Wildlife haven with river
- Cottage
- Sleeps: 2
- Bedrooms: 1
- Min Stay: 3 nights
Cottage Nr. Launceston, Cornwall, Your Own Nature Reserve To Explore
Bedrooms
Owner
Jon Valters
- Languages:
- english
About Jon Valters
We're both passionate about wildlife and we're living the dream as there is so much of it here. The owner was a TV journalist in current affairs and spent several years working on wildlife programmes.
Jon Valters purchased this Cottage in 2012
Why Jon Valters chose Launceston
We bought Coombe Mill and The Shippen in 2012 after moving from the New Forest in Hampshire. We fell in love with the place when we realised how much wildlife was here. Several years later and its still surprising us as we discover new species. It is a real privilege living so near to a river as it brings so many scarce species close to us. Most days here it is wonderfully peaceful; our nearest neighbour is quarter of a mile away.
What makes this Cottage unique
The Shippen is situated in the middle of a private nature reserve; the diversity of wildlife is extraordinary and some of it is right on your doorstep! The river is close by and the reserve also has a pond, fields, woodland and a former railway line. Its also a great place for star gazing; there's no light pollution here! Despite its remoteness Launceston is only a 20 minute drive away and there's easy access via the A30 to most places in Devon and Cornwall.
Amenities
Featured
- Heater
- Parking
- TV
- Satellite or Cable
Bathrooms
House Rules
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 14 days before arrival date.
105 Reviews
Blissful and recreating peaceful healing holiday
This was our third stay at Coombe Mill and as previously we have returned home today much rested and refreshed. Already booking another for 2020. Highly recommended especially for the quietness and the opportunity to see over 17 species of birds outside our accommodation door, also butterflies and a young fox basking in the sunshine.
Our hosts are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
The perfect hideaway in an idyllic location
The Shippen is the perfect place to relax and watch all kinds of wildlife. The number and variety of birds visiting the feeders in the garden was amazing. Jon’s tour was very enjoyable and is highly recommended. We had a lovely break and hope to return soon.
fabulous
Lovely people, beautiful setting, excellent accommodation .
a really fabulous , away from it all stay in a lovely nature reserve. Jon and Janice are superb hosts. Take a tour of the reserve with Jon to get the most from the feast of nature on the doorstep. Thoroughly recommended !
A lovely week at the cottage
Very clean and well equipped
The highlight the birds and wildlife we saw
Amazing wildlife reserve
Fabulous stay at The Shippen, our host Jon was lovely, the guided tour to seek out the wildlife gems is a must. Relaxing stay in peaceful surroundings with only the bird song to be heard! Highly recommend
woodland retreat for a perfect back to nature break.ature
The Shippen is a lovely little property, close to the owners cottage, in a beautiful woodland setting with the sound of nearby babbling water, birds and the wind in the trees.
Jon and Janice have created a comfortable retreat with all the home comforts and lots of little extra touches like flowers and a welcome cream tea which is really thoughtful and appreciated . The small garden bird feeders are constantly visited by hundreds of birds which is mesmerising. We could have spent hours watching them but also had the chance to walk for hours on the surrounding nature reserve. For nature lovers this is fantastic......trees, insects, pond and stream life - so many unusual sightings and great photo opportunities . This really is a very special place made even better by Jon and Janice - their own love of nature, willingness to share their knowledge and their efforts to make sure their guests get the best out of their stay.
The property is in a rural location but less than an hour from Cornwalls coastal towns so day trips out were straightforward. We visited the Eden Project, Tintagel and hired bikes for a ride along the Camel trail between Bodmin and Padstowe.
We had a great stay and would recommend the Shippen as a fantastic away-from-it-all break or an ideal location as a base for some interesting days out.
Map
Special interest holidays:
The owners are passionate about wildlife. For a small fee the owner will give guests a guided tour of the reserve and give tips on where to see particular species. We may be able to arrange for natural history courses to take place on site e.g. birdwatching or flower identification or for guests to be taken to other wildlife sites or reserves in the area.
REGRETTABLY THE PROPERTY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PETS OR YOUNG CHILDREN
Coast/Beach:
The spectacular rugged north coast of Cornwall is a 45-minute drive away with numerous beaches including those at Polzeath, Rock and Widemouth.
Travel:
The nearest train stations are Plymouth (30 miles) and Exeter (40 miles)
There are airports at Newquay (47 miles) and Exeter (30 miles)
A car is essential for exploring the area. However for an additional payment we may be able to pick you up from Exeter or Plymouth and drop you back at the end of your stay.
Distances:
St Giles on the Heath - 2 miles
Launceston - 6 miles
Exeter - 40 miles
Plymouth - 30 miles
Tavistock - 24 miles
Bude - 20 miles
Boscastle - 24 miles
Okehampton - 16 miles
Falmouth - 63 miles
Newquay - 47 miles
Further Details:
The nearest village at St Giles on the Heath has a characterful pub and a village store and post office. Launceston has banks and supermarkets and is a 20 minute drive away.
The Shippen is ideally situated for touring Devon and Cornwall. The property is only four miles from the A30 with easy access to Okehampton, Exeter, Tavistock, Bude, Falmouth and the spectacular Cornish coast.
Launceston, Cornwall's ancient capital, is six miles away with its Norman castle and narrow streets.
For walkers and nature lovers Dartmoor National Park and the Bodmin Moor and Tamar Valley Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are within easy reach with Exmoor National Park a little further away.
The rugged north coast of Cornwall lies 45 minutes away with its picturesque fishing ports including Boscastle, Port Isaac and Padstow.
There are numerous historic houses and gardens to visit including Lanhydrock, Cotehele and Pencarrow. Ancient places include Tintagel, regarded as one of Britain's most spectacular historic sites and also well worth a visit is the 16th Century Pendennis Castle at Falmouth.
Two of Cornwall's best known visitor attractions, The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are within 45 minutes drive.
A large reservoir, Roadford Lake, is only a few miles away and offers birdwatching, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and trout fishing.