The Looking Glass
Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, UK
Camouflaged by a natural sedum roof and hidden between swaying sea grasses, The Looking Glass nestles into the cliffs above the golden sands of Mawgan Porth beach in North Cornwall. Floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to sea ensure a true at-one-with-the-elements feel at this modern self-catering beach house, while velvet sofas and carefully collated vintage finds exude luxury and charm.
Introduction
Both adrenaline and leisure seekers will be at ease in this sustainable self-catering home and, with the beach just a short amble down the cliff, there really is no need to venture too far. For the little (and big) children, the local surf school offers enthusiastic lessons for all while, for anyone who would rather just look at the waves, the adults-only spa just along the cliff has the finest infinity pool around. At the end of the day and armed with a portable barbecue and coolbox, wander down the coast path to settle onto the sand for a sunset supper.
Inside
Designed entirely to draw eyes to the horizon, this low-impact build takes prime position above the surf, with gentle pops of colour and vintage embellishments adorning the walls but offering no competition to the ocean views. Downstairs, the open-plan living area seamlessly complements the ever-changing seascape with midnight blues, soothing greys and exposed wood. Whether watching clouds rumble through the sky over breakfast, gazing at glassy seas from the lounge or sheltering from Atlantic storms by the woodburner, days at this luxury home overlooking Mawgan Porth are easily spent.
Outside
Flanked by Cornish hedging, planted succulents and a bank of rustling dune grasses, the landscaped gardens offer an idyllic spot to enjoy the crashing waves from above. By day, wander five minutes via private pathway through yellow, coconut-scented gorse flowers down to Mawgan Porth beach or join the South West Coast Path to Bedruthan Steps, just 15 minutes north. When the heat begins to fade and the moon starts to rise, gather around the barbecue for an indulgent feast of s’mores and hot chocolates before little ones trot off to bed.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
From £3,995 per week, £2,995 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere is one ground floor bedroom with super king-size bed and en suite bathroom (featuring rolltop bath and rainfall shower), plus two first floor double bedrooms, one with king-size bed. The family bathroom with roll-top bath and separate rainfall shower is on the first floor, along with a separate WC.
View bedrooms - PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One travel cot and one highchair are available. With garden terraces, steps and nearby cliffs, parents are advised to supervise children at all times. A maximum of six guests can be accommodated at the property, this includes babes-in-arms under 12 months.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for up to three cars. The kitchen includes an induction hob, electric fan oven, grill, warming drawer, Nespresso coffee machine, double fridge-freezer and dishwasher. A washing machine and tumble dryer are available.
- Homestay includesCornish welcome hamper, bottle of the owners´ favourite wine, St Kitt’s soaps, lotions and bath foam, beach towels, marshmallows and toasting fork, charcoal barbecue, croquet set, Smart TV with Netflix, Sonos speaker, iPad, WiFi internet, linen, towels, logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- Eco-friendlyNatural sedum roof, Type 2 car charging point
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Please note, availability for this property is to be confirmed by Unique Homestays on receipt of your enquiry
Mawgan Porth
Tucked into Cornwall´s dramatic north coast between Padstow and Newquay, Mawgan Porth is a quieter version of the busy surf beaches but just as beautiful. Look forward to health spas, coastal cocktail spots and welcoming inns, in this intimate seaside village.
Getting there
- On the Map The Looking Glass is located above the popular beach of Mawgan Porth, near Newquay in north Cornwall.
- By Car From London, take the M4 toward Bath, take M5 South and A30 to Cornwall and follow the directions provided. The property is a three hours drive from Bristol and five hours from central London.
- By Train The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway, which has regular services from the rest of the country.
- By Air Newquay airport is just an eight minute drive away from The Looking Glass.
From the owner
“When staying at The Looking Glass, you will see virtually every window faces the impressive Pudding Rock down in the bay. Watch as the tide comes in and the surf pours ´cream´ over its top with every wave. It´s really quite mesmerising!”
We have always dreamt of building our own house but in our wildest dreams, we never imagined we would be lucky enough to do so in such an incredible seaside location on the North Cornish coast. From tradesmen to delivery drivers to guests, every single person loves the view. We feel extremely fortunate, so it's lovely to be able to share this beautiful setting and our home with you.
