The Slate Path
Trebarwith Strand, Tintagel, Cornwall, UK
Slate was once carried by donkeys along a coastal track from the Tintagel quarries to waiting ships on the beach below, the same pathway frequented by Victorian day-trippers seeking picnic spots on the strand. Today, locals traverse these historic routes with surfboards as they make their way towards the swell off Gull Rock. Just beyond this weathered path, through a garden gate, stands The Slate Path: a self-catering beach house that embodies barefoot luxury, from bracing dawn swims to storm-watching from bed.
Introduction
Between sea and sky, The Slate Path is tucked in one of North Cornwall’s quieter corners. Built in the 1930s and cherished by three generations of the same family, this hideaway has evolved from a humble blue bungalow into a contemporary coastal home. Floor-to-ceiling windows, bedroom balconies, and wraparound decking invite families to soak in the rugged seascape – its elevated position catching the sun all year round. Whether gathering indoors for chowder after winter walks along the coast path or calling children up from the beach for barbecued mackerel, The Slate Path is a haven in every season.
Inside
Calm and considered, The Slate Path is designed to frame the landscape – a place to hunker down and stretch out. Sea-foam whites and soft pastels echo the surrounding scenery, from the blush of a dawn sky to the sea’s green-blue hues. Bathed in light, an open-plan living space is the heart of the home. A window seat offers front-row views of the tide, while the sitting room invites board games on blustery afternoons. Five bedrooms span the house; upstairs the spacious principal room is enveloped in nature through balcony windows, another opens onto a yoga deck with panoramic views.
Outside
The Slate Path sits in harmony with its coastal surroundings. Over 25 years, the grounds have evolved – forgotten plants unearthed, a hot tub and lounging areas added for sea-gazing among the resident goldfinches. Just meters from the top gate, the South West Coast Path beckons intrepid walkers. A private path winds down to the sandy beach below, which vanishes at high tide, offering solitude away from holidaymakers. On still days, kayak out to Gull Rock. On wilder days, hunker down at Trebarwith’s popular cliffside pub serving up hake and lobster butter chips.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 11 guests
From £2,995 per week, £2,250 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe house offers five bedrooms, three on the first floor and two on the ground floor. The first-floor includes two standard en suite bedrooms and a triple room with three single beds, one of which is zip-and-link, allowing for a superking if needed. On the ground floor are two further zip-and-link bedrooms: one with an en suite and the other using the adjacent family shower room.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHot tub
- PetsOne dog is welcome, additional dogs may be permitted by prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for four cars in the car park at the top of the driveway. The kitchen has an Everhot oven, Quooker boiling tap, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, wine fridge, microwave and Nespresso coffee machine. There is a washing machine and tumble dryer in the utility room. The garden is not fully enclosed.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper including fresh bread, farmshop goods, organic toiletries, board games, freshly cut local flowers, organic cotton bed linen and towels.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 surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- Eco-friendlySolar panels
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Trebarwith Strand
Towards the top of north Cornwall´s dramatic coastline, between the fishing villages of Boscastle and Port Isaac, lies this hidden Cornish hamlet by the sea. Follow the coastal path to Tintagel’s famed clifftop castle, steeped in myth and legend
Getting there
- On the Map This house overlooks Trebarwith Strand, just a few miles south of Tintagel in North Cornwall.
- By Car From London, guests should allow approximately four and a half hours.
- By Train The closest train station to the property is Bodmin Parkway, 40 minutes away.
- By Air The closest airport is Newquay, 40 minutes away. Exeter airport is an hour away. Both have taxis and car hire available, where booking in advance is advised.
From the owner
“This is a home from which to truly enjoy the outdoors – whatever the weather. You can spend hours watching the sea as storms roll in from the horizon, heading inland towards you – all while hunkered down without a care in the world. Then there are days when salty sea mist shrouds Gull Rock – only for the sun to break back through again. And when the sun is shining, you can throw open the doors and be directly amongst it.”
The Slate Path has been our home since 1999. The family have grown up here and we love watching the next generation embrace it just as fully as we have.
This has always been a place to welcome the pull of the outdoors. There’s something beautifully simple about stepping so freely outside in nature for coastal walks, swims, surfs or runs. With so much right on the doorstep, it’s easy to spend a week without getting in the car – as long as you have adequate supplies. Even when you’re not feeling active, or the weather turns wild, it’s the perfect spot for storm-watching – leaving you feeling just as invigorated!
The Slate Path holds so many memories for us, as a family and with friends. From recuperative breaks to numerous celebrations – Christmases, my sister’s 21st, my 40th, and many more – it’s truly a family home with heart.
The Bolsover family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Trebarwith Strand with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
Port William
Just down the road, the Port William is a great spot for lunch or dinner. Perched above the sea, this coastal pub offers sweeping views over Trebarwith Strand.
To Shop
Fish Markets at Port Isaac
Port Isaac is a traditional fishing village just a short drive from Trebarwith Strand. Despite its modest size, it offers a good selection of fresh and sustainable fish merchants.
To Do
Outdoor Adventures
For a dose of adventure, try surfing with Trebarwith Surf School or explore the coastline by kayak or coasteering with Cornish Coast Adventures or Cornish Rock Tors.
To Eat
The Rocket Store, Boscastle
The Rocket Store is a small seafood bar and restaurant that serves fresh seafood that´s come straight from their own boat and meat from their farm nearby. The menu changes daily.
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.
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Starting over
25 Beautiful Homes
May 202550 of the best holiday cottages in the UK
The Telegraph
April 2025A sense of adventure
25 Beautiful Homes
April 202526 of the UK´s best beachfront cottages
The Times
April 2025The most beautiful houses in Britain to rent
Tatler
April 2025The world´s most heavenly destinations for astrotourism in 2025
Wallpaper*
March 2025The best beach houses to rent in the UK
Condé Nast Traveller
March 2025Stylish winter decorating ideas
Country Living
March 2025
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Cornwall > Tintagel > The Slate Path
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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.
