Lightkeepers

Introduction

There is not a wayward pebble to inform those who arrive at Lightkeepers that, not so long ago, this luxury self-catering farmhouse was a windswept relic of Cornish past. Here are floors slabbed in eggshell stone and slaked lime walls that turn the place to clean coastal-hued canvas; and a heated plunge pool and hot tub to boot. Textures too, such as blown glass vases and natural bamboo window covers, add to the warm diffusion of honeyed light and refractions of marbled citrine. With its gallery feel, recessed window alcoves suddenly become little exhibition altars fit for displaying a curation of collected treasures: mini museums where shells from the nearby Towans sit with retro Polaroids.

Inside

With sky lanterns stretched from tea-dyed nets and grooved Porta Romana lamps cast in jesmonite, this is a home knitted together with cloth and timber. The interior of Lightkeepers reads like an easy incantation: a crescent moon horseshoe, a cantaloupe-sized conch, petrified hardwood stumps, and hand-pressed seaweed from Palace Cove sit among its beach bounty. From sipping bean-to-cup coffee on the ocean-facing balcony to swilling Cornish sea salt vodka in a bouclé clamshell chair, this is the place to come to live like a lightkeeper en luxe. For a touch of elevated snuggery, retreat to the vaulted lounge for jigsaws by the Cube woodburner.

Outside

On the outskirts of easy-going Gwithian village and situated beside a working farm, Lightkeepers is a tender fortress. Surrounded by clusters of purpletop verbenas, whirling wands of beeblossoms, and grooved canes of golden bamboo, the seaward garden is fit for daybreak pool plunges and hot tub stargazing alike. While marshmallows char over the iron fire bowl, watch for skylarks and hope for a sighting of the silver-studded blue butterflies that make their home in the botanical dunes of crushed seashells. By the fine sand of Gwithian Beach, explore rock pools in St Ives Bay or tote yourself to Jam Pot for a midday cream tea.

• PricingFrom £3,495 per week, £2,595 per short break for up to 10 guests
  Alternative group sizes of up to 6 or up to 8 guests are available during selected periods at a reflective rate
• FeaturesOutdoor heated pool (8x2m, available April - September inclusive), hot tub and shower, games room with pool table
• PetsTwo well behaved dogs are welcome
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
  
• PracticalitiesEntry to Lightkeepers is via an unmade road and there is ample parking for five cars in a gated courtyard. Two CCTV cameras cover the side drive and internal courtyard, these will be blinded for your stay. The adjacent farm is operational, so please take care to ensure that all vehicles are parked within the private courtyard or in the driveway. There is an electric oven, French-style fridge-freezer, fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine, and an industrial breakfast bar. A utility room at the end of the kitchen aisle contains an additional three-door fridge-freezer, microwave, toaster, washing machine, and tumble dryer. Whilst the south-facing courtyard is entirely enclosed by tall fences, the seaward garden is enclosed only by a low cottage-garden wall. There is no phone signal or landline at the property, but WiFi calling can be made via the internet. Due to livestock in nearby fields, dogs are to be supervised at all times
• 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
• RestrictionsPlease note, fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted

Gwithian

A peaceful coastal community known for its golden beach of coves and rock pools, Gwithian is a small village and duneland in west Cornwall. A favourite among surfers and paddle-boarders, it has a sprinkling of cream tea shops and ale-pouring inns to sweeten the deal.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map This contemporary stable barn sits adjacent to a working farm on the outskirts of Gwithian on the north Cornwall coast.
• By car From London, take the M4 towards Bath, the M5 South and the A30 to Cornwall, then follow the directions provided to the property.
• By train There are frequent train services from London to Saint Erth (around 15 minutes by car from the property), with a journey time of approximately six hours.
• By air Fly from London to Newquay Airport, approximately one hour from the house.