Everyone was extremely excited to escape for some much needed family time, peace and tranquillity. Typically, soon after we began our journey, everyone began to develop hungry tummies. As we navigated through the country lanes, just over a mile away from Porthcurnick House, we approached flickering hues of a charming little seaside village in the distance. Result! The absolute perfect place for an en route pit stop... take out wood fired pizzas from Tatams in Portscatho - delicious!

Off again, a little slate house sign propped carefully to catch the glimmer of our headlamps assured us the way to our home for the weekend.  We steered carefully up the impressive sweeping driveway. Porthcurnick House emerged under a blanket of twinkling stars. Wow! A rare moment of silence was enjoyed as we all admired in awe. With the sound of calm seas beneath moonlight as we pulled up outside the property, I knew instantly we were in for a relaxing evening ahead.

The warmest welcome greeted us - all fifty tiny toes instantly toasty from the under-floor heating tentatively set off to explore as we followed behind in much anticipation.  

The children couldn’t contain their excitement to explore, so we snuck off while we had the chance to set up for pizza by candlelight. What a treat!  With the open plan aspect a strong theme throughout, discovering the well laid out kitchen, dining, living space was another instant hit for us. Informal yet stylish, sleek with so many beautiful touches, I don’t think any of us wanted to ever leave. 

To add to our amazement, a luscious hamper of locally sourced Cornish treats awaited our arrival. All carefully placed to welcome us on the fabulous breakfast bar - a sure social hot spot for all. 

We couldn’t wait to choose our rooms and relax after dinner with snuggles on the sumptuous sofas. No sooner did we relax and unwind, the temptation of sweet slumber in the cosy, crisp White Company bedding was all too alluring. Needless to say once we said good night everyone slept soundly tight in their beds.

Saturday sunrise brought grey, moody skies and striking stormy seas. A promise of Pjs and home baked pastries for breakfast in the spectacular kitchen soon ended our morning peace as tummies began to rumble. We recharged with a mug or two of much needed Nespressos to ensure we were ready to set ship and sail, as all seven of us eagerly began to prepare for our day ahead of adventures. 

With four impressive bathrooms to choose from with rainfall showers and a double helping of decadent deep tubs to soak in, the morning routine was certainly somewhat calmer than usual. Just to add my own morning was made particularly calmer with the bonus of the most amazing dressing room to escape to off the master bedroom. What a pleasure to indulge!

With the wonderful wild weather set, we decided to head into St Mawes. A short van journey through charming Cornish countryside, St Mawes boasts pretty views to gaze at and explore, a wonderful harbour and a castle. Not forgetting the fabulous eateries and plentiful local shops and boutiques. 

Before heading on up to the castle we pit stopped for coffee to escape the mizzle and for a moment of peace and respite to relax and unwind a little and admire the spectacular views from “The Lookout” cafe. Gazing directly out onto the beautiful bustling harbour, come rain or shine the views here really cannot disappoint. 

Recharged and ready to continue our adventure, we took a short walk up to St Mawes castle. Standing proud, the castle on the hill instantly invites you to admire its amazing views and history. We discovered an abundance of delightful interactive activities for the children across the ages and plenty for the adults to join in with too. A firm favourite with the little ones was boat spotting through the turrets and racing to be the first to alert “I can see the St Mawes ferry!!”...“a bird”... and much to our delight of soggy luck “a rainbow, a double rainbow!” Our soggy sightseeing experience was in fact more beautiful and enjoyable than we could have ever imagined. 

Having worked up an appetite for some much needed warmth and of course cakey tea, we decided to route back down the hill and make for a stop off at the wonderful Hotel Tresanton. Such welcoming helpful staff and stunning views from the balcony, albeit a little wet and windy for that today! So instead we snuck into the cosy lounge area to snug into the luxuriously plush sofas and tucked into the most delicious  cream tea and scrumptious homemade cakes.  

Afterwards, we headed into a little local deli we had spotted on our way into St Mawes to grab some goodies for dinner this evening. Mr Scorces Deli. Fresh local fish caught that morning in St Mawes, a wealth of deli goodies and tipples too. 

