Category: Featured retreats

Atlantic View wins Sustainable Project of the Year

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Being completely reliant on renewable energy has helped our Atlantic View properties in Widemouth Bay win the prestigious sustainability accolade at Michelmore’s Property Awards 2016.

With direct access to the beach at Widemouth Bay, North Cornwall, stunning interiors and impressive eco-credentials, Atlantic View was the clear winner of the Sustainable Project of the Year at Michelmores Property Awards 2016.

Discover our other Widemouth Bay holiday properties.

The annual awards recognise both commercial and residential projects of all shapes and sizes across nine categories − with shortlisted and winning projects firmly placed in the industry’s spotlight.

Atlantic View contemporary self-catering holidays on the beach at Widemouth Bay, Cornwall from Beach Retreats on Vimeo.

Marketed by Beach Retreats and developed by Grenadier Estates, Atlantic View comprises of six self-catered holiday lodges overlooking Widmeouth’s iconic Black Rock and the lodges are completely eco-friendly with features including solar panels, air source heat pumps, solar thermal water heaters and a grass roof system to provide insulation.

Michelmore said: “Through careful design and construction, the lodges integrate effortlessly into the surrounding landscape and are sustainable, whilst offering style, function and luxury.”

Judge and highly experienced architect, Peter Lacey, described it as a great scheme, a great location and a great sustainable project.

“Atlantic View is a truly impressive and exceptional scheme blending beautifully into its landscape in a way which is seldom seen in such a sensitive light,” he said.

“It handles sustainability in all the ways you would except in terms of renewable energy and it has an exceptionally good range of sustainable features, but more particularly in this case it takes sustainability to another level – it engages with local tradesman and suppliers to ensure that everything remains truly local.”

Discover more of Cornwall and check out our 1o must see places in Cornwall.

Search for your holiday at Atlantic View, Widmeouth Bay, with Beach Retreats.

Walk through – Boscastle

We take a walk on the wild side at Boscastle, a place where moorland meets the sea.

Want to stay in a luxury holiday house with a view of the sea? Check out our cottages with sea views.

There are many sides to Boscastle on Cornwall’s far north coast: picturesque fishing village, medieval settlement, artist’s muse. It all makes for a very interesting and beautiful place for a self catering holiday.

Once offering shelter to sailors along a wild and intimidating stretch of coast, Boscastle’s dramatic coastline and quaint old buildings are the main attraction. The latter is immediately apparent as you begin to wander around, with characterful cobbled streets, wonky roofs, stone buildings and watermills lining the river before leading you towards the ocean.

Today, a few handsome day boats bob in the harbour. But Boscastle was once a thriving port – in one year alone nearly 200 ships called on their way through delivering supplies from including timber from as far as field as Canada.

Boscastle’s tortuous harbour entrance means that sailing vessels always required assistance to enter, usually by ‘hobbler’ boats manned by oarsman and other men on shore tethered to the boat with ropes.

Goods were eventually hauled up its steep hills by teams of horses once kept in what is now the youth hostel. Other buildings such as the lime kiln and blacksmith’s forge can still be seen around the harbour today.

You can discover more about Boscastle’s history and dramatic landscape which is all detailed in the National Trust’s fantastic modern visitor centre located in the heart of the village. You also be surprised to learn how much community life is thriving since the devastating flood a decade ago. There are plenty of craft shops and cafes to visit, feeding and watering artists who have been inspired by its remoteness and rugged beauty.

Fancy staying in nearby Bude? Just 30 from Boscastle, Check out our luxury holiday lets in Bude.

With King Arthur’s Tintagel just down the coast, this is also a land of myth and legend. Housing the world’s largest collection of witchcraft artefacts and regalia, the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle has been entertaining visitors for more than fifty years.

Walking towards the sea, the imposing cliffs of Penally Point and Willapark guard either side of Boscastle harbour. Watching the boiling seas around the Island of Merchard between the two – and the two blowholes spitting out at low tide – it’s not hard to feel the otherworldly aura of this stretch of coast.

