Alta

Alta is a beautiful timber clad house set over two floors. Arrive into the central hallway, a bright full height space with a central staircase. Lead into the hub to the home, the open plan kitchen and dining space where holiday menus are prepared and dining is enjoyed around the table from breakfast to supper time. Located just off the kitchen is a convenient utility come boot room where supplies and holiday kit can be stowed away. From the utility room you’ll find the games room located in the garage.

Head back across the sunny hallway and into the generous living room with full height glass doors capturing the view and Goonhilly in the distance. This versatile space is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or lazy afternoons. Ascend the open-tread stairs to the first floor and discover a collection of four bedrooms each with a unique laidback style. Alta offers two primary suites with vaulted ceilings, south facing balconies and ensuite bathrooms. On the same floor resides the cosy snug, a space where children can giggle away for the early morning risers. The fifth bedroom is set apart from the house, a luxury self-contained annex just a few metres from the house and situated amongst the fir trees. The annex offers a generous bedroom, contemporary wet room, a small kitchenette and relaxing sitting space.

The envy of any budding botanist, the garden at Alta is simply magical. Blooming camellias, tall fir trees, Cornish botanicals and a rewilded area combine to create a natural playground that children and adults alike can explore. Pathways and pockets of garden lead down past the sunken fire pit to the large flat lawn where family croquet tournaments are the order of a sunny day. Alta benefits from zero light pollution so you can stargaze until your heart's content late into the night. An additional sofa seating area resides next to the jacuzzi creating a very tempting pre-dinner cocktail or morning coffee spot.

Located in the pretty village of Constantine - one of The Times' 20 Best Secret Villages to Live in - Alta is only 10 minutes from bustling Falmouth town and its beaches. The nearby Helford River is known the world over for its sheltered waters and nautical appeal, with boats of all sizes anchoring overnight before heading out across Falmouth Bay.

If watersports are on the agenda then visit Port Navas Yacht Club to hire kayaks, paddleboards and day boats for exploring the hidden creeks teeming with birdlife. After time on the water, enjoy a glass of wine on the Club's riverside deck, all just a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Alta.

Moments from your luxury space there are a collection of quieter beaches including Grebe, Porthsaxon and Bosveal, all wonderful spots for family picnics and dog-friendly too.

Around the corner from Alta is the delightful Potager Garden & Cafe and the exciting Slice, with it's unique take on brunch, waffles and sandwiches. For lazy lunches visit The Trengilly Wartha Inn, just 5-minutes away, or head further afield to the Hotel Meudon and its subtropical gardens and meandering footpath to Bream Cove. If you love golf, head to The Budock Vean estate for a challenging 9-hole course or if you fancy dinner waterside, visit the Ferry Boat Inn on the Helford Passage, serving a delicious and generous portions of mussels.

The larger sandy shores of Maenporth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase beaches are just a 10 minute drive away, offering clear azure waters, tempting cafes, restaurants and watersports facilities. The Beach House at Swanpool is a popular choice amongst locals as well as Gylly Beach Cafe, right on the beach.

During the summer you can enjoy some local festivities such as the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth Week and the Falmouth Classics Regatta, where you can watch the parade of classic boats sail across the bay. For family days out, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth and The Seal Sanctuary in Gweek cater for all ages.

Alta has been expertly curated and comes highly recommended to friends and family looking to enjoy a peaceful and memorable holiday in beautiful south Cornwall. To discover how to spend your stay at Alta, read our blog, written by this wonderful retreat’s owners, Martin and Caroline.