Nestled in the pretty hamlet of Tuckingmill on the edge of Bodmin Moor, you'll not find a more romantic setting than this charming stone cottage. Originally reading rooms for local children to encourage literacy, today it's a tranquil escape with a cottage garden, wooden cabin and bubbling stream. Inside you'll find luxurious, vintage-inspired rooms with many original features offering a warm welcome in which to escape from the world.
A trip to the North Cornish coast is just a short drive away where you can explore the pretty fishing towns of Port Isaac, Padstow and Rock. Perfect for nature-lovers, you're surrounded by the dramatic romance of Bodmin Moor; its beautifully bleak rolling hills form the most exquisite of backdrops to your stay, whilst more adventurous types can pull on their boots and take to the paths and trails.
Living
The wonderful sitting room is a blissful space in which to relax at the end of a busy day. With a cosy wood burner, large open stone fireplace, flagstone floor, beamed ceiling and two windows looking out over the garden, it's quintessentially country chic with a touch of Scandinavia, plus modern luxuries such as the Smart TV and Sonos sound system. With a plump sofa for cuddling and an occasional chair for reading, the choice for relaxing is yours, whilst if you step through into the conservatory, you'll find more seating from which you can gaze out into the garden.
Upstairs, there's a darling snug with a chair and a desk should you need to catch up on some work or to simply escape for a while with your favourite magazine.
Eating
Rustling up feasts will be a delight in this clever kitchen, where the vintage, earthy style of the beamed ceiling, wooden worktops, flag flooring, whitewashed walls and distressed cupboards blend perfectly with all the modern comforts, including an electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and microwave plus the all-important Nespresso coffee machine. You'll find the washing machine in the outside cabin.
In the main living area, you'll find a bijou table and chairs, perfect for romantic meals, whilst in warmer weather take your food outside to make the most of your peaceful countryside escape.
Sleeping
Utterly romantic and oh-so-beautiful with its natural, vintage style, the bedroom with king sized bed boasts dual-aspect windows, gorgeous furniture and vintage artwork. Thick blinds, cosy heating and luxurious French linens and bedding will make bedtime a pleasure, whilst the dual-aspect windows and the sound of birdsong outside make waking up in the morning a delight. The only argument you'll have is who'll get up and make breakfast….
Bathing
There's a gorgeous shower room with a huge walk-in shower with rainforest head - perfect for waking you up in the morning or warming you up after an invigorating clifftop walk. There's also a heated rail to keep towels warm and fluffy.
Outside Space
The pretty cottage garden filled with flowers is a lovely spot to while away a sunny afternoon or two, under the boughs of the surrounding trees. On the patio just outside the conservatory you'll find an outdoor table and chairs plus a Weber coal barbeque for dinners alfresco. Further up the garden there's a sunny wooden deck with another table and chairs - the perfect spot for a G & T, whilst there's also a fab swing chair for curling up on with a book and listen to the birdsong - bliss! At the end of the garden you'll find the bubbling stream that runs alongside the garden and under the bridge, whilst the trees frame this little piece of Eden, creating a quiet, hidden-away spot.
The Cabin
Super-cute, the cabin is a fun additional space for relaxation with two comfy chairs and a further eating area. During summer months, leave the doors open to hear the birds and the stream, or cosy up with blankets on wintery days with a hot toddy in hand.
Parking
There is off-road parking for one car next to the property.
Babies and children
Babes in arms (non-mobile babies) are welcome at The Old Reading Room, and a travel cot and highchair can be provided on request. Please contact the office to book a babe in arms in.
The Old Reading Room is an adults only retreat and welcomes guests over 18.
Dogs
Up to two well-behaved dogs are very welcome. Please note, there is an additional fee per dog, per week or short break.
WiFi
There's WiFi throughout so if you need to stay in touch with the outside world you can.
In the Area
You'll have the best of coast and country at this retreat. Port Isaac, Padstow and Rock are stunning seaside destinations and well worth a visit, where you'll find a great selection of places to eat, and the dramatic cliffs are the perfect setting for coastal walks.
With Bodmin Moor on your doorstep, you can don your walking boots and explore the many footpaths and sites such as Brown Wily, Roughtor, Garrow Tor, Hawks Tor, Alex Tor and King Arthurs Hall; a walker's paradise! Epic and inspirational, these bleak yet beautiful moors have been used for many a film location, including the TV series Poldark so you may see some familiar sites and scenes amongst the wild ponies and winding country lanes.
For those wanting to catch a wave or two on the beautiful North Coast, you are just a short drive from both Trebarwith Strand and Polzeath. Cyclists will love the Camel Trail, which starts in nearby Wenford Bridge and runs all the way to Padstow on the coast.
History buffs will love stunning Tintagel Castle which overlooks the dramatic and rugged North coastline.
