Gaia

This modern beachfront retreat sits directly on the shoreline of Widemouth Bay in north Cornwall, with the sand beyond the front gate. Suited to families and surfers seeking an active coastal holiday, it offers direct beach access with the South West Coast Path running right past the gate.

Widemouth Bay is a long, unspoilt stretch of sandy beach and craggy cliffs known for great surf, with lifeguard cover through the summer and conditions for beginners and experienced surfers alike. The bay is flanked by rugged rocks with crashing waves and wide-open skies.

The coast path opens up miles of dramatic clifftop walking in both directions. Bude, 3 miles along the coast, has plenty to explore including coasteering, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and bike hire.

Summerleaze Beach in Bude is home to a natural open-air tidal pool, and Crooklets Beach adds yet another surf break to the mix. This split-level retreat places the main living spaces on the first floor to make the most of the ocean views, with a staircase featuring hanging bulb lighting connecting the two floors.

Soft resin flooring runs underfoot throughout. The open-plan living area, dining space, and kitchen stretch across the first floor, with full-width glass sliding doors opening onto the wraparound balcony overlooking the bay.

The living room is furnished with bespokely designed sofas and armchairs beneath a large skylight, with a Sonos speaker system. A large central dining table seats ten, set alongside a kitchen island with bar stools.

The master bedroom, also on the first floor, has a super-king-size bed, a dressing room, and an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bath overlooking the ocean, a walk-in shower, and WC. A separate WC is on the first-floor landing.

On the ground floor, a cinema room has a large custom-made sofa and Smart TV. The spa area has a built-in Finnish sauna, a walk-in rainfall shower, a space for yoga with equipment provided, and a door leading directly to the outdoor hot tub.