The best way to finish a walk-through Boscastle is to continue along the coast path, past stomach dropping steep cliffs, up to the white-washed lookout tower. From here there are fantastic views of the coast all the way down to Tintagel – guaranteed to blow the cobwebs away.

Feel the love at Harbourside Cottage in Boscastle, where charming coastal views and cosy interiors create the perfect romantic retreat.

Search for your self catering holiday in Boscastle with Beach Retreats.

One-of-a-kind self catering properties

There’s a lot to love about our self catering properties at Beach Retreats, aside from their tempting beachside location and high-quality interiors. We pick three of our favourite one-of-a-kinds.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

The private roof-top terrace

Trethvor, Fistral Beach

Here’s how a typical day goes at Trethvor. Fresh coffee and croissants on the terrace overlooking the sea at Fistral. To the beach. Lunch in the sun on the terrace again. Back to the beach. A holiday book on the sunlounger on the terrace. And finally cocktails on the terrace as the sun sets over the sea.

Trevthor is situated between Fistral Beach and The Gannel near Newquay. Three bedrooms, sleeps seven.

Book your stay at Trevthor.

Want to stay in Fistral? Have a look at our luxury holiday cottages in Fistral.

The prime village position

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

Harbourside Cottage should be renamed Harbour-village-and-beach-side. This cosy Cornish cottage is positioned right in the heart of Boscastle with its village amenities, shops, cafés and craft shops a few steps away. The river and harbourside are a few more steps away, and the beach not much farther after that. Ideal for couples looking for a romantic bolthole.

Harbourside Cottage is situated in Boscastle in North Cornwall. One bedroom, sleeps two, pets welcome.

Book your stay at Harbourside Cottage

The sense of scale and space

Seamist, Tregurrian near Watergate Bay

Seamist is a brand new purpose-built property designed with larger groups and families in mind. Let your party play ping pong the games room, curl up with a film in the private cinema or join friends for dinner on the 3-metre dining room table. Or, take it outside for a garden BBQ and all the fun of the sand, sea and surf at Watergate Bay just down the road.

Seamist is in the village of Tregurrian, near Watergate Bay. Eight bedrooms, sleeps 16, pets welcome.

Book your stay at Seamist.

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Experience luxury living at its finest with our Penthouse Edit, showcasing the most exquisite and stylish penthouse retreats available.

Cornish Saints

Our 17 Village properties at Watergate Bay are each named after a Cornish saint and place name – except one… We trace their names and learn some Cornish geography and history along the way.

Explore seaside dining at its finest with Beach Retreats’ curated list of top 5 restaurants in Watergate Bay.

Cornwall is often referred to as the land of saints. It’s no surprise then that many Cornish place names derive their name from the saints who went on to found churches here and in other Celtic lands such as Brittany in France. Let’s meet some of them.

Visiting Cornwall for a workcation? Have a look at our holiday lets perfect for extended stays and working.

St. Mawes

The fishing town of St Mawes on Cornwall’s south coast is thought to have taken its name from the Celtic Saint Maudez. He is believed to have settled in Brittany where he founded a monastery on the Island of Saint-Maudez with his two disciples, Saint Budoc and Saint Tudy, also Cornish place names.

St. Breock

St Brieuc became the first abbot of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany in the fifth century. Churches in England, Ireland, and Scotland are dedicated to this early Celtic saint, including the parish church of St Breock in Cornwall, just west of Wadebridge.

St. Minver

The village of St Miniver, inland from Rock on the north Cornish coast, centres upon St Menefreda’s Church – the origin of the present day name Saint Miniver who was one of 24 children of St Brychan, a fourth-century Welsh saint and king.

St. Winnow

The stunning isolated church of St Winnow overlooks the River Fowey. It is named after Saint Winnoc or Saint Winwaloe.

