“The Dunes is a unique, stylish and very private beach house, situated in Mawgan Porth, a cool corner of Cornwall not far from Padstow and Watergate Bay.”
“My recent discovery of a perfect beach house, on the Cornish South West Coast Path, literally on the beach at Mawgan Porth, was therefore a moment to mark. An unprepossessing wooden doorway on the roadside proved the entry point for a Swallows and Amazons-styled Narnia, tucked away in the dunes, utterly private with a hot tub overlooking the sea, wood-burning fire and sea shack-styled interior. I couldn’t help dreaming of a return visit, with a bunch of girlfriends, a case of chardonnay and a box of movies, on a mini-break.
I wandered the vast expanse of sand at low tide as my children ventured into the breakers with King of Surf Pete, who declared the conditions gnarly while grinning his infectious come-surf-with-me smile. Sending your children on a two-hour surfing lesson when temperatures are barely above freezing may seem an act of parental cruelty, but later, when they tumbled into the hot tub, we’d fired up, all chattering teeth and numb toes, they declared it the best day ever.
Everything in this tiny seaside village lived up to my dreams, including lunch at The Catch, where we ate crisply battered fish and other oceanic delights while around us a few seasoned surfers and a scattering of locals drank cold beer and hot soup. Ever since I watched the 1977 film Julia – featuring Jason Robards as the writer Dashiell Hammett and Jane Fonda as his lover Lillian Hellman, holed up in a covetable, isolated Ralph Lauren-styled New England beach house – my lust for a pad that opened to pounding, elemental surf has been an ongoing quest. My Mawgan Porth bolt-hole may be more rustic, but it more than fits the bill. In my crystal ball I see myself donning yellow sou’wester and beanie to comb the coastline and clifftops with my dogs, returning home to freshly baked biscuits and a blast of Radio 4. I can certainly imagine worse futures!”
Mariella Frostrup – The Daily Telegraph Saturday 23 February 2019
“I can still feel the sand between my toes. What an amazing place! This has to be the closest you can live to a beach anywhere.”
Simon – FR
“It’s impossible not to love it here!
Both the location & your property are truly wonderful – we feel privileged to be staying here & to have found it… Plus it looks like the sun is on its way!”
Jo, Nick and family – UK
“Fabulous, great place, great ambience… so relaxing and comfortable… loved the outdoor bath.”
Charlotte Orr – NZ
“We had a great time, spectacular walks, lovely food (Rick Steins) house very comfortable and light, with a warm fire in the evenings.”
The Savage family – UK
“Gorgeous house, so many interesting things to look at, a special style and place to be!”
Ann Swarbrick & family – FR
“What a fabulous location, the dogs loved it and the fact we were straight on the beach was a bonus.”
Gay & Angie Smith – UK
“A special spot that’s got the lot – what a jewel!”
Josephine & Peter – UK
“What a lovely stylish house, so tranquil considering its bustling location.”
Gay Wallace – UK
“What a fantastic location & a very special place to relax & chill. We’ve had a brilliant week – we will be back.”
Victoria, Lou & Woody – UK
“Fabulous! What an amazing spot, hideaway and getaway! Love the little nook in the garden which protects you from strong winds, enabling you to keep sunbathing regardless! Bath on the decking = winner! Beautifully creative, inside & out! Must come again soon.”
Chloe & Jason Burley – UK
“Had a really wonderful time here! A truly magical place.”
Chris, Claire, Rueben & Millie – UK
“Possibly the best and moGorest secret seaside stop in the South West. Hard to leave & can’t wait to come back.”
Mano, Martin & Sue – UK
“What a stunning house. So tranquil, do not want to leave. Had so much fun in the outside bath (super idea!) and enjoyed food, surfing and the fresh sea air.”
Molly & Pedro – UK
“The perfect tonic escape for a busy life. We’ve relaxed, we’ve run on the beach & played in the surf. What more do you need. The dogs had the best time!”
Susie, Ian, Hugo & Hodson – UK
“Thank you for providing such a perfect place for lasting family memories.”
Kurtaran – UK
“Gorgeous house, gorgeous setting & fabulous weather. Felt relaxed the second we arrived. A truly magical place.”
Harry & Briony – FR
“We felt nourished and cherished here. The art was amazing and the house was outstanding”
Bev & Gary – UK
