Explore novelist John le Carré's dramatic clifftop cottage for sale

Explore novelist John le Carré's Cornish cottageCourtesy of Savills

Perched on top of a Cornish clifftop, Tregiffan Cottage feels a million miles away from the world of international espionage John le Carré wrote about. Still, the late author penned many of his celebrated novels at the windswept property, which is now on the market for £3 million.

Situated on an idyllic stretch of coastline between Lamorna and St Loy Cove with views to the Isles of Scilly, le Carré purchased the property in the 1960s and lived there until his death in 2020. The author adapted it from three former fisherman's cottages to create an enviable family home, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a self-contained guest wing.

On the market for the first time in 60 years, the property boasts an impressive library, indoor swimming pool and spectacular sea views. Several rooms – including the kitchen, dining room and spacious drawing room – offer direct access to the expansive garden.

Courtesy of Savills

A crime writer can never be too careful, so there is also a safe room, accessed through the boot room and scullery. The guest wing – with its own sitting room, bedroom and bathroom, accessed via the courtyard at the back of the house – offers a comfortable setting for any spies who come in from the cold.

There is also a detached annexe with its own shower room and loo which could be used as further accommodation or a home office. Le Carré's 'office' is situated in a top floor studio studio space with a balcony and granite staircase to the courtyard.

On the first floor sits a spacious bedroom suite with a barrelled ceiling, ensuite bathroom and enticing bay window with far-reaching coastal views.

Surrounded by over three acres of grounds, with a kitchen garden and greenhouses, the property also has a variety of chalet-style timber outbuildings. These are home to a loo, kitchenette and indoor pool, but could be easily adapted into a home gym, artist's studio or – dare we say – a writing room. With direct access to the South West Coastal Footpath, the spot is ideally situated for windswept walks to help clear writer's block.

The property is on the market for a guide price of £3 million with Savills.

Take a look around...

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

Courtesy of Savills

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