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Large luxury holiday home, Gwithian, Cornwall

Dune House

Luxury holiday home within a stone's throw of Gwithian Beach

Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms (+cot) Friday arrival Up to 2 well behaved dogs welcome Short breaks available
Check rates and dates
The Retreat

This luxury holiday home is set in an iconic location and commands views over Gwithian’s dunes to St Ives and Godrevy Lighthouse. Dune House sleeps 8 in comfort and style, and can be also be rented in conjunction with adjoining Dune Lodge together offering accommodation for up to 12, subject to availability.

Short breaks are available on selected dates from September – April (Friday or Monday arrivals only, 3 night minimum) If your desired dates are not bookable online, or you wish to book a stay for more than seven nights please contact the team here.

Low occupancy discounts available on selected dates when 2 bedrooms or less will be occupied. Please contact the team here for more information. 

Set amid miles of wild grass-covered sand dunes and looking out over St Ives Bay is Dune House. Its a new purpose-built holiday home, created with an active beach lifestyle in mind. Imaginative layout, clever use of architectural glazing and individual first-floor balconies provide privacy and generous outdoor space on all sides (a rare feature in Gwithian). With ample parking as well, this is probably the most unique and exclusive accommodation choice in the area. Dune House has been built with exceptional detailing using sympathetic local materials.

Dune House Holiday Cottage Gwithian Forever Cornwall 3

Inside Dune House

Stepping inside Dune House you are welcomed into a large and luxurious open-plan living, kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is generously specified with all that you could wish for if you like cooking to entertain, and the dining table can seat a generous 12. Large patio doors slide open connecting the inside space with generous west-facing decking and lawned gardens, making this an ideal setting for relaxed family coastal living. For the cooler months, Dune House has underfloor heating downstairs and radiators upstairs, as well as a stylish contemporary wood burner to keep you toasty. There is also a large snug or games room, and a purpose-built indoor après-surf changing room with two showers and space for drying wetsuits.

Upstairs you have four bedrooms. The architect has created two near-identical master bedrooms. Each has a king-sized bed and en-suite shower room with a large walk-in waterfall shower, and the two rooms share a beautiful decked and glazed west-facing balcony. In addition are two twin rooms each having further views of Godrevy Lighthouse or open farmland.

Dune House Holiday Cottage Gwithian Forever Cornwall 22

Outside Dune House

There’s plenty of space in this large, south and west-facing, enclosed garden with lawn and feature trees. A large shed provides safe storage for any beach essentials such as body/surfboards and windbreaks. There is also a barbecue available to guests, perfect for alfresco feasts. You have your own pedestrian garden gate for when you want to wander onto the dunes, or amble to the cafés, such as Sunset Surf. Gwithian beach is only a five-minute stroll over the beautiful sand dunes. Other beaches that are within easy reach are Godrevy Beach, Upton Towans, Mexico beach and Hayle beach — which all connect into a three-mile stretch of sandy heaven.

Gwithian to Upton Towans

Things we love…

Dune House invites you to slide open the patio doors and just live; inside out and outside in. It’s been brilliantly designed by the architects to help you make the most out of time by the sea, and it really works. We love that you can gather a big family together and spread out whilst still feeling connected — making good use of the open-plan space, the snug and different seating options. Light the fabulous Morsø in the evening and share memories with your partner — others can set the LED mood lighting in the snug and stream a movie on the other big screen. In the morning click the electric blinds, slide the bedroom doors open and welcome the day with a latte and a view to the lighthouse. Get in the sea, enjoy some waves, afterwards peel your wetsuit off in the comfort of your warm indoor après-surf shower. Repeat. Perfect!

Renting Dune House & Lodge together.

The two properties can be interconnected and booked together offering flexible accommodation for up to 12 guests, ideal for multi-generational groups or for friendship families sharing. When booked separately each property is private.

