One of the most unusual places to stay in Cornwall - The Count House & Smithy riverside retreats for two

Two unique romantic retreats in a tin mine on The Tamar

Hidden in 16 acres of woodland, just upstream from the village of Calstock in Cornwall, you'll find the ivy-clad ruins of Okel Tor Mine. In its heyday a thriving tin, copper, lead and arsenic mine - today a Scheduled Ancient Monument, a National Landscape (AONB), a haven for wildlife and the location of our two romantic retreats.

The award-winning Grade II listed Count House and Smithy nestle amongst oak and beech trees but have stunning panoramic views across the River Tamar to the rolling Devon hills the other side.

Somewhere special for a romantic break or honeymoon

Each cottage has been carefully restored, tastefully decorated and fitted with a log burning stove to create a comfortable and cosy retreat for one or two people, perfect for the solo traveller looking to holiday alone, or a couple seeking a romantic break in Cornwall, a honeymoon or just an escape from the hurly-burly of modern life. You might consider celebrating your tin anniversary here (tenth), or even your seventh, which is copper. Maybe you'll hire both cottages and visit with family or friends, enjoy time together yet have the privacy of your own place to retire to.

Explore the woodland paths, experience the tranquillity, discover the flora, fauna and archaeological remains, perhaps sketch or paint, or simply relax with a book.

Okel Tor Mine is somewhere different and without doubt one of the most unusual places to stay in Cornwall.

Antiquity and archaeology in abundance 

Okel Tor Mine lies in the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. As well as exploring our own mine workings and buildings, walk or cycle the Tamar Trails around the Devon Great Consols mine, or take the mine train underground at Morwellham Quay.

National Trust properties are always popular with guests. Cotehele House can be reached by a pleasant walk along the river, while Buckland Abbey, Anthony and Lanhydrock are all nearby. The Tavistock Guildhall Heritage Centre is also well worth a visit.

Great walking

A short walk right from your cottage door takes you through the old mine workings and back along the river, while a stroll into Calstock follows the wetlands wildlife reserve. The Tamara Way coast-to-coast path passes right through Okel Tor Mine and the spectacular views from Kit Hill are nearby too. Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor are less than 30 minutes’ drive and lovely Cornish beaches not much further. 

Dogs are welcome

It’s a doggy heaven here - lots of great walks right from the door, a river to swim in plus dog-friendly pubs and cafés.   

Our ethics, commitment to the environment and sustainable tourism

We have a simple goal - to not only become carbon neutral but carbon negative by 2030 (a key target date set by the IPCC). Already our electricity, boiler and wood supplies are net zero and, by encouraging the natural seeding of native trees, we're set to go beyond this.

Great care has been taken in furnishing our cosy cottages as ethically as possible to minimise their impact on the environment and ensure they're vegan-friendly. All the products we use and our welcome treats (for humans & dogs!) are Fairtrade or non-exploitative. Our suppliers use containers that can be returned and reused and other packaging is either recyclable or compostable. Further information can be found on our Ethics & Eco-credentials page.

For those who chose not to drive you can travel to Okel Tor Mine by train on the scenic Tamar Valley branch line - the station is less than a mile away. There are several attractions within walking distance and a good bus service for exploring further afield. To discover more of the Tamar Valley by river you can hire a canoe or stand up paddle board - maybe take a trip boat to Plymouth. Find further information about the local area here and here.