The Ark

• Sleeps: 12
• Bedrooms: 8
• Bathrooms: 4 showers/5 WCs
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Moored just a few miles from Whitsand Bay on the south coast of Cornwall, The Ark is a luxurious, dog-friendly houseboat that sleeps up to 12 guests… ideal for that long-awaited family reunion or fun break with friends!

There’s a sublime feeling of grandeur from the moment you arrive (indeed, who hasn’t wanted to invite their favourite people for a holiday on their swish private boat?). Flipper, The Ark’s striking dolphin figurehead, welcomes you aboard, to be greeted by clean-lined, maritime-inspired décor throughout.

Accommodation is cleverly and conveniently divided in two self-contained halves, so everyone gets their own space to luxuriate in. Ideal for a small family, The Captain’s Quarters sleeps up to four guests, complete with vintage posters, fun props (including captain’s hats for the little ones) and nautical antiques, to set the scene for a majestic voyage!

There’s a top-deck viewing platform for watching boats drift along the water, and out to the hills beyond – use the binoculars provided for a closer look. Back inside, there’s a lounge-worthy living space with a TV for movie nights in, along with a well-equipped kitchenette and a shower room.

The Crew’s Quarters sleep up to nine guests, with four comfy singles, a plush double with a velvety sofa, and The First Mate’s Cabin upstairs, with a raised double bed and a porthole that overlooks the beach.

Here you’ll also find a laundry room, three showers and two toilets, and a glorious, harbour-overlooking dining space that’s perfect for savouring feasts whipped up in the generous kitchen. There’s a breakfast bar, too, for lazy mornings spent chatting over coffee.

Favourite sleeping space claimed, it’s time to explore the rest of The Ark! Downstairs awaits a magnificent studio space, equipped with a sofa and large TV, a pool table, and yoga mats, for endlessly versatile ways to spend that precious holiday time.

At a glance

• A unique and luxurious houseboat for up to 12 guests, beautifully moored on the south coast of Cornwall close to the Rame Peninsula and Whitsand Bay.
• The boat is dog-friendly.
• Accommodation is divided into two self-contained living spaces:
  • The Captain’s Quarters (4 guests): bunk room and double room.
  • The Crew’s Quarters (9 guests): 4 single rooms and 2 double rooms.
• Each space has its own kitchen and bathroom facilities, for the ultimate in convenience.
• Relax together in the studio, with yoga mats, a pool table, and a TV, or out on the generous two-storey decking.
• Kayaks and paddleboards are provided for exploring the water, and there is a wealth of places to visit close by, including Mount Edgcumbe, the villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, and catching the ferry to Plymouth.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Large Groups
• Seaside Breaks

More information

The ample dual-level decking, meanwhile, is a joy to relax on, with shimmering water-and-hill views, loungers, a giant bean bag, scenic dining spaces… and an egg chair made especially for curling up with a good book.

Rather get up close and personal with the water? With kayaks and paddleboards gainfully provided, you can explore these incredible surroundings any way you like, and completely at your leisure. Along with the dog-friendly beach at Whitsand Bay, the Rame Peninsula is a mere pebble-skim away, while if you prefer life as a landlubber, Mount Edgcumbe and the National Trust’s Antony House are each a short drive away (oh, and there’s a pub in easy strolling distance, too).

With so much to see, do, and experience, a stay aboard The Ark is one that bears repeating, so be warned: you may have to think of more excuses to get the whole gang together again… and again!

Things to note

Up to two dogs are welcome aboard. A public car park is available.