If you’re looking for a truly unique place to stay in Cornwall, it doesn’t get much quirkier than a converted vintage horsebox!
My friend Liv and I (and the dogs!) were recently invited to stay in this incredible Cornish hideaway, and definitely lived out our bohemian countryside dreams here. Spending a weekend in the wilderness in out-of-the-ordinary places like this is so much fun, and this converted horsebox was stunning!
About The Horsebox
Named ‘Lady Oakley’, this rustic renovation was created by Abi and Morv and you can really see the love and attention to detail that has gone into turning this vintage horsebox into the perfect glamping spot.
The wooden interior has been decked out with a king size double bed, fully equipped kitchenette with electric hob and fridge, cosy day bed/sofa and wood burning stove, plus lots of characterful touches such as a hammock strung from wooden beams and a bookshelf with lots of interesting reads to choose from. The old ramp creates an inside-outside open living space, but can easily be pulled up to keep the weather out as there’s a separate door to the side as well.
Outside there’s a seating area and BBQ looking out over the view, where we sat and ate our dinner on the first night. I was surprised at how well equipped the kitchen was – it had everything we needed to cook a full meal (even a stovetop espresso maker for the the morning)!
The electric throughout the horsebox was a godsend for charging phones and cooking tasty meals, but the site is still very much ‘off grid’ and environmentally friendly if you’re after something more wild and rugged. There’s no wifi or TV so perfect for a digital detox, and a compost toilet and semi-outdoors shower & bath too.
The fact that dogs are very much welcomed here (they even had some dog treats in our arrival goodie box!) is very important when I’m looking for places, and they had a wonderful time roaming free and enjoying the cosy woodfired stove in the evening.
The Location & Things To Do
Lady Oakley is based in its own meadow on a family farm on the outskirts of St. Ives, and is perfectly placed in the countryside for ultimate privacy and a secluded feel. The views from the meadow of the rolling hills around the Penwith coastline are stunning, and the dogs absolutely loved having their own space to run around in.
Once you’re out of the little farm tracks, it’s only a 10 minute drive to the Cornish seaside town of St. Ives (or 15-20 minutes from Penzance and Marazion).
Things to do nearby
- Visit St. Ives’ stunning beaches
St. Ives is well known for its gorgeous selection of white sand beaches, and seeing as it’s so close it would be rude not to!
- Wander around a local market
During our stay, we popped into Lower Bussow Farm who occasionally hold markets and events in the summer season, but there are plenty of farms and local markets around this end of Cornwall to find. - Independent shop hopping in St. Ives
Along the cobbled streets of St. Ives you’ll find lots of boutique and independent shops to explore. - Lunch or dinner? No problem!
Lady Oakley has cooking facilities but if you’re looking for a meal out, there are plenty of local pubs (you’ll receive recommendations when you book your stay!) plus there are plenty of great restaurants in St. Ives. We went to The Firehouse and I had the best chicken burger of my life!!
- Explore St. Michael’s Mount at Marazion
If you haven’t visited Cornwall’s iconic castle on an island yet, you’re missing a trick. This is incredible on a sunny day!
About Unique Hideaways
Unique Hideaways are a travel agency dedicated to sharing and celebrating the most wild and unique places to stay in Cornwall and across the UK. Think magical nights spent under the stars in anything from houseboats and treehouses, to yurts, cabins and – of course – horseboxes! Perfect for off-grid relaxing and just finding somewhere to hide away and get closer to nature – plus you can search specifically for dog friendly glamping spots as well.
Find out more about this Cornish horsebox and other unique stays on the Unique Hideaways website.
*We were invited for a complimentary stay at Lady Oakley by Unique Hideaways in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.
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