The Massey Partnership is delighted to be representing Pengelly Retreat in Cornwall. Pengelly Retreat is a true hidden gem, located in a tranquil and unspoilt rural location between the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Created and run by Ruth and Jim Milligan, alongside their little daughter Aggie, this secret haven is hidden away in five acres of rolling meadows, lakes, and gardens with two very private and exclusive lakeside properties ‘The Boat House’ and ‘The Sail House’.
The Boat House
The Boat House is an architect-designed, self-catering log cabin in Cornwall, enjoying pride of place looking straight down the lake with gorgeous sunrise and sunset views, surrounded by woodlands full of nature. A lovely country retreat near St Ives and Hayle yet surrounded by rural tranquillity, there is oodles of space and privacy all around, including a large private deck area – part of which is cantilevered over the lake itself.
Inside the Boat House, guests will find a comfortable open-plan cosy living space decorated in neutral scandi-inspired tones and colours, complete with cosy log burner and fully equipped kitchen. The large windows bring the outside in and allow light to flood into the cabin, with French doors opening onto the deck on warm days.
The peaceful sleeping space is at the rear of the Boat House complete with plush double bed and ensuite shower room. In addition to the log burner, underfloor heating provides a luxurious touch of warmth underfoot and hot water on demand means guests can warm up after days spent at one of the nearby beaches.
Outside, the Boat House has a neat sun deck with deck chairs, sofa and a coffee table and the most glorious views over the lake. Down a set of wooden stairs to the other side of the luxury lodge, guests will discover a private fire pit, table and chairs in a peaceful garden area by the lake. On a sunny day, you can’t beat time relaxing on the private deck and watching the clouds reflected in the lake or taking the little boat for a row. After a long day exploring, sink into bubble bath in the outdoor tub, looking out over this exquisitely private and serene haven.
The Sail House
The Sail House is at the eastern end of the lake, a luxurious double-yurt for two nestled in the trees, surrounded by water and the peaceful sound of birdsong. A private boardwalk leads across the lake to a private pontoon and sun deck which is the most incredible spot for watching the sunrises and sunsets over the water. Here guests can also take a wild swim and then jump into the outdoor heated shower to warm up!
A self-catering, dog-friendly yurt, the main area is a spacious 20 foot in diameter and is connected to a smaller en-suite bathroom yurt, complete with luxurious freestanding bathtub. Both yurts are constructed of green waterproofed cotton canvas and beautiful wood to blend in with their gorgeous rural lakeside surroundings.
The Sail House yurts are based on the traditional Central Asian design but are made in Cornwall with some clever adaptations. As well as the hardy waterproof canvas materials, the roofs have a steeper pitch that gives a wonderful light and airy feeling inside and ensures any rainwater runs off efficiently. The added underfloor heating adds a touch of luxurious warmth underfoot in the mornings and evenings and there is a log-burner in the larger yurt too, perfect for keeping the whole space warm and cosy.
The Sail House is decorated in cool tones, natural colours, and materials to reflect the great outdoors just outside the door.
Wild Swimming Both homes have pontoons with steps into the water of the lake, where the water is deep and suitable for the experienced swimmer, but for those looking for something gentler there are wonderfully peaceful spots by the stream ideal for a paddle and to cool off your feet after a woodland walk. Open water swimmers will also love the beautiful beaches close by to Pengelly Retreat, perfect for an ocean plunge.
Catch & Release Fishing Both the largest lake and the second lake beyond it are well stocked with wild brown trout for guests who would like to try their hand. Pengelly has a catch and release policy, and guests are asked to use barbless hooks.
Birdlife The Boat House wood cabin and The Sail House Cornish yurt both overlook the largest lake which is a magnificent 100 metre stretch of water flanked by reeds and bullrushes with a mysterious wild little island in the middle. Moorhen, ducks, and wild geese nest here, and guests can also spot a grey heron and sometimes even the bright blue and orange flash of a kingfisher.
Wildlife The stream that forms the border also feeds two large lakes, a set of ponds and smaller streams that run across the land. This lush riverine habitat is home to gorgeous Cornish wildflowers and trees, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. There are always animal tracks and clues around, and they have a night-time wildlife camera they station in the forest / far meadow which has captured badger, fox, deer, and stoats.
Yoga The serenity of Pengelly Retreat is ideal for those looking to practise yoga. Whilst guests are welcome to lay down their mats anywhere, one of the best outside yoga and meditation spots is on the deck overlooking the lake with the sound of the water all around.
Guests can book a private yoga session tailored to them with experienced Yoga Teacher and Homeopath, Kim Hopkins. Kim teaches yoga at all levels, she specializes in introducing people to yoga, encouraging those returning to yoga or working with them on areas they may wish to focus on.
Spa Guests can also enjoy luxurious treatments in the comfort of their lakeside accommodation or in the serene surroundings of the stream-side tipi at Pengelly Retreat. There’s a range of holistic, spa and beauty treatments to choose from including aromatherapy, hot stone massage, reflexology and a relaxing couples massage with two therapists.
Weddings and Retreats Pengelly Retreat is also a unique and magical venue for romantic celebrant-led weddings and elopements with up to 10 guests. Perfect for couples seeking somewhere private and peaceful surrounded by nature and the peaceful sounds of water. On occasion, the whole of Pengelly Retreat including land and lakes is also available to hire for small yoga or holistic retreats with accommodation in the lakeside properties and the 4-bedroom Mill House on-site.
Pengelly Retreat is the ultimate place to relax and recentre, somewhere to recharge and reboot surrounded by the beautiful Cornish countryside. Enjoy the simple pleasures of star gazing, slipping into the lake for swim, wandering through the woodlands or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings that cocoon these wonderful waterside properties.