St. Endellion

Travel four miles north of Wadebridge and you’ll come across the pretty village of St Endellion near Port Isaac. It takes its name from Saint Edelienta, another child of King Brycha and sibling of St Miniver. Today, Saint Endellion Church brings together musicians from all over the world for superb festivals at Easter and Summer.

St. Blazey

The small town on Cornwall’s south coast takes its name from Armenian Saint Blaise. The Eden Project is close by.

St. Issey

You’ll find St Issey, named after the Saint Yse or Ida, just outside of Padstow. Yet another child of St Bruchan.

St. Merryn

Located between Mawgan Porth and Padstow, Saint Merryn is disputed to be named after a Welsh priest or monk named Maraunus or Maruan. Either way, it has seven beautiful bays nearby: Porthcothnan, Treyarnon Bay, Constantine Bay, Booby’s Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Harlyn Bay and Trevone Bay.

St. Breward

On the western side of Bodmin Moor is the village of St Breward, deriving from English Saint Branwalader. He also gives his name to Saint Brelade in Jersey.

St. Erney

The village of Saint Erney in between St Germans and Saltash in south east Cornwall is thought to be dedicated to St Ternius, Terney or Erney. Widemouth Bay is nearby, as is the Port Eliot Festival.

St. Agnes

The original name of St Agnes was ‘Brynick’, a Cornish word meaning pointed hill, thought to be St Agnes Beacon. Officially named after the female Roman martyr Saint Agnes, you’ll find four unique beaches close by: Trevaunance Cove, Trevallas Porth, Chapel Porth and Porthtowan.

St. Ives

Named after the arrival of the Irish princess Saint Ia, today Saint Ives is well known for its pretty cobbled streets, fishing harbour and artistic community.

St. Mabyn

The Cornish female Saint Mabena gave name to this small village east of Wadebridge.

St. Buryan

Situated five miles west of Penzance, it is named after the Irish Saint Buriana. The picturesque coves of Lamorna and Porthcurno, home to the Minack Theatre, are a short drive away.

St. Levan

Saint Levan, a small hamlet situated near Porthcurno in west Cornwall, was probably named after Selevan, a Celtic form Solomon). The pretty coves of Porthchapel and Porthgwarra are close by.

St. Mawgan

The origin of the name St. Mawgan is unclear. Mawgan and Meugan are both place names in Cornwall (St. Mawgan is just up the road from Watergate Bay) and Brittany, and Meugan in Wales. It is believed they refer to one or two saints from the fifth or sixth century.

St. Denzel

The odd one out! Denzel is the only village property not named after a Cornish saint but we love it all the same.

Explore and book your holiday at The Village, Watergate Bay.

Want to explore our holiday lets in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

Walk through – Bude

Just a ten-minute drive along the winding coast road from Widemouth Bay is Bude – a surprise gem of a town. Join us on our walk-through.

Arriving in Bude via the windy coastal road from Widemouth Bay is worth the trip alone, but families will be surprised just how much there is to do in this small seaside town in North Cornwall.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a hot tub? Check out our cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing getaway.

Bude Tourist Information Centre is a good place to set off from, with plenty of parking and the canal and waterfront within a short walking distance. Bude TIC can book any number of activities on offer, such as surfing, SUPping, sailing, windsurfing, archery, rock climbing and lots more – take a look.

We’re immediately drawn to the waterfront lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Allow yourself time sit back, relax and take in the slower pace of life.

Bude sea pool

Bude Farmer’s Market runs every Friday throughout Summer from 10am-3pm – a fantastic little market held on the Green overlooking with waterfront with a selection food producers, craft makers and florists regularly attending.

Rowing boats and pedalos can be hired along the Canal, perfect for a leisurely few hours on the water or for finding your own picnic spot. Cycling is also popular with a number of recommended cycle routes to Widmeouth Bay, north to Northcott Mouth and inland to the villages of Stratton and Marhamchurch.

