THIMBLE COTTAGE, BOTALLACK

There’s something magical about Thimble Cottage - a former tin miner’s cottage dating from the mid-1800s, tucked away in the far west of Cornwall. Thoughtfully refurbished, it offers a peaceful coastal retreat for couples looking to slow down and unwind.

At its heart is a large inglenook fireplace that retains the cottage’s original Cornish character, while the interiors bring warmth and comfort without losing any of its historic charm. The stable door leads into an open-plan living space, while upstairs the spacious bedroom has been designed with relaxation in mind.

Outside, the private garden has a south-facing patio for alfresco meals and an upper level where you can catch a distant glimpse of the sea. It's a peaceful spot for slow mornings, afternoons with a book and evenings wandering down to the cliffs to watch the sunset.

This unspoilt corner of Cornwall offers dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and sweeping coastal views. The South West Coast Path runs directly across from the cottage, with spectacular cliff-top walks beginning almost from the front door. A traditional village pub serving good food is a short walk away and the bus stop nearby makes it easy to walk one section of the coast path and return without needing the car.

Botallack — known in Cornish as Bostalek — is a historic village set close to the coast path within the Cornish Mining World Heritage landscape where the famous Crown Engine Houses featured in Poldark cling dramatically to the cliffs.

It is one of several small villages along the scenic coast road between St Just and St Ives. The road winds through tiny hamlets and farmland, with sweeping Atlantic views on one side and wild moorland on the other.

Some of the best surfing beaches in the far west of Cornwall are nearby. Sennen Cove and Gwenver are just a short drive away with long stretches of golden sand and clear Atlantic water.

This is a wonderfully peaceful and atmospheric part of Cornwall, less about busy seaside resorts and more about dramatic cliffs, Atlantic skies and a slower pace of life. The Atlantic weather can change quickly here, bringing big skies, shifting light and dramatic seas that make this stretch of coastline so special, something walkers, artists and photographers have long been drawn to.

The large inglenook fireplace takes centre stage in the cosy open-plan living space. Small but perfectly formed, it’s furnished with comfort and relaxation in mind. There’s a two-seater sofa to sink into after a day exploring the coast path and nearby beaches, and an armchair in the window where you can enjoy the evening sunlight.

The kitchen is open-plan to the living space and well equipped for cooking during your stay. Finished to a high standard, it includes an induction hob, electric oven, microwave, integrated under-counter fridge with freezer compartment and a slimline integrated dishwasher. A small dining table is tucked behind the sofa, perfect for relaxed meals at home.

Upstairs, the boutique-style bedroom features a comfortable king-size bed perfect for slow mornings on holiday. Bedside tables with lamps provide light for late-night reading while a built-in wardrobe offers plenty of space for clothes and luggage. 

The shower room has everything you need to refresh after a day at the beach or walking the coast path. There’s a roomy walk-in rainfall shower with a hand-held attachment, basin and WC. We’ll supply fluffy bath towels just remember to bring your own beach towels.

A lovely private garden offers several places to sit and follow the sunny spots throughout the day. There’s a bistro table and chairs for your essential morning cuppa along with a pair of wooden Adirondack chairs for relaxing with a good book.

There’s also an elevated west-facing spot where you can end the day watching the sun dip into the Atlantic behind Wheal Owles.

Thimble Cottage is available for short breaks for a minimum of three nights with flexible changeover days. Do check with us if your dates don't quite fit as we will always try to help.

• PARKING: There is a private parking space for one car outside the cottage.
• WI-FI: Super fast (Up to 61MB) broadband means you can stay connected. There is also phone reception and 4G at the house, a couple of bedside USB sockets and one in the kitchen.
• HEATING: There are electric radiators throughout as well as a wood burner to keep you toasty.
• PETS: One well-behaved dog is welcome at £35 per week/short break. Far West Cornwall is doggie heaven! There are plenty of beaches and coast paths to explore.  Unless explicitly stated gardens are unlikely to be fully enclosed so if your four legged friend is an escape artist do check before booking. Please make sure they stay out of the bedroom and off the furniture and rub down muddy/sandy feet before they enter and ensure you clean up after them to avoid charges.

• PET ALLERGIES: This is a dog friendly property in a rural location and unlikely to be suitable if you suffer pet allergies.
• OTHER ALLERGIES: If you or any member of the party suffer any kind of allergy (such as dust or food) please let us know before booking so we can advise both the suitability of the property and what feasible measures are possible to mitigate the issue such as adapting any welcome pack contents. 
• LINEN & TOWELS: You'll have bedding & towels but please bring your own beach towels.
• ACCESSIBILITY: Typical of Cornish Cottages, Thimble Cottage has steep internal stairs leading up to the bedroom so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. If in doubt do ask before booking.
• This cottage is not wheelchair friendly and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. If this applies, please contact our booking office to discuss the property's potential suitability prior to confirming.
• CHANGEOVER DAY: Changeover days are flexible (no Sunday arrivals). Do check with us if your dates don't quite fit as we will always try to help.
• PROPERTY IMAGES AND DESCRIPTIONS: From time to time minor upgrades and improvements and changes to furnishings at The property may mean it varies slightly from the images and descriptions on the Website.
• MAP LOCATION: Although very close the map marker's location is approximate to the property. Do let us know if you need more specific details.

Always read the descriptions and more information fully before booking to make sure the property is a right fit for you. We are here to help and can answer most questions as we know the property well.

“Beautifully designed and appointed cottage with a well-equipped kitchen great for rotating meals in and visits to the pub next door. Not the coastal view we wanted but can reach stunning coastline within 10 minutes. Yard isn’t fully fenced for a dog but enough of a barrier that a well-trained dog won’t wander. Great option to give yourself a foothold in the best part of Cornwall.”

Matt – December 2025

"Our stay here was perfect. Easy to find, great location and the the property had everything we needed for our stay to make us feel right at home."

Laurent - September 2025

“Thimble Cottage was small but perfectly formed! The interior decor was superb and a there was a stunning kitchen with everything needed. The bedroom suite was just out of a scandi decor magazine. A truly restful and delightful stay.”

Claire – August 2025 

“We had a wonderful time at Thimble Cottage. The house is absolutely perfect. Small and cozy with everything you need and nothing you don’t. The location couldn’t be better- right near the path and just down the road from the Queen’s Arms, which is a lovely pub with really good food. The garden was especially lovely. We will be back!”

Maia – June 2025 

“My husband, myself and our dog had a fantastic holiday staying at Thimble Cottage. The cottage is beautiful with all the amenities we needed for a relaxing stay. Its location is perfect for local walks and exploring and there is a lovely pub two doors down with extremely friendly staff and good food. Places like St Ives were just a short drive away. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring such a beautiful part of Cornwall and would happily stay here again.”

Saffron – May 2025