This bold and innovative beach hideaway, which spent four years in the making before opening to great acclaim in summer 2021, started out with a question: what is the best place in Britain for kitesurfing? Asking the question was Craig Burkinshaw, intrepid explorer, watersports fan, and founder of Audley Travel. And the answer – clearly – was here, on Gwithian’s 3 mile-long, west-facing beach in St Ives Bay. It's true. The waves roll in with a deliciously dependable surf, the west wind blows with beautiful predictability, the shore is endlessly sandy, with bobbing seals and secluded cliff-backed coves to shelter in.
So, with his partner Jo, who has a handy eye for interior design, they bought a field above the bungalows of Gwithian's Towans ('sand dunes' in Cornish) and set about building 19 of the most cosseting, uplifting and stylish beach houses you can imagine. Think Bondi surf chic, with colourful touches from Mexico and Morocco, plus every conceivable creature comfort – from wine fridges to private sauna and hot tub on your sail-shaded deck. Naturally, surf lessons, boards and wetsuits are on hand, along with private chefs, boat trips and pretty much anything else you desire. With two, three or four bedrooms each, these houses are the ideal spot for some laid-back beachside luxury with your family (including four-legged friends), or for a very special get-together with mates.
Highs
- The houses are supremely well equipped and easy on the eye: a lovely spot to hole up and chill out, any time of year
- An on-site food truck offers world cuisine from tacos to Thai; private chefs and DIY pizza ovens are available too
- That beach: huge and sandy, with rock pools, surf schools and life guards – and 3 miles long is no exaggeration
- Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s tons to do: coastal walks, St Ives’ boutiques, trips to St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole or Land’s End
- It’s open all year, with flexible arrival days and discounted off-season rates (great for a cosy winter escape)
Lows
- The houses are quite close together, and only half of them have sea glimpses
- It's on an exposed hillside which catches the prevailing west wind
- There’s no pool or spa on site: this place is about getting back in touch with nature, wilderness – and each other
- Minimum stay of 1 week in summer holidays
- School holidays get booked up quickly: plan ahead – and go for it!
Best time to go
There's no doubt that this place is best in summer, but holiday weeks get booked up very early. If you can find space, go for it. Otherwise May and October half-terms are lovely - quieter, often sunny - and Easter holidays are an option too (the sea is bracing, but wetsuits are on hand). Couples and friends who are not tied to school hols will love May-June or September-October: our favourite times. And don't rule out a winter stay: it's cosy with underfloor heating, woodburning stoves, hot tubs and private saunas for warming up after a bracing walk (or dip!).
Our top tips
One evening - perhaps Sunday or Monday when the food truck is closed - do book their DIY pizza kit. With an outdoor pizza oven, ready-to-roll dough and lots of delicious toppings provided, all you (and the kids) need to do is get creative with flavours ... and have a domestic bake-off! It was one of our highlights - and very fair value when compared to eating out.