Rock
The Town
Just over the Camel estuary from Padstow, the fishing village of Rock is one of the wealthiest locations in the county. Property buyers will find secluded apartments and villas tucked away amidst the trees with the help of Recoco property finders. The town has the reputation of being a home-from-home for more millionaires than any other location in Cornwall.
Rock is popular with City dwellers and public figures looking for a break from the rat race. Ask your Recoco buying agent about the town’s nicknames, which include “Chelsea-on-Sea”, “Kensington of Cornwall” and “Britain’s Saint-Tropez”.
Transport
Nearby towns with regular public transport links are Wadebridge or Newquay, but those embarking on a property search in Rock might prefer to arrive by boat, road, or even helicopter. For those who decide to drive, take the A30 west or the A39 south-west, before heading for smaller A roads, B roads, or unclassified roads to reach Rock itself. During the hours of daylight, a foot ferry runs between Padstow and Rock, while Recoco buying agents can reassure night owls that a water taxi is also available.
History
The original name of the village, dating from at least 1303, was Penmayn, which is the Cornish word for “end of stones” or “head of stones”. In 1337, the name of Blaketorre, or Black Tor, was recorded, and by the 18th century the village had become known as Black Rock, which was later shortened simply to Rock. The ferry that connects Padstow and Rock is called Black Tor for historical reasons.
Leisure and Events
Canoeing, rowing, water ski-ing and sailing are also extremely popular here. If you enjoy angling, this is also an ideal location. In the course of your property search, you’ll see all kinds of vessels in these waters, from dinghies and yachts to luxury cruisers. Boating is very popular with property buyers, especially in summer, and the mile-long fine and sandy beach is exceptional even by Cornish standards. Ask your Recoco property finder for details of the sailing club located right on the waterfront.
For property buyers who love to surf, Polzeath, a few miles along the coast, is known as a place to chase the waves. Or for a more sedate day out, take a trip to the charming fishing villages of Port Quin, Port Gaverne, and Port Isaac, the picturesque village where TV series Doc Martin and the British movie Fisherman’s Friends were filmed. To the west of the village of Rock, the sand dunes on the banks of the River Camel are home to a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This part of Cornwall teems with wildlife. There are bee centres and birds of prey sanctuaries, the National Lobster Hatchery, steam railways, castles, and standing stones galore to explore.
Education
There is a nursery at St Minver, while nearby St Minver School is the local primary school, part of the Aspire Academy Trust. Truro and Polwhele are two nearby independent prep schools. Roseland Academy is also located in Truro, while the nearest state secondary school is in Wadebridge. And for a very different kind of education Recoco property finders can point you I the direction of ski coaching available from the Camel Ski School.
Celebrity Connections
Former poet laureate John Betjeman is buried in the graveyard at St Enodoc’s Church, while contemporary celebrities with links to the town include chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsay and comedian Harry Enfield. Members of the British Royal Family have also frequented the resort.
Foodies’ Corner
The entire county of Cornwall is well-known for its fresh, delicious, seasonal produce, and the Rock area is no exception. Take a little time out from your property search to sample the sashimi, sea bass, hake or turbot at the Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. Alternatively, the edge off your hunger with a light snack from the Cornish Crepe Company, or a delicious scone with the clotted cream the county is famous for at the Blue Tomato Café. If your tastes run to the more traditional, there are tea gardens, coffee shops, and characterful inns aplenty.
Your Recoco buying agent will be only too happy to confirm the location of the handful of Michelin starred restaurants in Cornwall, with one of them located just across the estuary from Rock. Why not check the opening times and combine a ferry trip to Padstow with a meal at Paul Ainsworth @ No 6?
Fun Fact
Doom Bar bitter, produced at Sharp’s Brewery, is known to be a favourite of former Prime Minister David Cameron.