I don’t know how the good people of Cornwall get anything done.

Maybe it’s just us outsiders who fall under the spell but as soon as I head out west I find myself instantly transported into a relaxed state of mind and slower pace of life.

It seems like a place to chill out and unwind where the normal worries of work and day to day life just don’t apply.

On my latest visit to this wonderful county my wife and I stayed at the enchanting Boscundle Manor.

The charming manor house was built in the 18th century and feels like the kind of country bolt hole where you can leave everything else behind and forget any stresses or troubles – not that I have that many!

In fact, with its luxurious rooms, idyllic setting, swimming pool and bubbly hot tub I almost felt like I’d been sent on a mission to try and find whether there really was such a state as being ‘too relaxed’.

From the moment we entered the stunning property and were treated to tea and cake in the sublimely comfortable lounge on arrival, the service was faultless and it all added to the feeling of complete serenity.

We were shown to the Elizabeth room – all the rooms are named after female literary figures – that positively shimmered with a kind of gold leaf effect and boasted stately furniture and a huge, comfortable bed as well as our own patio seating area.

With the hotel restaurant having just received its second AA rosette, we were keen to sample the food and our dinner certainly did not disappoint.

I thoroughly enjoyed my goats cheese and tomato arancini followed by a seafood linguini packed full of fish and shellfish while my wife sampled the ham hock terrine and the delicious loin of venison. Despite already feeling a little full, in the name of research we soldiered on and ordered dessert.

My warm ginger cake was a perfect end to a delicious meal and my wife enjoyed a chocolate hit with a selection of mini chocolate desserts.

The next morning we enjoyed yet more lovely food at breakfast, served in the conservatory, before setting out for the day.

There is so much to explore around Boscundle Manor, including the world class visitor attraction that is the Eden Project just a stone’s throw away.

We enjoyed a trip to the charming seaside town of Fowey, which boast the quintessential Cornish offerings of bakeries, teashops and fudge shops (offering free samples!).

While there can be few places to match the Cornwall coastline on a sunny day, there is also plenty to explore inland among the old tin mining country.

We headed further west to the cathedral city of Truro, which boasts plenty of shopping streets to while away the hours and a plethora of places to eat.

Our chosen lunch spot was Sam’s in the City, which brings the laid back beachy, surfer vibe of its sister restaurants at Fowey and Polkerris into the heart of Truro and serves calamari that also tastes like it’s come straight from the seaside.

After also fitting in a brief tour of St Austell, we had been so busy we didn’t have a chance to book somewhere for our Saturday night meal and ended up at the Waterwheel Inn just outside the town, where we had a pleasant meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

Following our day on the road exploring the delights of what Cornwall has to offer Boscundle was the perfect place to come back to and relax for the night.

It was with a heavy heart that we packed up our bags the following morning and said goodbye to our lovely surroundings.

Getaway

Boscundle Manor is located one mile from the Eden Project just outside of St Austell.

Rooms start at £129 for a double in spring and £159 in July and August.

For more information visit boscundlemanor.co.uk