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The Watch Below

(Ref. 948762)

Polruan, Cornwall Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Seaside
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (16)
  • lovely (13)
  • location (11)
  • well (11)
  • our (11)
  • views (11)

40 Customer Reviews

  • "The property was absolutely Beautiful clean comfortable well kept Gorgeous views their is a big hill up to the car park which we didn’t realise was about 10 minutes walk so it’s difficult to bring luggage down has you can’t park at all although we found a little spot at the bottom to unload and then park on the car park other than that it’s perfect."

    Reviewed by Dawn5.0Aug 2024

  • "We had a lovely stay at The Watch Below."

    Nice quiet street with lovely views overlooking fowey. The owner was very helpful and responded quickly to any questions. An all round cosy and relaxed stay, well worth the hike to the car park!

    Reviewed by Emma5.0Sep 2023

  • "Very clean and comfortable place to stay perfect location nice views of the harbour"

    Reviewed by Chris5.0Jul 2023

  • "Wow those hills, but made up by a lovely cottage with a fabulous view from the longer window."

    Thank you for your lovely review. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday and I totally agree, the view is amazing. Kind Regards Anne-Marie Property Owner

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Jul 2023

  • "We had a brilliant week, we was in Polruan for our honeymoon."

    We would recommend this place to anyone. We had no issues with anything at all. The owner was only a text away if we needed anything sorting.

    Thank you for your lovely review. Congratulations again...I'm so pleased that you had a wonderful honeymoon and are recommending us to others. Kind Regards Anne-Marie Property Owner

    Reviewed by William5.0Jun 2023

  • "The apartment was spacious spotless and beds were extremely comfortable!"

    The view was amazing from the front window! The kitchen was homely and bright and airy. Everything you’d need utensils wise, even a little sewing kit.. The owner emailed us directions in and checked in with us during our stay. Everything was perfect! We shall return! Ann-Marie thank you again for making our holiday a memorable one! Karen and Adrian from Lambley Nottingham

    Thank you for your lovely review and I'm so pleased that you had a wonderful week and your holiday was a memorable one. We look forward to welcoming you back to Polruan sometime in the future. Kind Regards Anne-Marie Property Owner

    Reviewed by Karen5.0Jun 2023

  • "Great cottage in a wonderful location."

    Some might find the steep access somewhat challenging, but the view is definitely worth it. The cottage is really well appointed and spotlessly clean - a real home from home.

    Thank you for your lovely review. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday and yes, the view is certainly worth it. Kind Regards Anne-Marie Property Owner

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Apr 2023

  • "A lovely comfortable cottage with a magnificent view!"

    We felt very welcome and enjoyed the scenery and the harborlife of Polruan and Fowey

    Thank you for your lovely review Inez. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your stay. We certainly do have the best view and wonderful walks to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. The harbours of Polruan and Fowey are always interesting, but especially so during your visit when it was the Fowey Regatta week. Kind Regards Anne-Marie Property Owner

    Reviewed by Inez5.0Aug 2022

  • "This is a lovely property in the most fabulous location."

    It's really well stocked - the kitchen had all the equipment I needed to cook meals. The sitting room had a lovely selection of books and games, although frankly we spent a lot of time just staring out of the window at the astonishing view. There's plenty to keep a family busy nearby - kayaking, the Hall walk, Fowey aquarium, crabbing and of course jumping into the harbour at high tide. The local shop is open every day and well stocked, although I was caught out by face masks still being required - bring one with you! I've knocked one point off comfort as it's clear that the rooms at the back of the property are quite damp. It didn't bother us in the slightest, but people who feel strongly about that sort of thing may want to bear this in mind. The owners were very friendly and helpful. We never go back to the same place twice, but I could see us going back to Polruan and The Watch Below - it is a very special place.