Truly wonderful
Fantastic house and fantastic weather — what more could we want? The position of Dune House is truly wonderful and situated on one of the best beaches in the world. We've been privileged to watch beautiful sunrises and beautiful sunsets. The house provides everything necessary for a magical holiday. We've been coming to Cornwall for over 25 years but sharing Dune House with our grown-up family has been very special indeed – we even let them have the best bedrooms! We hope to return.
The Michaels — June 2023
Features

Retreat Features

  • Show-stopping balcony views of St Ives Bay
  • Sleeping up to 8
  • En suite king-sized master bedrooms
  • Ample parking and large landscaped garden
  • Feature log-burner, large lounge and snug
  • Large well-equipped kitchen
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: super king bed with ensuite
Bedroom two: super king bed with en suite
Bedroom three: twin beds (can be made into super king upon request)
Bedroom four: twin beds (can be made into super king upon request)
All bed linen and bath towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
L-shaped sofa seating six in comfort plus large armchair
65” SMART, 4K, Ultra HD TV
Morsø feature log burner
Additional snug with large TV (as above)
Unlimited WiFi
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Two Neff electric ovens
90cm induction hob
Nespresso machine
Dishwasher
Full height integrated fridge
Full height integrated freezer
Microwave
Large wine cooler
Dining table seating twelve
Tea towels provided
BATHROOMS
Family bathroom with WC, large basin, waterfall shower over bath
Two en suite bathrooms with WC, large basin, and large walk-in waterfall showers
Large après surf shower room with generous space for drying wetsuits and outdoor clothes
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday standard changeover
Short breaks available, Nov - March. Changeover days are Monday and Friday.
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
OUTDOORS
Large, south- and west-facing enclosed garden laid to lawn with feature trees
5 minute walk to beach over sand dunes
Large storage shed for beach equipment
Gas barbecue
Close proximity to South West Coast Path
HEATING
Underfloor heating downstairs
with feature log burner
Radiators upstairs
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot (no linen) and high chair on request
Sorry, a stairgate at this property is not possible due to the bespoke nature of the staircase
PETS
Up to 2 well behaved dogs welcome
Please note that the garden is not dog secure
When Dune House is booked in conjunction with Dune Lodge, a maximum of two dogs are permitted

PARKING
3 private parking spaces
ACCESSIBILITY
Internal steps without handrail
Stairs to second floor
Access to bedroom via stairs
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Please contact us for more accessibility information
Location

GWITHIAN

The beaches of Godrevy and Gwithian Towans are tucked away treasures on the North coast of Cornwall, backed by picturesque sand dunes that run alongside them. These unspoilt, golden beaches stretch along the easterly side of St Ives Bay, and as west facing beaches they bask in the summer sun all day long. With several surf schools lining the beach, Gwithian is a surfing mecca and is an area perfect for those wanting to try surfing for the first time or polish up their skill!

More about this area

Travel times

  • Dune House is about 12 miles from the nearest mainline station at Camborne. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • Dune House is situated in Gwithian Towans on Cornwall’s North Coast, just five minutes north east of Hayle on the B3301. Driving time from London is around five hours in normal traffic, while Exeter is around two hours away. We’ll send you detailed route information before your departure.

Things we love

  • A 5-minute stroll to Gwithian beach
  • Cafes in walking distance for breakfast and lunch
  • Breathtaking views from the balcony
  • Not overlooked at all - plenty of privacy

The gwithian guide

Surfers

Water-sports Wonderland

With its rolling waves, golden sands and stunning sunsets, Gwithian and the surrounding beaches are a watersports lover’s paradise, a stone’s throw from our Gwithian Towans holiday cottages. Seasonal lifeguards serve the beach here, so it’s a safe place for those wanting to get in the water and discover what St Ives Bay has to offer in terms of aquatic adrenaline. Take advantage of Gwithian’s decent swell and jump on a surfboard with the help from our friends at Global Boarders. When the wind whips up, you can join the kitesurfers soaring over the waves.

If you’d rather just get in the water without a board, the sea swimming is simply spectacular. Time it right and you can be out in a calm sea, watching the sun sink below the Atlantic. Or, get up with the larks to have the beach to yourself on a summer morning before even the sand has warmed up. With plenty of shallow waters and rock pools to explore it’s also the perfect place to bring the kids with a bat and ball for some simple family holiday fun.

Safe, sheltered sand pools

Our Gwithian Towans chalets and cottages make an ideal base for families. As the tide retreats back across Gwithian’s golden sands, it reveals a myriad of rock pools and sand pools that heat up under the summer sun, creating safe, warm shallows that are perfect for kids to play in. Gwithian has seasonal lifeguards too, so children can try their hand sea swimming and bodyboarding worry free. For those with a four-legged friend in tow, make for the south-westerly section of Gwithian and the beaches beyond, where dogs are free to frolic, cooling off in the many sand pools along the way.

