Stella Maris
Malpas, Cornwall, UK
Meaning ‘star of the sea’, Stella Maris is set on the tranquil banks of the Malpas River in the leafy purlieus of Cornwall’s ancient capital, Truro. This large self-catering retreat offers a private quay, a cinema den for cosy film nights, and an enchanting terrace that offers sweeping views of the river. Whether lounging by the fire or dining al fresco, this peaceful home invites moments of calm and creativity.
Introduction
Inside
Outside
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £2,350 per week, £1,950 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOne ground-floor zip-and-link bedroom (which can be set up as either a super king-size double or a twin), three first-floor double bedrooms, two with king-size beds and one with en suite shower room. One ground-floor shower room and one first-floor family bathroom with bath and walk-in shower.
View bedrooms - FeaturesPrivate quay with river access, fire pit and cinema den
- 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.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking on the drive for one car, with a further two spaces opposite the house. The property is fully equipped with an electric oven, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, dryer, fridge-freezer and NutriBullet. Please note, the property is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. The outdoor areas are not enclosed, so dogs and children should not be left unattended, and extra caution should be taken near the river.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper, Smart TV, Netflix, DVD player, iPad, Wi-Fi internet, fire pit, gas barbecue, linen and 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.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Malpas
Tucked inland from Cornwall´s Roseland Peninsula coastline is this waterside village, shrouded with leafy, low-hanging trees along the River Truro´s edge. This spot is heaven for walkers, so pack good boots and a map.
Getting there
- On the Map Stella Maris in the quiet village of Malpas, near Truro and The Roseland.
- By Car From London, take the M4 towards Bath, the M5 South, then the A30 to Cornwall and follow the directions provided to the property. The journey time is around four and a half hours.
- By Train The nearest train station is in Truro, just two miles away, with regular trains to Paddington and a journey time of approximately five hours.
- By Air Newquay Airport is around a 35 minute drive from the property.
From the owner
“The setting is incredible and I just love that each bedroom has views out over the river. The private quay and waterside access is a fantastic feature, and there´s so much fun to be had away from the main house.”
Both of us have been lucky enough to have travelled extensively with our careers and pursue our love of watersports and coastal living. Three years ago, with two horse-mad teenagers, we decided to have a complete lifestyle change from corporate, city life and moved from Sydney's northern beaches to Margaret River. We now live on a 100-acre horse and cattle farm with our two daughters.
We have always had a love of property in Cornwall and it has held a special place in our hearts for years. We have family in nearby Flushing and have sailed, windsurfed, surfed, walked, and run across most of the county!
We purchased Stella Maris in 2017 and completed an extensive nine-month restoration to highlight the historical features of the property, while ensuring it's a comfortable and cosy family home.
The closeness and constant movement of the river also provides a real sense of perspective and certainly helps us to relax and contemplate day-to-day life. The house has been sympathetically renovated to enhance its natural views and south-facing light while at the same time offering modern conveniences and plenty of indoor and outdoor family spaces.
The Barker Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Malpas with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
On the Water Activities
For a day spent on the water, head to Loe Beach. Hire a stand up paddleboard or kayak from the watersports centre and paddle your way along the creek, stopping off at the Pandora Inn for fireside drinks to warm up cold toes.
To Eat
The Heron Inn, Truro
This is your closest pub, just a five minute walk away! Head to the waterside Heron Inn for good food and even better views over the river. They serve food all day using quality local produce and sustainable fish and seafood.
To Do
Trelissick
The National Trust´s Trelissck is a must. Along with a country home and landscaped gardens, Trelissick boasts extensive parkland leading down to the creek below, overlooking St Mawes, Falmouth and out to sea. A great day out.
To Do
Historic Truro
Cornwall’s ancient capital is a lively city steeped in history. Explore the three-spired 19th-century cathedral or stroll down Lemon Street to admire local art displays, elegant Georgian architecture, and an array of bistros and gastro pubs.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Staying here was a last-minute decision to have a little staycation just an hour away from where we live! It was the youngest daughter´s 3rd birthday and we have just recently fallen pregnant with our third so we felt it would be nice to get away from the "to-do" lists and be fully present with our growing family! It has been the most beautiful stay - the interiors have massively inspired me and the views are simply breathtaking. Stella Maris and all that makes this place as magical as it is - thank you! I am sure we will be back with our newest addition!
