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Falmouth, Cornwall

Durgan Old School House

The exterior of The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
The exterior of The Old School House, Cornwall | © National Trust / Mike Henton
The sitting room and dining area at The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
A view of the beach by Durgan Old School House from the Helford River estuary, Cornwall

Durgan Old School House

Victorian school turned beachside retreat, full of original features and sea-view windows.

Grid of 11 images
The sitting room and dining area at The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
A view of the beach by Durgan Old School House from the Helford River estuary, Cornwall
The exterior of The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
The kitchen at The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
The twin bedroom at The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
The double bedroom at The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
The bathroom at Durgan Old School House, Cornwall
The exterior of The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
The exterior of The Old School House, Durgan, Falmouth, Cornwall
The date stone of Durgan Old School House, Cornwall
A view of the village and Durgan Old School House, Cornwall

© National Trust / Mike Henton

Victorian school turned beachside retreat, full of original features and sea-view windows.

At a glance

Guests
4
Bedrooms
2
Number of dogs welcome
0
Reference
011024
Acorn rating

About Durgan Old School House

Make the beach your playground in this former Victorian school. Just below its walled garden, the shores gently sweep in and out, to reveal a small and sheltered beach. Built in 1876, the shutter-windowed stone cottage sits on the north bank of the Helford River estuary with views of the waters from the windows. After a careful restoration, the two-bedroom cottage reveals a modern interior with historic character. Exposed beams, wood panelled walls and a log-burner are met by contemporary furnishings.

Durgan Old School House sits at the edge of Durgan village, with only a handful of cottages around. Sheltered from Atlantic gales, you’ll have the benefit of being in one of the mildest corners of the country, with a south-facing beach just outside your door. 

The South West Coast Path runs through the village, offering links to vast stretches of coastline. Head east from Durgan along the river and out to Falmouth bay. Head west from Durgan along the Helford Passage, where a passenger ferry runs across the river to the idyllic Helford village and the Lizard peninsula.

Durgan Beach Cottage (sleeps three), Durgan Quay Cottage (sleeps three) and Durgan Wood Cottage (sleeps two) are nearby. They can be booked together.

Features and facilities

  • Wi-Fi, available
  • Garden, available
  • EV charging, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Freezer, available
  • Microwave, available
  • Open fire / wood burner, available
  • Television, available
  • DVD, available
  • Washing machine, available
  • Dishwasher, available
  • Tumble dryer, not available
  • BBQ, not available
  • Cot & high chair, available

Location

Accessibility

Ground floor facilities. Find more information in the Accessibility Guide. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

Read our accessibility guide 

Layout

Ground floor layout

Hall, kitchen, sitting/dining room with multi fuel stove, two bedrooms (one double, one twin), shower room and lavatory.

More information

Access: The accessibility guide is for guidance only. For up-to-date information, please call the team on 0344 800 2070.

Heating: Rointe digital electric heating system.

Parking: Parking is limited to one vehicle.

Garden: Small garden on the quay, which the villagers of Durgan also have access to.

*WiFi: This is now available, but please note that intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur and should not be relied upon. We are pleased to provide free WiFi at this cottage which is supported by BT.

Telephone: Limited reception for mobile telephones. 

Logs: A starter supply of seasoned logs, fire lighters and kindling will be provided free of charge. Guests will need to source any additional logs elsewhere.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm at this cottage.

Please Note: The sea wall in the garden of the cottage is only 70cm high on the garden side with a considerable drop beyond.  Children should be supervised at all times in this area.

The annual Durgan Regatta takes place in the village on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday. This involves flags on both quays, loudspeakers and lots of people partying outside Quay, Beach and Old School House cottages.

Please be aware the Helford River beach at Durgan is not a designated beach for bathing.

Book together

There are four holiday cottages in and around Durgan, with room for up to 12 guests.

The exterior of Durgan Quay and Beach Cottages, Cornwall

Durgan Beach Cottage 

A traditional stone cottage just a few metres from the shores of the Helford Estuary. Sleeps three.

The sitting room at Durgan Quay Cottage, Cornwall

Durgan Quay Cottage 

Just metres from the water’s edge, you’ll be guaranteed a room with a view in this stone cottage. Sleeps three.

The exterior of Durgan Wood Cottage, Cornwall

Durgan Wood Cottage 

A timber-built thatched cottage nestled among the trees with views over the Helford River. Sleeps two, dog-friendly.

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