The vast expanse of beach exposed at low tide serves as a fantastic pitch for beach games, whether it’s rounders, cricket or football. Gathering up a group of friends or family for a match is an idyllic way to spend an evening. For post-game refreshments, head up into the Towans, fire up a barbecue and watch as the sun sinks down behind the Atlantic.

Cornish walking holidays Gwithian South West Coast Path

Miles of coastal footpath

With cliff walks to the east and gentle strolls through the dog friendly dunes to the west, Gwithian has direct access to fantastic walking. Head east along Gwithian beach and you’ll discover the steep cliffs at Godrevy Head, a stark contrast to the gentle slope down to sea level found at Gwithian. Peer carefully over the edge to Mutton’s Cove to count the seals lounging on the beach below, or continue further along the cliff for stunning views of the dramatic north Cornish coastline.

These north cliffs also join up with one of Cornwall’s richest woodland areas, Tehidy Woods. Home to friendly squirrels and a great cafe, these paths provide cooler shady walking during the summer months and sheltered strolls in the winter. Walk west from Gwithian and you’ll be greeted with beach, beach and more beach, stretching all the way to St Ives. With gentle sandy tracks, quiet lanes and almost continuous views across St Ives Bay, this gentle section of the coastal footpath is dog friendly all year round.

Beaches
Gwithian beach dunes, Cornwall

Gwithian

Backed by sand dunes, with a gentle golden slope leading down to clear waters, Gwithian’s lifeguarded shores are perfect for beach life. When the wind blows, watch surfers take on the Atlantic waves and kite surfers take to the air, with seasonal lifeguards looking on. If you want to test the waves yourself, you’ll find board hire and lessons, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding and coasteering, at Global Boarders, just behind the dunes. On a calm day, the waters are dotted with swimmers, families playing beach games and kids finding their feet with bodyboards.

Godrevy lighthouse, Gwithian beach, Cornwall

Godrevy

With its rocky outcrops, great surf and sheltered shores perfect for sunbathers, Godrevy is the beach for those looking to find their own secluded spot of sand. Godrevy is under the watchful eye of seasonal lifeguards, so children can play happily in the sea, or explore the many rockpools and sandpools. Godrevy beach and the grassy cliff above looks out towards Godrevy Lighthouse, the inspiration behind Virginia Woolfe’s To The Lighthouse. It’s one of our favourite spots to watch the sun set, turning the sky a deep red as the sun slips down behind the lighthouse. The Godrevy Beach Cafe in the National Trust carpark is great.

Gwithian Beach and dunes, St Ives Bay, Cornwall

Hayle’s beaches

Gwithian is flanked to the east by a number of beaches that make up the three miles of sand that stretches across St Ives Bay to Hayle Estuary. Upton Towans, Mexico Towans and Hayle Beach are all dog friendly all year round, and they all interconnect as the tide goes out. The grassy dunes behind them are a perfect spot for a barbecue and there are caves to discover at low tide, just a stone’s throw from our Gwithian Towans chalets. From wartime structures to pillars used to facilitate the extraction of tin from the sand over a hundred years ago, there’s plenty to see for those who don’t fancy lounging in the sun all day.

Food & drink
Sunset Surf cafe at Gwithian beach, Cornwall

Cool cafes

Right on Gwithian’s sand, the quirky Hungry Horsebox Co is housed in a converted horsebox. They do a delicious dhal and great coffee. Set just back from the beach, Sunset Surf Cafe overlooks the beautiful beach and is a great spot for some hearty homemade food and a crisp glass of local cider. It’s also home to the surf school Global Boarders. With its showstopping views, The Jam Pot is an idyllic location for a tea or coffee stop, a mouthwatering bacon sandwich or a generous helping of cake. At the other end of the beach, the kid friendly, dog friendly and surfer friendly Godrevy Beach Cafe serves everything you’d want after a blustery beach walk or surf, from delicious breakfasts to indulgent hot chocolates. Grab a table upstairs for a brilliant view of Godrevy lighthouse.

Pubs and restaurants

A couple of miles up the road, Trevaskis Farm Restaurant is a great place for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Their seasonal lunch and supper menus include dishes such as crusted sea bream and lobster thermidor, and their Sunday roasts are very popular. In the centre of Gwithian, the Red River Inn is open every day for breakfast, lunch and evening meals, with plenty of local produce and Cornish ales on offer. It holds a popular annual beer festival at Easter. Behind the dunes at the far end of Gwithian beach, the Rookpool is full of sandy footed surfers and  serves small bites and sharing plates, hearty main meals, such as sea platters and seafood chowders, burgers and ribs.

