Birch Studio – Lamorna, Penzance

In the lush valley of Lamorna, a tumbling stream makes its way to the sea through a dense tangle of twisted trees and stunning wildlife. Hidden away in the trees, you will meet our beautiful and sympathetically restored romantic hideaway; Birch Studio

Sat on the pools of the stream, the gentle trickle of water and splash of brown trout wash away any remnants of city living. Inside an abundance of natural light and earthy colours combine to create a calming self-catering escape in this quaint little village.

Former home to famous artist; Samuel John Lamorna Birch, RA RWS (1869 – 1955) you can still find his oil paint dabbed around the original oak door frame.

After a day exploring the the Cornish coast, retreat to the hot tub and sauna and spend an hour or two watching Kingfishers dip around the stream, glass of wine perched on the side, before hunkering down on the sofa, the world darkening outside

Although immersed in privacy and soaring trees, you are within easy reach of the beach, and local pub (The Wink) which are only a 2 minute stroll away. The nearby picturesque fishing towns of Mousehole, and Newlyn are only 5 minutes away by car.

When a need for an escape comes calling, this reclaimed self-catering Artist’s hideout is the peaceful retreat you’ve been searching for.

(Sleeping a maximum of 4 guests, with one King Size bed in the bedroom, and one small sofa bed in the living area. There is also a mezzanine floor with a relaxing area to read a book)

Note – This property is very petite, with the lounge/diner/kitchen all in one room, and the shower and washing facilities in the bedroom.)

Lamorna Cove Beach

The very picturesque little Lamorna Cove sits at the foot of a wooded valley between Mousehole and Porthcurno. To one side of the cove is a stout quay and slipway, while behind the beach are a peppering of granite cottages. Lamorna is the sort of place which wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Poldark, something not lost on the producers of the original 1970s TV series, who did in fact film here.

There is a small sand and pebble beach at the foot of the slipway when the tide is low, but nothing to speak of as the tide comes in. This is a popular beach for swimming and there is also good scuba diving to be had off the coast here. However, there is no lifeguard service here so caution is advised.

Up until 1911 there was an active quarry here, and this is still apparent from the precarious looking piles of granite on the eastern slopes of the valley. Not only was this used to build the quay, but was shipped out from the quay. Granite quarried in Lamorna has been used in a number of illustrious buildings including Bishop and Wolf Rock lighthouses, Dover harbour and several buildings in London.

Lamorna Cove has been privately owned for over a hundred years. Back then it was owned by a Colonel Paynter who actively encouraged the establishment of an artists colony here. The Lamorna School, as it became known, included artists such as Laura Knight, Dod Proctor and Lamorna Birch – who took his name from the cove.