Sunset fast approaching back at Porthcurnick House, we set up camp on the balcony to enjoy a cheeky snuggle under our blankets before dinner, where we gazed at all the hues, vibes and beauty of the unspoilt views as we gazed out to sea. 

As designated chef, cooking up dinner in the stupendous kitchen was an absolute pleasure. The open plan social space created a vibe of family togetherness as we able to cook safely and chat over a glass of fizz whilst allowing a watchful eye over the little ones, but with enough space for our own little social hot spots. 

Tummies well and truly contented and our jobs list ticked off, the roaring wood burner of the reading room and stash of adult after dinner treats was calling.  A long awaited trial of the gin cocktail bar!

 Everyone fully dosed on vitamin sea, good food and good times, we enjoyed a cosy evening of films before a marvellous full night’s sleep for all. 

We awoke to the most spectacular sunrise over Porthcurnick House. A glimpse of beaming sunshine peeping in from every aspect of this whimsical wonderland, the perfect shining start to our super slow Sunday. 

A breezy breakfast was enjoyed by all, utilising all the goodies kindly left in our hamper which was prepared and served by the older children whilst I managed to remain feet up, admiring the views and sampling all the offerings. 

Curious of the stones throw stunning views, we decided to make the most of the sunshine and took a leisurely early morning romp to explore the neighbouring village of Portscatho.

Nothing less and nothing more was required than a decent coffee on the sea bar at Tatams to kick start our senses this Sunday. Sea air, sunshine, stunning scenery, a chai oat latte- and the company wasn’t too bad either, absolute bliss! 

An unhurried weekend vibe drew us to meander down to the beach and explore barefoot in the sand. Scavenging for sea treasures and heavily dosing on vitamin sea before we headed off to fill our tummies again! This time indulgence on another level, Sunday dinner service at the extraordinary Driftwood Hotel.  

The Driftwood prides highly acclaimed Cornish fine dining, with a Michelin star chef. To say the least, we were all a just *tiny* bit excited about this Sundays lunch.

The babies slept soundly snuggled together on the cosy sofas in the stunning lounge area. The children took to exploring the scenery and what was on offer around them. The fascination of the telescope and the classic, vintage games in the lounge area were just brilliant. A breath of fresh air, calm and peace from WiFi and technology! 

A tapas style starter of sourdough, seafood and seasonings out of this world were served to get our taste buds tuned for the most luscious lamb lunch we have ever devoured. The help yourself accompaniments suited perfectly our dynamic family circle. As a foody family we of course opted for the three courses. Dessert (my favourite course) was a heavenly sweet treat of a classic sticky toffee pudding. Most of which the twins took, but the mouthfuls I did get to enjoy were well and truly worth saving the best till last. 

Not just our tummies were left feeling full up. Our hearts were left feeling extremely full of contentment and ready for one last explore. We grabbed our wellies and wrapped up to head out into the garden amongst the amazing wildlife and soak up one last little bit of seaside charm before heading home for the evening. 

Timed less than a three minutes walk, sweeping just to the right out of Porthcurnick House we wandered down a brief hill to Porthcurnick beach. Wow! Totally stunning and so wonderfully peaceful. Being so close by it felt like our own little private beach. Although in fact once greeted this beach wasn’t so little -, it was bold and beautiful and shared its place with the glorious gem that is “The Hidden Hut” beach cafe. 

Sunset settling in and five dreamy sea air filled babes slowing, it was almost time for our perfect little chapter of Portchcurnick adventures to seek closure. We seated on some sandy wooden benches on looking out to tranquil seas. All five children playing peacefully amongst sunset coastal scenery, Dan and I took this rare serene moment to enjoy the salty sea air and sand beneath our toes and wistfully reflect over the remarkable weekend passing us by. 

Porthcurnick wasn’t just a house, it was a dream home from home. A hidden gem on a wonderfully grand scale. Grand in its presence, possessions and purpose and with its enchanting charm and realm. Our need to escape and embrace some long overdue family time had been well and truly fulfilled. Beyond imaginable, Porthcurnick House really is the perfect coastal retreat, and for us it was so much more. An extremely happy and wholehearted place, perfect for precious memories we won’t ever forget!