It’s hard not to miss the tall towers of Bude Castle. Formerly the home of Victorian inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, The Castle is now a heritage centre with exhibition galleries, an archive with research facilities, an education room, shop and restaurant which overlooks the water out to sea.

Onwards and Summerleaze is a beach that can keep all visitors happy. There’s crabbing on the beach into the Canal, nice right-hand waves for longboarders, a sea pool for swimmers seeking shelter from the Atlantic, and pretty pastel beach huts which you can hire for the day from Bude TIC.

Away from the water and walking into town from the top of the hill, there are plenty of shops to explore – it would be rude not to leave without some homemade fudge.

Fancy staying in Bude? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Bude.

Experience the magic of Christmas in Cornwall with our top five must-dos, from festive markets to enchanting National Trust gardens.

Top 5 minimoon properties from Beach Retreats

Beach Retreats has lots of different beach-side properties to suit your minimoon style (that’s a short break away to celebrate your nuptials, if you’re short on time). Take a look…

Minimoon. Noun: a short break spent together by a newly married couple, typically in advance of a longer holiday to be taken at a later date.

Minimoons make for the perfect post-wedding break – quite simply a mini-honeymoon that typically lasts for a long weekend. With all of our properties situated a short hop from the beach, Beach Retreats is the ideal choice for a minimoon.

Here’s our pick of the best Beach Retreats properties, each with their own minimoon style and available to book for 3 nights outside the school holidays.

Sand Pails, Camel Estuary

Minimoon style: Peace and escapism

Situated on the tidal tributary of the River Camel just outside Padstow, Sand Pails offers an idyllic traffic-free location on the edge of the water. This two-bedroomed property sleeps up to four people with Harlyn, Treyarnon, Porthcothan, Trevone, Constantine and Hawkers Cove a short drive away. Read more about Sand Pails.

9 White Lodge, Mawgan Porth

Minimoon style: Panoramic sea views with village amenities

This roomy three-bedroomed apartment gives you Mawgan Porth beach just 150m down the path, with the fun and foodie havens of Padstow and Watergate Bay a short drive away. Read more about 9 White Lodge.

15 Waves, Watergate Bay

Minimoon style: Foodie lovers

15 Waves offers contemporary beach living with some of Cornwall’s best restaurants on your doorstep. Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, The Beach Hut and Zacry’s; they’re all on your doorstep with the beach just 150m away. Book 15 Waves, Watergate Bay.

Zinc 14, Fistral

Minimoon style: Thrill seekers who like a buzz

If you like your holidays with plenty of action, then Fistral is for you. Surf on Cornwall’s premier surfing beach, choose between one of the many up-and-coming eateries overlooking the sea and then kick back in Zinc 14 and beautiful contemporary comfort. Read more about Zinc 14.

Cove Cottage, Sennen

Minimoon style: An off the ‘main land’ vibe with wild scenery

A fantastic position overlooking Sennen Cove with everything on your doorstep; a beautiful surfing beach, galleries, restaurants and surf schools. This is far off the off the beaten track, with spectacular coastal walks to Land’s End on one side and St Just to the other. Read more and book Cove Cottage, Sennen.

Search our live availability and remember that most of our properties are available for short breaks outside of the school holidays. Just get in touch and to a member of our reservations team.

COMPETITION – Win a seven-night getaway

*COMPETITION CLOSED*

In desperate need of a bit of beach time? Then this competition for a week-long getaway is for you – and three friends or family!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Visit Cornwall to offer a special seven-night stay for four people overlooking Watergate Bay on the north coast of Cornwall. Here’s what you need to know:

The beach and local area

Watergate Bay’s two-mile stretch of sand calls for you to do as little or as much as you like. Foodies will find Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, The Beach Hut and Zacry’s catering for all tastes. Or if hitting the waves if what you fancy, the Extreme Academy surf school and hire is right on your doorstep for surfing, kitesurfing and other watersports you never knew existed.

