Lookout, 1 Coronation Villas, Mousehole, Cornwall inc Scilly, TR19 6RJ

This has the potentioal to be a great family holiday home, near the shops and harbour and with a fantastic view (probably best in Mousehole). It is let down by non-existent maintenance and I would not recommend it to anyone for a stay.

We had a bad experience with being unable to unlock the (very musty) outhouse which contains the only washing machine and a few beach items. Instructions said "in key cupboard", but no key in the cupboard fitted. It turned out the lock had been recently changed but the new key had not been left in the house - there was no way to have known this. We ran out of clean clothes trying to sort this out via various phone numbers (it was eventually sorted by the booking agent - thanks).

Visitors should realise that no-one is actively maintaining this house. The 'caretaker' appears to be very elderly and unable to assist. There is dodgy electrics, bad plumbing (bath drain blocked throughout the stay), broken bits and pieces around the house. All a shame as it could be very nice.

There is an awkward "sun-room" 1980s(?) extension which has smallish windows and so is a bit dark, damp and uninviting. It does however have a second TV.

At the side of the house is a small garden with a trestle table. This gets sun in the mornings. Note that the garden is not fully private as next door have right of way through it (and also behind the house).

Parking in Mousehole is an absolute nightmare. You should budget for £11/night in the long-stay car park on the edge of town as the promise of low-cost parking on the harbour walls is just that!

Take note that access to the property is not easy - it is surrounded by steep narrow paths and steps and so unsuitable for those with walking disabilities.

In summary

The Good

- the view of Mousehole and its harbour are probably the best in town

- very quiet residential neighbourhood away from traffic and crowds

- huge master bedroom with 2 windows providing exellent views and light

- top-floor twin bedroom - great for teenagers (the precipitous stairs would be dangerous for young children)

- country and coastal walks (e.g. Lamorna Cove) start right outside the front gate

The Bad

- bath and shower over were unuseable due to a blockage which was reported to the management company but persisted throughout the stay

- alternative downstairs shower is cramped, has low water flow, and water only gets warm at best

- there is no means of properly drying wet clothes. no outdoor clothes line and no tumble dryer. the two badly rusted and damp clothes horses left dirty marks on our clothes

- electrics are dodgy. kitchen lights don't switch on and the switch arcs and sparks. radiator in bathroom was arcing with flashes. was all reported.

- decor generally very tired with curtain fittings broken and dirty marks on fllorboards etc

- no internet or TV (so no way to use any on-demand services except by using your own devices)

We love Cornwall but sadly we won't be booking this property again.

The Lookout is a lovely place to stay, it has lovely sea views and has a really nice feel to it.

The only downside is the parking which is a difficult anywhere in Mousehole!! The harbour car park is very busy so it is best to try and park on the road.