    Thank you for your lovely review and it sounds like you had an amazing week enjoying all the local activities. I know what you mean about the view - it is wonderful to just watch the activity on the water, there is always something to see - kayakers, paddle boarders, Troys, gin palace boats, large containers to collect the clay, cruise ships and we have even seen dolphins from the window. Regarding the bedrooms, the issue is the high humidity which escalated during the heatwave (it ranged between 82-95% during your stay) and appears to be at the highest during the early hours when you are sleeping - perhaps the only drawback to being directly above the sea. To counteract this we have a dehumidifier directly outside the bedrooms and recommend running it, when needed, for a couple of hours to clear the air, or even overnight when it’s particularly high. Hope this helps for your next visit and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind regards Anne-Marie Property Owner

    Reviewed by Liz4.7Aug 2022

  • "Lovely stay, very clean with everything we needed."

    Great location and wonderful views. Owner couldn't have been more helpful. Would love to go back and have no hesitation recommending.

    Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am pleased you enjoyed your stay in The Watch Below and we provided everything you needed - including the wonderful view… we look forward to welcoming you back. Kind Regards Anne-Marie Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sue5.0Jul 2022

  • "Very good all round, great accommodation close to quay and pubs, great views."

    ..

    Thank you for your lovely review…I agree the location is great - close to the quayside and 2 fantastic pubs. Kind Regards Anne-Marie Property Owner

    Reviewed by Michael5.0Jul 2022

  • "We stayed here at Christmas and it was perfect!"

    Its not possible to park right outside so you have to park nearby and bring luggage from the car but once you are in its worth it! Its immaculately clean, warm and comfortable and the views are stunning! It was a very relaxing stay with wonderful walks and lots of places to visit nearby. The two pubs in the village are very close, incredibly friendly and we were made to feel very welcome. Communication from the owner (Anne-Marie) was brilliant.

    Reviewed by Victoria4.7Dec 2021

  • "My stay at the Watch Below was absolutely brilliant."

    My family and I found the place just as it was displayed in the advert. We had no issues. Everything in the facility worked and the people around the area were unbelievably friendly. The region is very hilly, but we didn’t mind, because we got our daily exercise in. We loved it so much, we intend to return sometime in the future.

    Reviewed by Abiola5.0Sep 2021

  • "Perfect week in our favourite place."

    We’ve not stayed at The Watch Below before, but will certainly book it again. It’s a lovely cottage, very well equipped, in an excellent central location.

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Aug 2021

  • "Absolutely lovely apartment with STUNNING view across the Fowey estuary."

    Immaculately clean. Bit of a bugger to get to but absolutely worthwhile. Even with a 13 hour drive home, we wouldn't hesitate going back to both the Watch Below and Polruan for a second.

    Reviewed by Sonny5.0Jul 2021

  • "Lovely property."

    Very clean and comfortable in a great location. Would definitely recommend. Thank you Anne-Marie.

    Reviewed by Lorraine5.0Jul 2021

  • "Lovely property in a really beautiful location."

    Access is a challenge but well worth a little extra effort We had a wonderful time here

    Reviewed by Christopher5.0May 2021

  • "The cottage met our expectations since we also targeted a specific price range."

    Was good value for money, comfortable and everything worked properly.

    Reviewed by Steven4.7Sep 2020

  • "The cottage is really well placed in Polruan, accessible to the the harbour, cafes, Shops pubs and a delicious bakery."

    The views from inside the property of the river and across to Fowey are stunning. Everything about the cottage met our needs including the attentiveness of the owner to ensure we were comfortable. Walks around Polruan are excellent in either direction along the coast which we took full advantage of with our dog. We ate in both pubs and the food was excellent. I can’t recommend this property high enough and we will definitely return!

    Reviewed by Stuart5.0Oct 2019

  • "Beware the walk."

    The only disadvantage of this wonderful place.

    Reviewed by Geoff5.0Aug 2019

  • "Everything!"

    !! The holiday cottage was perfect in every way

    Reviewed by John5.0Jul 2019

  • "Lovely place to stay have had a fab holiday here ,very well equipped property with everything you need to make it a comfortable holiday fantastic views from front window ."

    special mention to the Lugger inn fantastic food . very friendly place to visit will definitely return

    Reviewed by Jacqui5.0Jun 2019

  • "This village is very hilly and not suitable for anyone unable to cope with climbing the steep walkways"

    Reviewed by Janet4.4Jun 2019

  • "I think a bit more info about the difficulties loading and unloading the car due to limited access!"

