The Old Store House is privately owned and managed, and has a superb location in the Harbour, most of which is owned by The National Trust. This ensures that development of the harbour has been tightly controlled, keeping it unspoilt. In fact it would probably be easily recognised by residents who lived there when the Old Store House was simply that - a store house built in the 19th century.
Despite a vibrant tourist trade, Boscastle and its harbour never feels overcrowded. The wealth of walks and other items of interest seem to soak up the visitors - even in the busiest times - and the ban on non-residents' vehicles ensure that the harbour is a quiet and safe place to explore, without the need to dodge cars, vans and motorcycles.
Everyone enjoys spoiling themselves on holiday, and Boscastle provides ample opportunity to do just that. Whether your taste is a traditional pub - with good food, of course - or a bistro or restaurant, all of these delights are within 2 minutes level walk from The Old Store House. Self-caterers have a comprehensive grocery shop and bakery close by, and a confectionery store with off-licence. Naturally there is a newsagent, and a variety of specialist shops, too. Boscastle also has its own pottery - watch the potter at work (he lives in the harbour too!) - and the famous Witches Museum is just across the river from The Old Store House, as is the National Trust's visitor centre and shop.
All of this is within a short walk from the cottage, and there's much more to see in the upper village too, including the ancient Napoleon Inn, and a restaurant featured on the BBC's series "A Seaside Parish".
The harbour at Boscastle is no longer the thriving commercial port that it was in the days when Thomas Hardy was a visitor, but it is still a beautiful place to start a clifftop walk, or to sit and watch the world go by. Keen anglers can take a fishing trip on the "Peganina", from which a wide variety of superb fish can be caught. Sharks, lazy sunfish and seals are regularly seen. Birdwatchers won't be disappointed by the cliffs around the harbour, and keen walkers will truly be in their element - with King Arthur's Tintagel within a manageable day's return hike. Of course you could always walk there, have a pub lunch and catch the bus home; there is a regular service along the coast roads.
Further afield there are superb beaches to the North and South, whether you like the peace and tranquility of Bossiney cove - about 3 miles away - or the bustle and surf at Widemouth Bay and Bude, a short drive or bus journey to the North.
Golfers, riders and sightseers all have attractions close by. Cornwall's gentler south coast is a short drive, as are the moors; the world-famous Eden Project "biospheres"; numerous gardens and stately homes; and picture-postcard ports such as Padstow (or "Padstein" as the locals refer to it now that TV's chef Rick Stein has made his mark). Wherever you venture and whatever your tastes, you will always be thrilled to return to Boscastle's epic scenery, stunning sunsets, tranquillity, and your dream holiday cottage - The Old Store House.