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Firefly | Luxury Woodcutter´s Cottage | Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

Firefly

Trebudannon, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, UK

A sweet retreat that’s wilder than wild — made for could-be cowboys who fancy doing nothing more than drifting with the wind for a while —Firefly is a luxury woodcutter's cottage with a hot tub near Mawgan Porth in North Cornwall. Made of corrugated tin, poured concrete, steel doors, and lashings of oak, this Newquay nook is tucked away in a countryside hamlet not far from the county's laid-back surfing hotspots and an 18-mile cycle trail.

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Introduction

If anyone needs to find you, you’ll be somewhere by the sea, sipping whiskey, and staying out of everyone else’s business. Where? Firefly. Clever craftsmanship meets nomadic appeal at this luxury woodcutter's cottage in the hamlet of inland Trebudannon near Mawgan Porth. Designed with connectivity in mind, timeworn materials meet cool concrete in this rustic creation, where back-to-nature living draws artists, foragers, and city-escapers. With a dining deck, hot tub, and little wildlife pond, the shack is a magnet for outdoorsy homebodies; and all this a short jaunt from Fistral, one of the finest surf spots in the UK.

Inside

Rusticity reigns at this Cornish cabin; think rope lights, corrugated metal, and reclaimed floors. From handcrafted pottery to willow weave artwork, there's a story behind each of the carefully-chosen artefacts on display at Firefly. And while it's outwardly a simple timber shack, no element of luxury has been spared; with a cloud-like bed, cocoa velvet sofa, rainfall shower, and double-ended bath, the home encourages a return to the simple life. Think board games, twitching for birdlife, and late-night feasting by the fire pit, with a hidden television that's designed to make time together distraction-free.

Outside

Do you want to go to the seaside? Here, every day’s a beach day, and every night brings barefoot walks on the sand, hamper in hand, stuffed with burrata and tomatoes and good wine pulled from the fridge in Firefly's upcycled kitchen. In a slither of Cornwall's countryside, taking dealer's choice of the coast and moors, the cottage has walking trails, wild swimming spots, and some of the country's most reliable surf breaks within easy reach; and its proximity to reefs and bakeries mean there's much to leave for. But back at home, it's all about yoga on the deck, indoor-outdoor living, and firing up fresh catch on the fire.

The Facts

  • SleepsUp to 2 guests
    From £1,250 per week, £950 per short break
    Day hire options are available
  • Bedrooms and bathroomsOne bedroom with king-size bed, one en suite wet room with concrete bath and rainfall shower.
    View bedrooms
  • HousekeepingAdditional housekeeping is available on prior request
  • FeaturesHot tub
  • PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
    Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
  • Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
  • FamilyBabes-in-arms are welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
  • PracticalitiesThis well-equipped self-catering cottage has ample parking for two cars, plus an Aga, Belfast sink, microwave, dishwasher, washer-dryer, fridge freezer and toaster. There is a fully enclosed garden that´s perfect for dogs. Please take care around the shared freshwater pond in front of the property.
  • Homestay includesHot tub, smart TV with Freeview, Netflix, Sonos sound system, iPad, WiFi internet, an outside fire with grill, local produce, linen, hammam towels for the hot tub, 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.
  • Eco-friendlyAir source heat pump, recycled materials and furnishings
  • Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions

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Firefly is a rustic wood-clad cabin near Mawgan Porth and Newquay
Firefly promises to enchant all those who stay
Put local eggs to work in an indulgent weekend fry-up

Prices & Availability

Newquay

Firefly is located in the tiny hamlet of Trebudannon between Newquay and Mawgan Porth on the north Cornish coast. Vast stretches of golden sands, world-class eateries and the UK’s best surf breaks are all within easy reach of the cottage.

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Getting there

  • On the Map Firefly is 10 minutes from Mawgan Porth, Newquay, Watergate Bay and Lusty Glaze beaches in North Cornwall.
  • 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 nearest train station is in Newquay, less than a 10 minute drive away. There are more frequent services from London to Truro and Bodmin Parkway which are both approximately a 20 minute drive away.
  • By Air Newquay Airport is around 10 minutes drive away.

From the owner

“Creating Firefly was a real labour of love, with many an hour spend trawling reclamation yards and designing one-off features for the cabin. For me Firefly offers an idyllic haven from which to escape the everyday, it´s a truly immersive space.”

From the owner

I worked closely with a team of local craftsmen and a designer to create this traditional 'cabin in the woods'. Although we were working within the remits of the previous stable dimensions, it was a new build by design, and as our aim was to create the antithesis of 'new' it was an interesting challenge! We wanted to afford the impression of a previously undiscovered cabin that had been unearthed and brought back to life. 

