities exceptional. Weve booked again for next year because we loved it so much.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which The Fish Store and 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.
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Food & Travel
House & Garden
June 2017My Last Supper
The Guardian
July 2016Mousehole; An Insider´s Guide
Condé Nast Traveller
June 2013Win a Long Weekend Stay at The Fish Store
The Telegraph
July 2011It’s chic, it’s Cornwall and it’s available this summer
The Times
June 201125 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Cornwall > Mousehole > The Fish Store
Related Collections
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.
