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MODERN BEACH HOUSE, WIDEMOUTH BAY IN BUDE

The Retreat

Modern holiday home by the beach at Widemouth Bay

Sleeps 8 across 4 bedrooms Saturday changeovers One small-medium well behaved dog welcome
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The Retreat

The Retreat is a modern holiday home in a quiet cul-de-sac close to Widemouth Bay Beach. It offers coastal luxury for families and groups of up to eight and benefits from a lovely outdoor area and ample private parking.

The Retreat by name and a retreat by nature, this modern coastal home in Widemouth Bay is a peaceful haven for the ultimate relaxing Cornish holiday. It’s ideally situated just a stone’s throw from the wonderful Widemouth Bay beach, which consists of two miles of golden sand along the North Cornish coast. Located towards the end of a quiet residential road, this contemporary home offers spacious living and ample parking on a private driveway. The Retreat sleeps up to eight guests across four bedrooms and is dog-friendly. Its proximity to the bay, with its well-stocked local shop, means you need not venture far for essentials, allowing more time for exploration and relaxation.

Inside

Designed for easy seaside living, this gorgeous modern, detached home has everything you need for a coastal escape, designed by leading Cornish interior design company, Iroka Design. Situated at the end of a quiet road, you’ll reach a large driveway with ample parking for three to four cars. Upon entering the home you are greeted with an airy open-plan living space, beginning with a wonderfully equipped kitchen and dining area complete with breakfast bar — a perfect set up for keen cooks and family gatherings. This elegantly flows through to a bright and spacious living room, offering numerous seating for all as well as a large smart TV and cosy woodburner for those cooler evenings. To complete downstairs you will find a generously-sized utility room with plenty of hanging space for wetsuits and beach equipment, as well as a separate washroom with WC and basin.

 

Upstairs, you’ll find all four comfortable, contemporary bedrooms — perfect for resting ocean-weary heads. The principal bedroom comes with a fabulous ensuite, whilst the two super king bedrooms can be made into twins upon request. The fourth bedroom is a twin, making it an ideal set up for children with its own PS4. A beautiful family bathroom completes the upstairs which has a walk in shower and separate bathtub.

 

Outside

Throw open the patio doors and invite the sea air in before stepping out into the enclosed tiered garden for a morning coffee or a sun-downer. Facing south and cleverly-designed, it’s a perfect little sun trap — ideal for soaking up some rays and dining al fresco on the lower terrace. Widemouth’s Beach House Shop has an excellent fish counter where the day’s catch from local waters is the freshest you’ll find — perfect for popping over the coals of the barbecue. The house also benefits from an outside shower for those post-beach visits.

The beachside village of Widemouth Bay is dotted with independent cafes and eateries so you don’t need to go far for essentials, and there’s a multitude of water sport activities on the beach, such as Widemouth Bay Surfing Co. The bustling seaside town of Bude is just a couple miles north — only an hour’s walk along the coast path — so you can experience the liveliness of Bude but stay in a more peaceful, tucked away location. Widemouth Bay Beach was awarded Blue Flag Beach 2022 (one of just a few Blue Flag beaches in Cornwall), meaning it’s a fun, family-friendly and safe area. 

Things we love

It’s so easy to feel relaxed in this gorgeous modern holiday home, with everything you could need to help get the most out of your stay – from the ease of ample private parking, a unique outside garden area and top-spec interiors for ultimate comfort. One of the best features of course is the location. The Retreat is perfectly positioned for all that this area of north Cornwall has to offer. There are both dog-friendly and life-guarded beaches nearby and this stretch of coastline is a surfer’s paradise with local schools offering lessons and hire. With the beach being just an easy five-minutes stroll away, the ease of access is ideal for any time of day but especially at the end, where you can see some of the best sunsets the north Cornish coast has to offer.

 

After a day spent on a watersports adventure, hiking along the South West Coast Path or exploring the nearby town of Bude, settle back into The Retreat and cook up a fabulous feast in the well-equipped kitchen, or cosy up in the lounge by the woodburner. Whatever you decide, staying at The Retreat will guarantee the ultimate rest and relaxation break that you’ll want to come back for time and time again. 

