I’ll never forget the drive down to Cornwall that crisp autumn afternoon – leaves turning all shades of amber and gold along the A30, the air already carrying that nippy promise of shorter days. We’d piled into the car from Bristol with high hopes for a cosy getaway, but about halfway there, disaster struck: a puncture on a dodgy bit of road near Bodmin. Me, faffing about with the spare tyre while the kids moaned about the cold wind whipping through the hedges. Half an hour later, we were back on track, but it had us laughing about our rubbish luck – typical us, turning a simple journey into a mini-adventure.

By the time we rolled up to this gorgeous converted barn in Trethurgy, just inland from St Austell Bay, the late afternoon sun was dipping low, painting the farm fields in that magical golden hour glow. Nestled on a working farm amid the rolling countryside, it had this perfect rustic charm with a classy edge – think ultra-glossy kitchen that gleamed like new, two plush en-suite bedrooms, and an open-plan living space begging for lazy evenings. That sweeping view out to the blue horizon of the bay? Straight out of a postcard, even with the autumn haze softening the edges. We couldn’t wait to settle in, especially spotting the wood-fired hot tub tucked away – autumn’s chill made it irresistible from the off.

First impressions? Bloody brilliant, sorry, I mean absolutely spot-on. The place felt like a warm hug after the drive’s drama, and with the season turning, it was ideal for that proper unwind. No scorching summer crowds here; instead, we had the Cornish Riviera to ourselves under those big, moody skies. Next morning, we headed to the golden beaches at St Austell Bay – Carlyon Bay, just a short hop away. The tide was out, revealing vast expanses of sand dusted with seaweed, and the sea had that steely autumn shimmer. We crunched through the waves in our wellies, the kids building epic sandcastles while I sipped a thermos of tea, watching seals bob in the distance. The cooler weather meant no sunburnt shoulders, just rosy cheeks from the brisk breeze – pure bliss.

Afternoons were for gentle wanders around the hamlet, kicking through crunchy leaves on the farm paths, breathing in that earthy scent of damp fields and distant woodsmoke. One day we nipped to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, only a couple of miles off – those jungle-like paths felt even more enchanting in the mist, with exotic plants dripping dew and the odd pumpkin patch nodding to Halloween vibes. Back at the barn, we’d fire up the stylish wood burner, its glow chasing away the dusk chill as we scoffed pasties from a local spot in St Austell. Evenings in the hot tub were the highlight – bubbles steaming under a starry sky, the countryside silent save for the odd owl hoot. Autumn made it all so sensory: the rustle of windfalls, the tang of sea salt mixed with wood fire.

Looking back, that little puncture mishap was a gift – it made us appreciate the peace even more. In a hectic year, this spot forced me to slow down, swap scrolling for stargazing, and remember why Cornwall in autumn is magic: fewer people, deeper colours, and that heartfelt glow from within. If you’re after a proper reset, book it now – before winter steals the show.