Pengelly Retreat: Lakeside Glamping in Cornwall

I don’t think a night away from home could possibly be more perfect. As I dangled my legs over the lakeside pontoon, with a glass of wine in hand, I couldn’t help but feel a huge wave of gratitude wash over me - to spend the night in The Sail House Yurt at Pengelly Retreat in Cornwall was a dream. The best way to describe this magical retreat is to imagine the romantic boat lake scene in ‘The Notebook’ and then recreate it in Cornwall.

Within seconds of my special moment, the heavens opened and the rain began to pour. Initially, we were a little bit gutted that the weather made us write off our plans to swim in the lake and have an outdoor fire, but we quickly realised that the Yurt is really fit for all seasons. The cosiest evening imaginable consisted of a log burner fire, a beautiful meal cooked in our own little kitchen, and a couple of bottles of wine alongside a game of Scrabble with the best company.

I am not surprised that Pengelly Retreat won gold for the Best Glamping spot in Cornwall’s Tourism Awards. There is everything you could possibly need or desire at Pengelly. Inside the Yurt you’ll find a double bed, a log burner, all the kitchen equipment you could possibly need, board games and even a roll-top bath (which yes, I of course enjoyed with a glass of Provence whilst Scott was cooking.) The Yurt has its own pontoon, paddle board, swinging chair and an outdoor fire, perfect for those clearer evenings. We are already planning to revisit in the Spring so we can go paddle-boarding and swimming in the lake - bliss!

Pengelly Retreat is also home to The Boat House which sleeps two. Positioned at the top of the lake, The Boat House is an architect-designed log cabin complete with its own boat and lakeside decking. Personally, I adore the glamping side of things (I could quite happily move into the Sail House), however, The Boat House is the best option if you’re looking for a little more luxury.

I can’t think of a more secluded and special spot than Pengelly Retreat. The retreat is surrounded by woodland and there’s even a secret garden which we weren’t able to explore due to the weather. If you’re looking to explore further afield during your stay then you’ll find the Hayle beaches close by (Gwithian is my all-time favourite) and St Ives and Porthleven a short drive away.

Our stay at Pengelly Retreat was easily one of the most beautiful nights spent away from home + we are already longing to go back. Thank you Ruth and Jim at Pengelly Retreat for the most incredible stay - we wouldn’t have changed a thing!