The Shipwreck
Portwrinkle, Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, UK
Built entirely from the washed-up timber of the marooned cargo ship Kodima, The Shipwreck celebrates the simplest pleasures in life; far-reaching views above Portwrinkle Beach, no sound to disturb other than the gentle roar of the waves and a true escape from the buzz of modern technology. This is a truly unique beach house in Cornwall’s forgotten south-east corner, where luxury comes in the form of uninterrupted time spent together.
Introduction
Relaxation and The Shipwreck go hand in hand; wake to the sight of the sun colouring the sky a kaleidoscope of pinks from the comfort of the master bed before heading down the cliff to enjoy a morning dip and picnic breakfast of soft croissants, sweet raspberry jam and steaming coffee on deserted Portwrinkle Beach. While away the days at this luxury Cornish beach house moving slowly in line with the tide, watching the weather course across the ocean and sinking into the gentle ebb and flow of coastal living.
Inside
Flaunting all the hallmarks of a modern beach cabin, including white cladded walls, wooden shutters and open shelving, The Shipwreck was designed for an easy breezy life by the sea. The master bedroom, with sweeping views across the horizon from the king-size bed and a large chrome bath tub looking out across the south coast, is a dreamy coastal hideaway for couples. Meanwhile, the cosy-yet-calm bunk room will delight children, conjuring bedtime tales of pirates and adventurous stowaways in search of treasure.
Outside
Surrounded by wild flora and sun-drenched decking above the quiet sands of Portwrinkle beach, The Shipwreck offers serene seclusion from the wider world. Swing life away on the hanging chair with a cool gin and tonic in hand as the sea crashes below and watch the coast twinkle with lights as night descends from the comfort of the al fresco dining area. For those who just can’t bear to stand still, chase waves and forage for mussels in rock pools right below the beach house.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children under 12 years)
From £1,895 per week, £1,450 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOne double bedroom with king-size bed and large bath, one bunk room suitable for children under the age of 12, one family shower room.
- PetsSorry, no pets allowed
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children up to the age of 12 are very welcome. One travel cot and one highchair are available. Please note, the travel cot can fit in the double bedroom, but not the bunk room.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for two cars. The bespoke kitchen includes a fan oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge with small freezer drawer, microwave and washer-dryer. Please note, due to the unique cliffside location the property is accessed via a steep set of steps.
- Homestay includesWelcome hamper with local produce, Smart TV with Netflix, Amazon Prime, iPlayer and ITV Hub apps, DVD player, Bluetooth speaker, cosy outdoor blankets, 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.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Whitsand Bay
A sparkling blue bay down on south Cornwall´s soft coast, Whitsand is the perfect spot for balmy summer holidays and storm watching when fierce violet winter skies move in.
Getting there
- On the Map The Shipwreck is situated in the coastal village of Portwrinkle on the edge of Whitsand Bay in South East Cornwall.
- By Air Newquay Airport is an hour away, whilst Exeter Airport is approximately 90 minutes away by car.
- By Car From London, take the M4 toward Bath, take M5 South and A30 to Cornwall and follow the directions provided to the property.
- By Train The nearest train station is Bodmin, 30 minutes drive away, or Plymouth which is around 35 minutes away.
From the owner
“There are so many things to love about The Shipwreck; the breathtaking views over Portwrinkle Beach and changing skies, the privacy, peace and overwhelming tranquillity. Our favourite way to spend a night here is to sit with a glass of wine, listening to the sea lapping on the shore or crashing against the cliffs in a storm.”
Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking coastal views that await as you meander your way to this lovely cliffside beach house; no matter the weather, the scenery is always astounding.
Previously, the beach chalet has been used as a family holiday home and the land it stands on was part of the Anthony Estates, of which the main house is now a part of the National Trust and isn’t far away.
It is not clear how long a chalet has been on this land, but in the early 2000s, the property was extensively rebuilt using wood primarily scavenged from the shipwrecked Kodima that came aground in Whitsand Bay.
The Shipwreck was once featured in a war drama and was a regular haunt for artists, musicians and famous actors of the day. During WW2 the property served as a top-secret command post and the pillbox below was built to protect the generals and staff.
After spending many a happy childhood day at Portwrinkle, we feel incredibly lucky to have found this little gem and we hope you enjoy your time here as much as we do!
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Whitsand Bay with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Portwrinkle Beaches
There are two beaches immediately accessible from Portwrinkle; to the west of the harbour is the sandy and secluded crescent of Hoodny Cove and to the east the quirkily named Finnygook Beach. Both great for sunbathing.
To Do
The National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The aquarium is the Nation’s largest, as well as being a charity organisation, and as such has an extremely exciting and prevalent role to play in driving marine conservation. See the Atlantic Ocean tank with large Nurse Sharks, sand Tiger Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Ray and Clownfish.
