Cornish Gems’ Newest Property Is The Ultimate In Slow Riverside Luxury

A busy few years and a string of not-quite-right circumstances have meant I haven’t left the UK since 2022. My last trip – to the coast-and-culture-filled Thessaloniki in northern Greece – was four days of beating sun and culinary discovery (it was here I had my first pinã colada, on a pirate ship with a scarily convincing Jack Sparrow impersonator). So when the opportunity came to spend three days at a stunning riverside house in Cornwall, I decided if I still wasn’t going to holiday abroad, I’d at least turn it into a big occasion.

So, I invite my entire family as well as my partner’s. What better time than on a relaxing getaway for them all to meet, tucked away on a secluded clifftop above the glittering waters of the Helford River? The house – Bosulla by Cornish Gems, the county’s first B Corp holiday home company – sleeps 10. In our case, this includes one cheeky toddler plus a cockapoo, and with one room per couple, there are no arguments about who might be relegated to a sofa-bed.

Upon pulling up in our hybrid Kia (charging points are installed on site), it is immediately clear that this new addition to the Cornish Gems portfolio does, in fact, live up to the breathtaking images we’d become so accustomed to seeing on our screens. We had been excitedly reminding one another of all its luxury amenities for weeks: hot tub overlooking the creek, surround-sound cinema room, outdoor kitchen with a Big Green Egg. The grogginess of an 11-hour car drive (plus an overnight stop in Swindon) melts away.

Bosulla is made for family gatherings in the summer, with an outdoor kitchen and dining area perfect for warm evening BBQs

The next two days fly by as we revel in blissful sun and coastal breeze, making it our mission to enjoy every corner of Bosulla’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Mornings eating breakfast by the herb garden roll into afternoons playing cards on the family-sized outdoor dining table, and evenings cooking together before descending into the hot tub to watch the sun set over the river. The house is practically made for a multigenerational family holiday, with no end of space to lounge around in groups or take a moment for yourself.

Sharing the experience with my partner’s nephew – the aforementioned cheeky baby – only makes it more magical. There is so much for him to discover, from the warm bubbles of the hot tub to the hairy caterpillars inhabiting the vibrant wildflowers. My running around exploring with him clearly pays off, as after 15 months I finally earn a nickname: Dee Dee. 

We are perfectly content staying within the acre-wide grounds (including a private pontoon, accessed via a magical woodland walk), but we know that if we start itching for some adventure, there are no end of things to do close by. Private boat charters with One Atlantek and watersports with Global Boarders can be easily tacked onto a stay, while the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, National Maritime Museum and vibrant streets of Falmouth are but a short drive.

Inside, spacious rooms and sleek, modern appliances are paired with seascapes and sculptures crafted by local artists. A welcome box filled with Cornish treats greets us on arrival: fudge, wine, crackers, paté, and the most delicious apple juice I’ve ever tasted, by Newquay-based Healey’s. It’s a beautiful illustration of Cornish Gems’ story – one that was built right from the start on a deep respect for the local environment and community. Its founder, Nadia Macer-Wright, grew up off-grid in rural Wales; 31 of Cornish Gems’ properties (including Bosulla) form its Eco-Conscious collection, for slow getaways centred around a connection to nature.

On our walk down to the private pontoon, we spot my parents taking a moment to themselves to enjoy the creek’s teal waters

One thing to note is that the bedrooms lack blinds, featuring only paper-thin curtains. While easily fixed with a sleep mask – something none of us brought – I struggle to sleep well in the master bedroom, where French doors, a skylight and an uncovered window at the head of the bed allow light to stream in bright and early.

It’s easy, then, to nod off while sunbathing on the private pontoon – a beautifully peaceful place to sit with your feet in cool, crisp water even if you aren’t going out on the river. During high tide, a few of us brave a quick swim (‘it’s alright once you’re in’ really does apply) before scrambling back out upon spying some blue jellyfish bobbing nearby. The creek, Port Navas, lies within a Special Area of Conservation, enjoying a sub-tropical microclimate as part of the wider Helford River, which is loved by kingfishers, herons, seals, bluefin tuna and even dolphins.

Our time at Bosulla culminates in a final family dinner of BBQ food from the night before and various bits and pieces we can’t take home with us. Pimm’s and beers in hand, we watch as the setting sun glows a deep orange behind houses dotted around the sloped riverbank opposite. Once it disappears, a sparkling white Venus appears in the clear navy sky – and then comes the rain. As we scramble to rescue our plates, I laugh thinking about how a dual-family holiday like this would never have happened across the ocean. Best believe I’ll still be going abroad for my next break, but I’m so glad I didn’t this time.

Bosulla’s location on a hill above the Helford River means sunsets are magical – including this one captured on our final night

C&TH Key Notes

Who to bring: As many family members as possible – it’s the perfect destination for a multigenerational holiday.

When to go: Early summer for long, warm days by the river and dinners outside.

Meal to cook: A BBQ using the Big Green Egg, adored by top chefs.

Local day out: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, a conservation charity just a 20 minutes’ drive away.

Don’t forget to pack: A sleep mask, to make the most of the cloud-like super-king beds.

The Last Word

For eco-conscious stays with a (large) dash of luxury in one of England’s most beautiful counties, Cornish Gems is a no-brainer. Book Bosulla if you want to truly slow down and enjoy the company of family or friends entirely on your own terms. Breathtaking views go without saying – it’s set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, after all.

Book It

A week-long stay at Bosulla starts at £3,270 (working out to £47pp per night with ten guests), cornishgems.com