St Tudy, Cornwall£380,000 Freehold

Chapel Road

Thoughtful interiors are complemented by the south-westerly facing garden where wisteria and roses climb

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This charming Grade II-listed two-bedroom cottage is tucked away in the bucolic village of St Tudy, Cornwall. Lovingly restored by the current owners, the interior has been beautifully designed with exposed lime plaster walls and a pared-back colour scheme. These thoughtful interiors are complemented by the south-westerly facing garden, where climbing wisteria and roses climb the cottage’s façade. Nestled near the northern coast of Cornwall, St Tudy is in a wonderful spot, with Padstow nearby and the sea a mere 15-minute drive.

Setting the Scene

The heart of Cornwall is characterised by narrow, winding lanes that suddenly open up to reveal picturesque villages lined with pretty cottages. St Tudy is an enchanting place with a Grade I-listed church and a strong sense of community. Situated in the heart of the village, this charming semi-detached cottage occupies a prime position on Chapel Road. Constructed from the distinctive Cornish granite stone that is emblematic of the region, topped with a rag slate roof, it is believed to date back to the late 18th century. Its symmetrical façade, balanced by sash windows, is covered with a pretty climbing wisteria. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

A series of stone paving slabs gracefully leads through the garden to the front door. Stepping inside, the sitting room is on the left, where a muted yet inviting colour scheme has been adopted. During the restoration process, the current owners revealed the original lime plaster walls. One of the walls has been left exposed, while the others have been painted in a gentle beige hue by Bauwerk, creating a perfect backdrop for the white-painted timber-beamed ceiling. A new wood burner takes centre stage in the fireplace, flanked by open shelving on either side of the flue. Bathed in natural light throughout the day, thanks to the bay window, this room becomes a warm and welcoming space on cosy winter evenings.

The kitchen mirrors the aesthetic, with white cabinetry topped with pale wooden work surfaces. A deep butler’s sink and a Rangemaster cooker complete the space.

A flight of stairs with exposed woodwork leads to the first floor. In the main bedroom, elegant floorboards run underfoot, and walls are painted in a biscuity colour by Bauwerk, creating a soothing ambience. Streamlined full-length cabinets add plenty of storage, while a three-quarter-length sash window means the room is exceptionally light and airy. An open archway leads to the second bedroom, currently used as a studio. Cleverly crafted, a single bed doubles as a storage cabinet, typifying the thoughtful design that runs throughout the cottage. Continuing the southern Spanish and Moroccan-inspired feeling that permeates the house, the bathroom has a rainfall shower set behind a plastered tadelakt wall partition, punctuated by brass accents that add a contemporary touch.

The Great Outdoors

The cottage has a charming garden at the front. Dotted with a variety of mature perennials and climbing shrubs, including wisteria, jasmine, and clematis, the garden creates a lush green haven during the summer months, with gracefully arching branches creating architectural interest even in winter. A rose shrub spills generously over the low stone wall, showering the surroundings in a riot of pink blooms that extend well into autumn. The gravel and paved area enclosed within the garden is the perfect spot to set up a table and chairs and soak up the sun from its south-facing aspect.

Out and About

St Tudy is a charming village in the heart of Cornwall, and there is ample to do in the local area. The St Tudy Inn, a 2-minute walk from the house, is loved for its excellent food and chic interior design. Slightly further afield, The Saint Kew Inn comes highly recommended for its tranquil setting and forward-thinking cuisine.

A number of well-known towns and fishing villages are within easy reach. Port Isaac is just a 15-minute drive with its charming harbour that is the setting for Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin-Starred The Fish Kitchen. Port Isaac is also a lovely place to commence a hike along the Coastal Path, passing through Port Gaverne and heading towards the famed Tintagel Castle. Just a 30-minute drive away is the beloved fishing village of Padstow, renowned for the restaurants owned by Rick Stein, such as The Seafood Restaurant and by Paul Ainsworth, such as No.6, in addition to the hip Prawn on the Lawn. Cornwall’s northern coast also has ample options for surfing and sailing. For provisions, the Saint Kew Farm Shop is a short drive away and supplies locally sourced or grown produce.

The nearest town is Bodmin which links to the A30 towards Exeter. From Exeter, there are links to the M5 towards Bristol and the A303 towards London. Exeter is on the train line that leads from London Paddington, and Bodmin Parkway has a smaller train station on the same line.

Council Tax Band: C

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.

History

The village and parish of St Tudy – “Eglostudi” in Cornish – has a rich and captivating history spanning centuries. Evidence dates the earliest habitation in the area to the Iron Age, and the Romans later occupied the area until the Angles and Saxons began invading around 449 AD. This moved Christian Britons westwards into Wales, Cornwall and Brittany. In the 5th and 6th centuries, Celtic missionaries travelled to Cornwall and northern France, establishing Christian churches and monasteries and strengthening the cultural and trade links between the regions.

This period is often called Cornwall’s ‘Age of Saints’, with many Cornish place names reflecting the influence of these ancient Celtic saints. Likewise, the origins of this idyllic village date to the 6th century, when the ancient parish and its church were established and named for Tudinus Tudic, a Welsh monk who established several missionaries along the north and west coasts of Brittany. The parish grew around this religious site, attracting pilgrims and settlers seeking solace and spiritual guidance, including Celtic monks in northern France fleeing Norman invasion. The church was extensively rebuilt by the Normans in a cruciform shape; today it is Grade I-listed.

St Tudy thrived as an agricultural centre throughout the Middle Ages, with farming and livestock playing a crucial role in its economy. The village became renowned for its fertile soil, producing abundant crops and sustaining the local population, although it suffered severe losses as the Black Plague swept through in the mid-1300s. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the village experienced significant growth and transformation due to a mining boom following the discovery of nearby tin and copper deposits. This new wave of industry strengthened St Tudy’s economy, brought in new residents and expanded the village’s infrastructure, although the medieval streetscape remains largely unchanged with the church and the original Celtic burial ground at centre and a ‘spider-web’ of streets and lanes extending outwards.

With the decline of the mining industry in the late 19th century, St Tudy faced economic challenges and largely reverted to its agricultural roots. In the 20th century, however, St Tudy has witnessed a resurgence as a tourist destination; its charm and proximity to Cornwall’s stunning coastline attract visitors from far and wide. Past notable residents include Captain William Bligh, of “Mutiny on the Bounty” fame, who was born in St Tudy in 1754.