Upper Chandlers Cottage

Just when you think you've seen every kind of holiday cottage, up pops one with a terrace cut out of the roof and shared between two glamorous bedrooms in the eaves. Upper Chandlers Cottage is full of surprises like that, not least the clever contemporary makeover that's turned a traditional cottage in picturesque Mousehole into the sort of luxury, designer holiday home that graces style magazines. It's stunning in every aspect, from the stripped floor and bare white walls of the open-plan lounge to the two bedrooms on the upper floor that open on to a bijou terrace with rooftop views that's just begging for a sundowner drink. There's even a third bedroom on the ground floor, and two separate bathrooms – one with double, his-and-hers shower heads – so the cottage would suit a family or couples looking for a seaside house with a difference.

Decor throughout is contemporary coastal, so it's light and white, with plenty of wood flooring and exposed beams. A wood-burner in the lounge keeps things toasty in the off-season. There's a well-equipped kitchen-dining area, with the same thought gone into the classy facilities and appliances – so you'll find a Nespresso machine and American-style fridge-freezer, plus Bose speaker system and smart TV with Netflix. You definitely don't feel like you're missing out on home comforts. The only drawbacks are no private parking and no other outdoor space, but these are minor quibbles with a stylish, roomy interior that looks this good.

Views from the windows are over rooftops and down to the harbour, and because you're bang in the middle of things, it's the work of a few minutes to stroll down, check out the fishing boats, grab a crab sandwich or a drink in the pub. Mousehole – 'Mowzul', if you want to pronounce it like a local! – is a true one-off, a charming, historic fishing village that's well used to tourists but somehow still doesn't feel overwhelmed. It's only three miles to Penzance if you fancy a bigger town – you can walk there along the coast path – or jump in the car for fantastic nearby beaches, including Lamorna and Porthcurno. Back at the cottage, when it's drink o'clock, it's time to climb the stairs to bed and sit out on that one-of-a-kind terrace overlooking a one-of-a-kind village.