Libertine

Unique Cornish stay bursting with opulence and wonderful facilities

This uniquely opulent property, built in 1603 in the village of Breage (pronounced Breeg) books quickly, and you can see why. It is a very rare find, oozing character and style.

Libertine, previously an old vicarage hall, affords its guests utter privacy, yet is only a 5 minutes’ drive from both delightful Praa Sands and the fabulously photogenic Porthleven. Boho artisan, with a Gothic atmosphere and church artefacts, it is lovingly filled with a wonderful mixture of items gathered from travels around the globe.

If you love the creative aesthetic and beautiful spaces, then Libertine, with its layered fabrics, patterning and eclectic décor, is just right for you.

Downstairs, the sitting room boasts a huge fireplace, a feature believed to be medieval, big enough for a banquet to be prepared in days of old. It features a vast wood burning stove which belts out heat, perfect for winter breaks.

The current owners, themselves artists, bought the property in 2014, to restore it to its former glory. It has taken local craftsmen six years to expose the granite walls and make it an impressive, yet peaceful retreat. Inside feels like an explorer’s home, with its diversely stylish collection of artefacts from around the globe, its very own Bohemia. The house feels lavish, yet very much lived in, with a strong sense of history.

In the dining room, which comfortably seats up to ten at the antique polished walnut dining table, is another authentic period piece, a medieval stone arch. There is also a bar cabinet and a chandelier transporting you to a world of lavish abundance. Meanwhile, the beamed snug has a Romantic large Indian antique opium bed and wood burning fire.

The kitchen, a chef’s dream, is the most modern part of the house, as you might expect, fitted with high spec, streamlined Smeg and Gaggenhau equipment, enough to cater for every need. There is also a boiling hot water tap for instant hot drinks.

Sleeping eight or more, the bedrooms include one super king size, three doubles. Every double bedroom has its own an ensuite bathroom. A freestanding bath is available in the swoonworthy master ensuite, while other bathrooms have showers. The master suite also accommodates Playstation and gym equipment, alongside a large reproduction oil painting, and a bed originally bought by Sean Connery for his wife. Two of the guest rooms have antique beds, one believed to have originally come from the Palace of Versailles.

Of course, with superfast broadband to the property, entertainment is also provided, in the shape of Alexa Echo Dot, a 65-inch curved LED TV with Sky, including movies and sport, Netflix and Amazon Prime, a Sonos ‘surround sound’ home sound system (both indoors and outside), a TV lift in the master suite – and even a good range of perfectly shelved books for more traditional entertainment.

You will also find beautiful gardens, a heated outside pool with jacuzzi area, and a built-in barbecue and fire pit, for fabulous evenings watching the sun go down. With no expense spared, the owners have thought of everything you could possibly need in this bewitchingly exotic property.