Amazing
Amazing location and one of the best equipped properties we have ever stayed at. We have enjoyed all the amenities: high quality kitchen equipment, TVs in every room, wide selection of board games and even a cup cake pan — all amazing. And when it was not raining, we could eat outside or just walk to the beach cafe just by the outstanding surf beach. Even our 5 month old puppy enjoyed his stay, as well as our five teenagers — would definitely recommend!
Bruno & family — July 2023
Features

Retreat Features

  • Modern, top spec interiors
  • Minutes from Widemouth Bay beach
  • Astro-turf garden and outside dining space
  • Large private driveway
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: super king bed with en suite
Bedroom two: super king bed (can be made into a twin upon request)
Bedroom three: super king bed (can be made into a twin upon request)
Bedroom four: twin beds

All bed linen and bath towels provided
COOKING & DINING
Open-plain kitchen/diner
Well-equipped with a large Panasonic American style fridge-freezer, Bosch hob and double oven, dishwasher and Dualit coffee machine
The utility room houses a Bosch washing machine and microwave with hanging space for coats and beach equipment
LIVING & RELAXING
The living area benefits from underfloor heating
Woodburner
BATHROOM
One en-suite bathroom
Family bathroom on first floor
OUTDOORS
The outside space is arranged over two levels, with a seating area on the first and a lawned area above.
Charcoal barbecue
PARKING
There is parking for three to four cars on the private drive
BABIES & TODDLERS
Families with young children are always welcome, with travel cots and highchairs available upon request
PETS
One small to medium well behaved dog welcome
Dog secure garden
UTILITY
Essential cleaning items
Washer/dryer
HEATING
Underfloor heating
Woodburner
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Saturday changeovers
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
ACCESSIBILITY
Not suitable for wheelchair access
All bedrooms are on the first floor
Location

Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay is a bay, beach and small village on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall, just 3 miles south of Bude. Attracting surfers, families and couples, this stretch of coast is steeped in the smuggling history of times before, and not far south of Widemouth Bay along the South West Coast Path can be found many little inlets and coves.

Travel times

  • The Retreat is 5 hours away from London by car on a quiet day and 1.2 hours away from Exeter.
  • The Retreat is 50 minutes away from the nearest station of Okehampton.

Things we love

  • Modern, top-spec interiors throughout
  • Private garden and driveway
  • Close to popular beaches including Widemouth Bay Beach
  • In a quiet residential area, a short drive from Bude
  • Ideal for families and groups of friends
  • Easy access to the South West Coast Path

The Widemouth Bay guide

Beach life

The village’s two beaches — Widemouth Bay and Black Rock — form one long expanse of sand when the tide’s out, stretching for almost two miles. With its Blue Flag status, this is a brilliant area for families who flock here for old-fashioned seaside holidays of rockpooling, sandcastle building and ice creams on the beach. Both Widemouth Bay and Black Rock are lifeguarded during high season, and Black Rock is dog-friendly all year round so it’s a great place for dogs too (there are seasonal restrictions on Widemouth Bay).

There are a number of places to eat within striking distance of the beach, including the popular Bay View Inn and laid-back beach bar The Break. Adventurous families who want to get out on the water will have plenty of surf school options (there are four schools on Widemouth Bay alone and many more in neighbouring Bude); some of them offer paddleboarding or coasteering if that’s more your thing.

Cornish walking holidays Gwithian South West Coast Path

Walking galore

Widemouth Bay is a fantastic spot for a bit of rambling. The coastal walk into Bude follows the South West Coast Path north and takes around an hour — it’s a beautiful stretch of coast, and along the way you’ll pass the magnificent Phillip’s Point Nature reserve, one of the Wildlife Trust’s smallest reserves. You’ve got the option to make this a 10km circular route if you want to by carrying on along Bude’s canal towpath south out of the town towards Helebridge and following the footpaths over fields back to the coast and onwards to Widemouth Bay.

