Luxury Coastal’s small team is deeply invested in the communities in which it works; each member lives and works in the south-west and thus knows it inside out like the home turf that it is. As such, they can advise on everything to make your stay the stuff of cherished memories, whether you’re looking for a snug out-of-the-way pub for some local ales or an intimate restaurant serving up fresh catch from the Atlantic for a romantic dinner a deux.
From Brixham to Bude, St Ives to Saunton, there is an achingly beautiful location – and an equally gorgeous lodge, barn, cottage, apartment or manor house – to make every heart sing. This is our pick of the homes within a stone skim’s distance of the gently lapping sea, many of which have spectacular waterside views.
The Dairy House
Ilminster, Somerset
Do you fancy inhabiting your own perfect bucolic bubble, all set amidst its own parkland this summer? Look no further than The Dairy House on the Dillington Estate in Somerset. The honey-hued Grade II-listed cottage has seven bedrooms, sleeps sixteen and offers a slice of rural heaven, thanks to its mature gardens, its mullioned windows, its stone fireplaces, its outdoor hot tub and its cosy wood burners. Perfect in any season, its kitchen is a dream for epicures, whether rustling up wintry roasts or catering for al fresco feasts in the beautiful garden. An enchanting place where the only thing that’s hard is leaving at the end of the stay. They say: ‘Young and old will enjoy exploring the wild woodland where you can pick fruit from the branches above and berries from nearby hedges. You can also collect eggs to add to a leisurely brunch best served al-fresco.’ Heaven.
Beam Ends
Beesands, Devon
Three beds, sleeps 8
Fancy staying in a boutique hotel on the Devon coast, but prefer not to have to share it with any fellow guests? Beam End meets every criterion. Styled in the manner of a Firmdale Hotel, this three-bed property – which sleeps eight – is the perfect marriage of chic and homely. Whether you wish to spend evenings in front of the wood burner, watching movies in the sound-proof cinema room or sipping cocktails under the summer sun on the decking, the experience is both cossetting and sublimely luxurious. The piece de resistance comes, however, in the form of the proximity to the sea, which provides glorious views as well as the gentle soundtrack of lapping waves, which are the first thing you’ll hear upon waking up here. A shingle beach is literally on the doorstep, while the sleepy coastal village of Torcross is a short drive away.
Swanpool View
Swanpool, Cornwall
Just on the outskirts of Falmouth, Swanpool is one of the most scenic spots on this coastline, which is, as anyone who is familiar with it knows, packed tight with fierce competition for that accolade. The large open-plan sitting room is the nucleus of the property, which sleeps eight; light and airy, there is barely a corner of it which doesn’t offer a view over the beautiful salt-water lagoon on its doorstep. It also has an enclosed garden, as well as a balcony with expansive views across the Atlantic, which makes a dreamy spot for a sunset cocktail. Keen twitchers should note that nearby there is a small nature reserve that provides shelter for a number of bird varieties, while water sports enthusiasts will enjoy the family friendly beach, with its opportunities for kayaking and other fun activities.
Watermouth Lodge, Kentisbury Grange
Barnstaple, Devon
How would you like a luxuriously appointed lodge of your very own for a week or two, all set in the most dazzling natural countryside? Kentisbury Grange is situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, which is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the south-west. Its eleven lodges are dotted scenically about the landscape, each one with a waterside location, a hot tub and a large decking area for the kind of blissful sundowners we’re longing for right now. Don’t fancy cooking? The award-winning Coach Restaurant is also on site and just a few paces away; wander in its direction for beautifully cooked locally sourced grub. All eleven lodges are superb; we happen to have our eye on Watermouth Lodge, with its heavenly wraparound decking terrace.
Old Pear Tree Barn
Newquay, Cornwall
Surfers take heed! The small village of Cubert, near Newquay, is within easy reach of some of the very best beaches in Cornwall. It is also home to Old Pear Tree Barn, which just so happens to be the most picturesque and sublimely peaceful of holiday homes. They say, ‘Elegantly decorated and environmentally friendly, the home still retains some of its original features, with exposed timber beams and a vaulted ceiling reminiscent of its humble past as a piggery and hay barn. Underfloor heating throughout as well as luxurious soft furnishings and a calming, neutral palette make for a truly relaxing space, with the first floor living room opening out on to a decked balcony that has far reaching views of the glorious Cornish countryside.’ It is packed full of charm, as is the village in which it is situated. Don’t miss the thatched 16th-century pub at The Smugglers Den Inn – perfect for the handful hours in the day that you’re not spending atop your board.
The Old Signal House? This property also has great coastal views.
The Old Signal House
Torpoint, Cornwall
This stunning property is in an isolated position on Penlee Point, a very special piece of the Cornish coastline.The house is steeped in history as it originally housed the staff and families who manned the Eddystone Lighthouse. The sea views are something else and it's the perfect place to watch the ocean's changing seascape. The property, which sleeps six, is in easy reach of the villages at nearby Kingsand and Cawsand, making it a real gem for families and friends looking to experience the best of Cornish coastal living.
By Nancy Alsop
Updated March 2021
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