Ow Ena

Ow Ena

Spacious and light dog friendly beach house in Gwithian

Sleeps up to 6 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 dogs welcome Friday arrival
The Retreat
In the heart of Gwithian but tucked away in a spacious plot is Ow Ena, a dog friendly, cool and comfortable beach house just a few minutes walk from soft sand and rolling waves. Ow Ena sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms, has large living spaces, private parking and a garden to capture the evening sun.

Ow Ena is a beautifully designed, architect-built beach house sleeping six, set within the sought-after Gwithian Towans chalets. Completed in 2025, it offers contemporary comfort, generous space and a relaxed coastal atmosphere just moments from Gwithian and Godrevy beaches, with interiors designed to make the most of natural light throughout the day.

Created by the owners as their own perfect coastal retreat and now exclusively available throughout the summer, Ow Ena — Cornish for 'my soul' — balances sociable living with peaceful seclusion. Three separate living areas, a private roof terrace and a detached garden studio provide space for families or groups to come together while still enjoying privacy. Bespoke details and local craftsmanship feature throughout, from the staircase and handmade kitchen to carefully chosen lighting and artwork. Outside, the large garden offers room to unwind, while private parking and an electric vehicle charging point add everyday convenience. From the doorstep, the distinctive Towans landscape leads directly to miles of golden sand and rolling dunes.

Inside Ow Ena

Ow Ena has been designed to feel calm, light-filled and effortless from the moment you step inside, with spaces carefully arranged to follow the sun across the day. The spacious open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is presented in soft white tones with warm timber detailing and abundant natural light from a central skylight. A generous corner sofa and dining table seating eight create an inviting space for relaxed evenings and shared meals.

The handmade birch kitchen is both beautiful and practical, showcasing thoughtful craftsmanship alongside high-quality finishes. It is well equipped with a Bertazzoni range induction hob and large oven, Blanco sink, integrated wine storage and a 60/40 fridge-freezer. A separate utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer adds further convenience for longer stays.

Downstairs are three beautifully presented bedrooms. The principal bedroom is a king with an en suite walk-in shower and dressing space. The second bedroom is also a king with its own en suite shower room. The third bedroom can be arranged as a twin (small singles) or king on request, and is served by a stylish family bathroom with freestanding bath and large walk-in shower.

Upstairs opens into a second living space with another large corner sofa — a wonderful place to unwind together away from the main living area. A separate office space enjoys views across the chalets towards the sea and Godrevy Lighthouse, adding a lovely coastal backdrop for those who need to steal an hour or two of work. Double doors lead out onto the private east-facing roof terrace, perfect for slow mornings in the sun.

Outside Ow Ena

The large, enclosed garden has been designed to maximise sunshine throughout the day, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Outdoor seating and a barbecue create an ideal setting for long lunches and relaxed evenings, while two outdoor showers — at the house and studio respectively — make rinsing off after the beach effortless.

The detached garden studio is a unique addition, offering extra space for creative pursuits, yoga or peaceful time away from the main house. It also includes a dedicated workspace with desk and chair, making it well suited to guests seeking creative inspiration or a quiet place to work remotely.

Just beyond the garden gate, the dunes lead straight to Gwithian and Godrevy's three miles of golden sand — perfect for rockpooling, surfing, coastal walks and sunset watching. Check the Location tab for details on cafés, surf hire and everything else the area has to offer.

Things we love

We love how Ow Ena makes the most of the North Cornwall light — the space and openness across both levels giving you somewhere wonderful to enjoy every part of the day. From coffee on the roof terrace to slow evenings in the sunny enclosed garden after hours on the beach, Ow Ena settles naturally into an easy holiday rhythm. Thoughtful design, bespoke details and generous living areas create a home that feels welcoming from the moment you arrive, with plenty of room to make family memories and cosy corners to retreat to when the mood takes you.

A perfect Ow Ena day starts with an early walk across the dunes, a swim or surf in the rolling waves, then coffee at a beach café before heading out again. Afternoons stretch easily between sand, sea and home, with outdoor showers waiting when you return sun-warmed and salty. Created as a cherished coastal escape, this is a place designed for making lasting memories — and one we suspect you'll want to return to, year after year.
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Details

Retreat Details

SLEEPING
Principal bedroom on ground floor: king sized bed with en suite
Bedroom two on ground floor: king sized bed with en suite
Bedroom three on ground floor: small twin beds (can be made into king on request)
All bed linen and bath towels provided
BATHROOM
Family bathroom with bath and shower
Two en suite bathrooms with showers
LIVING & RELAXING
Open plan living, kitchen and dining area
Upstairs living area with sea views
Comfortable seating
WiFi
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Induction hob
Oven
Fridge freezer
Dishwasher
Nespresso machine
Dining area seating all guests
OUTDOORS
East facing roof terrace
Detached studio
Large grassy outdoor space
Outdoor seating area & table
Barbecue (seasonal)
Outdoor heated après-surf shower
BABIES & TODDLERS
Stair gate provided on request
Travel cot and highchair available on request (linen not provided)
PETS
Up to two well-behaved dogs welcome
Dog secure garden
UTILITIES
Utility room with washing machine and dryer
HEATING
Underfloor heating
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Check in from 4pm
Check out by 10am
PARKING
Private parking for two cars
EV charging
ACCESSIBILITY
Property not accessible for wheel chairs users
One step up from decking to front door
Two bedrooms and bathroom facilities can be accessed from ground floor
For more accessibility information please get in touch
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 hotspot and is an area perfect for those wanting to try surfing, polish up their skill, or just watch!

The gwithian guide

Surfers

Life on the water

Life in Gwithian revolves around the beach. Whether you’re here to surf, swim, paddleboard or simply relax on the sand, the vast shoreline offers plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to its consistent Atlantic swell, Gwithian is one of Cornwall’s best-loved surfing beaches, welcoming everyone from complete beginners to experienced surfers.

If you’d rather stay on dry land, there’s just as much to enjoy. Wander through the rolling Towans, build sandcastles with the family, explore the shoreline at low tide or simply settle down with a picnic and watch the waves roll in. Stay until evening and you’ll be rewarded with one of Cornwall’s most spectacular sunsets, with Godrevy Lighthouse silhouetted against the horizon.

Safe, sheltered sand pools

One of the joys of Gwithian is watching the beach transform with the tide. As the sea retreats, vast stretches of golden sand are revealed, along with shallow pools that are perfect for little ones to paddle, splash and search for tiny crabs and shells. Families can easily spend hours exploring the shoreline, while surfers and walkers enjoy the ever-changing landscape. Even in the height of summer, the beach is so expansive that there’s always plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Cornish walking holidays Gwithian South West Coast Path

Miles of coastal footpath

Keep your eyes on the sea as you explore the coast, as grey seals are regular visitors around Godrevy Head and dolphins are occasionally spotted playing offshore. With breathtaking views in every direction, every walk offers something a little different, whatever the season.

Beaches
Gwithian beach dunes, Cornwall

Gwithian

Gwithian Beach is one of Cornwall’s finest stretches of golden sand, backed by The Towans 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.

Enhance your stay

Affordable private dining

Imagine your own private chef! It’s far more affordable than you think, and it supports local businesses. Discover how to find and book the right chef for you!

Follow this link to read more.

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