Front row dog friendly beach house with sea views

The Bach

Front row dog friendly beach house with sea views

3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 dogs welcome Friday arrival
The Retreat
Occupying a commanding front-row position on the dunes at Gwithian Towans, The Bach is one of the newest iconic beach houses on St Ives Bay. This dog-friendly retreat sleeps six and is a homage to the original building that has stood here since the 1930s. Framed by wonderfully generous gardens, it enjoys far-reaching views across the sweeping bay towards St Ives.
Inside
Step inside this effortlessly sociable space and you're welcomed into exceptionally light and airy accommodation, with all ground-floor rooms connecting to the dramatic open-plan kitchen, living and dining space at the heart of the home.

Patio doors span the full width of the living space, maximising the natural light and drawing the outside in — opening onto the garden and perfectly framing expansive views across the bay from St Ives to Godrevy Lighthouse.

The living area offers generous, comfortable seating arranged around a central coffee table, positioned in front of those epic views. This is a tech-free space, but if you like to unwind for an evening with TV, don't panic — a lovely addition on this floor is the cosy snug-cum-TV room, furnished with a comfortable corner sofa and wall-mounted television, perfect for quieter evenings or giving younger guests their own space to relax.

The shaker-style kitchen is beautifully executed with mineral worktops and a subtle island for quick breakfasts. Well-equipped and thoughtfully laid out, it features a gorgeous retro-styled Bertazzoni range with induction hob and large oven, along with all the amenities you'd expect for a self-catering stay. The dining space sits on the other side of the room with plenty of seating for all — and even room for additional guests if you have friends nearby. A bay window completes the space, and doubles as the perfect spot to check the surf.

On the ground floor you'll find two well-appointed bedrooms. The first is a charming twin room (convertible to a super king on request), and the second offers the same flexibility — arranged as either a twin or super king-size. Both have hanging and storage space and a vanity area with a stool. Positioned between the two is a substantial family shower room, designed as a stylish wet room with a statement sink and impressive walk-in waterfall shower.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom truly delivers the wow factor. Arranged around a super-king bed positioned to take full advantage of the sweeping dormer window, the view across St Ives Bay is nothing short of breathtaking. A walk-in wardrobe provides ample storage, while the en suite bathroom next door features a freestanding slipper bath — adding a luxurious yet laid-back beach house feel.


Outside
If you're a Gwithian regular, you'll likely have admired this home before. Completely remodelled and reconstructed in 2025, it has become one of the most desirable seafront properties in the area. Thoughtfully modernised yet true to its roots, The Bach retains its distinctive Gwithian chalet character — wooden cladding giving it an effortless surf-retreat aesthetic.

The standout feature is the large west-facing front garden, a rare and highly sought-after asset for any sea-view home. Perfectly positioned for afternoon and evening sun — and arguably some of the best sunsets in Cornwall — it offers uninterrupted views out to sea. A summer house with comfortable seating adds yet another spot to take it all in. A space to escape, on your escape.
There's something undeniably special about having your own private gate leading directly to miles of coast path and golden sands — and thanks to its enviable position and generous plot, The Bach offers exactly that. To the rear of the property, private parking is available for two cars.

Things we love
The new owners of The Bach were deeply immersed in a different building project when a chance conversation revealed an opportunity they simply could not resist — taking on the responsibility and creative challenge of reimagining and rebuilding one of Gwithian's oldest and most iconic beach houses. Having walked and driven along the front line of chalets at Gwithian for decades, we held our breath when the scaffolding went up. We need not have worried. The outcome is very impressive: the architects have retained all the essential character of the original while introducing some brilliant and beautiful contemporary touches, and the local builders have delivered with superlative craftsmanship. We love the result — and are particular fans of the vernacular corrugated roof. We hope you agree.

What's not to love? At The Bach you can wander back from early morning waves — whether surfing, swimming or simply soaking up the Atlantic swell — through your own garden gate, rinse off in the après-surf shower and put the coffee on. Gwithian lovers will know the to-do list: walk over to Godrevy to say hello to the resident seals at Mutton Cove, follow three miles of sand to Hayle for a pasty, pick up some local fish at Trevaskis Farm Shop and fire up the barbecue in your huge west-facing garden as the sun dips over St Ives. It's all waiting for you.
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Details

Retreat Details

SLEEPING
Principal bedroom on first floor: king-sized bed
Bedroom two on ground floor: super king (can be made into twin on request)
Bedroom three on ground floor: twin beds (can be made into super king on request)
All bed linen and bath towels provided
BATHROOM
Family bathroom with shower
En suite bathroom with freestanding bath
LIVING & RELAXING
Large window providing spectacular sea views
Comfortable seating
Secondary living space with Smart TV
WiFi
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Induction hob
Double width oven
Fridge freezer
Dishwasher
Nespresso machine
Dining area seating all guests
OUTDOORS
Path to the beach
Large grassy outdoor space
Outdoor seating area & table
Barbecue (seasonal)
Summerhouse
Outdoor heated après-surf shower
Beach toys
BABIES & TODDLERS
Stair gate provided on request
Travel cot and highchair available on request (linen not provided)
PETS
Two well behaved dogs welcome
Dog secure garden
UTILITIES
Utility room with washer dryer
Essential cleaning items
HEATING
Underfloor heating
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Check in from 4pm
Check out by 10am
PARKING
Parking for two cars
EV charging
ACCESSIBILITY
Location

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.

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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