The Gem is a bolthole for two tucked away on the desirable Pentire headland in Newquay, North Cornwall. This dog friendly holiday cottage has mesmerising views of the river Gannel and the open sea beyond. You will be able to stroll across to beautiful Crantock beach, or take advantage of the coastal walks and excellent restaurants in the area.
The Gem combines easy-going seaside chic with beautifully detailed contemporary design. The property is one of just seven elegant weather-boarded residences forming The Pavilions, an exclusive development in the private grounds of Corisande Manor in the sought-after and secluded area of Pentire headland. The beautiful landscaped and terraced gardens look westward and have private access to the river. At low tide you can stroll from The Gem across the sand in minutes to Crantock beach (voted Best British Beach by BBC Coast 2013, and dog friendly all year round), and when the tide is high a delightful foot ferry will connect you – although this is seasonal.
Inside The Gem
Every aspect of the design and facilities at The Gem demonstrate exceptional attention to detail. Carefully chosen fabrics and wall coverings in sophisticated greys and cool blues mix with mid-century modern furniture to create a light and relaxing holiday mood. The open plan living, dining and kitchen area is packed with mod-cons. From the smart TV to the bean-to-cup coffee machine, the owners have thought of everything. The beautiful kitchen is minimalist with clean lines and a luxurious feel with drawers that float, and cupboards that open with the softest of touches. You’ll find a breakfast bar for two, a comfortable sofa and armchairs for four in this south-facing living space opening out via French doors to the lawn, gardens and sea view beyond.
Upstairs, past the weather station, tide clock and custom map (to help you plan your outings), you’ll find the bedroom and bathroom which are also both delightfully detailed. From the USB charger wall sockets to the subtle LED lighting, and from the 42” TV and high quality bathroom fittings to the deeply sprung mattress, you’ll find everything has been thought of to make your holiday a treat.
The gardens and beach
The Gem has its own patio and lawned terrace with commanding views across the river Gannel. At this point the river is ever changing — a sweeping estuary of clean rippling sand at low tide, and a charming river at high tide, begging exploration. Through a gate at the bottom of the garden you can descend steps straight on to the sand, and at low tide stroll across the footbridge or paddle across to Crantock beach in moments (at high tide and in-season there is a foot ferry nearby). The gardens at the Pavilions are expansive, well designed and well kept. You have full access to these shared private grounds, which include terraced lawns, a seating area and an outdoor après-beach shower (inventively made from a boat), ideal for washing off your sandy toes. Finally, in the garden you have your own surf store shed for beach and other outdoor equipment.
Things we love…
The Pentire area is unique. This wonderful area is a haven for lovers of water sports, nature walks and bird watching. The Gem nestles on a tree clad river bank, yet is moments from dramatic sea cliffs. So many aspects of the best of Cornwall are packed into this tucked-away headland that you can escape here and find an entire holiday on your doorstep. Fistral, one of Europe’s most celebrated surf beaches, is also just moments away. You are quietly secluded but are also close fine dining, stylish bars, and innovative cafes that Newquay has a growing reputation for. The Gem makes the perfect base for two to explore the area, and is a retreat as breath-taking as the location — with the owner’s passion for design and detail evident in every corner.
