BBgt

Ann - I just dug this up from a folder on my computer of "favorite one-level cottages" that I've been collecting, in case we wanted to do self-catering (told you I love to plan!). I can't tell from the website how accessible this location would be, but it's in Falmouth...

http://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-cottage/desc-2619.html

I'm looking at B&B's now.

MmePerdu

If I recall correctly, most of the places to stay in Falmouth are up a fairly steep slope, mine certainly was. It's true that the water's edge is flat but uphill from there, is it not?

I remember parts of Penzance being hilly, near the wharf and quay, but just west of there, a gentle slope. Am I remembering wrong? I walked from the hilly part to the library for internet access and I remember it as almost flat.

BBgt

Here's a lovely looking B&B:

http://bosanneth.co.uk/index.php

Sorry - not meaning to ask you all to vet my findings at this early stage - just trying to get a feel for what's available. Any further thoughts anyone has on least hilly areas will be appreciated!

annhig

BBgt - you could have a look here, though I see that you've already started!

http://www.visitfalmouth.com/accommo.../guest-houses/

I agree that Bosanneth looks lovely but it took a while to find a picture of the view - but pics 28, 31,32 show that it's actually up a bit of a hill rather being on the flat - also that area of Falmouth is away from the main town so you would need to get in the car to go shopping, or really do much anything apart from looking at the beach.

the holiday cottage is also lovely with great views but it's nowhere near the town and you would have to drive virtually everywhere, unless you wanted to live at Pendinnis Castle or the Ships and Castle swimming pool which is right behind it.

MmeP - where did you stay in PZ? There are B&Bs near the library,which would entail just the sort of walk you mention but they don't have a view - the ones that do would have the same problem as in Falmouth. The walks around town are nice, and PZ being smaller than Falmouth might be a better bet, but I'd need to see specific accommodation in order to give a definitive view.

MmePerdu

I stayed in St Ives and took the bus to Penzance - the bus I mentioned that I enjoyed so much. I rode it several times to different places.

I stayed here:
http://www.bedbreakfastcornwall.com/...e-guest-house/

It's just south of town, with parking right in front, although I didn't have a car. I got the bus across the road or could walk down to the train, the Carbis Bay station, down a steep hill so not good in that regard. But very good in other ways. Sea views, parking, reasonable rates, and very accommodating hosts, picked me up at the station on arrival.

annhig

well, it's actually in Carbis Bay, not st. Ives, so going there would involve some sort of journey by bus or train - OK perhaps in the day but perhaps not so good at night and you still have to get back.

this hits the nail of the problem on the proverbial head - because of the geography, it's very difficult to find accommodation that is on the level, has a view, is near to shops/restaurants so doesn't require a drive or al walk up to downhill to get there, and has parking. as ever a compromise has to be made somewhere.

BBgt

I had a feeling the Old Coastguard Station was a bit off the beaten path, which might not be a bad thing, but I'd have to think about it. I'll take a look at that link, Ann - thank you.

Here's an example of the Penzance B&B's I've found:

http://www.chyanmor.co.uk/index.html

Granted, there are steps to the house itself and steps once inside, but I'm not worried about those so much. It's more the steep hills and climbs (such as St Michael's Mt. or possibly those small villages). Someplace like Tintagel Castle would be out of the question for Mom, but she walked from London County Hall to Buckingham Palace (and back) last May, to give you an idea.

MmePerdu

It's just occurred to me, do you need an accommodation without a flight of stairs to your room? That may need some research and limit the options. If a place has ground level rooms and parking, that may be more important than the terrain around it.

annhig

BBgt - this is possibly one of the very few cases that ticks [almost] all the boxes. There would be a bit of climbing of stairs, and a few slopes to walk up and down, but nothing too steep. The gardens in PZ are very pleasant for a stroll and the Penlee museum/gallery [and its cafe] one of the best in the area. you could go a long way before you found something better.

MmePerdu

That one does look good. I'm bookmarking it for later.

BBgt

MmePerdu - At this point in time, and hopefully a year from now, Mom can walk up a flight of stairs. It's more the sustained uphill walking that she can't manage. As long as someone carries her luggage up the steps she would probably be happy as a clam in a first floor room with a view. But I completely agree that having a car parked nearby is important.

Ann - Thank you for your endorsement! I can't even book for months yet, but I have Chy-an-Mor bookmarked, and unless something else pops up in the meantime, I'll be happy to book when the time comes.

Thanks so much for the help today - more questions will come up, I'm sure!