Monterey
Porthtowan, Cornwall, UK
One of a new generation of luxury beach houses in Cornwall, all silver timbered and skylit, where beachgoers take ten steps from the sofa to the sand, and chatter whirls through the halls like the kites above Porthtowan. Monterey is subtle, immersed, convivial. There’s something about it that harks to a dream from the salad days: a beach of one's own, porpoises for neighbours, and sunsets so pink they turn the whole place to candyfloss.
Introduction
Over time and tides, this sandy patch of dunes and marram grass has played host to an 18th-century copper mine outpost and a 1950’s café serving cups of tea and knickerbocker glories to beachcombers. Fast forward some years and along came Monterey, bringing with it modernity, an emphasis on space, and a celebration of the art of the good life. Glass, modular stairs, polished concrete floors, and skylight shafts nod to a softer sort of brutalism, whilst familial foundations and the provenance of reclaimed school house stones bring warmth by the bucket. With its rare "front row" aspect, this luxury beach house is the talk of Porthtowan.
Inside
With boxy windows bringing in all the light that Cornwall can muster, tactile refinement is what the interiors called for: think fluttering linens, raku pottery, and cotton rope artwork from Indonesia. Since room to manoeuvre is the bread and butter of luxe coastal living, laid-back movie snugs and calm bedrooms balance the lively open spaces above. The aesthetic is simple, mellow, welcoming. It's one of those places where all the things on your mind wouldn’t fill a cockle shell. Where you float in full of ocean air, drizzle honey on the burrata, then make like a sommelier decanting Nebbiolo into carafes for the evening's supper. This is life the Monterey way.
Outside
This is a part of Cornwall that sits smugly between Perranporth and St Ives; secluded enough to sidestep the county’s flurries of sightseers, yet sprinkled with pizzerias and beach bars. When all is said and done, you’ll find Monterey just a few salty paces from the sea, without so much as a barnacle in your way. Surfers, this one’s for you. With a grassroots wave-riding community, consistent Atlantic surges, and the chance appearance of a reef break known as "Lushingtons", these are spirited waters. On land, there's reasons enough to down fibreglass: picnics, rock pools, and always someone ready to meander home and grill sugared peaches on the barbie.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests
From £3,995 per week, £4,350 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are five bedrooms, one on the first floor and four on the ground floor, all of which have dedicated use of either an en suite shower room or one of the family bathrooms.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHot tub, sauna
- PetsOne small well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabies and children are very welcome. One cot, one highchair, and two stairgates are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is off-road parking for four cars. The kitchen has a double oven, five-ring induction hob, dishwasher, tall fridge, and under-counter freezer. The utility room contains a washing machine, tumble dryer, and storage; there is also a large surf storage area in the garage. Please note that the first floor patio is not enclosed and opens to the beach, so do exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that the reverse-level configuration features four bedrooms on the ground floor, with the main living spaces on the first floor. There are two CCTV cameras covering the external areas of the property.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper including saffron buns and wild gorse chocolate, iPad, Wi-Fi internet, an 85” 8k Samsung TV with Freeview, two Sonos speakers, coal barbecue, books and board games, luxury bed linens, towels, and logs and kindling to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom foraging weekenders to crash courses in cold-water therapy, our bespoke retreats bridge the gap between luxury and back-to-nature philosophies. Create a hand-crafted stay that puts connectivity at the fore.
- Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Porthtowan
Out of the spotlight on the North Cornwall coast, flanked by day-tripper darlings St Ives and Perranporth, Porthtowan is the Houdini of the county. It’s treasured by an eco-minded tribe of local surfers, and adored by marine explorers young and wise.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury beach house is right on the sand in Porthtowan on the north coast of Cornwall, ideally located for exploring the South West Coast Path and a myriad of waterside towns and villages.
- By Car Monterey is just outside of Porthtowan village, half-an-hour from Truro, under two hours from Exeter, and just under five hours from London.
- By Train The nearest train station is 10 minutes by car. There are regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of four-and-a-half hours on Great Western Railways.
- By Air Cornwall Airport in Newquay is 40 minutes by car, and Exeter Airport is two hours by car.
From the owner
“We have been coming to Cornwall in the summer every year for over a decade. We explored so many parts of the county, and always hoped to find our own home in the area. It took us several years to find one that was the perfect fit!”
With four young children, we needed a fairly large property, but in addition, we were seeking a home that was within a stone's throw of a great surfing beach on the north coast, affording an easy walk to and from the shore, and uninterrupted views of the waves and sunsets over the sea. With many houses occupying a clifftop location, it took us a while to find something to fit the bill.
The site that the house is built on has an interesting past life: from coast guard's cottage to café to home. It's one of very few properties that can be classified as authentic beach living; it's such a joy to have sand between toes in less than a minute of leaving the house.
From winter escapes to summer "bucket and spade" breaks, this is a house for all seasons; it's as dramatic a spot for storm-watching as it is enjoying a sundowner on balmy spring eves. At twilight, you'll find yourself bathed in the warm pink glow of the setting sun from your vantage point.
Porthtowan has a nice buzz come summertime, with its beach bar, surf club and collection of shops, in addition to some of the most spectacular stretches of coast path to explore from the house.
The Mills Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Porthtowan with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Tehidy Country Park
Comprising around 250 acres of verdant woodland, Tehidy Country Park is made up of nature trails, bridleways, bike tracks, and more than a few curious squirrels.
To See
St Ives
A haven for arty types and culture vultures, St Ives is a must visit. Home to four beaches (all sandy), the renowned Tate St Ives and of a smattering of great eateries, there is something for everyone.
To Eat
The Tap House, St Agnes
At the heart of St.Agnes, serving delicious food every day of the week, The Tap House hosts live music nights and intimate gigs from big names and rising stars which always prove to be popular.
To See
The Minack Theatre
An open-air theatre where unscripted dolphins and basking sharks often make appearances, The Minack sits above a gully on a rocky granite outcrop. Do take a cushion and a picnic!
Guest Testimonials
We had such a restful (& blowy) pre-Christmas treat staying at Monterey. It is a gorgeous house, stepping out onto the beach was beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cornwall. Thank you!
Monterey is such a fabulous house in a lovely setting. The ice cream nearby was a real hit with all the family! It was perfect for us, thank you. We look forward to a return visit.
Such a beautiful home with a truly stunning view. The children absolutely loved the beach, having it on our doorstep was such a treat. Thank you! We would love to return in future.
Unique extras
From private chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and adrenalin-fuelled retreats, once you’ve booked your stay we’ll introduce you to our owner-recommended suppliers to create a truly bespoke, memorable escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
How posh is your garden?
The Times
April 2024The idyllic English villages favoured by the A-list
The Telegraph
April 2024Seven of the best Easter days out in the UK
The Times
March 2024The best British breaks for 2024
The Telegraph
March 2024Quiet oasis
Elle Decoration (Germany)
March 2024How to host a Traitors-style weekend
The Independent
February 2024The best renovated historic homes
The Times
February 2024Romantic holidays for honeymoons and babymoons
The Independent
February 2024
Collections > Family-Friendly Self-Catering > UK > Cornwall > Porthtowan > Monterey
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