Eating local in Gwithian and Hayle

With two brilliant farm shops within a couple of miles of the village and delis, ice cream parlours and pasty shops in neighbouring Hayle, it’s easy to get your hands on local produce in Gwithian, from fresh fish and meat to veg and local cheeses.

Find out more about buying local with our handy Local Food Guide to Gwithian.

Things to do
Surfing at Gwithian Beach, Cornwall

Take to the water

Gwithian is one of the most popular surfing spots on the north coast, and for good reason — it regularly welcomes medium sized clean surf to its shores, so it’s brilliant for all abilities. There are numerous surf schools around Gwithian and Godrevy, including Global Boarders, which is located at the Sunset Surf cafe near the Gwithian Towans carpark. They cater to all ages and abilities, and they also offer coasteering, kayaking and paddleboard hire and lessons, too.

Red Panda At Paradise Park, St Ives Bay, Cornwall

Paradise Park

With over a hundred species of birds, this brilliant wildlife park in Hayle is home to eagles, parrots and flamingoes, as well as Red Pandas, otters, and a petting zoo. Paradise Park caters for all ages too, with penguin feeding, a jungle train, free flying shows and the chance to hold a barn owl, make sure you check out their website to find out when these events are on. If the kids still aren’t tired out, make sure you take them to the Jungle Barn, Paradise Park’s whopping soft play area. A thoroughly entertaining way to spend a day!

Seals Mutton Cove Gwithian, Godrevy

Seal spotting

All year round, if you head across Godrevy Point to Mutton Cove and peer carefully over the cliff edge, you should be able to spot the herd of seals taking shelter on the beach down below. Watch them head out to sea and swim, their heads bobbing in the waves like little black buoys, or see fluffy grey pups lollop across the sand. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to spot them in the water off Godrevy and Gwithian beaches, or take a boat trip with St Ives Boat Company and spot them lounging on the lighthouse island.

Guests Say
  • Perfect views from every corner

    What a fabulous location with perfect views from every corner. We loved our walks from the house and cake at Godrevy cafe. Special shout out to the well stocked kitchen and well used (for us) wet room — the best addition!

    The Prices — March 2024
  • Just what you need

    Wow what a fantastic week, the house is amazing, just what you need for a relaxing holiday. Can't wait to come back, thank you so much for sharing.

    G & B — September 2023
  • Truly wonderful

    Fantastic house and fantastic weather — what more could we want? The position of Dune House is truly wonderful and situated on one of the best beaches in the world. We've been privileged to watch beautiful sunrises and beautiful sunsets. The house provides everything necessary for a magical holiday. We've been coming to Cornwall for over 25 years but sharing Dune House with our grown-up family has been very special indeed – we even let them have the best bedrooms! We hope to return.

    The Michaels — June 2023
  • Our third time

    Our third time in Dune House — and a week of sun! We love this house — it's so restful, and a wonderful retreat from the buzz of the beach and St Ives. We loved following the markers along the dunes, all the way to St Ives Bay camping for an ice cream which the little people in our group loved. Thank you for another wonderful week — we hope to be back the same time next year.

    The Harrison-Edwards — June 2023
  • Every bit as fantastic as being here in the summer

    Thank you again for the most amazing stay at Dune House! Winter break was every bit as fantastic as being here in the summer. Your wonderful home was the very best base to surf, walk and eat! Thank you so much.

    James & family — January 2023
  • Lovely family zone

    Lovely, many thanks again — lovely family zone to relax and chill! Bring on New Year 2022/23.

    Danish — December 2022
  • Fabulous house

    The perfect getaway and total escape. Loved every minute and made all the more special staying in such a fabulous house.

    Bex & Jamie — December 2022
  • Wonderful

    Thank you (as always) for a wonderful few days here — long walks, pub meals, surfing...who could ask for more?!

    Sue — September 2022
  • Beautiful house!

    Thank you for such an amazing stay in such a beautiful house! We loved everything about it and can't wait to come back!

    The Smiths — August 2022
  • Excellent!

    Dune House has once again been excellent! Looking forward to coming back here again.

    The Brannigans — July 2022
  • Wonderful

    Another wonderful and relaxing stay. We look forward to returning.

    The Mallinson-Richards — July 2022
  • Fabulous house

    Thank you for a truly wonderful stay! Here with the family for a few days break away from the daily grind! Fabulous house, views and all round location. Feel fully rested and rejuvenated!

