Melrose Cottage is situated in the heart of the 13th century fishing village of Polperro. Fishing has shaped the village over the centuries creating a network of narrow streets leading down to the harbour where fishermen still land their catches.

The village sits in a valley with the harbour at its mouth and fishermen's cottages squeezed into and over every space available resulting in a complex jig-saw of housing on the valley floor spilling out and up the sides of the valley.

For centuries the sea provided both a living and a means of transport so the streets were not designed for cars so only authorised vehicles are allowed into the village. As the only public parking at the entrance to the village, the garage at Melrose Cottage is a major bonus for our guests staying there.

Melrose Cottage was formerly a pair of fishermen's cottages on the flat of the valley a few feet from the river Pol and in a quiet cul-de-sac off the main street. Melrose Cottage's garage can be seen on the left of this picture as can a pair of swans making their way back to the river.

The village has 6 pubs and many restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets; they range from a few seconds to a few minutes walk from Melrose Cottage.

Polperro's harbour and beach are five minutes walk away, although the many pleasant distractions on the way can make the time stretch considerably. There's a bakery, two convenience stores, a post office and many other shops a short walk away, so there is no need to leave the village if you don't want to.

Polperro knows how to enjoy itself, and this is evident by the number of activities that are organised throughout the year.

The Polperro Festrival in June is a must for Polperro regular visitors with its traditions of electing a new mayor and then "introducing" him/her to the sea. The mayor's duties includes inspecting the ale at each pub and then issuing his/her own bank notes. The festival begins with a procession through the village and continues with street entertainment and music throughout the 9 days of the festival.

Music is a regular part of the Polperro scene, even outside the peak summer season, with most venues having bands, duos or individuals playing during the weekend afternoons and evenings.

The beer festival in October provides an excuse to sample many Cornish and South West ales.

Peak Rock provides the perfect location for a firework display of epic proportions reflected in the sea at the harbour entrance and accompanied by music echoing up the valley.

The festive period sees Polperro dressed in Christmas lights and the Christmas tree on Big Green around which carols are sung and mince pies and mulled wine are consumed.

Polperro was voted as one of the top three places to welcome in the New Year as the villagers and visitors dress in fancy dress and tour the homes, pubs and restaurants looking for the best venue and company to bring in the new year with.