We had been talking about buying a holiday home abroad for years but never managed to find the time to really look at all of the potential locations.

In May 2004 we took a short break to Mousehole with the kids and after just a few days we felt so at home we said ‘Why are we looking abroad when we have found Mousehole and Cornwall?’

When we decided to take the plunge and look for a home in Mousehole we had very specific requirements. We wanted somewhere that was cosy enough for 2 and yet with enough accommodation for our two boys and their friends, all of whom, we were assured, would want to join them! We wanted all of the traditional cottage features but with modern accommodation and facilities, close to the harbour and with a view to the sea. To much to ask? Almost but then we found 5 Regent Terrace, which we have appropriately re-named Seamore Cottage.

Almost immediately we had enquiries about holiday letting but we decided that as this was to be our home too, we would spend about 6 months re-fitting the cottage to a standard that we, and others, would appreciate.

Seamore Cottage, which has been the home of Mousehole mariners for over 150 years, is about 80 odd paces from the harbour front and there are a number precious parking spaces close by. The cottage was completely rebuilt in 1999 transforming the accommodation but retaining the original features.

I try to go down to Mousehole whenever there is a vacancy and I have fallen in love with waking up in the morning and sitting on the window seat with a cup of tea in the front bedroom and watch the fisherman go out.

Mousehole is simply beautiful and tiny as it’s name suggests. Known as one of the loveliest coastal villages in England it’s granite cottages, with unique slate roofs cluster around the harbour, along narrow streets and cobbled lanes. The pretty harbour, where colourful, bobbing fishing boats glitter in the crystal clear Cornish sunlight, has a safe sandy beach, ideal for kids of all ages enclosed by a granite harbour wall with the smallest of openings onto Mounts Bay.

The village has a couple of handy shops, a post office and newsagents, some fine restaurants and a wonderful pub, The Ship Inn, where a warm welcome, good service and hearty meals are assured to locals and visitors alike. Mousehole is surrounded by a lovely coastline, designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ by the National Trust. There are two more beaches close by, with rock pools that will keep youngsters entertained for hours.