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The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
Cottage
COVID secure - thorough cleaning and disinfecting protocol and self check in.
Unusual romantic retreat for 2 people in a Victorian tin & copper mine! - offering peace, tranquility and beautiful elevated views across the River Tamar. Ideal for honeymoons, wedding anniversaries (especially 10th which is 'Tin'!), birthdays or just as a cosy hideaway to get away from it all. You will feel like you are miles away from anywhere, yet the village of Calstock is only a short 10/15 minute walk along the river bank - this quaint Cornish village has two pubs which serve food, a cafe with gluten-free and vegan options, an art gallery, and branch line railway station with regular services to Plymouth. The National Trust's enchanting Cotehele House is also within walking distance and the Tamar Valley Di...COVID secure - thorough cleaning and disinfecting protocol and self check in.
Unusual romantic retreat for 2 people in a Victorian tin & copper mine! - offering peace, tranquility and beautiful elevated views across the River Tamar. Ideal for honeymoons, wedding anniversaries (especially 10th which is 'Tin'!), birthdays or just as a cosy hideaway to get away from it all. You will feel like you are miles away from anywhere, yet the village of Calstock is only a short 10/15 minute walk along the river bank - this quaint Cornish village has two pubs which serve food, a cafe with gluten-free and vegan options, an art gallery, and branch line railway station with regular services to Plymouth. The National Trust's enchanting Cotehele House is also within walking distance and the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail actually passes through Okel Tor. Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor and the sandy beaches at Whitsand Bay on the south coast are just a short drive away.
Okel Tor is acknowledged by English Heritage to be one of the best surviving 19th century tin mines nationally. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and World Heritage Site and lies within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Perched high up on a meander of the river, and cloaked in natural woodland, there are 2 cottages which are about 15 metres apart and screened from each other with vegetation, both are Grade II Listed and situated within approximately 16 acres of natural woodland on the tidal reaches of the River Tamar with beautiful views of Devon. There are a number of interesting ruins and an abundance of flora and fauna - there is lowland heath with heather and gorse, marshland with wild garlic and irises, reed beds and about 400 metres of river frontage on The Tamar. There are numerous picturesque romantic ruins in the woodland - an evocative reminder of the region's industrial past.
The Smithy offers central heating and a log burning stove, 1 double bedroom, and 1 shower room, open-plan living room with king size sofa-bed, flat screen TV, sound system with Bluetooth, kitchen and dining areas and a south facing covered verandah with elevated views across the river.
Please note there is a £30 charge for pets per week or part of.
House Rules
Pet-friendlyNot suitable for childrenNo smoking
No parties or events permitted without permission of the owner.
Bedrooms
1 King1 Sofa
Bathrooms
1 Attached (ensuite)
Meet the host
Jon T
Hosting since September 2011
Languages spoken: English
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests: Self check-in although Nick, the owner, lives on site and is to hand if you should have any problems or would like suggestions of places to visit and things to do, however he respects the privacy of guests.
Amazing views , walks and a secluded area with a local owl . The walk to Calstock via the river Tamar was special.
Very warm welcome, everything was explained very clearly.
The bedding and bed were really comfy and felt luxurious.
I would have liked a softer light bulb in the lamp.
Visited November 2023
Written 22 November 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
Thanks for your review Ally. We're happy that you enjoyed your stay and liked the new bedding. It feels so good we have bought the same for ourselves! It was a pleasure meeting you and would be great to welcome you back in the future.
Written 26 November 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
charmaine b
Portsmouth, United Kingdom9 contributions
Brilliance of The Smithy at Okel Tor
This is one of my most favourite holiday destinations. It's unique location and historical significance ensured my return for the last 3 years, with another visit booked for 2024.
The Smithy has been sensitively restored, and keeping the bones of its original function allows those who stay a small glimpse into the world of the Tin Miner.
The large bed is comfortable with the best pillows I've ever slept on. The adjoing bathroom is small but efficient boasting a powerful rain shower with unlimited hot water. A heated towel rail/radiator keeps everything dry in summer and the bathroom warm in winter. A cupboard here houses an ironing board, broom, dustpan and brush. The wardrobe is big enough for two with a drawer holding blankets, hot water bottle and the all important hairdryer! A large chest of draws and 2 bedside tables mean those extra bits can be packed away.
Although no underbed room for a suitcase, leaving it beside the bedroom chair didn't cause any obstruction. A window opening to the beautiful view of the Tamar is relaxing and peaceful with a lovely scent of roses breezing in.