After busy TV careers, in 2014 we moved to Cornwall from Buckinghamshire, magnetically drawn to this stunningly varied county. After a wide-reaching search we and our young son fell in love with Mawgan Porth.
We originally wanted to build an annexe to our main house but due to the large grounds we were encouraged to site a new dwelling behind an old Cornish wall sheltering a redundant vegetable patch! It was whilst teetering on a ladder looking over the wall we first saw 'that view' and knew we had to build our new house there.
Building The Looking Glass was undeniably a labour of love, we absolutely love our new life in Cornwall. Mawgan Porth is very special. We have a good community of locals who really care about the beach, the shops and are quite rightly protective of its charming seaside appeal.
The Brown Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Mawgan Porth with an insider’s perspective.
To See
Bedruthan Steps
The huge granite stacks rising from the beach were, according to legend, stepping stones for the Giant Bedruthan. Access to the beach is difficult, down a steep narrow set of steps, but the beach you end up on is worth it.
To Do
The Spa at The Scarlet
A gorgeous adults-only hotel with outdoor seaweed hot tubs, sauna and pool and pampering, just a stone´s throw away (only a six minute walk through the lanes). Yoga classes are also available and day passes can be purchased too.
To Do
Trenance Riding Stables
Offering both one-to-one tuition and group riding sessions, Trenance Riding Stables in Newquay offers multi-generational appeal. From pony trekking and hack riding to coastal rides, horse-lovers are guaranteed a fun-filled day.
To Eat
The Beach Hut
Right on the sand at Watergate Bay, this is a vibrant yet relaxed restaurant serving a range of interesting and mouthwatering dishes, including fresh seafood. With wall-to-ceiling windows and cosy corners, as well as an outside terrace, this option is perfect all year round.
Guest Testimonials
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. The location is second to none and the quality of all the fixtures and fittings give The Looking Glass a feel of sheer luxury. Our week here has felt like a month and we are all truly sorry to be leaving. We will, like so many others, be looking to return, if you will be gracious enough to continue to let your lovely home out. Thank you once again!
It has been a great joy to stay at The Looking Glass these past few sunny days, thank you! The design of the house is outstanding and it´s been constructed in such sympathy to its surroundings, but it´s the additional attention to detail and thoughtfulness that transforms this into a true sanctuary. We particularly love the view that runs right through the house from the front door; stunning.
We feel truly lucky to have found this beautiful house. What a comfortable, relaxing and perfect base for our week of relaxation. This really is a spectacular house and it´s the ideal holiday spot. Thank you for the tasty provisions, especially the scones, chocolate cake, wine and beautiful flowers. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay and felt so at home here. My two year old particularly enjoyed the garden and the beach - we hope to come back soon.
We´ve had a wonderful time in the most comfortable, stylish, and beautifully equipped home with the most magnificent views. The Looking Glass is one of the most stunning spaces imaginable. Thank you.
If you ever doubt that your hard work, commitment and attention to detail was worthwhile then let us tell you, it was! The house has made us smile from ear to ear and allowed us to create memories that will be etched in our minds forever. The view is incredible and gives you a wonderful feeling but the details, touches and unique design is what makes this place as special as the view! Well done, you’ve nailed it! All that is left to say is thank you! We will be back!
This was the perfect place for our family getaway! We had time to relax and enjoyed our walks to the beach and along the cliffs. Then, dinners at local restaurants and evenings next to the fire, protected from the wind and rain in this great house!
What a marvellous stay! The first impression is all about that overwhelming view, and the house and the hosts are just charming. We followed the advice to surf in Crantock, had a lovely walk through Padstow and we discovered Prawn On The Lawn which is a really wonderful restaurant! You can walk down the hill from the house and if the waves are good, hire surfboards in the shops and jump right in. Mawgan Porth is the perfect location if the wind is offshore and the swell is small to complete your day relaxing on the terrace.
What to say... just wow! We have enjoyed such a relaxing time here. The house and view, simply stunning. Thank you for everything and for sharing this special place with us.
