The Old Rectory

One of those special places one doesn’t want to talk too much about, to keep the magic secret to one self. Arriving at the Old Rectory is like stepping into a fairy tale world. Or a Victorian novel, which is more appropriate: this is the place where Thomas Hardy met his wife-to-be, Emma, the heroine of “A pair of blue eyes”. And you can sleep in Hardy’s room, or in Emma’s room, with Emma’s lovely watercolours on the walls and an impressive authentic Victorian toilet. The furnitures and decor are original, but you will find every modern comfort (the shower is so great). The garden is simply gorgeous, and all the products for the (simply amazing) breakfast comes from the vegetable organic garden. The area around the Old Rectory gives one endless possibilities: the lovely St Julliot church (full of Hardy’s memories) is just a short stroll away, you can walk to lovely Boscastle through an enchanted forest, Tintagel or Port Isaac are few miles away. Sally, the owner and engine of Old Rectory’s magic, is a wonderful, welcoming and charming hostess.

My bestfriend and I visited Boscastle in early September and stayed at the Old Old Rectory. We loved it! The house is truly beautiful, amazingly decorated, spotless and very inspiring (we stayed in the same room where Thomas Hardy did) Their garden is a real gem and we have been given the tour of both garden and green patch which was very cool! I was also impressed with the breakfast service and the choice of shampoo and body wash in the bathroom (I know, small details but it was another plus for me since they use the same brand I use at home!) We have been welcomed and looked after by the owners and their beautiful doggo and we highly recommend this place to everyone who wants to visit Boscastle! The only downside is the very narrow countryside roads that for city people are a nightmare to drive, but this will not stop us from coming back!

We stayed for 2 relaxing nights. My husband and I shared the Rector’s Room and my daughter and her friend had Emma’s Room. We wished we’d had longer. Never have we had total silence at night - The Old Rectory is truly special. It is such a gem of a location, hidden down lanes and away from the hubbub of daily life. Sally’s family home and the connections to Thomas Hardy and Emma are fascinating. The gardens are tropical and lush, and the viewing platform a must see. Our breakfasts were amazing with home grown fruit and veg and an endless choice. Special thanks for the Cornish rarebit! As for the quality of the accommodation, the house is welcoming and everything has been thought of to make it a comfortable stay. Fresh cups for extra tea, comfortable beds, fluffy towels and little extras supplied in the rooms like gorgeous shortbread biscuits! Thanks for looking after us and making our Tintagel trip more magical than we’d expected.

I had another relaxing weekend at the Old Rectory. Having stayed several times before and always really liked it, the B&B Stables has been converted with a lot of care and thought with local wood and stone fittings, and deep sea colours, in the kitchen and everything you could need for a longer stay. It is a cosy place to sit by the wood stove with a cup of tea, or local takeaway, after a day on the beach! It is lovely to have a very comfortable hideaway, set in such wonderful gardens, and with a friendly welcome - and fab breakfast! My dog and I are looking forward to the next time......