The Gaffer

In the heart of the unspoilt village of Boscastle, The Gaffer is in a whitewashed, former pilchard cellar on the banks of the Valency River. The building also houses the National Trust café and shop, and two more National Trust holiday apartments. The National Trust second-hand bookshop is nearby. Boscastle is a bustling village with pubs, tea-rooms, restaurants and a farm shop. There’s great walking of all kinds, from level, riverside strolls through the village to trails off into the valley’s ancient woodland and out onto the cliffs for sea views. You can loop onto the South West Coast Path from here.

Set back from the riverside, The Gaffer’s entrance is a few steps off the road, and the apartment is on the first floor towards the back of the building. The open-plan living space looks across to the wall of a lime kiln from the 1800s, a reminder of Boscastle’s past as a busy 19th-century port, with goods brought in by boat and then hauled up the steep hills that surround the village by teams of horses. The old kiln’s mossy walls attract butterflies and birds. On top of the kiln, you’ll find your enclosed cottage garden which is shared with the other apartments. It’s a lovely place to sit for the evening.

Boscastle is teeming with wildlife. Look out for wildflowers, sea birds and the seals that bob around in and around the harbour.

As well as the neighbouring apartments, The Clinker (sleeps two) and The Lugger (sleeps three), you’ll find Harbour View (sleeps five, dog friendly) in Boscastle overlooking the quayside and Boscastle Elm Cottage (sleeps four, dog friendly) in the wooded valley nearby. They can be booked together.

Layout

First floor: Hallway. Open-plan room with king-size bed, fitted wardrobe, sofa, television and table for two. Small kitchen. Bathroom with shower over bath.

Outside space

Shared, enclosed garden on top of old lime kiln with natural cottage planting and table and chairs for each apartment.

What's provided in a National Trust holiday cottage?