    We got on better loading up as we had got used to the area and could easily plan ahead but on arrival in a strange place could prove quite tricky to some people!

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Dec 2018

  • "We enjoyed out stay and were pleasantly surprised by the little things like milk & tea with shortbread sitting waiting for us upon arrival."

    The instruction booklet was very useful and written in a very positive manner. We will definitely be booking our next holiday through Sykes Cottages.

    Reviewed by Kirsty5.0Oct 2018

  • "The mattress was a bit uncomfortable, both myself and hubby had bad backs after about 3 nights."

    Also using cheap loo roll is false economy as you use more with it being so thin , it tears. A hairdryer would be a nice touch also , I didn’t bring one as thought there would be one at the cottage . The front window has terrible condensation on it every morning which needs wiping. Also slatted blinds would be a good idea as everyone stands outside the cottage to look at the view and stares in at you . These are only minor things , the cottage is lovely and we had a great time .

    Dear Mrs Scott We're happy you enjoyed your stay but are sorry you couldn't find the hairdryer - we will ensure it is left out in future. We entirely agree that quality of toilet roll is important, but have to use biodegradable due to sensitive drainage in the area. Thank you for your suggestion regarding blinds - we considered them ourselves, but guests love the view, so we opted for curtains for privacy at night. We're sorry you found the bed uncomfortable. It is relatively new with a hard/medium mattress which may not be to the liking of all guests. We will certainly review this when we replace the mattresses. Kind regards, Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sally4.7Sep 2018

  • "Beautiful location with superb views of the harbour both day and night with the lights of Fowey ac ross the river."

    Very well furnished plus the little touches of cornish biscuits etc on the table. Cannot drive to the front door due to very narrow walk only street so drop off the luggage at either street end then drive back up to the carpark above the village. This could be clearer on the Sykes website but is not a problem for the able bodied. Polruan is a delightful village full of character and much quieter than Fowey which can be reached by pedestrian ferry every ten minutes or so at a cost one way of £2.40; apricey extra for those crossing for meals so use the two excellent Polruan pubs whose food is just as good.

    Reviewed by Michael4.4Sep 2018

  • "Great location."

    Enjoyed everything about polruan. Met the owners of the cottage who are very nice people.We have nothing negative to say about our holiday.

    Reviewed by David5.0Aug 2018

  • "Best view!"

    Reviewed by Marnie5.0Jul 2018

  • "Very clean and cosy cottage, nicely decorated, with a perfect view of the harbour at Polruan and Fowey."

    Reviewed by Kim5.0Jun 2018

  • "The Watch Below is a charming and comfortable cottage ."

    The manager Tessa is warm and welcoming and the cottage was beautifully clean and well kept. We took our dog and she was given a warm welcome too. I liked the newly renovated bathroom. The evenings became a little chilly but having electric heaters in each room it is easy to quickly warm up wherever you are relaxing. Lovely views. Well situated for the ferry, access to the two local pubs and tea room. We did the Hall Walk which was a highlight . I think that offloading and loading the car can be a bit of a struggle because of the steep hills. However it would not put us off another holiday in Polruan.

    Reviewed by Julia5.0May 2018

  • "The whole thing was great."

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Polruan

    Reviewed by David5.0Apr 2018

  • "Really enjoyed the stay - great place, Owner and Manager really helpful."

    Well equiped cottage.

    Reviewed by Michelle4.4Apr 2018

  • "Great location and fantastic flat."

    Would highly recommend.

    Reviewed by Rosemary4.7Mar 2018

  • "It was very nice and relaxing and we were considering coming back again."

    Reviewed by Graeme5.0Mar 2018

  • "This cottage was so so nice ideal for us and our dog."

    We can highly recommend this cottage

    Reviewed by Dermot5.0Dec 2017

  • "Perfect, just perfect!"

