Monterey

Introduction

Over time and tides, this sandy patch of dunes and marram grass has played host to an 18th-century copper mine outpost and a 1950’s café serving cups of tea and knickerbocker glories to beachcombers. Fast forward some years and along came Monterey, bringing with it modernity, an emphasis on space, and a celebration of the art of the good life. Glass, modular stairs, polished concrete floors, and skylight shafts nod to a softer sort of brutalism, whilst familial foundations and the provenance of reclaimed school house stones bring warmth by the bucket. With its rare "front row" aspect, this luxury beach house is the talk of Porthtowan.

Inside

With boxy windows bringing in all the light that Cornwall can muster, tactile refinement is what the interiors called for: think fluttering linens, raku pottery, and cotton rope artwork from Indonesia. Since room to manoeuvre is the bread and butter of luxe coastal living, laid-back movie snugs and calm bedrooms balance the lively open spaces above. The aesthetic is simple, mellow, welcoming. It's one of those places where all the things on your mind wouldn’t fill a cockle shell. Where you float in full of ocean air, drizzle honey on the burrata, then make like a sommelier decanting Nebbiolo into carafes for the evening's supper. This is life the Monterey way.

Outside

This is a part of Cornwall that sits smugly between Perranporth and St Ives; secluded enough to sidestep the county’s flurries of sightseers, yet sprinkled with pizzerias and beach bars. When all is said and done, you’ll find Monterey just a few salty paces from the sea, without so much as a barnacle in your way. Surfers, this one’s for you. With a grassroots wave-riding community, consistent Atlantic surges, and the chance appearance of a reef break known as "Lushingtons", these are spirited waters. On land, there's reasons enough to down fibreglass: picnics, rock pools, and always someone ready to meander home and grill sugared peaches on the barbie.

• PricingFrom £4,995 per week, £4,995 per short break
• FeaturesHot tub, sauna
• PetsOne small well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
  Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
  
• PracticalitiesThere is off-road parking for four cars. The kitchen has a double oven, five-ring induction hob, dishwasher, tall fridge, and under-counter freezer. The utility room contains a washing machine, tumble dryer, and storage; there is also a large surf storage area in the garage. Please note that the first floor patio is not enclosed and opens to the beach, so do exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that the reverse-level configuration features four bedrooms on the ground floor, with the main living spaces on the first floor. There are two CCTV cameras covering the external areas of the property
• Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay
• 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-friendlyElectric car charging point

Porthtowan

Out of the spotlight on the North Cornwall coast, flanked by day-tripper darlings St Ives and Perranporth, Porthtowan is the Houdini of the county. It’s treasured by an eco-minded tribe of local surfers, and adored by marine explorers young and wise.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map This luxury beach house is right on the sand in Porthtowan on the north coast of Cornwall, ideally located for exploring the South West Coast Path and a myriad of waterside towns and villages.
• By car Monterey is just outside of Porthtowan village, half-an-hour from Truro, under two hours from Exeter, and just under five hours from London.
• By train The nearest train station is 10 minutes by car. There are regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of four-and-a-half hours on Great Western Railways.
• By air Cornwall Airport in Newquay is 40 minutes by car, and Exeter Airport is two hours by car.