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22 best Airbnbs in Cornwall and Devon for seaside breaks and countryside retreats
From harbourside boltholes to sprawling country pads, these are the ones we're booking
The best Airbnbs in Cornwall and Devon are the perfect setting for a trip away, whether you're booking a romantic break, a coastal getaway for a big birthday with friends, or want to check out some of the amazing food in the area on a solo trip.
The region is home to stunning sandy beaches, miles of rolling countryside and some of the best seafood restaurants in the country – plus, the weather's usually better in the south west, too!
If you're thinking of a self-catering escape in a cosy cottage, modern apartment or converted barn, you'll love our pick of fabulous Airbnbs below. We've also found large pads surrounded by acres of fields that are perfect for big families or groups of friends to spend quality time together. And there are some adorable boltholes overlooking the sea that couples will love, plus a unique converted chapel in Devon.
Airbnb now does experiences and services too, so if you want to add a personal chef to your booking while you're away, or book a massage as part of your zen retreat, it's incredibly easy. We've added some suggestions below to help you make the most of your break.
Note that prices will vary depending on when you want to stay.
Falmouth, Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
Honey Cottage sounds like something straight out of a Richard Curtis rom com and this airy townhouse is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. The living room comes with sea views, overlooking Flushing and St Mawes and both the beach and the shops are only a brief stroll away.
Want to explore? Book yourself onto a walking tour, where you'll spend 90 minutes learning about the area's history from one of the personable hosts.
Sleeps: 2
Price per night: £175
Why we love it: The stylish decor and coastal contemporary feel of this townhouse make it a gorgeous spot to take in the sea air.
Poltimore, East Devon – Airbnb Devon
This Devon Airbnb offers all the peace and tranquillity you'd want from a country retreat. A converted shipping container in the village of Poltimore, just a few miles from Exeter, this quirky holiday rental is set in an attractive meadow with views of rolling countryside.
Inside, it's stylish and cosy, with bespoke pine-topped stools, handmade reading chairs and board games. The kitchen is pretty fancy too.
Sleeps: 4
Price per night: £210
Why we love it: The quirky Airbnb is super snug. After a long country walk, you can fire up the log burner, pour a glass of wine and relax in the cosy living space.
Mousehole, West Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
For a beach cottage that offers the seaside vibes and coastal decor with elegance worthy of the rooftops of Paris, this chic Airbnb in Cornwall provides all the glamour for a family staycation or break away with friends.
Its location in the heart of picturesque Mousehole is simply fabulous and you can make the most of being right on the harbour front. The interiors are luxurious, with three stylish bedrooms, two of which have access to the scenic roof terrace.
Sleeps: 6
Price per night: £421
Why we love it: The Cornish coast meets Paris rooftop vibe - it's our kind of beach cottage.
Ilfracombe, North Devon – Airbnb Devon
Just a stroll from Ilfracombe's galleries, the Michelin-starred restaurant The Antidote and coffee shops, this Airbnb in Devon is all about the balcony views from the cosy living room. The penthouse was once an old Victorian shop and has been renovated to provide a homely pad that's bright and modern.
There are harbour views from the dining room too and little luxuries include the rain shower, king-sized bed and breakfast bar.
Sleeps: 2
Price per night: £130
Why we love it: The cosy yet modern feel that makes it a lovely spot for couples to spend a weekend by the sea.
Padstow, North Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
We're obsessed with Plum Cottage. The grade II listed property is close to Rick Stein's celebrated seafood restaurant and other award-winning dining spots, but that's if you can tear yourself away from the fabulous interiors. The work of HAM Interiors, they celebrate local craftsmanship but have all those important modern essentials, including a top-of-the-range coffee machine. You can expect scones, cream and jam on arrival.
If you want to explore the local area, Airbnb experiences include an afternoon walking the Saints' Way with a local writer. You'll start in Little Petherick (a bus ride away) and finish back in Padstow.
Sleeps: 4
Price per night: £369 (2-night stay minimum)
Why we love it: The beautiful interiors that are worth the trip alone and the fabulous food scene in Padstow.
Bodmin, Mid Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
Looking for a large pad to host a big group? Whether it's family or friends, this remote Airbnb in Cornwall is a dream. The detached holiday cottage is as beautiful inside as it is from the outside, with an attractive farmhouse-style kitchen, cosy living room and sumptuous bedrooms.
There are plenty of luxuries too – the Aga, wood-fired hot tub, and games room to name but a few. This is the country Airbnb of dreams! With the rural setting and location close to Cornwall's beaches and towns, this country cottage is one to add to your wish list. The town of Bodmin is a 10-minute drive away.