A more challenging route takes you along the coastal path to Crackington Haven. It’s a good stomp of just over six miles and rather strenuous in parts but the views are worth it if you can handle the terrain.

Beautiful Bude

Widemouth Bay is only a couple of miles — or an hour’s walk — from Bude, and it’s brilliant to have all of the delights of this charming beachside town on your doorstep. There are several wide, golden beaches to choose from within walking distance of the centre, with many more little coves an easy stroll along the coast path. The wonderful sea pool on Summerleaze Beach is perfect for calm, salty swims when the tide’s out, and one of Cornwall’s largest nature reserves packed with wildlife and migrating birds can be found on the fringes of the town.

The little town is an interesting place to amble around with art galleries and independent shops, plus there’s a fascinating 18th-century castle on the outskirts. Bude is also home to some brilliant places to eat, from popular seafood restaurants such as the bistro-style Sea Fever and Potters Restaurant, to cosy pubs and cafes on the coast.

Beaches

Widemouth Bay

This beautiful stretch of North Cornwall’s coastline offers up a choice of beaches that all bring something slightly different to the party. Widemouth is a long, open bay (3 miles from Bude along the coast path) that’s also great for surfing, dog walking and rock pooling at low tide. A little further down the coast you’ll find the pretty shingle cove of Crackington Haven, which is flanked by tall cliffs — ideal for a spot of dramatic coast path walking.

Lifeguarded? May-Sept, plus Easter holidays, Oct half term and weekends in Sept and Oct
Dog-friendly? Dogs on leads between May-Sept

Black Rock Widemouth Bay

Black Rock

To the southern end of Widemouth Bay beach beyond the rocky outcrop, Black Rock is a wilder section of this stretch of coast, where big tides and some impressive reef breaks draw the surfing crowds to its waters throughout the year. There are also some incredible rockpools and caves along the beach, so bucket-and-net-wielding children will have hours of fun here.

Lifeguarded? Mid-May to mid-Sept
Dog-friendly? Yes, all year round

Crooklets Beach

This popular cove was awarded Blue Flag Beach status in 2022. Flanked by rocky outcrops which are brilliant for rockpooling families, this beautiful expanse of golden sand just north of Bude is a short walk from the town centre and is home to the Bude Surf Life Saving Club. At low tide it joins Summerleaze to form one long bay. It’s great for families with its play area, skate park and popular dog-friendly beach cafe just off the sand.
Lifeguarded? Mid May-Sept
Dog-friendly? Dogs on leads between mid May-Sept

Summerleaze

This is Bude’s main beach, just a quick walk from the buzzy town centre. Despite its popularity and proximity to town, it’s huge expanse of soft sand lined with rows of colourful beach huts to hire means that it never feels crowded, even at high tide. It’s a favourite spot for surfers and bodyboarders who come for the powerful waves. There’s surfboard hire and lessons on the beach, as well as windsurf, paddleboard and kayak rental, too. Swimmers can take a dip in the Bude Sea Pool for free (no booking required).

Lifeguarded? May-Sept, plus Easter holidays, Oct half term and weekends in Sept and Oct
Dog-friendly? Dogs on leads between May-Sept

Food & drink

The Bay View Inn

For food with a view, you can’t get much better than this popular beachside restaurant, tucked behind Widemouth Bay with beautiful views from the deck at the front. There are various eating areas, each with a different vibe, such as the laid-back surf bar with scrubbed floors, the sea-facing conservatory, and the open plan Driftwood area, which is perfect for sandy-footed families who’ve spent the day at the beach, and kids will love the pirate ship on the terrace. They’re big on fresh, Cornish ingredients, and it’s creative bistro menu features things like crispy hake and chips and gourmet burgers.