To Eat
The Devonport Inn, Torpoint
A very popular traditional pub with characterful interiors displaying an eclectic mix of antiques! Owner Jerome is from Northern France and has the French passion for classic, uncomplicated dishes using the very best of fresh, local produce.
To Do
Adventure Bay Surf School, Tregonhawke
Founded in 2011, the team have built a solid reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting and unique surf and coasteering schools. Learn how to get to your feet on the sand before taking to the water to carve up the surf under the eyes of trained instructors.
Guest Testimonials
Just bliss! We are both totally recharged. Portwrinkle holds some great memories for us and now The Shipwreck is part of them. Thank you for such a fantastic stay, we truly had a great time.
We have had an amazing time here in Cornwall and LOVE the view of the Sea! The Shipwreck is so cosy and perfect; the beds are all so comfy. We have loved sitting down by the fire and playing board games while drinking tea. The food provided was delicious (especially the ginger biscuits), and we hope the next guests have as much fun as we did!
Wow. What a magical place. We´ve only been here a few short days and we don´t want to leave! Such a beautiful, tranquil, relaxing and heavenly stay in Portwrinkle. The house is stunning with everything we could have possibly needed for our stay. Thank you for sharing this incredible place with us. We´ll be back!
What a wonderful place! A real oasis of calm and tranquillity in a stunning location. The coastal walks are lovely and the local restaurants are fantastic. It´s been wonderful to experience this lesser-known part of Cornwall and from such a beautiful base! We very much hope to be back again one day.
We have enjoyed a lovely week at The Shipwreck. The views are wonderful and there´s always something interesting to catch your eye. We have especially loved listening to the squeals of delight as children (and adults) first enter the sea! Thank you.
Beautiful. Breathtaking. Sometimes in life, you find exactly what you need and The Shipwreck is it. Thank you for sharing your special home with us, we´ll never forget our stay here.
Thank you for sharing your breathtaking home with us - we kept thinking we were in South Africa or California. What a dramatic coastline! In sunshine or storm, it really is a special place; we feel lucky to have visited it. Thank you.
What a beautiful seaside escape! We have had the most incredible long weekend full of sunshine, food and wine. It´s a weekend we will never forget, especially as we got engaged here on Saturday night! Thank you for providing the perfect backdrop for such a special night.
Wow, what a beautiful home! We´ve had a super relaxing week here despite the high winds. From the views, the fire, the bath and the outdoor space, what more could one want? Perfect!
What a hidden gem! We have loved our week away at The Shipwreck. The cottage is simply perfect to switch off and enjoy a break away. It´s so comfortable and cosy. The coastal walks are stunning and we were so lucky with the beautiful December sun!
Paradise by the sea! We couldn´t have hoped for a more idyllic place or magical family holiday. It will remain in our sun-blushed, sand-sprinkled, salt-tinged, wind-tousled memories for a very long time. Thank you for sharing it with us and for everything that has gone into creating such a wonderful experience.
What a dreamy place, surely the ultimate seaside escape! The housekeeper must be a magician as it was so spotless that we wondered if we were the first ever guests! We enjoyed sunset drinks in the garden, baths with the sound of the waves, walks in both directions along the coastal paths, exploring the rock pools at different tides and seeing the lighthouse out through the telescope. What a magical spot. Wishing future visitors an equally restorative stay. We will be back.
What a place! We had two days of sunny skies and beautiful weather, yet when the weather was poor, there was nothing better than sitting and watching the storm pass. The recently renovated Finnygook Pub has a great atmosphere! This place is perfect for escaping all the daily stresses of life. Perfectly designed, clean and immaculate. We´ll be back!
Small but perfectly formed. We wanted for nothing on our stay here and the location is stunning. Wonderful views and yet hidden away, the perfect romantic getaway. Loved every minute, we will be back!
It´s hard to imagine a cosier place that The Shipwreck. It´s in such a gorgeous setting and is a beautifully designed cabin. We had a wonderful time on the beach, in Looe and around the area. We didn´t want to leave, absolutely magical!
We had an amazing time at The Shipwreck and shared a sunset to remember for years to come. The location is absolutely perfect, easily accessible but completely private with views you could only ever dream of. We will definitely be back again very soon.
What a fabulous place. We were sadly only here for four days but we didn´t feel the need to go anywhere else. A beautiful location and place to look at the view. This was a perfect and much-needed step off the treadmill. More time here wanted, so we will be back!
We had a lovely stay at The Shipwreck! It is absolutely gorgeous and has been fitted out really well. There was nothing that we didn´t like and as for the location, what can I say, other than it is stunning! We were lucky to have two amazing sunsets while we were here and even had enough sunshine to tempt me in for a swim, which was somewhat bracing but invigorating! We can´t wait for another visit.
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 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
Best 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 2023The hidden heart of Cornwall
Financial Times
April 2023
Collections > Lazy Sunday Stays > UK > Cornwall > Whitsand Bay > The Shipwreck
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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.
