Fanciful Fowey

Travel writer Sarah Merson drags her family to Fowey for a magical winter break

Heading off for a few days in Fowey is my idea of bliss, and as we wind our way to the pretty harbour town, we’re constantly teased with glimpses of the alluring estuary. It’s late in the day and the sun is sitting low in the sky. Among the fisherman’s cottages, rows of grand Victorian houses and Georgian merchant houses, which make up the town, is Beaufort House, a stylish abode, tucked away next to Town Quay.

Bursting through the front door we rush straight through the house to see what sits on the other side: the estuary. We’ve enjoyed Cornwall’s sea views many times before, but, for me, this is different. Beaufort House sits on the water’s edge with the terrace giving private access to the estuary and, when the tide’s out, the beach below. The gorgeous garden room with soft leather chairs and comfy sofas provides the perfect space to while away an hour or two, watching boats bobbing on the water and admiring the spectacular view across to Polruan village. Two of the four double bedrooms boast the same mesmerising outlook.