The benefit of starting from scratch with Firefly was that we were able to introduce unique features, such as the huge barn style doors that completely open up the side of the building onto the veranda, a modern twist that doesn't detract from the traditional cabin essence. We used reclaimed items wherever possible, all the floor, walls and ceiling were re-purposed, and every single item that features within the cabin was chosen with the ethos of the whole in mind.

It has been wonderful to watch this 'wild dream' realised and to finally have my own woodcutter’s cottage. I love spending time here, it's genuinely a restorative place to be. I grew up in Trebudannon, so walking the familiar tracks long before the world is awake is second nature to me; I feel fortunate that I'm able to share Firefly with guests. 

The Stanleys

Owner recommendations

Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Newquay with an insider’s perspective.

Bedruthan Steps

To See

Bedruthan Steps

A 10-minute drive from Firefly loom the stately rock stacks of Bedruthan. These mighty granite pillars have been carved out by the relentless action of thousands of years of wind and waves, and now provide a stirring spot for a sunset stroll.

Camel Trail

To Do

Camel Trail

Why not hire a tandem on the Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow? The popular Camel Trail is a great day out, especially when combined with fish and chips on the quay and a stop off at the fantastic Camel Valley Vineyard!

Dive Newquay

To Do

Dive Newquay

Ever wanted to try your hand at Scuba diving? You can explore Cornwall´s top wrecks and reefs, take a snorkelling tour, experience a wildlife sea safari and more at Dive Newquay, just a 15-minute drive from Firefly.

Rick Stein´s Restaurant, Padstow

To Eat

Rick Stein´s Restaurant, Padstow

Enjoy simple seafood dishes with classic flavours at Rick Stein´s Seafood Restaurant. There is a seafood bar right in the middle of the restaurant where you can watch chefs assembling platters of oysters, langoustines and sashimi.

Guest Testimonials

Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google

We had the best time with our pup, it was the perfect place to relax and and have some time away for London. We got engaged on our arrival day and this perfect home will forever hold memories. It is the most amazing place to have a perfect moment. We will be back. Our dog loved the beach!

Thank you so much, we had a very relaxing stay. Highlights were the hot tub, brilliant Sonos sound system with the perfect playlist, and of course, three blissful nights of sleep. Also, it was wonderful to cook on an Aga for the first time in over 25 years. We will be back. Please say a special thank you to Jane the housekeeper.

Wow. What a perfect way to spend our 14th Wedding anniversary, eat, sleep, and unwind. We brought our dog on his 1st holiday and he loved the freedom to run in the garden, thank you for making his stay memorable with his own bed and treats. We explored a different beach every day and headed back to unwind in the hot tub, cosy up in front of the fire with a glass or two, and slowly cook something lovely on the Aga. Overall a great time in a beautiful home, we will be recommending it to friends.

We had such a lovely stay. The property was everything you could ask for and more. Such comfort and luxury, we loved the decor so much and how cosy the Aga made us feel. The hot tub was amazing! The location is great and is central to some lovely places, our favourites were Holywell Bay, Watergate Bay, Bedruthan Steps, Harly Bay Beach, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. We hope to revisit in future.

Thank you Jane for looking after us and the gorgeous cabin so well. We have been incredibly lucky with the weather, spending every day at a different beach and swimming in the sea. We are so sad to leave but feel relaxed and refreshed to return to the City. Until next time Firefly, we love you.

And breath...what a place. Every design touch at Firefly is pure bliss. From walking in, pressing play on the music, pouring some wine, a million miles away from the stresses of life. You have created utopia. Calming, peaceful, romantic -it is everything and more. Just Magical.

We´ve had a wonderful few days in Firefly to celebrate a special birthday. Can´t fault a thing, such a life enhancing and inspiring cabin. We really liked the veranda and cosy nights, Wilfie and Berties our doggies were equally at home curled up in front of the fire. Even though it rained for much of our stay it didn´t distract from the warmth and pleasure we had. What a memorable few days, and thank you until next time.

A rare opportunity for us to have a Christmas to ourselves and what an amazing place to spend it! Beautiful, cosy, rustic and relaxing. We visited a different beach every day of our stay and also booked a trip to Jamaica Inn, everything is so accessible. Thank you for a lovely stay! We will most definitely return!

We spent our extended weekend here to getaway from London and we couldn´t have imagined a better stay. Firefly is more than perfect for being at one with nature, experiencing the tranquillity of the countryside and escaping the busy city. We have loved every bit of our stay so much, that we even decided against going anywhere close to civilization!

