Here at Stephens + Stephens, our passion for the Cornish way of life drives almost every decision we make. Whenever we’re making decisions – be that about a design, an ongoing project, or a life choice – we keep one thought at the forefront of our minds: ‘Cornish + life + style’.
We’re always being told that we’re lucky to live in Cornwall, and we couldn’t agree more! More and more people are deciding to relocate down here permanently, and it’s no wonder. There is something truly special about this part of the world, and we’re here to explain exactly what that ‘something’ is.
1. Beaches
There can be no better place to start than with Cornwall’s beaches and its stunning, endless coastline. They are, after all, the most significant draw for many residents and holidaymakers, and it doesn’t take a genius to work out why.
With over 400 beaches down here in Cornwall, there are always new routes, new spots, and new sights to be discovered. If you enjoy walking, running, surfing, barbecuing, or simply the outdoors in general, then you needn’t look far.
There’s plenty of variety, too, with an array of different beaches to choose from in all shapes and sizes:
North Coastline
White sands and large sand dunes as far as the eye can see dominate the northern coastline, with the Atlantic wind making these beaches perfect for surfers. Some of the most popular spots along the north coast include Perranporth, Newquay; Godrevy, St Ives; and Constantine Bay, Constantine.
South Coastline
Our base down here in Truro is much closer to the south south coastline, so we’re a little bit biased! The south coastline is less open and exposed, consisting of more tranquil waters. Picture-perfect fishing villages and beautiful woodland offer a slightly different pace to the beaches in the north, which are often more on the full side when it comes to tourists.
2. Food/ drink
Cornwall’s prestige in the world of food and drink is unrivalled anywhere in the UK, but do you want to know a little secret? The key ingredient in every Cornish speciality is… well, Cornwall. A combination of local sources and uncanny regional know-how are exactly what makes our produce so much better than its non-Cornish counterparts.
Fresh seafood, indulgent creamy recipes, an array of exquisite pasties, and the finest wines the country has to offer ensure that every palette is well and truly catered for. On that last point, the Camel Valley and Polgoon vineyards have international reputations for all the right reasons. What better reason to make Cornwall your permanent home than having both on your doorstep?
3. Lifestyle
Life in Cornwall moves at a different pace to that of other places in England, but that doesn’t mean that it’s slower. There’s just something to be said for being on the beach ten minutes after finishing work! Speaking from experience, that’s a pretty great way to end the week, and beats an hour sitting on the tube…
Weekends spent trekking through woodlands and picnicking underneath castles only add to the sense that everything is on your doorstep, so it’s hard not to feel a bit more relaxed down here.
Workplaces are often more flexible and friendly, too. Not many corporate machines decide that the South West is the best place for their headquarters, which means that you’ll find more SMEs than big corporations. While that’s no guarantee of a more enjoyable working life, it does lend itself to slightly more relaxed and trusting workplaces. Flexi hours and early finishes are commonplace, allowing everyone to take full advantage of the evening sun.
We haven’t mentioned the sea air yet, either, which has been proven time and time again to have numerous health benefits. For anyone who takes both their physical and mental health seriously, the Cornish lifestyle is absolutely perfect.
4. Independent businesses
The presence of a truly thriving high street can represent the difference between a vibrant, lively town or city and a somewhat more anonymous one. Again, we coming back to ‘Cornish + life + style’, and few things better capture this feeling than a street lined with delightful self-starters.
As we’ve already mentioned, it’s far more common to find smaller businesses in Cornwall than it is to find their bigger, soulless counterparts. That leads to a much more diverse range of products and an extremely healthy level of competition, all of which feeds back to us, the consumers.
Don’t fret, though; you’ll still find your fix of well known brands to ensure some sense of familiarity.
5. Countryside
We’ve waxed lyrical about the beaches of Cornwall and the many advantages they bring (and quite rightly, too), but this part of England is not all sand and sea. Travel as little as 10 miles inland, and you’ll find a completely different side to Cornwall to the one that is usually on the postcards. Our office down in Truro is surrounded by green, with the beautiful Truro Cricket Club just over the water. It doesn’t get a lot more countryside than that.
Mysterious woodland walks and timeless stone castles allow residents to get lost in their own personal adventure, just minutes away from their homes. Plenty of guides to the ‘hotspots’ exist, but sometimes it’s better just to wing it. Allowing yourself to get lost is, after all, one of the most worthwhile endeavours out there.
6. People
The overwhelming sense of community in this part of the world may be number six on our list, but it is in no way the least significant. Cornwall’s pleasant climate comes partially from its oceanic setting and the location of the gulf stream, but a different kind of warmth entirely comes courtesy of its people.
That old adage that ‘everyone knows everyone’ is true to an extent, which is exceptionally helpful when it comes to networking and house sitting. But becoming a local has plenty of perks – given time, you’ll receive local rates in pubs and understand exactly where to go to avoid the tourist hotspots.
There’s an undeniable sense of identity shared by all who live down in this stunning part of the world, and that’s not something you can appreciate until you’re able to sample it for yourself. Take it from us, though; it’s absolutely magical.
And, of course, there’s so much more
Cramming everything good about Cornwall into six short paragraphs is impossible, as it would take a whole book to cover everything. There is so much more to love about Cornwall than just the headline attractions, and many of those only become clear as you spend more time here.
As a starting point, though, we hope that this article has offered a little insight into the magical nature of Cornish life. If you are seriously considering the move, we’d love to talk to you in more detail about it and offer some of our inside expertise.
Take a look at our residential properties, if you’re thinking about it. We have luxe detached homes, townhouses, and apartments all set in optimum Cornish locations, handpicked by us. Our Stephens + Stephens homes are built to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets, and we are always more than happy to discuss the options for your Cornish lifestyle.
Until next time!
The Beach and Breakwater
