Beloved by both residents and its numerous visitors, the magical fishing village of Polperro is one of the UK's most charming and picturesque. Its narrow traffic-free lanes are flanked by craft shops, cafes, galleries, and quaint old pubs. The village is nestled in a leafy valley on the south coast of Cornwall with the National Trust Heritage Coast path heads off to both east and west.

The village is set in a steep sided valley which leads down to a historic fishing harbour where active fishing vessels moor alongside colourful boats offering scenic coastal tours. Narrow streets are flanked by old whitewashed fishermen's cottages and a colourful array of both working and pleasure boats fill the tidal harbour. A still active fish market, art galleries and cafes encircle the harbour and create a photogenic landscape that has changed little in centuries.

Polperro dates back to the 13th century and features in the Doomsday Book. Fishing was the village's primary industry for several centuries with pilchards being the dominant catch. In the 18th century, increased tax duty charges led to the growth of smuggling and Polperro and its adjacent coastline became a mecca for smugglers.

This period in the village's history is captured wonderfully in the village's museum on the harbour which retains a vast array of artefacts and memorabilia dating back centuries. In more recent times, its harbour, coast and historic old buildings have attracted numerous artists who flock to capture its beauty. Teak Cottage itself was built in the mid nineteenth century using teak which was washed up from the nearby shipwreck of 'The Shepherdess' - hence its name!