In The Area
Blanches lies at the heart of a ten mile stretch of unspoilt coastline within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The spectacular valley below the house, along with the pristine cliffs and beaches between Polruan to the West and Polperro to the East, are Sites of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare butterflies and plants. You might also see wild horses, deer and birds of prey, including buzzards and peregrine falcons.
Nearby Beaches and Coastline
Secluded beaches and coves dot the coastline within walking distance or a short drive from Blanches. A 15 minute walk down the valley leads to the cove at East Coombe and an extensive area of rock pools at low tide, along with a waterfall filled by the valley stream. Offshore a bell buoy marks Udder Rock, a reef partially visible at low tide.
Lansallos Cove, a 30 minute walk from the house along the South West Coast Path, is a perfect swimming beach with shingle and sand and another waterfall. It can also be reached by walking along the country road above the house and down the smugglers' track from the church. The National Trust describes the circular walk from Blanches to Lansallos Cove as "magnificent with no twentieth century intrusions detracting from the natural splendour of the coast". There is parking beyond the church opposite the National Trust camp site if required.
There are several beaches further west along the coast towards Polruan, including the stunning Lantic Bay, often cited as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the UK. The rugged walk heading east to Polperro is described as "hard but well worth the effort". There's a natural stone arch to look out for and a variety of pubs and restaurants in the town. A quiet coast road to Polperro via Landaviddy provides an easier route.
Local Towns and Villages
Blanches is a ten minute drive via car ferry to the harbour town of Fowey which has a good selection of restaurants and shops. There is also a passenger ferry to Fowey from the village of Polruan. The old fishing and smuggling town of Polperro is a couple of miles east with Looe and its beaches a short distance beyond. Groceries and a good butcher are available five minutes drive away in Pelynt, and there are further shops and restaurants in the old county town of Lostwithiel. More details are in each of the property's house books.
Further afield
Blanches is within easy driving distance of many of Cornwall's attractions.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project offers an inspiring, great fun and environmentally stimulating day out. Built within a former clay pit, its tropical and temperate biomes are spectacular. Eden also boasts England's longest zipwire, running along the entire width of the crater.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
A beautiful and ancient 200 acre estate, Heligan was restored in the 1990s after the chance discovery of a door in the brambles. The gardens include rhododendrons and camellias, a series of lakes, productive flower and vegetable gardens and a wild area filled with enormous tree ferns and palm trees.
Lanhydrock House
Lanhydrock House is an impressive historic house built around an inner courtyard, dating back to 1640. There are lovely walks around the 400 acre estate and a new mountain biking trail around the wilder parts of the grounds.
Monkey Sanctuary
The Monkey Sanctuary near Looe is an active rescue centre and a great place to learn about and meet a variety of monkeys, macaques and marmosets.
Camel Valley Vineyard
Camel Valley Vineyard near Bodmin produces award-wining sparkling wine and offers popular tours and wine tastings. You can also access the vineyard directly from the Camel Trail cycle track.
St Michael's Mount
St Michael's Mount is a fairytale castle perched on a steep-sided island off the coast near Penzance, accessed via a cobbled tidal causeway or the "amphicraft" at high tide. The castle features a banqueting hall and armoury, with panoramic sea views and steeply terraced coastal gardens.
