Venturing down crooked country lanes on a dreary November afternoon, the anticipation of our weekend away in the sweet hamlet of Mithian increased tenfold with every quaint cottage we passed. Driving deeper into rural countryside, we followed a sleepy farm track to uncover our secret hideaway – a tree lined lane winding down to the idyllic Cyder Barn. Nestled within twisting trees, the cobbled stone barn is cute as a button with pretty stable front door and nothing but hushed rural land surrounding it. Stepping out of the car, we were met by delicious silence, only broken by soft birdsong and the occasional barn owl hooting. Our magical weekend was just beginning…
Cooper, our larger than life rusty-coated Cockapoo, was the first to eagerly reach the charming front door of our barn; as a dog-friendly retreat, Cyder Barn is thoughtfully curated to offer a warm welcome to our furry four-legged friends. Stepping tentatively into the snug entrance, we were met by toasty underfloor heating and a sweet cushion clad wooden bench – perfect for slipping off welly boots and hanging up your coats after a winter walk! A stable door led into the living room, with its top half left ajar to invite our exploring eyes towards to the gorgeous sofa and large comfy chair – both enveloped in a divine collection of cushions and throws.
Discovering the bijou kitchen, complete with elegant under cupboard lighting and a stylish finish – we were instantly inspired to rustle up winter treats! A rustic hamper patiently awaited our arrival, and what a scrumptious surprise it was. Our lovely hosts sourced a delectable collection of Cornish treats, from local shortbread and fresh bread to a bottle of Cornish cyder and doggy treats for Cooper.
Uncovering our vintage-chic bedroom was the next delight, complete with king size bed swathed in White Company Egyptian cotton bedding and locally sourced finishing touches – a heavenly night’s sleeps awaited us! With White Company gowns tucked away in the wardrobe, we were ready to get cosy.
For our mother-daughter weekend away, naturally we came prepared with seasonal gin and bottle of sparkle – the only thing left to do was strike a match, light the pre-laid wood burner and pour ourselves a tipple! With the grey November dusk drawing in, we found the twisted trees growing amidst the decking area were laced with the glittering fairy lights. We left the curtains open on the floor-to-ceiling windows as the darkness crept ever closer; a beautiful backdrop to the roaring fire. It was a mesmerising sight, transforming the already awe-inspiring countryside view into an enchanting realm.
Cooper made himself well and truly at home, settling down in front of the crackling wood burner on a cosy tartan throw. Just as taken with the view, this became his favoured spot for the weekend, captivated by the ever-changing scenes of nature’s vistas. After our hearty pouring of seasonal plum and cinnamon gin, it was time for a dinner date at the local tavern. Donned in waterproofs, welly boots, and armed with a torch - kindly left by our hosts - we meandered down our country lane towards to The Miners Arms pub. No more than a 5-minute leisurely stroll and we had made it. Ushered into the warm by friendly staff, we were seated comfortably next to the open fire in this rustic countryside gem! With a rich glass of red in hand and Cooper curled up at our feet, we were toasty in no time. I chose a warming winter classic; succulent pork steaks with bubble & squeak and cider gravy – just delicious. With our bellies and hearts full, we entered a delightful trance of content. Eager to return to our quaint abode, we ambled back to Cyder Barn, for an evening by the fire with Peaky Blinders for company on the picture-perfect 4k TV. What a dreamy first evening at our countryside hideaway.
We arose from our sweet slumber to the chorus of birdsong, twittering in perfect rural harmony. Despite the comfort of our divan drawing us ever deeper into the temptation of a lie-in, we began our day earlier than usual on a Saturday morning – as if we were impatient not to miss out on a moment of our time at Cyder Barn. Slipping on our White Company robes, we peeled open living room curtains to unveil the woodland in all its glory. We nursed a warm mug of freshly brewed coffee and relished our slow morning. Embracing the changing season with carrot cake porridge on the menu for breakfast, the contemporary kitchen boasted all the amenities we could possibly need! Cooper tried hard to resist our sweet treats…
Now, the bathroom - talk about wow-factor! A double rain shower set in gorgeous grey tiling with stylish lighting features and of course, the amazing Sonos sound system. Select your shower song and create the ultimate ambience for belting out those power ballads.
We ventured out into the misty morning, ready for a day of exploring in St Agnes. Just a short 7-minute drive from Cyder Barn, this sweet little village certainly is a must-visit. With quaintly crooked cottages and pretty shop fronts, you’ll fall a little bit in love with this nook. We took shelter from heavy rainfall in The Sorting Office, a quirky-cute café with Scandi-style interiors and artisan coffees on the menu. Our festive gingerbread lattes were savoured in the company of local pooches and puppies – a perfectly dog-friendly find!
With Perranporth Beach just a short drive from St Agnes, Cooper was craving a sandy stretch along the shore. Despite the relentless rain, it was impossible not to relish the hilarity of Cooper racing around the dunes in hot pursuit of furry friends. Gazing over the grey horizon reminded me just how much beauty Cornwall possesses, even on the moodiest of winter days.
With a soggy doggy in tow, we set off back to our beloved abode. While mum popped Cooper in his very own dog shower for a wash down, I got to work on our warming winter feast. With quiet plans for a snug afternoon in front of the wood burner, I set a homemade batch of hot spiced apple simmering on the stove and began crafting the ultimate cheeseboard. Nestled into our cushion-clad sofas fireside, we tucked into a selection of local Cornish cheeses and whiled away the gloomy afternoon.
We took advantage of a break in the clouds to throw on our swimmers and take a dip in the hot tub on the decking. Hidden within the twisting trees, overlooking nothing but untouched countryside – just heavenly! We opened the hot tub lid to release billowing steam and a bubbling whirlpool of bliss. Sinking into our decadence with a glass of sparkle, any remaining stresses of life evaporated along with the swirling steam. A low level of dusky mist hovered over the fields, with a delicious chill in the air we faded ever deeper into serenity. We spent a dreamy dusk in the tub amongst fairy-lit woodland, making nothing but magical memories.
With the evening drawing in, we got ourselves ready for a visit to The Taphouse in St Agnes. This quirky gem is set in Peterville Square offering a relaxed atmosphere, local Cornish produce and unique interiors. We whiled away a perfect evening with a tasty artisan sharing board, a plentiful platter of antipasti delights. The well-stocked Gin & Cocktail Bar boasts over 80 different gins, an intimate bolthole with all the liquor concoctions you could wish for!
For our last full day at Cyder Barn, we began the morning just as every Sunday should be – with a cafetière of strong coffee and sticky cinnamon swirls. The rain had finally subsided, allowing the golden morning light to flood our living room for the very first time! We relished another slow start before donning our wellies once more to explore the hamlet surrounding Cyder Barn. No trip to St Agnes would be complete without a wander along the shore of Trevaunance Cove. With Cooper once again in his sandy-nosed element, we admired the stormy seascape in all its sun-drenched glory.
Throughout our stay we were eternally thankful for Cyder Barn’s doggy shower, after Cooper’s runs on the local beaches and his private paddock (just made for a spontaneous doodle dash)! It’s never been easier to freshen up your muddy pooch and keep your hideaway spotlessly snug.
We left Cyder Barn with heavy hearts after a dreamy weekend at this rural retreat. A dog-friendly haven, thoughtfully crafted with you in mind for the ultimate luxury getaway.
Feeling inspired? Cyder Barn sleeps two and welcomes up to two dogs. Take a peek here to make your own magical memories at Cyder Barn.