The kitchen is small but well equiped with an oven and microwave. There's also a good size fridge with icebox. The kitchen is well stocked with all the cooking/eating utensils you might need, with little extras like olive oil, salt and pepper, tea and coffee etc. Okel Tor Mine supports eco friendly chemicals and washing liquid is provided with this in mind. The shampoo and hand wash is also eco friendly and provided!! Encouragement to recycle daily "rubbish" and food waste is easily followed. A little side room behind The Smithy has a washing machine that guest can use with a small line above the verandah. Again, eco friendly laundry detergent is provided.
We loved sitting on the porch with a glass of wine listening to the animals until it grew dark. The outside lighting added to the ambience of this magical get-away and if it got chilly, the blankets from the wardrobe were more than enough.
The little road leading to the cottages is bumpy and might be difficult for those with low cars. We drive a suzuki and access wasn't an issue. As there are 2 cottages it's great to share this most tranquil experience with family. Dogs are allowed too. However, I am not a dog owner but I've never noticed any lingering odour.
Although just a few minutes drive from a little village the impression of solitude and peacefulness is enveloping. A good place to heal the soul and mind and get away from the bustle of busy life. As these are self catering cottages, I take everything with me for an evening meal spending days exploring. I would highly recommend Okel Tor if you want peace, tranquility and unique accommodation set above the winding Tamar overlooked by historical chimneys of a life long gone. Thank you Nick and Greg for creating such a superb atmosphere in your beautifully crafted and restored cottages.
Visited June 2023
Written 1 July 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
Wow! Thank you so much for your comprehensive review. Delightful. It's so rewarding for us to be able to share this very special place - and to welcome back so many guests - time and time again. Okel Tor awaits your next visit...
Written 12 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard H
6 contributions
Great holiday destination
Fantastic secluded the smithy had everything we needed the views are amazing will definitely be going back definitely recommend
Visited May 2023
Written 25 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
Thank you for your review - we're delighted that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to welcoming you back...
Written 12 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LittleMaples
Cholsey, United Kingdom152 contributions
Beware
The smithy is a lovely 1 bedroom facility, the veranda is a nice addition , however, bring you own seats if you wish to sit outside, as the chairs are quite uncomfortable after a short period. Although we stayed at the height of summer with beautiful sunny days, the rooms are dark and has little natural sunlight.
The kitchen is well appointed with a fridge and small microwave, however, there is no storage all provisions were stored in the fridge , a dishwasher would be nice to have. Some of the paint work need’s attention but it’s currently minor.
The bed is very comfortable; however, it is not a king.
Nick the owner, lives next door and stops and passes by constantly every day.
You are not allowed to park your car outside and the parking is through a gate some 80 meters away. Be advised, the road is an unpaved bridle path and both small and large vehicles would experience some difficulty.
It is fog friendly, however, dog poo has to be taken into the village as there is no facilities to dispose of the waste.
Fortunately, we are avid readers and do not watch TV, as the one provided is a 24” monitor type. The Wi-Fi is sporadic.
Lovely walks from your doorstep, however, if staying longer than a weekend the two pubs in the village soon become a little boring ( they are great little pubs that support the locals and not just tourists) so you need a car to explore other eateries.
In every cottage stay we have had over the past 15 years , there is usually a small welcoming pack, tea, coffee, milk jam and bread, so I was surprised not to have received this when arriving. Also, please remember to take clingflim / silver foil
Would I recommend, yes/no. I am not really sure
Visited June 2023
Written 23 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
Thank you for taking your time to review your stay at Okel Tor Mine. We appreciate all feedback and, where appropriate, act upon it. We do try to give guests a practical and honest description of the cottages and to that end a full inventory and "Things to note" section is available on our website. Our "walk-through" videos are a useful guide too.
[For clarity: The bed, at 5' wide, is king size. Tea, coffee, milk & sugar are provided - likewise aluminium foil, salt & pepper grinders, olive & cooking oil. Oh, and guest chocolates and dog treats too.]
Written 12 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dawn E
1 contribution
Wonderfully peaceful and relaxing
We had a very peaceful and relaxing break at The Smithy. It is well appointed, very compact and very clean. The bed is very comfortable. The television is very small, could do with being a few inches bigger, but this did not detract from the pleasure of staying there. We hardly watched it, to be honest. it was just so nice to sit outside and enjoy the peace. However, should it rain etc, perhaps a bigger TV would be more suitable.
