The Counterpoint
Downderry, Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, UK
In lesser-known Cornwall, an artist and a musician have created the most significant work of their lives. The exterior is inspired by postminimalist artist Richard Serra, but inside, this luxury self-catering retreat tells the story of a life together. A sleek modern home complete with a pool that overlooks the wild open ocean: this is Counterpoint.
Introduction
The splendour of the South East Cornwall coast forms a faultless backdrop to this modernist home by Penk Architecture, in collaboration with the owners. Set high on the cliffs above the water in the village of Downderry, The Counterpoint is designed to follow the contours of the landscape, all charred Japanese larch, corten steel and copper. Inside, the space expands over two spacious levels. Built on the site of an old chicken shack, to stay here is to retreat to a treehouse in a forest by the ocean.
Inside
If you can tear your gaze from the view of Rame Head, the owners’ joy-of-the-hunt ethos becomes clear: vintage Dodo leather recliners by Toshiyuki Kita, sliding doors from the salvage yard, sculptures rescued from the Broomhill Estate – all within a bold Michael Craig-Martin colour palette. And throughout, original art by the owner. In fact, The Counterpoint is one living artwork – the objects in every room meticulously curated, and each with its own story to tell.
Outside
Venture onto the outdoor pool area through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and straight into the water. For al fresco dining, there’s space for eight, surrounded by the house’s very own sculpture garden. And for moments more intimate, perhaps a golden hour drink on the balcony as the sun floats on the sea. Whichever space you choose, The Counterpoint's grounds offer a respite from the noise of the everyday – within some of Cornwall’s most spectacular, and lesser-seen, surrounds.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £3,995 per week, £2,995 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are four bedrooms, two of which have a zip-and-link bed that can be arranged as a double or a twin. All the bedrooms have an en suite, and there are two additional, separate WCs.
View bedrooms - FeaturesOutdoor swimming pool (May - October 2025), soon to be converted into an indoor swimming pool (please contact our Homestay Specialist team for more details).
- PetsSorry, no pets allowed
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for up to five cars. The kitchen is well equipped, featuring two ovens, an induction hob, a dishwasher, fridge, freezer, microwave and a range of modern appliances. A well-appointed utility room includes a washing machine, tumble dryer, vacuum cleaner, iron and ironing board.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper, Wi-Fi internet, Smart TV with Apple TV, Bang & Olufsen speaker system, board games and playing cards.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.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Whitsand Bay
In Cornwall’s forgotten corner, Whitsand Bay is a sweep of wild coast framed by dramatic cliffs. Expansive, rugged and unspoilt, these are beaches to rival the best in the world – and all of them quiet, even in peak season, thanks to their locals-only nature.
Getting there
- On the Map Downderry is located on the coast, in South East Cornwall.
- By Car From London, the journey time is approximately four hours and 45 minutes, or two hours and 40 minutes from Bristol.
- By Train A mainline service can be found at Plymouth (a 40-minute drive from The Counterpoint) with regular trains to and from London.
- By Air Newquay Airport is approximately a 50-minute drive from The Counterpoint.
From the owner
“The Counterpoint has been a work of inspiration and dedication – a lovingly curated sculpture of a house that grew organically from a 100-year-old wooden chicken shack and an old gardener´s cottage that once stood on the land.”
When we first purchased the estate, we screamed with delight at finding the plot. Soon enough we were spending many an evening there by the old chicken shack, marvelling at the views of the headland and the ocean, sitting outside with a fire pit for warmth. The shack is no longer there, but in its place is our creative hub. As an artist and a musician, this is where we paint, sculpt, make and record music. We think of The Counterpoint as a gallery and sculpture park, blended with our home of the future – something we love to share.
We positioned the main windows of the house to line up directly with the chapel on Rame Head to the east. We love nothing more than gazing at the outstanding views, and west to Looe Island too. In either direction, you can witness a sunrise and sunset perfectly framed, and the path of the sun is completely traceable from inside the house. We love spending time in the pool, which is made of granite to blend in with the landscape. The light reflects beautifully off the water – an extension of the sea that mirrors nature. Please enjoy savouring all the tranquillity and serenity The Counterpoint offers; we certainly do.
Fran and Andy
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 Eat
The Canteen, Maker Heights
This funky restaurant is owned and run by Nick Platts, who trained at River Cottage and was head chef at the Prince Hall in Dartmoor. Expect an eclectic and ever-changing menu with a strong focus on locally sourced produce.
To Do
Plymouth Arts Cinema
An independent cinema showing everything from foreign and arthouse films to more mainstream fare, along with the occasional classic. You can take a glass of wine or beer in with you and relax in the highly comfortable seats.
To See
The Box, Plymouth
The Box is Plymouth´s new £46 million cultural destination. Opening its doors in 2020, you´ll find an eclectic mix of maritime history and contemporary arts in this museum, gallery and archive with a café, shop and bar.
To Do
Whitsand Bay
Arguably the finest stretch of sands in South East Cornwall, maybe even the world. Whitsand Bay is actually a sequence of beaches which, combined, stretch to around four miles from Portwrinkle to Rame Head.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Your home is truly very special. We had such a wonderful stay - everything from the outdoor space to all the cosy communal areas were so lovely. We also really appreciated that everything was so well thought through - everything (and more) was already provided. And then the architecture and the interiors - wow! So beautifully designed and considered. Can´t wait to share it with friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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
A home in a WWII bunker?
Living Etc.
September 2025Why now is the time to book your festive party house
The Telegraph
September 202517 of the best beaches in Cornwall
The Times
September 2025Woodland oasis
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2025Friends in high places
Condé Nast Traveller
August 202525 of the best places to stay in Devon
The Times
July 202515 houses with really great interiors to book for a British holiday
House & Garden
July 2025Eleven of the UK´s best cottages with pools
The Times
July 2025
Collections > Homes with pools > UK > Cornwall > Whitsand Bay > The Counterpoint
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.
