The Observatory at Frieda and the Moon

A uniquely romantic, ‘wow-factor'-packed celebration of the universe in an off-grid Cornish hideaway.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Bedroom: 1
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 3 nights

Frieda And The Moon has a vision beautifully captured in the Ted Hughes poem ‘Full Moon and Little Frieda’  – a celebration of life’s small and wondrous moments. The Observatory is all about revelling in nature, beauty, and romance.

You’ll find this unique hideaway for two nestled in a private wooded paddock amongst thirteen acres of a lush, hidden Cornish valley.

Clad in gleaming copper and zinc, and showcasing six stained-glass portholes that each represent a different phase of the moon, your first impression is sure to be one of childlike wonder!

Rich in extravagant comfort and warm colour, the craftsman-built, oak-and brass interior is peppered with indulgent touches, from cosmos-themed books and antiques thoughtfully collected over the years by the friendly owners, to a crackling woodburner and a stunning wallpapered ceiling.

All those essential holiday facilities are covered too, from a bespoke, well-equipped kitchen area with a gas hob, and a window-positioned dining table, to a themed ensuite shower room with a ‘proper’ flushing loo.

But the real gem here has to be the downy kingsize bed, gently crafted from oak, and featuring an intricate engraving that represents the swirling galaxies. Not only is your curtained sleeping space deliciously comfortable, with a luxurious ‘four poster bed’ feel, but you can also enjoy endless views of the heavens from the window above.

(With almost zero light pollution in this little slice of Cornwall, who knows what else you’ll catch sight of in that enormous star-studded sky?)

Keep reading

At a glance

  • An imaginative and lovingly bespoke-crafted couples’ hideaway, privately secluded within a thirteen-acre smallholding in Lanreath, near Looe, Cornwall.
  • The cosmos-themed hideaway is self-contained, with full kitchen facilities and an ensuite shower with flushing toilet. Bedding and towels are provided.
  • There is a private cobbled patio for al fresco dining, and a spa hot tub with massage jets.
  • Bespoke drawing and painting holidays can be arranged, and there is a separate licensed venue on site for small weddings of up to 20 guests (a pop-up campsite with facilities can be provided for guests staying over, and there are plenty of nearby B&Bs).
  • Personalised hampers, including Champagne Breakfast, Prosecco Picnic and Vintage High Tea, can be arranged on request – and kept a surprise for your loved one if preferred!
  • Close to the village of Lanreath (the nearest pub is 2 miles away) with Looe and Polperro accessible in a short drive.

Features

  • Adults Only
  • Hot Tubs
  • Off-Grid

Facilities

Bespoke-crafted, cosmos-themed copper-and-zinc cabin for two. Open plan living space with kitchen, dining and bedroom with skylight. Wood-burner with logs, 2 ring gas hob, fridge and kettle. Double bed (5′). Ensuite shower room with flushing WC and wash-basin. Outside: cobbled patio with lounging chairs, dining table with chairs, chiminea, and cedar wood hot tub with massage jets.

Local Activities

Woodland walks, cycling, market towns, watersports, fishing, cafés, village life, beaches, shopping.

More information

Even more luxury awaits you outside, in the form of a dreamy cobbled patio that’s home to a wood-fired chiminea, an al-fresco dining table and Adirondack chairs…oh, and a cedar wood hot tub complete with spa jets and bubbles! Simply equip yourselves with a glass of something lovely, then sit back and enjoy far-reaching country views across the sheep-dotted valley. It’s the perfect setting for a couple to fall in love all over again.

In fact, you may also fall so headlong in love with Frieda and the Moon, that you dream about getting married here. And with a separate, licensed boutique venue available on site – complete with an exquisite Italianate ceiling and a stained-glass Ocean Window – your dream can come true!

If you’re in the mood to unleash your creative spirit (surely there’s no better backdrop?), you can arrange a bespoke drawing and painting holiday, or simply stroll through the surrounding ancient woodland for divine inspiration. Further afield, there are many famed Cornish delights within easy reach, including Fowey, Lostwithiel, Looe, and Polperro within a short drive. The owners website has a fascinating blog – “The Art Of Small Adventures”, which directs you to a range of “hidden delights” in the local area – the gems that the locals know – which the serendipitous traveller may happen upon. Each is illustrated by Paul, the owner, with the originals on sale in the studio on site, which you are welcome to visit.

But for now, it’s time to well and truly hole yourselves up in this wondrous part of the world. Dine al fresco and carefree, as you look up at that awe-inspiring evening sky, and try to “tempt a first star to a tremor”.

Things to note

Pets are not permitted. No smoking or vaping. Arrive after 4pm, depart before 11am.

Where you'll be staying

Lanreath, Cornwall

What the guests of The Observatory at Frieda and the Moon say

“If possible our stay at Frieda and the Moon was even more magical than our stay a year ago. The Observatory is exquisitely decorated and the location, in such an idyllic setting, is the perfect escape. We would give it 6 stars if we could.”

“The Observatory exceeded our expectations in every aspect. It was the perfect getaway. The hosts Paul and Babs were wonderful. We would highly recommend this place – it is out of this world.”

“We have had the most perfect time. A unique and exceptional experience. The accommodation was spectacular, and we agreed the bed is the most comfortable we have ever experienced. Kind and helpful hosts who left us to it. The surrounding area is beautiful…”

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