    Awesome cottage. Very clean with everything you need. Fabulous views and wonderful surroundings. The area is really great with two pubs, stores and cafe within a couple of minutes. Just be prepared for those Cornish hills!! We would love to stay again thanks for having us.

    Reviewed by Martin5.0Aug 2017

  • "Beautifully presented cottage with probably the best view in Cornwall."

    Reviewed by Kevin4.6Aug 2017

  • "Absolutely loved the accommodation, only one small thing though, we would liked to have had some type of screen over the skylight for the night."

    The owner and manager we're very nice and their communication was very good and friendly.

    Reviewed by Carl4.8Aug 2017

  • "Great cottage, great location, exactly as described."

    Lovely Cornish welcome pack and fresh milk in fridge

    Reviewed by Jenny4.6Jul 2017

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
  • Shower room with shower, basin and WC
  • Kitchen with dining area
  • Sitting room with woodburning stove.
  • Electric wall heaters and woodburning stove
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, WiFi
  • Fuel, power and starter pack for stove inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc.in rent
  • Parking available in main car park 100 yards from the cottage at approx £25 per week or small car park on the quay
  • Small yard
  • One well-behaved pet welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop,pub and beach 2 mins walk
  • Note: No outdoor area except a small yard
  • Note: The main car park is situated up a steep hill. Note: Although ground floor there are three internal steps.

The property

The Watch Below is a ground floor apartment, with views of Fowey and the Estuary from the living area, situated on a quiet harbour lane in the small village of Polruan in Cornwall.

A front door opens into a shared hallway with the door to the apartment immediately on the right.

The sitting room has a comfortable sofa and two chairs and boasts a woodburning stove, ideal for warming toes on chilly nights.

A small step up leads to a delightful well-equipped kitchen which includes a dining table, making it an ideal place for enjoying a home-cooked meal together.

Two comfortable and well-furnished bedrooms share the modern and stylish shower room.

Outside to the rear, there is a small slated area for washing muddy boots, with stone steps, leading up to street level.

Polruan is an unspoilt and popular fishing village built on a hill and with easy access to spectacular cliff walks.

From the quay, you can take the passenger ferry to Fowey, with excellent restaurants, cafes, shops and sailing clubs.

The ancient Polruan Blockhouse is a two minute walk away and the rocks below make an ideal place for a spot of fishing.

The area has two pubs, Russell and Lugger Inns are two minutes walk away, with the latter being famous for serving seafood.

There is also a tea shop, local store, bakery, a Post Office and a gift shop on the quay, as well as a safe, small beach which is ideal for children.

Fowey with its large, deep water harbour has for many years been a major attraction for sailing fans and it is well worth taking a trip on one of the pleasure boats that regularly depart from the Town Quay steps.

There are many enjoyable walks to be had in the town itself through the ever narrowing streets with medieval and Georgian buildings creating a wonderful atmosphere.

There is a superb choice of cafés, pubs, bistros and restaurants to enjoy the finest locally-sourced food which will obviously include freshly caught fish.

With the Eden Project just 16 miles away and many other attractions close by, this flat is an ideal base for a holiday all year round.

View on map

About the location

POLRUAN

Polperro 6.5 miles; Looe 10 miles; Lostwithiel 10 miles.

Polruan is a small fishing village situated on a steep hill on the Fowey estuary, made famous by the author Daphne du Maurier. It remains unspoilt and retains the atmosphere of an old boat building community and has a small beach. The Polruan chain tower known as Polruan Blockhouse is one of only five known to exist in England, and is a small structure built beside a river or harbour to house the mechanism for raising and lowering a defensive chain to prevent the passage of ships in times of danger. It and the chain tower on the opposite bank of the River Fowey are the earliest chain towers to have been constructed. The village has a Post Office, local store, gift shop and pubs. A five minute ferry ride will take you to Fowey, with a range of sophisticated shops and restaurants. In August, the Fowey Regatta is a fun-filled week of activities and events, including RNLI displays, a carnival, spectacular firework displays and a display of classic yachts.

Note: The main car park is situated up a steep hill.
Note: Although ground floor there are three internal steps.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Christmas