This is an unpaid post for Dreamcatchers at St Mawes Retreats but all thoughts, words and images — as ever — are entirely my own.
Many thanks to Amanda and the team at St Mawes Retreats for generously allowing us to come and stay and sample the delights of Dreamcatchers for the purposes of this review; and looking after us so beautifully.
If you were following my Instagram or Facebook page over the last week or so you’d see that we’d made the journey down to Cornwall, to celebrate our wedding anniversary at Dreamcatchers at St Mawes Retreats.
St Mawes is in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and Dreamcatchers is, arguably, one of the most beautiful houses too.
The winding little lanes leading up to the front gate are so narrow, that we mistook the road that Dreamcatchers sits on for a pathway at first.
White rendered walls screen the property — which nestles on a hillside overlooking the estuary — and the unassuming exterior doesn’t give anything away at all.
Quick View of What You'll Find on This Page
A Beautiful Home
Zig zag down a meandering path to the front door, which still gives no clue to what’s inside.
But put the key in the lock and push it open and you’re greeted by the most spectacular view; both outside the windows and inside the house.
For an interiors addict, like me, Dreamcatchers is a joy.
A white glass topped Calligaris table, surrounded by Kartell Ghost Chairs. Quirky, handmade artwork dotted around the walls and a La Volières bird cage lamp (that I’ve coveted for years) perched happily on a Conran side table.
The attention to detail is fabulous.
The house has been beautifully kitted out in punchy florals and bright Designer’s Guild-esque fabrics and even on the greyest winter day, Dreamcatchers feels like summer.
Sweetdreams at Dreamcatchers at St Mawes Retreats
Two of the five bedrooms have bathtubs with gorgeous ambient lighting — and separate waterfall showers — in the room, which feels so luxurious.
And the little twin room, that the boys stayed in, even had a TV in the ensuite bathroom.
Bathtime with CBeebies was the highlight of their stay at Dreamcatchers.
The upside down house
The layout at Dreamcatchers is topsy-turvy. The bedrooms are downstairs and the sitting room — and giant open plan living kitchen — are at the top of the house. But the breathtaking views are visible from both floors.
Sitting in a hot bubble bath, looking out over the estuary, and sipping a glass of something fizzy was the loveliest experience.
St Mawes Retreats offer the most fabulous places to getaway from real life for a little while.
Cream Teas and Cloudbursts
We went for our anniversary and although February is perhaps not the first month that would spring to mind for a Cornish weekend away, it was perfect.
It’s the loveliest place to stay for a celebration.
The concierge had kindly left us some flowers and an anniversary card. Not to mention a bottle of Prosecco, scones, jam and clotted cream.
It’s thoughtful touches like that that really make a place stick in your memory, isn’t it?
On days when gales were howling around the coastline, we cosied up inside and made the most of our beautiful home from home.
Tucking into a Cornish cream tea indoors was the perfect antidote to the storm that raged on outside.
There are some places that really suit squally weather conditions; Wales, the Lake District — and most definitely Cornwall.
The views outside the huge bank of windows were epic. Watching the sea churning and swirling beneath us, like a giant washing machine, was thrilling and awe-inspiring.
On those days I was so happy to be inside, in the cosy confines of Dreamcatchers at St Mawes Retreats.
Time To Explore
And on the finer days, we wrapped up warm and went out exploring.
Cornwall is so beautiful. Picture perfect in every way.
On our last day the weather was glorious. Blue, blue skies and calm seas; so we took the little ferry from St Mawes to Falmouth.
Dreams and wishes
I’d love to go back and experience Dreamcatchers in the summer months.
I can’t — for a minute — believe that it could be any more beautiful than it was in the first week of February this year. But it would be lovely to compare and contrast.
Dreamcatchers at St Mawes Retreats is so aptly named.
Those fresh, Cornish sea breezes certainly blow roses into your cheeks and make you sleep very soundly.
A house of dreams in every sense.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
Wow! It looks so idyllic Caro! It’s been on my radar for a while now but you’ve just made me want to go more! Xx
It exceeded expectations Steph — I would highly, highly recommend it. Particularly if you have a large group and could share the cost. I guess it could be expensive for a couple but would be really reasonable for a group to take over the property. We’re trying to work out when we can go back! We have two 60th birthdays in our family this year but trying to organise a party for 17 in August is working out a little bit of a headache!! LOL!!
Sounds absolutely wonderful Caro. I loved seeing your photos on Instagram. It really does look more like summer than February down there.
Gosh, it really was wonderful. For so many different reasons — the weather was crazy; literally 4 seasons in one day!!
I’ve been on the lookout for this post since seeing your pics on Instagram, all I can say is ‘wow!’ The interior design in the house and the attention to detail is simply gorgeous and so luxurious! Definitely not your average holiday home. And what beautiful location and views to top it off! x
It really was fabulous — I’ve got another post coming up with our amazing anniversary meal. A chef came to the house to cook for us — it was the most spoiling experience ever!! :)
My goodness, what a beautiful place and a beautiful review. I felt like I was there with you! We adore Cornwall and this place just looks amazing!
Thanks lovely — it definitely exceeded expectations!! Just for the view alone! Absolutely priceless!!
Such a beautiful house and special way to celebrate your wedding anniversary. One of my favourite part of staying at cottages or houses on holiday in England is the chance to stay in beautifully decorate home that is not filled with endless toys. I love the bright and cheerful interior and the bathtubs are so dreamy. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.
It’s gorgeous isn’t it? The lack of toys was a DEFINITE bonus!!!!! xx
Your piccies on Insta looked so fabulous and reminded me of our Cornish holiday back in September as we stayed just up the road from St Mawes. It’s such a beautiful part of the world isn’t it? Dreamcatchers looks stunning and the perfect place to get away from it all Xx
I can’t wait to go back to Cornwall in May and explore even more — it’s such a beautiful corner of Britain. We’re so lucky aren’t we? :)
Wow what a completely amazing retreat! I love the way they’ve decorated the space – its a bonus that the location is also stunning! Thanks for sharing – might have to nudge my other half in the direction of this place for our next holiday! :) Philippa x
It’s TOTALLY amazing!! You’d love it. Would highly recommend for a holiday :)
wow that is stunning, Cornwall is my favourite place in the world. x
It’s gorgeous isn’t it? And me too! I’d move there in a heartbeat!
I love St Mawes, it’s so beautiful – as is Cornwall. And this looks a gorgeous place – and congrats – I might have noticed you’d been there… ;) Thanks for hosting #HomeEtc xx
Oh me too Steph!! I’d never been to St Mawes before — I literally didn’t want to leave!!! xx
Ahhh, it looks so glorious! I can totally see why they’d make the house topsy-turvy – those views are amazing. x #HomeEtc
They really are, aren’t they? You would literally never get bored of looking out of the window!! xx