The Break Beach Bar

With private access to the beach from the bottom of the parasol and beanbag-dotted garden, sandy-footed beachgoers in search of sustenance should make a beeline for this multi award-winning laid-back beachside restaurant and bar. Serving up a heady mix of food, tunes in the dunes and stunning ocean views, The Break’s coast-inspired menu features things like seafood skewers and fragrant fish curries as well as local wines, ales and coastal cocktails. Inside, there are books, games and sofas for rainy days whilst the garden outside looks right onto the golden sands of Widemouth Bay. 

Widemouth Bay Cafe

You can almost dip your toes in the water from the terrace of this brilliant eatery overlooking Widemouth Bay — it’s a great place for watching the waves roll in and surfers performing tricks out at sea. It’s a relaxed, cosy little place, with leather sofas and driftwood tables. The menu features all the favourites, from burgers and scampi to sandwiches, and there’s an impressive gluten free and vegan menu, too, as well as lots of options for children. From pasties and sandwiches to all-day-breakfasts and tasty organic smoothies, wave-fuelled appetites will find what they need here. 

Eating out in Bude

Bude is just a couple of miles north of Widemouth Bay and has lots of good places to eat, from the laid-back cafes and bars to family friendly pubs. The stylish bistro Sea-Fever has lovely sea views and unpretentious food, whilst popular Potters is all about fresh, local fish dishes, such as Tandoori Cornish monkfish and St Ives smoked mackerel pate on toast. The scandi-inspired Electric Bakery serves up pastries and other delicious baked goods. There are also a number of great pubs, such as the tiny The Barrel, which sells craft ales from independent brewers and producers, and the slightly more formal The Falcon Hotel set just back from the canal.

Things to do
surfing widemouth bay

Learn to surf

If you want to learn to ride the waves, Widemouth Bay is a great place to give it a go. With four surf schools on Widemouth Bay beach catering to all ages and abilities, you’re spoilt for choice. As well as offering surf lessons and hire, Freewave Surf Academy also run SUP, coasteering and bodyboarding sessions. The Reubyn Ash Surf School halfway along the beach is lead by a European Champion with 30 years experience, whilst the Widemouth Bay Surfing Co offers surf lessons and hire, as well as a surf clothing shop from its shack off the sand.

Coasteering

If surfing’s not your bag, there are plenty of other watersports to try in Widemouth Bay. Coasteering is one of the most exhilarating way to explore the craggy coastline — you’ll swim through huge sea caves and wildlife-rich rockpools, visit inaccessible beaches and leap off cliffs and plunge into clear tidal pools. There are two centres on Widemouth Bay beach that provide coasteering to explore the surrounding coastline — Freewave Surf Academy, which run family trips as well as providing for stag and hen parties, and OA Surf Club, whose instructors have over 3o years’ experience.

Bude Sea Pool

The beauty of tidal pools is that you can take a dip with having to brave the waves, making it the perfect place for a bit of family fun. Under the cliffs at Summerleaze Beach in neighbouring bude, this is Cornwall’s oldest sea pool, created in 1930 so that the locals in Bude could bathe in safety away from the waves. Today it’s managed by local charity, Friends of Bude Sea Pool, who look after the upkeep of this semi-natural swimming spot. There are no fees, and there’s no need to book, just turn up and jump on in!

Guests Say
  • High standards

    Lovely house and garden. Beautiful bay. Bude is very nice to walk around and the canal walk is very well looked after. Cornwall at War museum is worth a visit for those into military history. The house is very comfortable and presented to high standards.

    Jackie & family — July 2024
  • Amazing

    Amazing location and one of the best equipped properties we have ever stayed at. We have enjoyed all the amenities: high quality kitchen equipment, TVs in every room, wide selection of board games and even a cup cake pan — all amazing. And when it was not raining, we could eat outside or just walk to the beach cafe just by the outstanding surf beach. Even our 5 month old puppy enjoyed his stay, as well as our five teenagers — would definitely recommend!

    Bruno & family — July 2023
  • 5 stars

    We have had a really lovely week in this beautiful house and the location by far steals the show! Lovely walks and days out. Lots of great food and our two little girls loved the beach and connecting rocks. 5 stars.

    The Flinter family — April 2023
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