The Village, Watergate Bay
The
Village, Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is justly renowned for its
beachside hotel and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant, both of which are packed
for much of the year. Until recently, there has been a lack of decent seft-
catering accommodation in the immediate vicinity, but a couple of smart new
developments are putting that right. They are mainly aimed at those who want to
avail themselves of the multiple activities at the Extreme Academy, which
offers water sports in the bay, without having to forgo creature comforts. The
best, most exclusive place to stay is The Village, a collection of eight
apartments on the hill above the hotel. It is run by the Cornish company Beach
Retreats, and the basics are all the same- balconies, high- spec finishes and
eco- friendly features such as sedum foods and air- source heat pumps- but
individual owners have added personal touches. Privacy is less of an issue than
you might think given the proximity of your neighbours; each apartment feels a
bit like a spacious modern hotel suite, but without the hotel.
Extreme
Academy at Watergate Bay
Sleeps four
or five in each two- bedroom apartment
Price from
$1,036 a week
Contact 01637
861005; www.beachrettreats.co.uk
The Beach House, Mousehole
The
Beach House, Mousehole
You can’t actually see the sea from The
Beach House, but everything about this lovely conversion of three 19th-
century fishermen’s cottages, from the old buoy on the wall outside to the
squawking seagulls at dawn, says seaside. It’s the 11th property
set- up by ex- Londoner Philippa Barton in 2007. Her aim, she says, was to
cater for boutique- hotel lovers who wanted self- catering accommodation, and
the couples’ retreats she offered were instantly popular. The Beach House is
her first family- sized rental. Even so, it is not the most spacious house in
our selection, but it is big on charm. The little walled garden is private sun-
trap, the fridge can be stocked with local delicacies before your arrival, and
visiting townies will feel right at home with the décor: cowhide rugs, flags
hanging on the walls and Hamptons- style wood paneling. If you want something
that is not already there, or would like recommendations for things to do, the
Boutique Retreats service is friendly and efficient; and its sister website
www.goodcornwall guide.co.uk is a handy resource.
Porthcurno
beach
Mousehole itself- a charming fishing village
whose center is a two- minute walk downhill from the house- is a buckers- an
spaces- meets- Boden kind of place, where kids play on inflatables among
boding fishing boats in the harbour and colourful canoes line two small,
sheltered beaches. The town’s lovely Old Coastguard hotel anf restaurant has
just been renovated by the team behind the Gurnard’s Head in Zennor, and
there’s also an excellent bistro- style restaurant, 2 Fore Street, and the Ship
Inn pub. Nearby attractions include the open- air Minack Theatre and the
gorgeous Porthcurno beach. Further afield, the group has recently opened
another property: the romantic, one- bedroom Sea Room, near Fowey.
Sleeps sic
in three bedrooms
Price from
$815 a week
Contact 01872
553491; www.boutique-retreats.com.uk
The Limit, Holyweel Bay
The
Limit, Holyweel Bay
Just a couple of miles south of Newquay-
but a million miles away from its raucous atmosphere - is Holywell, a village
whose main charm are a 13th- century thatched pub, the Treguth INN,
and Holywell Bay beach, backed by huge hones. At the end of the village is the
Limit, which was rescued from brambly overgrowth and renovated by local couple
Rebecca and Steve Peck.
The
area’s wildlife makes it a site of Special Scientific Interest
Accommodation is in two 1930s clapboard coach
huts- one for living in, the other for sleeping. Painted in pretty pastel
colours, the have just enough space for two people and a refreshing lack of hi-
tech wizardry. The huts are linked by a lovely deck overlooking the dunes,
hills and a golf course. The area’s wildlife makes it a site of Special
Scientific Interest, and there are binoculars on hand if you fancy twitching.
You have to go outside to get from one hut to the other, so inclement weather
might put paid to cups of tea in bed; but the quirkiness and secluded setting
are a major part of The Limit’s appeal.
Sleeps two
in one bedroom
Price from
$1925 a week
Contact 01637
881942; www.uniquehomestays.com
