In a world where staycations are the new normal for a while, we are more passionate than ever about sharing dog friendly Cornwall with our followers. Recently, we were super lucky to be able to review the gorgeous Old Sunday School – a stunning, modern Airbnb in a Grade II listed building in the quaint village of Harrowbarrow, near Tavistock.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by host Jay, who couldn’t have been more welcoming or informative of the local area. We were given many dog walking options (all off lead for Maisie’s level of crazy) and Jay also explained many of the tech features of the property, including the log burner Sonos system and Sky HD – what more could you ask for for a cosy night in after a day of walking?
The Old Sunday School sleeps 2, is incredibly clean and has a range of features that add to its charm and cosiness. It really felt like a home from home, with everything we could possibly need for an overnight stay.
The property benefits from:
- Parking outside of the building
- Wood burner and logs
- Open plan kitchen/lounge
- Underfloor heating
- Fast reliable fibre WIFI
- 55″ TV with SKY HD and Netflix
- Sonos sound system
- Downstairs WC as well as an en-suite shower room
- Double oven and hob
- Super King Size Bed (Bedding and towels supplied)
- Further TV in bedroom with SKY HD and Netflix
- Dressing table and clothes storage area
- Washing machine and dishwasher
- Outdoor space with stunning views
- Outside tap for muddy dogs
Alongside all of the Old Sunday School’s wonderful features, it was the extra touches that really meant the world to us and demonstrated just how much thought that hosts Lisa and Jay have put in to ensure that all of their guests feel special – both those on two legs and four.
Maisie was greeted with not only a blanket and personalised treats, but also a personalised towel. Now that really is going the extra mile to ensure comfort! This is something that showed us how dog welcoming the Old Sunday School is, not to mention how handy the towel came in for our very windy and wet woodland walks. And for us? A bottle of Prosecco, gorgeous tasty treats from the local Louis Tea Rooms and eggs freshly laid by Jay and Lisa’s own chickens. Moreover, the Old Sunday School is packed with cosy blankets, wood for the log burner and many books and board games – we were totally set for our stay. Feeling unbelievably overwhelmed by these touches, we already knew we’d be coming back to stay here again in the future.
Upon Jay’s recommendation, we headed to Luckett Woods, a mere 5 minute drive from the accommodation. The woods run alongside the River Tamar with stunning views. Stopping to read the signs, we discovered that this woodland is used for Butterfly monitoring, home to over 20 species of butterfly.
We then headed to The Tamar Trails , a huge expanse of varied walking trails that stretch alongside the Tamar with views across the Tamar Valley. We were overwhelmed at the expanse of woodland with many trails to choose from, most being dog friendly. By day, the trails are also host to a whole number of family activities, including canoeing, biking and tree surfing. We would love to return in the summer to get involved, but due to the weather and the darker evenings, we were super happy to explore on foot, letting Maisie take the lead on choosing a direction. It is safe to say she loved racing around the woods! With more time, we would have liked to have explored more dog friendly walks nearby, including Whitsand Bay and Rame Head.
When returning to the Old Sunday School, suitably soggy from this typical Cornish Autumnal weather, Maisie was hosed off (she was so muddy she was nearly entirely brown!) and snuggled in her drying coat for an evening of films, games and food. After lighting the log burner, the entire space felt super cosy and warm and we couldn’t have been more comfortable as we perused the many film and TV options. Of course we also had to make time for a game of Dog Bingo (two veterinary nurses couldn’t ask for more) that was provided. Great fun!
Getting a good nights sleep really isn’t difficult in the most comfortable super king sized bed of dreams. I love the decor of the bedroom and it’s so easy to see how well it has been thought out – plenty of storage space with the dressing table being a beautiful feature and perfect to set up all of your toiletries if you are staying for a few nights. The glass overlooking the downstairs area makes the bedroom feel super light and airy and the en-suite shower room is perfect.
The following morning, we enjoyed our breakfast and a slow morning, overlooking the fields at the back of the property from their outside area. We were then lucky enough to be invited by Jay to feed their animals. With pigs, goats, ponies and chickens, I could not have been happier heading up to learn about how Jay and Lisa have rescued their animals and see how well cared for they all are, keeping them super busy during lockdown. Animal meetings is not offered as part of the stay, however upon request it can be arranged. For me, it was the icing on top of the cake, gaining a real sense of the community of Harrowbarrow – the locals all walked past and said hello, a local company had provided their offcuts of fruit for the pigs – and it was clear to see how much of a wonderful atmosphere there is here.
On our way home, after checking out, we ventured to Cothele, a National Trust House and Gardens. Whilst the house itself and its immediate grounds are not dog friendly, Cothele boasts a huge woodland, quay, gallery, cafe and restaurant are and it really is a space steeped in history and beauty.
All in all, it is safe to say that I didn’t want our stay at the Old Sunday school to come to an end. A stunning, well-thought out, extremely comfortable and cosy, contemporary space that caters for both human and hound. It felt like a little slice of luxury for a night and was all I needed to reset ahead of heading back to the hustle and bustle of normal day to day life. We will most definitely return, hopefully in the summer months, but in the mean time, we couldn’t think of anything better than advising you to take yourself on a staycation to the Old Sunday School and getting your own slice of luxury.
Spaniel Adventures 