Sleeps: 12
Price per night: £850
Why we love it: There's everything you need for a large group – all the space, the entertainment and plenty of character to impress.
Dartmouth, South Devon – Airbnb Devon
Architecture and design buffs, this one's for you. A fantastic base for walkers, beachgoers and active visitors, this Airbnb in Devon is sleek, retro and a spot that arty types will love.
Highlights are the red-tiled bathroom with sunken bath, a Scandi style bedroom with yellow bunkbeds, a stylish fireplace and a dinghy and life vests available if you fancy rowing pretty Warfleet Creek.
Sleeps: 4
Price per night: £89
Why we love it: The thoughtful touches: all the kit for getting active on the water, the River Dart view you can take in from the terrace, Netflix for when you want to rest.
Bude, North Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
This grade II cottage has everything you need for a cosy trip away, including that all-important log burner, traditional wooden beams throughout and slate floors (so take your slippers). It's set in beautiful Bude and all the beaches and coastal walks are right on your doorstep.
If you want to try out surfing or paddleboarding, there's also a handy outbuilding with laundry facilities where you can hang your wetsuit.
And if you don't fancy cooking, you can arrange for a private chef to come and make a delicious three-course meal for you using local ingredients, courtesy of Airbnb Services. Chef Kate owns her own catering business and has trained in Michelin-starred restaurants.
Sleeps: 4
Price per night: £146 (note, it's a four-night minimum stay)
Why we love it: This is a lovely base for a family to explore this beautiful area by the sea.
Axminster, East Devon – Airbnb Devon
Nestled deep in the Devonshire countryside is this converted barn that's perfect for romance. The picturesque retreat is a spot you're guaranteed to fall in love with.
It's Grade II listed and believed to have been built over 500 years ago during the reign of Henry VIII, but all has been modernised to create a cute love nest for two. You can just as easily spend a winter's break holed up inside as a summer staycation, with seven glorious acres and wildflower meadows to explore. Warning, book early to avoid disappointment.
Sleeps: 2
Price per night: £129
Why we love it: The history and character - and the beautiful surrounding land, which guests are free to explore.
Winnow, Watergate Bay, Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
This four-bedroom, eight bed property featured in the final of series 3 of Interior Design Masters (yes, that's why it looks familiar) and was given an eco-friendly makeover by winner, Banjo Beale. Beale set out to create “a little ray of sunshine” with his design, so expect an indoors/outdoors feel, open spaces and generous decks with views of the beautiful Cornish countryside.
Sleeps: 10
Price per night: £623 (3-night minimum stay)
Why we love it: This is the ultimate in luxe eco living and the place to visit if you want some interiors inspo.
Launceston, South East Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
Want a Cornwall Airbnb with a hot tub? Check out this cottage in Launceston, on the edge of Bodmin Moor. It's a lovely peaceful location with all the essentials for a romantic break.
There's an International Dark Sky Reserve for stargazing, a private wood-fired hot tub, sauna and outdoor shower, plus all the seclusion you need to feel a world away from the stresses of daily life.
Sleeps: 2
Price per night: £200
Why we love it: The relaxing facilities and rural location. If you want to get away from it all, this could be the Airbnb for you.
Braunton, North Devon – Airbnb Devon
Set in surfers' village Braunton, this beautiful bungalow Airbnb in Devon offers Californian-inspired coastal chic at its best. You'll feel like you're at the seaside before you even hit the beach thanks to the light and airy interiors with a stylish Cali-cool vibe.
Think sofas straight out of a beach house you'd find on America's east coast, cream and rust tones throughout, plant life and beach art. The south-facing garden frames a view of sand dunes, while outdoor decking and cooking facilities extend the seaside vibe.
Sleeps: 5
Price per night: £112
Why we love it: There are plenty of peaceful spots to catch some rays while you lose yourself in a good book and listen to the distant waves. Also, the tiled shower is not to be missed.
Crowan, West Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
A former Victorian vicarage, Trenoweth House is packed with character and a fabulous spot for a group getaway. It sits in acres of farmland, where you'll find a mix of woodland, natural swimming lakes and streams. Aside from its rural setting, this pad has been beautifully restored to blend original features with modern essentials.
You'll find large granite walls, open fireplaces and exposed beams intertwined with sleek architecture, including the kitchen with its statement glass ceiling and wood fired pizza oven. The garden views are sensational and there are four-poster beds, roll top baths and a large dining space that would suit birthday celebrations and special occasions.
Sleeps: 14
Price per night: £1404
Why we love it: It's just a short drive from Cornwall's beaches but offers a peaceful retreat in the countryside for special occasions with friends and family. (It would make a lovely wedding venue, too.)
