Another year, another trip to the Cornish coastline. This time as part of my 40th birthday celebrations, we headed to Talland Bay. A remote and tranquil beach located midway between Looe and Polperro.
The Porthallow Lodge was the accommodation chosen via Airbnb. The lodge is very homely and comfy. It actually overcame my expectations. I am sure the history of the Dolphin Cottage, where this accommodation is placed, explains it better.
I pretty much enjoyed the idea of having a beautiful sea view from the bedroom but listening to the relaxing sound of the sea waves first thing in the morning was just a bonus. Another great feature of this room is a very comfy bed. Everything you need after long walks exploring the footpaths that leads you to Looe or Polperro.
Porthallow Lodge has been receiving guests for some decades now. And it was really entertaining to spend some time reading some of the comments left on the visitor’s book. They have been back since 2001 and there is an almost unanimous feeling about the place: homely. It’s pretty homely.
It was also great to find milk, fresh flowers and herbs (pretty much used in most of the meals we prepared there), and a nice bottle of red as a treat.
And if you feel in love with the place like I did, buy some of the postcards available there. The images were taken by Mrs. Polly Mayman, the owner of the cottage.
We had daily visits from birds singing, at both the lounge and kitchen windows facing Mayman’s shrub garden. It definitely makes me think it’s possible to forget the city centre’s noisy pollution for a while. That is what holidays are for.
The lounge itself was my favourite room at Porthallow lodge. It is full of characters and papers with information about everything you can get there and maps and leaflets about everything that is worth visiting in and around Talland Bay.
Apparently, there are 43 paintings spread on the walls of this cottage. I didn’t count them, but I checked most of them and there is nothing wrong with embracing art in your accommodation. It gives life to the place, or if you prefer, it shows how lively this place is. Love it!
Despite its size, the kitchen is well equipped and it was good to have the options of a shower and bathtub in the bathroom.
Talland Bay itself is a delightful spot. Its twin coves are located just 350 yards down from the lodge. It’s a bit steep but the view is worth it. There are a café and a restaurant on both Talland and Rotterdam beaches.
But if you fancy something more sophisticated, I would recommend eating at The Brasserie at The Talland Bay Hotel. It is located in front of the Porthallow Lodge and the food is from heaven.
It’s very easy to reach the footpath to Polperro or Looe from Talland Bay beaches. But don’t forget first to explore the rockpools of Rotterdam beach. It’s definitely a must-do!
Published May 2nd, 2016 here.