We have had a wonderful week visiting old haunts, and also some new ones. The house and interior is beautiful and the views are heavenly. Thank you for all the special touches that make this place feel like a very special and loved home.
Beyond our wildest expectations! We love Stella Maris. We were blessed with incredible weather, especially the first three days where it was almost too hot on the terrace for an aperitif at 6pm! We will always have fantastic memories of this beautiful property and were so lucky to share it with our parents and friends from France.
We have had an absolutely lovely stay here at your beautiful house. We have enjoyed relaxing in the spacious living room, kitchen and the snug, and sitting outside with a glass of wine. The hamper was lovely to arrive to with fresh scones and flowers throughout the house. We have had lots of adventures as well, visiting The lost Gardens of Heligan, walking from St Anthony´s Head to Falmouth, and heading to Pendower beach so our daughter can have some fun in the rock pools.
The owners have captured a little piece of heaven here at Stella Maris. The view of the river, with it´s changing tides, birdlife and boating activities have kept us enthralled. Even just sitting outside with a glass of wine in the evening sun is a joy all on its own. The house itself has catered for every need and event, and the four of us, including the dog, have been most comfortable and cosy, especially during a few rainy days!
On our last evening before we leave, facing a blazing sun outside at the table, and a bevy of canoes row past us on the river, I get a chance to reflect on the changing views that have fascinated me, even on a grey day, and to think that these will be memories I will always treasure. The home is lovely and the whole family have really enjoyed being here.
What a fabulous place in a beautiful setting! The house is gorgeous and I just didn´t want to leave it at the end of our stay. I hope to be lucky enough to come back one day in the future!
We are so sad to be leaving tomorrow after a restful stay. This is such a special place, and we´ve loved walking to St Clements in the evening, and being in the sun sipping wine by the BBQ. Maenporth beach is superb and a lovely gentle spot for children to swim in the sea. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home with us!
We have had the most relaxing and enjoyable stay here at Stella Maris. The welcome hamper was full of lovely items and we especially enjoyed the English red wine! The house is beautifully decorated and furnished, including the great beds, pillows, soft towels and the brilliant showers! We enjoyed some lovely walks with the dogs. Thank you for creating such a wonderful home for us to enjoy!
We have had a lovely few days here with the wild Cornish weather! This home is just lovely and large and the cinema snug has become my personal favourite habitat, now synonymous with snacks and relaxation. I would also like to commend you on the location of this home to The Heron Inn as the food and drinks there come in plentiful flavours and quantities. We´ve really have had the most incredible time.
Well, this has been a fantastic week! My family booked this without me knowing, and I arrived for what I thought was a 60th birthday break in Cornwall with my husband. So you can imagine my shock when I walked into the kitchen to see my daughters and their partners there to surprise me! We loved explored this wonderful home and the surrounding area. Booking Chef Sargent is a must - Dave and Fiona cooked us a wonderful birthday dinner and the lobster was amazing! Stella Maris is just stunning and a true home-from-home. Thank you so much for making this so special!
Our boys wanted a house on a river and Stella Maris delivered. This house was also perfectly located to visit all the sights of Cornwall, but away from all the tourists. The views were simply amazing. We had morning coffee next to the artist´s studio and dinner every evening overlooking the river. Thank you.
We had a fantastic time at Stella Maris, the house is incredible. The only problem is my wife now wants to re-decorate our house like Stella Maris!
We absolutely loved this house and just appreciated all the attention to detail and creativity. It is a total joy staying there and feels like a special house in so many ways, the ever changing view outside, the peace and quiet, the luxurious surroundings and sense of space is fabulous. We really hope to go back again very soon.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Stella Maris 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.
complete an image bank request
Star of the Sea
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2018Stylish 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 2025
Collections > Dog-Friendly Escapes > UK > Cornwall > Malpas > Stella Maris
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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.
