Jo Rees heads to ‛Hollywood‑on‑Sea’ to test-run a house made for group getaways
WhatsApp’s pretty good for staying au courant with that group of old friends you don’t see as much as you’d like. Yet, while it keeps you up to date with their latest job, house move, holiday and favourite (bad) memes, nothing beats being in the room together to reignite the magic.
If your group of uni friends, childhood chums or old work pals is well overdue an IRL rendezvous, let me reveal a rather special house in Cornwall with all the elements required for a grand meeting of the clan.
What
The Beach House is a beautiful and contemporary holiday home in Mawgan Porth, run by Beach Retreats. The company specialises in self‑catering holidays on the Cornish coast and has a website stuffed with lovely houses. However, for jaw‑dropping gorgeousness and indulgent luxe, scroll straight to its Iconic Set. The Beach House is a member of this six‑strong club and sleeps 12 in comfort and smart style.
Why
Join the in‑crowd at what’s colloquially known as Hollywood‑on‑Sea, thanks to the host of A‑listers rumoured to have bought properties in the village. Might you find yourself out back waiting to catch the next wave with Jason Momoa, navigating the beach steps with Cate Blanchett or sipping fizz in the Merrymoor Inn next to Chris Martin?
Of course, no self‑respecting Food Lifestyle reader would have their head turned by that sort of celeb proximity (ahem), so the real ‛why’ is for Good Times with a capital G – and T.
This house has been cleverly crafted for pleasure and relaxation. Outdoors, soak in a wooden hot tub surrounded by lush planting, break through the glassy surface of the warm Hockney‑esque pool, laze on loungers by the water, or chat in armchairs overlooking the sea. There’s also an alfresco kitchen with a high‑spec gas barbie, fridge and dining table.
Inside, the heart of the upside‑down house (designed to maximise the vibrant sea views) is a large open kitchen with a huge hunk of a dining table and sofas to chill while someone else whips up a culinary masterpiece. A cosy sitting room with wood burner, a large cinema room (also with a fire), a games room and generous bedrooms provide plenty of places to be sociable – and to escape to.
Introverts who really do need a significant amount of quiet time to balance all the hilarity should bagsy the poolside annexe, which has its own sitting room, kitchenette and two twin bedrooms.
When
We visited at the end of September when the weather was so balmy we were able to swim in the sea and hang out on pool loungers in our cossies.
A visit in winter would deliver delights of a different hue: games evenings by the fire, steamy hot‑tubbing under the stars, blustery walks on the beach and sausage sizzles in woolly hats and scarves. Out of season it’s possible to stay for two or three nights – in high summer there’s a seven‑night minimum rule.
Verdict
Our group was looking up future availability and discussing bookings before we’d even departed, which pretty much speaks for itself. However, in case it needs spelling out: it’s fabulous.
Recommend to friends?
Just that particular WhatsApp group. After all, there are only going to be so many weekends available – and I want one of them.
