Stella Maris
Malpas, Cornwall, UK
Meaning ‘star of the sea’, Stella Maris is set right on Malpas River in the leafy purlieus of Cornwall's ancient capital, Truro. Welcoming up to eight guests and two dogs, this large self-catering home boasts a private quay, cinema den and enchanting terrace that peers out over the water. For a luxury family holiday you’ll never forget, Stella Maris has it all.
Introduction
This grand slate-hung period home flaunts a prime position in the picturesque village of Malpas, complete with waterfront access from its own jetty. Just two miles from the bijou cathedral city of Truro, Stella Maris is ideal for serenity-searchers still wanting close reach to amenities. Pop into the city for a barista coffee then enjoy easy access to some of Cornwall’s finest beaches including Perranporth and Gyllyngvase, with the Roseland Peninsula and its collection of sheltered bays just around the river bend. Play, discover and indulge, all before heading home to your luxury riverside retreat and relaxing beside the glowing amber woodburner.
Inside
Inside Stella Maris, nautical brass finishings accent royal blue velvet upholstery, all on a canvas of stripped floorboards and salt-white walls. Savour drawn-out mornings in the light-filled kitchen-come-dining room. Home to a family-sized dining table overlooking riverside views, it is the perfect arena for leisurely breakfasts of tea and toast mountains before heading out for the day. In the evening, grab a coveted spot beside the fire in the lounge; adjoining the open-plan kitchen, the seating area beckons for post-dinner celebrations whilst the quaint reading room offers somewhere quiet to snuggle with a book.
Outside
With a terrace to the front and a tiered patio to the rear, there are a plethora of seating spots for all to unfurl and unwind on sunny days. Whether dipping under wisteria arches or perching on stepping-stone walls, the landscape will be sure to inspire; would-be artists might even try their hand at watercolours. Of a morning, tiptoe out to the front patio to watch as the early morning mist lifts and kayakers glide atop the water, or cross the road and head down to your private quay where little ones can try their hands at crabbing. For a pub-cooked supper, The Heron is just a short walk along the riverfront, offering delicious local fare and warm service.
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 includesWelcome hamper, Smart TV, Netflix, DVD player, iPad, WiFi internet, fire pit, gas barbecue, luxury 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 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 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 and Cornwall has always had a special place in our hearts - we have family in nearby Flushing and have sailed, windsurfed, surfed, walked, and run across most of the county!
In 2017 we purchased Stella Maris 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
Trendy Truro
Cornwall’s ancient capital, this buzzing city is rich in history and home to a stunning three-spired 19th century cathedral. Lose yourself on Lemon Street admiring local art displays, the Georgian architecture and seriously tempting bistros!
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 201825 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 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024
Collections > Luxury Homes with a Private Chef > 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.
