Tinker

Two person underground hideaway with wagon rooms & hot tub

In the depths of coastal Cornwall, Tinker joins two enchanting showman’s wagons with a 17th century underground bothy via a secret passageway. The living area and kitchen is housed in the bothy, which links seamlessly with the two wagons that house the bedroom and bathroom. Frequented by honeymooners, this spellbinding sanctuary has everything you need for an idyllic retreat: from your own private two-person hot tub, to a fairy-tale-like meadow garden with sundowner and fire pit.

Like something straight out of Middleearth, Tinker is oozing with magical charm. Every nook and cranny is filled with bespoke artwork, one-off furniture pieces, quirky reclaimed accessories and hand-painted wall murals that create a charming style unique to the property. Starting life as a 17th-century building carved into the hillside, the underground bothy now houses the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area of Tinker. The tailor-made kitchen perfectly blends functionality with rustic character, fully kitted-out with a gas hob and cooker, fridge-freezer, kettle, microwave, toaster, knives, pots, pans and plates – plus a large 18th century Yorkshire sandstone sink with a handmade copper-pipe faucet. In addition, there is a large wooden countertop crafted from an original Jacobean refectory tabletop, providing ample space for putting together those special evening meals. Oh, did we mention you get a small hamper of nibbles on arrival to get you started?

Tinker is wonderfully cosy and warm throughout due to the central heating. However, should you need some extra warmth, in the lounge area there is a fantastic wood burner set in an inglenook, laid with enough wood and kindling for your first few days. There is also a SmartTV and Wi-Fi so, if you want to, you can keep up with what’s going on in the real world while you’re on holiday in a land far, far away.

As you follow the secret passageway out of the bothy, passing alcoves adorned in gypsy décor and faux sheepskins underfoot, you’ll come to the bedroom and bathroom wagons. We know what you might be thinking and don’t worry, you don’t need to go outside to get to your bedroom and bathroom because the wagons are fully built into the passageway. Climbing up into the bedroom wagon on the wooden laddersteps, you’ll emerge into a cocoon of comfort. The wall-to-wall super-king bed is draped in velvet curtains – perfect for shutting out the world and losing yourself in the luxury bedding. Despite being cosy, there’s a full-length mirror, storage space and hangers so you can feel right at home.

The bathroom wagon is a true showstopper, with a freestanding cast iron slipper bath in the centre of the room and a large shower overhead. Enjoy complimentary Duck Island toiletries, Egyptian cotton towels, towelling robes and slippers on us. If that’s not enough, the wagon door fully opens out onto the rolling Cornish hills, so you can enjoy the fresh air while soaking in the tub.

The private outdoor area is where the true magic of Tinker sets in. Completely lose yourself in a mass of bubbles in the two-person, completely private-use hot tub that sits on a wooden deck illuminated with festoon lighting. Or, meander past the outdoor fire pit and down into the wild-flower paddock, where you can stop off to laze on the sunbeds that look out to sea. This little piece of paradise is set in the secluded rolling hills of the Cornish countryside just two miles inland. Sheltered by two-hundred-year-old oak trees, this corner of Cornwall is abundant with wildlife and breathtaking views of surrounding pastures – and on clear days you can even look down the lush green valley and out onto the glistening Atlantic ocean.