We doubt you’ll tire of the beach, but if you do you’ll find Padstow and Newquay a few miles drive away with Rick Steins, Nathan Outlaw or other casual eating options to have your fill. There’s a spectacular coastline, or head to the south coast for a more laid-back coastal scene.

Take a look at our favourite ‘must sea’ retreats and explore our other holiday lets.

The accommodation

Your prize includes seven-nights at The Village – Watergate Bay’s new eco-development cut into the cliffs overlooking the beach. You and three others will be staying in a two-bedroomed self-catering property which serves up contemporary open-plan interiors and en-suite bedrooms. Coupled with surf stores, outdoor showers and full-width balconies, these are holiday pads you won’t want to leave.

Fancy staying in Watergate Bay? Check out our luxury holiday properties in Watergate Bay, Newquay.

How to enter

Just follow follow this link to Visit Cornwall’s website, fill in the form – it’s as easy as that. You’ve got until 30 June to enter. Good luck!

*COMPETITION CLOSED*

Discover unbeatable savings and unforgettable experiences with Beach Retreats’ exclusive special offers.

The Village Interior Design, Cornwall

We are often asked where the furniture in many of our properties is from, especially The Village at Watergate Bay. It seems that many of you want to make your holiday last a little longer by recreating a beach side home for yourselves.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

200 metres from the sand at Watergate Bay in North Cornwall is The Village built into the hill above the beach. If you would like to stay in one of our eco-homes please call 01637 861005.

Get the look of the Interior Design Masters winner with our expert tips, bringing award-winning style into your home.

Blue Bay – Catered self-catering, Cornwall

Blue Bay offers a lot more to guests than your average self-catering property. Not only does it have beautiful views over Mawgan Porth beach, it also offers an award winning restaurant service. James and Pippa, Blue Bay’s owners, are experienced chefs having travelled around the world, working in some of the best restaurants. They have fitted Blue Bay with an industrial kitchen, which guests are welcome to use, but its main use is catering for up to 20 people at a time for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if requested*.

Visiting with a large group? Discover our large holiday homes perfect for big families or friend groups.

James and Pippa offer a seasonal menu year round, from steaks to local seafood, proper Cornish fish and chips to Italian inspired pasta dishes. It’s fair to say you won’t go hungry at Blue Bay. James and Pippa go above and beyond for guests, if requested they can leave dishes in the fridge ready for guests to heat up when they arrive at the beginning of their holiday. They also offer to make up beach picnics using locally sourced food from Mawgan Porth or BBQ packs tailored to the party’s unique requirements.

The service offered at Blue Bay is truly unique and flexible. We asked James whats the most challenging request he has had since running the Blue Bay kitchen and we were very surprised by his answer.

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

‘A few years ago Pippa and I were asked to host a 40^th wedding anniversary for a group of 20 guests staying at Blue Bay. We assumed they would want a full three course meal of the finest produce Cornwall has to offer, but instead they requested a meal inspired by the rations of WWII. Having never had such a unique request we spent weeks researching everything from how to use potato flour to dried egg powder. It really was a fun and interesting challenge which met high praise from the anniversary party’

The beauty behind the catered option of Blue Bay is that guests can dip in and out of the service. If they are going out for an evening meal they can just ask for breakfast, or alternatively, dive head first into the self-catered option and give James and Pippa the week off.

‘We want it to be an added extra of staying at Blue Bay. There is no pressure to have every meal catered for, in fact we love to see guests using the kitchen and creating culinary masterpieces of their own. However, we recommend everyone to try James’ profiterole mountain with lashings of chocolate sauce and sparklers for decoration’

Blue Bay is the perfect place to host a special occasion or family get together. Take a look round Blue Bay here.

Add some luxury to your self-catered holiday with Beach Retreats.

Interested in other Beach Retreats properties? Get a taste of paradise with a weekend at Porth Beach House – expect luxury, relaxation, and memories to last a lifetime with Beach Retreats.

*at an additional charge

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