Visited June 2023
Written 18 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
A 5-bubble review - thank you! We note your comment about the size of the television. It's always going to be a bit of a compromise in a small cottage - a 24" screen nowadays seems small when you're used to large ones at home!
Written 12 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert Webber
1 contribution
The Smithy
What an absolutely charming place to stay. Everything one needed for a perfect vacation.
Thank you so much.
Visited April 2023
Written 3 April 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
So glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you again...
Written 26 April 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gina C
2 contributions
Idylic retreat
We stayed with our scotties and it was the most tranquil setting.The cottage itself was very warm and had everything you could need.
We sat outside and ate looking across to the river.
Very peaceful and lots of amazing easy to access walks.
Even better on a crisp.sunny day.
Visited February 2023
Written 1 March 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
Thank you for your 5-bubble review. We're glad that you - and your handsome scotties - enjoyed your stay in the Smithy.
Written 8 March 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trail26427053893
1 contribution
Some places just feel right from the start
Cosy ,comfortable, delightful cottage nestling in a clearing in the woods looking over the R, Tamar, together with its companion the counthouse and the remains of the mine buildings and a splendid chimney all lovingly restored .Plenty to do for walkers, birdwatchers, historians and guests who want a rest from cooking...and just right for a pair of old ducks like us.There is no better way to start a coldwinter day than lying in bed watching the dawn climbing over the hills and flooding the cottage with sunlight
Visited February 2023
Written 26 February 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
Lovely to hear that you found Okel Tor to be so perfect for a "pair of old ducks" like you. We did smile when we read your review!
Written 8 March 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin M
6 contributions
A totally idyllic escape - and pet-friendly too!
The Smithy and the Count House at Okel Tor are utterly magical. Lovingly restored to an extremely high finish, these buildings are nestled in the woods overlooking the river Tamar and yet within an easy walking distance of the charming village of Calstock offering scenic views and a brilliant pub! We and our dogs had a wonderful relaxing stay, and have already booked for our next visit. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Visited September 2022
Written 19 October 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
Delighted that you and your four-legged friends enjoyed your holiday - both here and in the pub! Thank you for your recommendation. See you next time.
Written 27 November 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sev8
United Kingdom193 contributions
Lovely stay
Second time at Okel Tor but first time at The Smithy. Loved the covered outside terrace. Slightly too cold for breakfast outside. Such a comfortable bed. Very efficient shower and well equipped kitchen. Wood burner good. Enjoyed fish and chips at The Tamar Inn.
Visited October 2022
Written 15 October 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacation57333739931
Thank you for your kind review - we hope to see you again one day...
Written 19 October 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Okel Tor Mine lies within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is also within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Calstock is a small village on the tidal reaches of the Tamar, with an art gallery, a pub which serves food and branch line railway station with regular services along this scenic Tamar Valley line to Plymouth. The National Trust's enchanting Cotehele House with its working corn mill and quay-side restaurant is within walking distance, as is Morewellham Quay historic port and copper mine - a living museum where you can journey underground on a narrow gauge railway into the workings of The George & Charlotte Mine - as featured on the BBC TV series The Edwardian Farm. The attractive market town Tavistock and Dartmoor are approximately 20 minutes drive from the Mine. The Michelin star Country House Hotel and Restaurant The Horn of Plenty is about 10 minutes drive and St Mellion Golf & Country Club is about 15 mins away.
Getting around
It is possible to enjoy a car-free holiday as the mine is within a short walk of the village of Calstock which has a couple of pubs which serve food, a cafe with gluten-free and vegan options, an art gallery, bus stop and branch line railways station. National Trust's Cotehele House is within walking distance and during the summer months there are ferry services to Morewellham Quay and Plymouth. There are also many regular local events/activities in the village, including live music and exploring the river by canoe.
Access
Car not needed
How to get there
Within one hour's drive from Exeter with its international airport and about 45 minutes from Plymouth's ferry terminal. Okel Tor is within walking distance from Calstock railway station on the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilitiesWatersports
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 5 pm • Check out by 10 am
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
Notes from owner
Rates include electricity, central heating, some logs for the fire, provision of cotton bed linen and towels and cancellation insurance (which includes full refunds for COVID-19 lockdown cancellations). £30 charge for pets per week or short break.
About this property
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