Thank you so much for making our stay at The Looking Glass as amazing as it was. We have had such a brilliant time and will definitely come back again soon because this house is truly spectacular! We are all sad to be going, but this trip will always stay in our hearts!
Thank you for sharing your special piece of paradise, The Looking Glass is truly a one-of-a-kind home as are the hosts! We have had a magical week with memories that we will never forget.
Congratulations, you have created a little bit of paradise which we have absolutely loved being able to experience. Your attention to detail in delivering a simply outstanding guest proposition is to be applauded. From the location to the house itself, all the amenities and the glorious welcome box, just wow, wow, wow! Cornwall, thank you for your beauty, stunning weather and wonderful places to explore. Without question an off the scale rating! We will recommend to all and be back very soon, we hope.
A big, big, Dankeschön for this amazing house, your warm welcome and an outstanding holiday! The Looking Glass is the only place we want to be. We will be back!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us - we´ve had a wonderful family break and the house had everything we needed & more! We will miss the views but we will be back!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. We have had a wonderful week, enjoying the stunning view, the luxurious surroundings and your tremendous hospitality. We have wanted for absolutely nothing which has made for the perfect holiday. We can´t wait to come back!
Perfect location, perfect house, perfect hosts, and great waves. Overall, we had a fantastic week at The Looking Glass! We are coming back in the future, there is no doubt. Thank you!
Thank you, so much for this unforgettable stay in your fantastic home. From the very first moment, we knew that it was going to be a marvellous two-week stay in Cornwall. Your house is magical in every way, the welcome basket, the tasteful furnishing, the well-equipped kitchen and the extremely impressive view of the beach. But most of all, your very kind and warm support will never be beaten. We enjoyed it all so very much.
Thank you so much for letting us stay here. The Looking Glass is the most amazing house with the most amazing view. Wonderful hosts too! We had a fantastic time away and hope to be back.
Sleep and music at The Looking Glass! Thank you to the owners for being so kind and welcoming during my stay in your beautiful home. Although I will miss the view of the rolling waves as I fumble on the piano... I believe it will be forever etched in my memory. Hope to return soon.
Wow! Absolutely amazing! We were all blown away, quite literally by the 50mph winds! But also figuratively by the truly spectacular location, views, design, attention to detail, and the all round gorgeous feel of The Looking Glass. Thank you for the great welcome hamper too. We have had the most amazing time here, and we hope to be back very soon.
I always dreamed of such a view and you made my dream come true! We can´t get enough of this lovely house and location - we cannot wait to come back, thank you so much.
Escapism; the most perfect location and the most perfect holiday. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful (and for the birthday treats!). Much enjoyed by all - we will be back!
Thanks to our amazing hosts for their care, preparation (and building!) of this excellent and unique home. Our perks were having cosy fires every night, and how easy the fire pit and stove were to use! The ‘magic’ candles were also perfect in adding to the ‘hygge’! We’re dragging ourselves away after a February half term to savour – massive thanks to the owners!
What an incredible property! The Looking Glass is in an amazing location, with sea views from every room and the property has been designed to really make the most of the spectacular location. Everything feels of an exceptional quality and you can tell the owners have taken a great amount of pride in ensuring every detail is of a high standard. Having the ability to create a property in such an amazing location that provides a cosy yet spacious feel is extremely special. I hope to return again one day!
Wow! This really is the dream home. The masses of light beaming through the windows and the sea views are just magical. We loved listening to the sound of the sea whilst drinking our morning coffee on the sun deck. The Looking Glass is by far our favourite holiday getaway by the sea. There´s lots to do nearby for the kids too! Coming home to London was almost impossible when you have these views to indulge in from every window (even the shower). We will be back.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which The Looking Glass and 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.
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New Horizons
Self Build & Design
May 2019Best cabin stays in the UK
The Times
May 2023Staycation in splendid isolation
Country Living
May 2023Britain´s best holiday cottages
The Telegraph
May 2023Best holiday homes in the UK
Conde Nast Traveller
May 2023A look inside The Fable x The White Company
House Beautiful
May 2023Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023Follying up the folly
Country Living
May 2023
All Properties > UK > Cornwall > Mawgan Porth > The Looking Glass
Related Collections
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.
