The idea is to keep it that way; ‘growth’ is not part of the plan but becoming more sustainable is. The interiors reflect this, being largely original but comfortable and functional with well equipped kitchens and enough hot water. Some have good phone signal, others not so good. Improvements are made in a traditional style using home grown timber and carefully selected salvage. And if a fridge still works efficiently but is a little rusty on the outside edges, so be it. Repairing and recycling have always been favoured over discarding and replacing ever since Porth-en-Alls was built by the same family on the site of an earlier house in 1912-14.

Most of the houses are heated by at least one open fire or woodburning stove, variously supplemented by off peak electric nightstore heaters and portable radiators. Sea View, The Haven, Trewartha and Tare’s Cottage have central heating. None have double glazing but all lofts are insulated and warmth is further maintained by inter-lined curtains. Our carbon footprint is therefore pretty low. The emissions from a small flock of sheep are offset on site by high levels of carbon capture and sequestration through over fifty acres of permanent pasture, clifftop browse and woodland.

The general public have limited pedestrian access only and enjoy the various coves via footpaths, but must leave their cars and bikes in a small free car park some way back. Residences (with seven exceptions) are reached through a key-coded gate, leaving tarmac and the outside world behind, slowly, via tracks which are neither smooth nor potholed.

Charges & Extras

The standard rent at Porth-en-alls Prussia Cove is lower than comparable places to stay. However, you should be aware of what is included and not included in this.

Unlike most other places, electricity, oil, logs, gas, bath and bed linen are extras. In this way you only pay for what you actually need, saving wasted power and unnecessary laundry costs.

We read your electricity meter the day you arrive, record this on a brown envelope provided and you read it again and settle up on departure according to consumption (multiplying the difference by the going unit price and leaving payment in the brown envelope with a cheque or cash or by bank transfer on departure)

Oil, where central heating applies, is also metered in this way. Bags of Cornish kiln-dried logs and kindling are delivered to your door on arrival and paid for per bag used, as are laundry facilities (where shared with other cottages) per cycle.

Similarly, unless you bring your own, bathroom and bed linen/beds made up, is ordered in advance on your booking form. Dogs, cots, high chairs are extras, as is cleaning at the end (optional).

Please refer to the Booking page for all the charging details.

Photos: Antony Crolla, Lee Maxwell, Andy Green (Harrera Images)