Luxury glamping at a restored Airstream trailer in Cornwall

[Advertisement – this post is based on a press stay with Unique Hideaways, but all words and opinions are my own]

When I was a kid, my grandparents owned a holiday home on a static caravan park in the Yorkshire Dales. Each summer my brothers and I would spend a week there with them, and those times – paddling in the river, sipping hot chocolate under the stars, sleeping in bunk beds – are some of my favourite childhood memories. So, when Chris and I were invited to enjoy a short break at a restored 1970s Airstream deep in the Cornish countryside, I leapt at the chance to try and recreate a bit of that caravan magic.

Admittedly, an Airstream is a little more glamorous than a 1980s static – and this is no ordinary Airstream. One of hundreds of one-of-a-kind glamping places across the UK that you can book through Unique Hideaways, it’s been lovingly converted into a holiday rental by owners Lisa and Jason and now boasts wood-panelled walls, a marble-lined shower and even a hot tub. But it still has the same sense of fun and adventure.

It certainly looked impressive as we pulled up outside, its distinctive aluminium curves glinting in the late-afternoon sun and surrounded by daffodils. Called Panoramic Silverbullet, it’s located on a peaceful hillside 8 miles north of Looe, with sweeping views over woodland and fields. Lisa and Jason’s house is behind, and there’s another Airstream on site, but it’s carefully positioned for maximum privacy and there isn’t a building or person in sight.

We liked it just as much inside. Decorated in soothing grey and accented by pops of mustard yellow, it’s contemporary, cleverly laid out and very cosy. At one end is a sitting area with a cushioned sofa, a wood-burner and a TV, at the other the bathroom and a double bedroom. In the middle is a small kitchenette with everything you need to whip up simple meals (sink, fridge, toaster, kettle, induction hob, combination microwave), and useful storage drawers and cupboards are dotted throughout. What I loved most, though, were the original details. Despite the sleek makeover, Panoramic Silverbullet hasn’t lost its Airstream character and the 1970s control panel, American number plate and riveted windows are all still in place.

This being March, the spring sunshine soon gave way to a downpour, so after we’d unpacked we settled in for a relaxing evening with board games, pasta and wine. I assumed the trailer would feel chilly once darkness fell, but heated panels and the wood-burner kept us toasty. Snuggling up in the warmth listening to raindrops pattering on the roof, without any of the background traffic noise we get in the city, was wonderfully calming – and we both slept well in the built-in bed, which was surprisingly comfy and long enough even for very tall Chris to stretch out in.

We awoke the next morning to find the rain had been replaced by mist rolling off the hills, and lingered over coffee and breakfast as one of the resident cats stared at us through the window (I’d like to think he wanted our company, but he was probably more interested in the smell of our bacon sandwiches!). Then, it was time to explore.

We’d often seen signposts for the harbour town of Looe on our travels around Cornwall but we’d never actually visited, so we jumped in the car for the easy 20-minute drive down to the coast. Set at the mouth of a wooded valley where the River Looe meets the sea, it has a beautiful location and proved to be a great place to spend a few hours. I’ve always been fascinated by working ports (perhaps because my Mum comes from a long line of mariners and trawler skippers), and I loved soaking up the atmosphere along the bustling quayside. There’s also a sandy expanse of beach for lazy picnics (or, in our case, an invigorating wind-buffeted stroll!), plus an array of pubs and restaurants where you can sample the catch of the day. We headed to The Sardine Factory, which sits right on the waterfront, and tucked into a delicious lunch of ceviche and fish tacos as boats chugged past the window.

In the afternoon we ventured a little further along the coast to Polperro. It’s often dubbed one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall and we instantly understood why. Huddled around a winding harbour, its jumble of centuries-old fishing cottages, smugglers’ caves and narrow cobbled alleyways are delightfully atmospheric – and the fact that cars are banned from the centre only enhances the time-forgotten feel.

After our soul-restoring day by the sea, we headed back the the Airstream for one final night and couldn’t resist trying out the hot tub. Unwinding with bubbles – and bubbly! – as bats fluttered overhead made for an unforgettable end to our stay, and we were even treated to a fabulous star-studded sky (there’s no light pollution to worry about here) once the last of the clouds cleared away.

So, did our minibreak at Panoramic Silverbullet recapture a bit of the joy I remember from those childhood caravan visits? Most definitely. The ingenious small-space design and indoor-outdoor living brought back a lot of nostalgia, but with an added dose of luxury and style to suit my adult self! I wouldn’t hesitate to go back, perhaps in summer to make the most of the gas-fired BBQ and alfresco easy chairs. And if the standard of this place is anything to go by, I can’t wait to explore more of Unique Hideaways’ collection, too.

Other things to do nearby

If you head to Panoramic Silverbullet, here are a few other recommendations from our previous trips to the area:

• Go for a walk around Cardinham Woods, a beautiful Forestry England site with peaceful glades, towering evergreens, burbling streams, way-marked trails and a great cafe for coffee or lunch. In late spring, the upper sections are carpeted in bluebells
• Head to the pretty village of Lerryn for a wander along the wooded creek, then cross the stepping stones (low tide only) for lunch in the Ship Inn
• Spend a day exploring the port town of Fowey (take the Bodinnick car ferry to avoid a lengthy drive), where there’s an array of independent shops, galleries and restaurants
• Visit National Trust-managed Lantic Bay for beach picnics, paddling and cliffside walks
• Explore the wild, windswept expanse of Bodmin Moor, with its craggy tors, Bronze Age cairns and grazing ponies
• Take in the Golitha Falls (just west of Liskeard), where the River Fowey cascades through ancient oak woodland. While there, stop at Inkies Smokehouse for a BBQ lunch

Read more about Panoramic Silverbullet and make a booking here – rates start at £71 per night. Unique Hideaways also has a wide range of other glamping options in Cornwall and elsewhere, including shepherd’s huts, safari tents, cabins and even a converted coastal watch station. Many of them have hot tubs, too!

All photography by Abi Dare