Beach Cottage

There is no cottage in Cornwall closer to the beach as this house was built on the beach itself! Beach Cottage is a superb 3 bedroom cottage standing at the head of Gorran Haven beach. Newly refurbished to a high standard, it has Wifi, dishwasher, central heating, 2 bathrooms. It has a lovely balance of old fashioned atmosphere alongside the smart, practical features. Romantic and perfect for secret getaways - and of course, beach holidays with all the family!

Built in the sixteenth century, it enjoys spectacular views of the coast and harbour at Gorran Haven. From the sitting-room window you can look across the beach, to cliffs to the east and west, and to the little island, the Gwineas, on the horizon ahead.

In a matter of seconds, you could be sitting on acres of soft, sandy beach at low tide; or when the tide is in, with the waves lapping the walls below the window, gazing out to sea, watching birds over the water and boats sailing by.

Internally, the house comprises sitting room, dining room, kitchen, hall, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and utility room. The house has been sensitively restored to include seventeenth century panelling and Cornish traditionally exposed stone-walls. Fired Earth kitchen and top spec bathrooms provide a luxurious level of comfort. There's also an induction range, fridge freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer, television (with DVD player) as well as fast internet; everything you need to make life as comfortable and relaxing as possible. In addition, high quality mattresses and bedding ensure a perfect night's rest.

Beach Cottage is on Church Street. There are two steps to the front door.

The hall has wooden boards (as has the whole ground floor), coat pegs, upholstered telephone bench, cupboard for beach shoes etc.

At end of hallway there is a shower room with wc. Very useful for coming sandy, straight off the beach.

Left, into the kitchen which is high quality and classic. There's an electric induction hob range cooker, microwave, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, big kitchen table, lovely old fashioned china. A window onto Church street.

Stepping through into the dining room, you feel the pull of the past and of the beach - the original wood panelling and antique furniture, captures another century’s mood. It’s somewhat like a ship’s cabin. A glazed bookcase and writing desk contains some good books on local history and the area. Window onto the 'Plat', the raised terrace above the beach.

The sitting room has a window with the sea right outside; it looks like a painting. I was there recently when the tide was high and there were children splashing it the waves below (having their sand fort destroyed by nature). But inside, the house it is calm and peaceful. It has leather sofa, linen covered sofa, armchair, log burner, nice thick rug on dark oak floorboards; an elegant but comfortable place.

The stairs go up from the kitchen. There is a plain oatmeal coloured fitted carpet throughout the upper floor - except bathroom.

Opposite the top of the stairs, the bathroom has bath, wc, basin and separate shower. From bath or wc you have superb view out to sea (but you cannot be seen). At the rear of bathroom, there's a small utility room with a high tech boiler, washer dryer and drying rack.

The main bedroom also has a window looking out across the bay – this must be the best vantage point in the village for that view. Lying in the kingsize bed at anytime of year, you will know you are in the heart of Cornwall. This house has a lot of heart, of authenticity - fine cotton bedding, thick towels, polished wood.

To reach the main bedroom, you pass through one of the twin bedrooms. It has matching antique single beds with linen upholstered head and footboards. There's a full length mirror and a window with nice side on view of the beach and boatyard over the flat roof next door.

The second twin bedroom, to right of the stairs, is also well appointed and has a window onto Church Street.

Outside space: like most of the very old cottages in the heart of Gorran Haven, Beach Cottage has no private garden; the beach is your garden! From the front door you can pop around the corner onto the Plat and watch the beach from above, in your deck chair. The two sandy beaches and the quay can be your picnic venue. Fish and chips on the quay in the early evening is lovely (there is a good fish & chip shop in the village). Barbeque on the rocks on Little Perhaver is another option.

The cottage dates from before the time of parking, but the village car park (a big field) is not far away and is used by everyone (aprox £25pw).