Gull Rock Portreath

Set on Cornwall’s north coast, this stunning holiday cottage in the maritime village of Portreath is a superb base for families and groups who want beach days, coastal walks and easy day trips. Go to Portreath’s sandy beach (1 mile), where paddling, surfing the waves, and rock pooling become second nature.

The beach backs onto the village centre and has everything you need, from independent shops to a welcoming pub. Join the South West Coast Path and walk north towards Porthtowan (4 miles) for spectacular clifftop views, or head south towards Godrevy (6.5 miles) and Hayle Beach (10.5 miles) for long stretches of golden sand.

St Ives (16.5 miles) makes a great day out, with its pretty harbour, artisan boutiques and the renowned Tate St Ives gallery. A little further north, Newquay and Fistral Beach (19 miles) are ideal for surfers.

Step onto the decking and into the open-plan living space. This lounge/kitchen/diner is decorated in statement reds and whites, creating an inviting atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

The lounge space, with a toasty wood burner and Smart TV, is an ideal place to warm up after beach strolls, while the whitewashed kitchen has all the equipment you could need to whip up lovely dishes. When the food is ready, gather at the adjacent oval table that seats six.

The hallway leads to the bathroom, which features a shower over the bath and a WC, and to three delightful bedrooms. Charming decor creates lovely spaces for the ultimate night’s rest, whether you choose from the master king-size bedroom, twin zip-and-link bedroom or twin room.

The master bedroom has a TV for relaxing mornings, and also boasts an en-suite shower room with a WC for added convenience. Head outside to unwind in your private sunken hot tub, take it easy on the sun loungers, or reconvene around the seating for a breakfast buffet to remember.