Finest Retreats - Bre Stefan

A cosy and welcoming retreat, this early Tudor stone cottage is a charming two-bedroom home that blends traditional character with modern comforts. Brand new for 2025 to Finest Retreats yet also possibly the oldest building you will ever stay in - dating back to around 1500! Despite its age, the cottage offers a comfortable stay while immersing you in centuries of history. Perfectly located for touring and walking the stunning coasts, rolling hills, and ancient towns of both Cornwall and Devon.

The property features an inviting living and dining area, with a traditional log burner set in original stonework at its heart - perfect for creating a warm and snug atmosphere on cooler evenings. A pair of comfortable sofas provides the ideal spot to curl up with a book or unwind with a glass of wine after a day exploring Cornwall. The dining area features built-in benches and a wooden table for four, expandable to six. Positioned near a multi-paned Victorian window and beneath soft pendant lighting, the space feels bright and airy during the day yet intimate and cosy in the evenings. The fully equipped galley kitchen provides everything needed for home-cooked meals, hearty breakfasts, and relaxed evening suppers.

Upstairs, the cottage boasts two comfortable bedrooms with built-in beds, one king and one double, offering a peaceful night’s sleep after a day of exploration. Built-in drawers, shelves, and a walk-in wardrobe provide ample storage space. The bathroom includes a shower over the bath, ensuring both convenience and comfort. The cottage is very cosy. In addition to the log burner, it has a large storage heater and wall-mounted bespoke spot heating in all other rooms. Along with an immersion heater, heating costs are covered, including a good supply of logs during the colder months.

At the rear of the cottage, a well-stocked and sheltered private garden, with southerly and westerly aspects, offers a delightful outdoor space to enjoy a morning coffee or an alfresco meal. The front garden bench and patio provide an ideal spot to cool off on hot summer days. Free and plentiful street parking is available along the hill. The cottage is just meters away from Turner’s vantage point for his study Launceston Castle from St. Stephen’s Hill.

Often referred to as the "Gateway to Cornwall," Launceston is a charming market town that blends historic architecture with modern convenience. Dominated by the ruins of Castle Terrible, a Norman stronghold offering breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside, the town retains its medieval street pattern and is home to a parish church famed for its intricately carved exterior. Launceston also boasts independent shops, traditional pubs, medieval landmarks (Abbey ruins, town gate, packhorse bridge, St. Stephen’s Hill), and Victorian-era highlights (the town hall area and Methodist Church).

From the cottage, it's an easy drive to many of the region’s top destinations, including the North Devon coast, the Tamar Valley, Dartmoor, Plymouth, the South Devon coast (Heligan, Fowey, and Looe), the wooded valleys and ancient villages of Bodmin Moor, and the North Cornwall coast (Padstow, Port Isaac, Boscastle, and Bude).

This beautifully restored historic cottage, with its close-knit setting, heavily timbered loft, and significant upkeep requirements, demands great care. We follow strict rules to preserve our beloved holiday home and kindly ask guests to respect the following guidelines during their stay:
• No loud parties
• No naked flames (including BBQs, smoking, and candles)
• No pets
• No smoking/vaping

Additionally, as the floor timbers are sensitive to water penetration, we ask that the bathroom is not used as a wet room and that any splashes are mopped up promptly.

Please note that small children and individuals with mobility challenges may find the uneven stone floor and steep, narrow stairs difficult to navigate.