words by Louise Af Petersens
There are some places that just get it right, the kind you arrive at and immediately reel at home. Our recent stay at the Old Granary at Middle Colenso Farm was exactly that. So thoughtful, beautifully simple, and quietly special in a way that makes a family trip feel effortless.
We travelled down to Cornwall to celebrate my son’s fifth birthday, and I can’t think of a more perfect way to mark it. Cornwall has been our annual tradition around this time of year, those early spring days where the air is still a little crisp, but the sun shines just enough to hint at summer. It’s our favourite kind of escape: long walks, playing on the beach, salty swims, ice creams by the sea, and amazing food.
This year, we ventured to West Cornwall for the first time, and it completely stole our hearts.
A Home That Sets the Tone
The Old Granary strikes that rare balance between understated luxury and true family-friendliness. The interiors are simple and minimal yet cosy and thoughtfully designed so you instantly feel at home. It’s the kind of place where everything has been considered, but nothing feels overdone.
The kitchen quickly became the heart of our stay, perfect for slow breakfasts and easy suppers. Outside, a lovely garden and BBQ setup made it ideal for unwinding after long days exploring.
And then there were the small touches, the kind that elevate a stay from lovely to memorable. Freshly baked scones with homemade jam waiting for us on arrival felt like the warmest of welcomes, and a reflection of the care and attention poured into the experience by the owners, who were also incredibly helpful in sharing local tips and making sure we had everything we needed throughout our stay.
Exploring West Cornwall
The location couldn’t have been better, perfectly positioned to explore some of Cornwall’s most iconic (and now, our favourite) spots.
Mousehole was a highlight. Quintessentially Cornish, with its winding streets and working harbour, it felt like stepping into a postcard. We had lunch at The Old Coastguard, followed by a dip in the famous rock pool. It was freezing and we were, notably, the only ones in ( onlookers thought we were mad) but it made for one of those unforgettable, laughter-filled moments that trips are made of.
One of the most special rituals of the trip, though, was our early morning at Prussia Cove. There’s something about starting the day by the sea that instantly resets everything. We headed down for a quiet coastal walk before the world had properly woken up, then straight into the water. I’ve always loved a cold morning swim, it’s definitely the Swede in me and there’s something incredibly energising about it. The boys fully embraced it too. My son in his wetsuit with a boogie board in hand, completely fearless, followed by the ultimate reward, a hot chocolate afterwards to warm up. Simple, wholesome, and one of those small but unforgettable moments that ended up meaning the most.
St Ives, a place we return to time and time again, was as magical as ever. It’s hard not to fall in love with its blend of whitewashed houses, turquoise water, and independent shops. We spent hours wandering, punctuated by oversized ice creams (a firm priority for both my husband and son). Lunch at Porthminster Café was, as always, a standout and the monkfish curry remains firmly on my list of all-time favourite dishes (I even left with the cookbook).
We also discovered Porthleven, a charming fishing town with a slightly more laid-back feel. We had dinner at Kota Kai, which was exceptional, and found a brilliant bagel shop which had possibly the best bagels I have ever had.
Why It Worked So Well
What made this trip so special wasn’t just the places we visited, but the rhythm of it all. Busy, joy-filled days followed by slow, cosy evenings back at the Granary. It truly felt like a home away from home. Somewhere we could reset, reconnect, and celebrate in the simplest, best way.
For families, it’s a dream. Spacious yet cosy, stylish yet practical, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall. For us, it was the perfect base and one we’ll undoubtedly return to.
Because sometimes, the best kind of luxury isn’t about excess, it’s about ease, warmth, and finding somewhere that makes everything just feel right.