Our first trip away with our new dog and what a delightful place to go. Firefly was so warm, cosy and really well set up, we could not have asked for more. Superb location for beaches, Coco loved her first experience of the sea, now home seems so dull for her. Plenty of wonderful restaurants locally. I will definitely recommend this to friends and family, thank you so much.

We wanted to say that Firefly didn´t disappoint. We have enjoyed lovely cosy evenings, learnt to use an Aga, quiet times on the veranda, hot tub time, but above all we have a collection of beautiful memories of a unique and wonderful stay. Thank you, we would recommend this beautiful place to all.

Excellent location for touring Cornwall and the perfect holiday home to come back to, cook dinner then relax in the beautiful hot tub. Thank you for such a memorable stay, we´ve had a wonderful time.

It was the perfect, blissful and relaxing week here. We completely recharged after a very stressful year and it was perfect, just what was needed. We loved this completer experience of being alone and secluded instead of booking a hotel.

Thank you so much for the loveliest stay. It has been so relaxing and peaceful, with everything we have needed. This is the most prefect place to just ´be´and do nothing. Its something we haven´t done in a very long time. The cabin is utterly stunning. The interior and ambience is unique and adds to the energy of the surroundings. We have really kicked back and relaxed. Bliss.

It was our second time staying at Firefly and certainly won´t be our last! A little slice of heaven. Thank you for creating such a wonderful little oasis, we love it here!

A lovely warm cabin to shelter from the rain and late March storms. Such a unique place and very well thought out with all you need, even an Aga. It was a real treat- warm and toasty, really enjoyed the hot tub too. Beaches were braved and the dogs loved it too.

I had a wonderful birthday stay at Firefly. The property is beautiful and the location is excellent. I recommend everyone to get out on the coastal path, down to the beaches and definitely give horse riding a try! Thanks again, I will miss the open fire and Aga. Lots of love.

What an amazing cabin, we absolutely loved it. Just wished we could have stayed longer. Being designers we really admire the whole ambience and style of what you have created. We really appreciate all the touches, that make it stand out. We made it to Fistral Beach for fish and chips but that was our only outing as we made the most of Firefly and just chilled out and enjoyed the cabin. Thank you for creating such a fabulous place and for the hamper of goodies. We hope to visit again.

We have had an absolutely wonderful stay here at Firefly for our honeymoon. The weather has been appalling and it has only made it more cosy. The decor and interior finish here is outstanding. We love all the interesting and exceptionally curated bits and pieces around the cabin.

We have had a fantastic week in this amazing cottage! Cooking with the AGA was a bit of a challenge at first but we got used to this quickly and loved it. The AGA heats the whole house it was always very cosy and warm. The hot tub is very relaxing after a day of walking the coast path. We can highly recommend a cycle tour on the camel trail. The trail is lovely in either direction. Thanks for sharing this beautiful home and the lovely welcome hamper.

It was a wonderful stay. The amount of effort you guys have put in is clearly seen through the tiny details. We enjoyed the say thoroughly and are grateful to have experienced this kind of countryside lifestyle. It really could not have been better.

It was incredible. Every detail was thought through. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay. It was the best stay we’ve had in the UK. Such a special and memorable break for our very belated honeymoon and first family holiday. Thank you.

We have loved staying at Firefly! It was the perfect place for our honeymoon. The hot tub is amazing, I am hoping to convince my husband that we need one! We have enjoyed some fabulous dining, Rick Steins in Padstow and the Longstore in Charlestown we highly recommend. We´re very sad to be leaving this little slice of heaven but hope we will be back!

Our second holiday with Unique Homestays. We flew down to Newquay and what a fabulous time we have had to recharge the batteries after what has been an awful 18 months. Firefly is an amazing cottage, we love all the quirky details, the well-equipped kitchen and beautiful garden. We found a wonderful local fishmonger and butchers and barbequed all but one night! The hot tub is fabulous and we loved the Champagne on arrival. We left feeling refreshed and energised. Thank you again so very much and we will be back!

Wow! What a fantastic way to get away after lockdown. A beautiful home in a fantastic location and we have returned home feeling refreshed and in our happy place. We love the design of Firefly, every little detail has been thought through. We can´t wait to come back!

We´ve had a wonderfully relaxing and lazy honeymoon at Firefly. What a romantic place full of charm, beautifully designed and incredible attention to detail. It was all we would have hoped for and more. Thank you.

We recently became engaged and wanted to spend some much needed time together. We visited Fistral Beach and had a Cornish pasty, but other than that we spent the whole time sitting in front of the log fire and drinking wine. We didn’t even need the TV! We got so much wedding planning done and the hot tub is such a treat no matter what the weather! Thanks so much to the whole team, we had a fantastic stay at Firefly!

Press

Below are a selection of features in which Firefly 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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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.

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