    The Bayleys — June 2022
  • Such a high level of standard

    Beautiful house, gorgeous location! Here for my birthday and absolutely loved it. The house is such a high level of standard, wonderfully done out! I have definite house envy. Am so sorry to leave but will definitely be back!

    Francesca — May 2022
  • Wow!

    Wow! We certainly made the most of this lovely place. Thanks for having us, we, the children and their partner's celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in style and loved it — see you soon.

    The Smiths — March 2022
  • Super equipped house

    What an absolute joy to stay in such a beautiful area in an amazing and super equipped house. Thank you for your hospitality.

    The Bonds — March 2022
  • Beautiful stay

    Beautiful stay for a 60th birthday! Not even the storm stopped us from getting on the beach. Perfect place to shelter from the hail and 50mph winds! We've also ended up purchasing a coffee machine because we enjoyed it that much. Such a well equipped property. Can't wait to visit again.

    The Cobleys — February 2022
  • Idyllic location

    We had a fantastic week here at Dune House — a wonderfully relaxing place to stay in an idyllic location. Weather, beach, dunes, coastal walks — everything has been perfect.

    The Tidball family — August 2021
  • Amazing

    A magical week in an amazing house. There isn't a better spot in Cornwall!

    The Richards family — July 2021
  • Relaxing

    Our second year at Dune House has been as relaxing as our first and we are looking forward to returning again in 2022. We can't get enough of the beautiful views, the endless beaches and Dune House itself! See you next year.

    The Powells — June 2021
  • Beautiful home

    Thank you for a wonderful week in this beautiful home! We will miss waking up to these views, and the twinkling lights of St Ives in the evenings...plus of course the beach! Hope to be back next year.

    The Harrison-Edwards — May 2021
  • Glorious

    We have had a wonderful week in this glorious house and are looking forward to our return next year already.

    The Powell family — September 2020
  • A wonderful week

    A wonderful week in Gwithian, the house is just perfect and everything you could possibly need! Loved the coastal walks and to see the seals! Thank you and we will return.

    The Morgans & Farrages — August 2020
  • A magical place

    Absolutely fantastic house! We have been coming to this area for 30 years, Gwithian is a very special place! The weather has been brilliant, lots of surfing and body boarding and trips to St Ives. Still a magical place. We will definitely be back.

    The Hemburys — July 2020
  • Perfect!

    Perfect week away in a perfect house in a perfect location. Long walks on the beach, delicious home cooked food and a wonderful time away with the family. Thank you so much and huge congratulations on building such an awesome house!

    Sue & Dave — February 2020
  • Impeccably clean

    Thank you for a wonderful stay at Dune House — such a beautiful setting, impeccably clean, beautifully finished and luxurious — and just short walk through the dunes to the best surfing spots. The downstairs shower/wet room meant no sand in the house too! Spectacular view in all directions and the beds were super comfy. We loved everything about our stay and will be back again very soon!

    Kate & Simon — January 2020
  • The house is superbly spacious

    What a fantastic New Year's stay in Dune House! We loved the wet room with easy access from outside, a warm floor and wetsuit drying racks. Perfect after a long day in the surf. The house is superbly spacious and has a sociable open plan feel downstairs. Upstairs, the rooms are luxurious and we loved the wonderfully comfortable beds. All rooms offer stunning views of the sea and surrounding area.

    Justin — New Year's 2020
  • The perfect family house

    A fantastic week’s holiday surfing and enjoying the beautiful area of Gwithian, whilst staying in the perfect family house. Dune House really is amazing, close to the beach but away from the crowds, views out to the lighthouse, it has it all. As a family we loved the modern open plan living area where we could all chill out. Upstairs there’s plenty of space and the bedrooms are beautifully comfortable. It’s a house that has been thought through and just works, who wants more than to pick up your surfboard in the garden, go surfing and then watch the sunset from the house! We will be back.

    The Dunn family — December 2019
  • The location is perfect

    The house had been done to a very high standard with a beautiful kitchen, huge lounge, separate TV room, super comfy beds, beautiful bathrooms and even an outside shower, ideal for coming straight off the beach in your wetsuits. The location is perfect. You walk from the back garden down to the beach which takes about three minutes. I couldn’t recommend it more highly and can’t wait for a return visit.

    Will, Karie & Frankie — December 2019
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View our Terms and Conditions here, which includes our dog policy, cancellation policy, and more.

Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.