Salcombe, South Devon – Airbnb Devon
This rustic garden cottage is is the perfect retreat. A self-contained mini sanctuary adjoining a main farmhouse, it's set in an organic wildflower garden and is surrounded by uninterrupted views of rolling Devon countryside.
Just a short walk from the centre of picturesque Salcombe, it's a peaceful spot to retire to after a day of exploring. The super-king Vispring bed, ensuite shower room and private terrace make this Airbnb a wonderful home from home. Writer's retreat anyone?
Sleeps: 2
Price per night: £195 (3 night minimum stay)
Why we love it: It's a boutique bolthole in one of the loveliest towns in Devon.
Downderry, South East Cornwall - Airbnb Cornwall
Looking for an Airbnb in Cornwall with an unbeatable sea view? This holiday cottage is billed as having one of the best views on the Cornish letting market and we can well believe it – imagine waking up to this every day. Whether you're having breakfast or watching the sunset, this loft studio is all about that view.
It's located around 200 metres from the beach so when you're not taking it in from a height, you can make the most of long, coastal walks. The perfect couples' retreat, this Airbnb has everything you need for a memorable mini break. Camera at the ready.
Sleeps: 2
Price per night: £123 (3 night minimum)
Why we love it: That view. We could stare at it all day long!
Mutterton, Mid Devon – Airbnb Devon
For a family or friend getaway everyone will remember, this large Airbnb in Devon is a treat. Nestled among 100 acres, you can can watch out for parading ducks in the holiday cottage's idyllic garden, let the children discover a treehouse at the edge of the woods, cook on the massive Aga stove and experience the sprawling family home of all our childhood dreams.
The chic cottage-core decor includes five individually styled bedrooms, with one featuring a four-poster bed. There are also sun loungers in the garden, a games room and croquet on the lawn.
Sleeps: 10
Price per night: £505 (3-night minimum stay)
Why we love it: The kitchen and dining space, with its garden views, Aga and homely atmosphere is the perfect setting for memorable meals.
Carbis Bay, West Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
This characterful three-bedroom cottage is like something out of an interiors magazine, with a chic modern farmhouse aesthetic and a bright, airy feel. It's a great spot for surfers, walkers, swimmers and art lovers, located within walking distance of St Ives and its beautiful bays.
While there's plenty to draw you out and about, there's also enough entertainment inside the cottage itself. There's a games room with a ping pong table, dart board and table football to keep everyone happy whatever the weather.
Sleeps: 5
Price per night: £130 (3-night minimum stay)
Why we love it: The chic farmhouse interiors and games room mean there's something to keep everyone happy.
Holbeton, South Devon – Airbnb Devon
It doesn't get much more 'Devon' than this glorious sea-view hideaway in the South Hams, set in unspoilt countryside within easy reach of gorgeous local beaches and coastal walks. Lovely local villages like Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo are just a 10-minute drive away, too.
Inside this pretty converted barn there's one king size double room and a smaller four-poster double – both are en suite. There's also a a living space with high ceilings, cosy wood burner and a large wall-mounted TV.
Sleeps: 3
Price per night: £147
Why we love it: The incredible views and truly rural feel, combined with cosy interiors.
Rock, North Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
A stone's throw from Rock and the golden sand dunes of Daymer Bay, Polzeath and Pentire Point, this cute chalet is wonderfully located for exploring all that this beloved area of North Cornwall has to offer. It's also just a few minutes' walk from Porthilly beach on the edge of a small, peaceful holiday park.
The chalet is spacious and light, with an open-plan living area and electric fireplace to keep things just as cosy in winter as in summer. Every beach life need has been thought of, with a hosepipe for sandy feet and an outdoor shed to store any water sport equipment. And, there's a beautiful private hot tub and garden for soaking up some rays.
Sleeps: 4
Price per night: £193 (four-night minimum)
Why we love it: The proximity to one of Cornwall's prettiest beaches – and thoughtful touches to make beach life effortless.
Old Kea, South Cornwall – Airbnb Cornwall
A true gem of a Cornwall Airbnb for two, this lovely thatched cottage is tucked away in the grounds of a home on a private estate within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Expect glorious countryside views and complete peace and quiet, with miles of walks from the door around the creeks of the Fal and Truro rivers.
You'll have your own fenced outdoor space and one dog is allowed, so it's a good spot for your four-legged friend. Inside, things are cosy and traditional, with a chic take on classic cottage interiors and a wonderful bedroom up in the eaves.
Sleeps: 2
Price per night: £170 (3-night minimum stay)
Why we love it: You can't beat a traditional thatched roof cottage for a cosy country escape in our book. Especially one that welcomes your best furry friend.
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