
Guest testimonials
We had the time of our lives! Our experience with Unique Homestays was made truly unforgettable thanks to our incredible hosts. From the moment we arrived, they went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed, comfortable, and completely at home. Every question we had was met with kindness and thoughtful attention, and nothing was ever too much trouble for them. We will always treasure the memories of our stay and couldn’t recommend Unique Homestays - and our hosts - more highly.
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
House on the Strand
Portmellon, Mevagissey, Cornwall, UK
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Introduction
Nearly a century ago, an architect's serendipitous wanderings led to the creation of this remarkable coastal retreat. Designed to witness moonrise and sunset simultaneously, the house holds its headland position with quiet confidence, and features (unnamed) in Daphne du Maurier's The House on the Strand, which is based on a nearby priory. Following a considered renovation that honoured Campbell's vision while replacing mid-century additions, this family home offers a rare combination of architectural intrigue and simple luxury. Like the moon phases it was built to observe, the house reveals itself gradually, each space orchestrated to capture light, land and water.
Inside
Outside
The grounds descend through tiered gardens where hydrangeas nod seaward, their colours shifting with maritime soil minerals. Winding paths through rewilded grassland lead to a secluded beach with a private boathouse for kayaking, rowing and stand-up paddleboarding. Gannets dive offshore while oystercatchers patrol the tideline. It's a place where childhood dreams of Famous Five escapades become reality, morning coffee might be interrupted by dolphins breaking the surface, and stargazing is accompanied by the dependable lull of waves. Nearby, the South West Coast Path and pretty villages of Mevagissey and Gorran Haven offer a snapshot of Cornwall's fishing communities.
The property has four double bedrooms (one of which is zip-and-link and therefore converts to a twin), each with its own private bathroom. There´s also a ground-floor beach shower and separate WC.


Bedroom One
Ground-Floor Double Bedroom


Bedroom Two
Upper Ground-Floor Double Bedroom

Bedroom Three
Upper Ground-Floor Double Bedroom


Bedroom Four
First-Floor Double Bedroom
- PricingFrom £6,995 per week for up to 8 guests
An alternative group size of up to 6 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate - FeaturesPrivate slipway to a cove and coastal path to a sandy beach, garage games room
- PetsOne well-behaved dog is welcome
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
- PracticalitiesPrivate parking is available for four cars; there´s also an EV charger. The well-equipped kitchen includes an oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, coffee machine and wine fridge. A laundry room houses a washing machine, tumble dryer and dog-washing station. Please note, the property has areas of restricted head height and internal level changes, with steps to the kitchen, living room and some bedrooms. The garden is not fully enclosed, requiring supervision of children and dogs. The boathouse and slipway are accessible via a narrow path with steep steps. The secluded sandy beach, though privately owned, remains open for public access on foot
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - 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
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Crusty loaf of fresh bread
- Cornish milk
- Free-range local eggs
- Butter
- Scones, clotted cream and jam
- A selection of wines from the owners vineyards
- Local bacon or sausages
- Fresh fruit
- Local salad leaves
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Beach towels
- Bathrobes
- Organic hand soaps
- Hairdryers
- Informative house-book guide
- Local maps, walks and guides
- Firewood and kindling to get you started
- A selection of breakfast and herbal teas
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Ground coffee
- Instant coffee and capsules for the SMEG machine
- Olive oil
- Recipe books
- Dog welcome basket, including a towel, rug, bowls and treats
- Sonos system
- Board games
- Jaques croquet set
- Crayons/paper/craft equipment
- A selection of toys for babies and young children
- Children's books
- Crockery and cutlery for infants
- Highchair
- Cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
Mevagissey, Cornwall
Twin harbours anchor this medieval fishing port, where narrow streets lead to seafood restaurants and artisan shops. Walk the historic quays, discover hidden coves along coastal paths, or visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Getting there
- On the map This luxury self-catering coastal home is located between the picturesque villages of Mevagissey and Gorran Haven.
- By car From London, take the M4 towards Bath, the M5 South and the A30 to Cornwall and follow the directions provided to the property. The journey time is around five hours.
- By train The nearest train station is St Austell, a 20-minute drive away.
- By Plane Newquay airport is a 45-minute drive away.

“We immediately fell in love with this house overlooking the magnificent Cornish sea, where every room reveals architect John Campbell´s vision of simple beauty and thoughtful detail.”
We first encountered the house on a hot July day 10 years ago, surrounded by sparkling sea. The place held us spellbound. What followed were years of discovery and renovation, breathing new life into one of Cornwall's youngest listed sites.
Set on a rocky headland where an early chapel once stood, the house was built in 1932 by architect John Archibald Campbell without electricity or road access. Rock was cut and blasted on site, while materials were transported by donkey and cart from across Cornwall.
We fell in love with the house's unadorned nature, its limited palette of materials extending naturally along the point. Yet the modest exterior belies Campbell's sophistication. This accomplished architect chose to experiment, building affordably with traditional materials while teaching alongside his workmen. The result marries simplicity with thoughtful detail.
Our extended family, aged two to 72, continues to create wonderful memories here. While just being here is often enough, there's also plenty to explore in the surrounding area.
Charles, Cathy and family
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Mevagissey, Cornwall. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Eat
Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes
A sophisticated coastal retreat with a sun-drenched terrace perfect for elegant al fresco dining. Combine your visit with castle exploration, sea swimming, or kayaking before catching the ferry to Falmouth.
To See
South West Coast Path
Meander westward along the dramatic clifftops to discover hidden beaches. Within an hour´s walk lies the film location for Richard Curtis´ romantic masterpiece, About Time, though many outdoor scenes were actually shot at the house.
To Do
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell
Explore this beautifully restored Victorian estate, where forgotten paths wind through mysterious woodland walks and dense jungle vegetation flourishes alongside Europe´s only productive Victorian pineapple pit.
To See
Mevagissey
A quintessential Cornish working port where fishermen still land their daily catch. Browse independent boutiques and savour fresh seafood while watching colourful boats bob gently in this historic harbour.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Is the garden enclosed?
No, the garden isn't fully enclosed.
Does the property have neighbours?
Yes, there are a few neighbours nearby. However, none overlook the property, and guests won't overlook them either.
Is there direct access to the sea?
Yes, a private path leads down from the garden to a secluded cove with its own boathouse and slipway, perfect for kayaking, rowing or paddleboarding straight from the house. The path does have some narrow, steep sections, so it's worth bearing in mind for anyone with limited mobility. The beach itself, although privately owned, remains open to the public on foot.
Can I walk to a pub?
Yes, The Rising Sun Inn in Portmellon is one mile away.
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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Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026
The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 2026
5 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026
Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026
Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
5 beach houses to book
Country Living
July 2026
How to spend a long weekend in the Cotswolds
SheerLuxe
July 2026
Related collections
Collections > Baby-friendly breaks > UK > Cornwall > Mevagissey > House on the Strand





