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Sea view holiday cottage in Porthtowan, Cornwall

Polvenna Beach House

Cottage overlooking the beach at Porthtowan

Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms (+cot) Friday arrival Sorry no dogs
The Retreat

Polvenna Beach House welcomes you with its relaxed seaside atmosphere and magnificent views of the big blue and Cornwall’s dramatic north coast. Sleeping up to eight guests, you’ll be able to spend quality time with family and friendly by walking down the coastal path to the wonderful beach at Porthtowan, and enjoy barbecues with the most amazing views towards Godrevy lighthouse in the distance.

Full cottage updates for 2024 which includes dormer windows in the upstairs bedroom, new photos coming soon!

Polvenna overlooks Porthtowan beach and Cornwall’s north coast. The property is a modern retreat, fully detached and set in its own generously proportioned and very sunny terraced garden. The interior has an open and airy feel, and is laid out over three levels. All of the living areas, as well as the decked terrace and lawn, share the same sweeping view of the coast. A short walk away is Porthtowan’s Blue Flag award-winning beach, which is great for families as well as being one of Cornwall’s most popular surfing destinations. Both Polvenna and the beach are set in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Forever Cornwall Polvenna Porthtowan Sunny Dining

Inside Polvenna Beach House

Polvenna is decorated in bright white, beachy blues and soft linen greys, with fresh wooden floors throughout and an easygoing coastal style. The open plan living space is ideal for relaxed coastal living — with the kitchen, dining and lounge areas having views out to sea. An array of sofas will seat up to eight in comfort and the wood-burner will ensure nights are cosy in the colder seasons. The delightful kitchen is newly fitted with integrated worktops and plenty of storage as well as lots of equipment for those who enjoy serious holiday cooking. All bedrooms are a good size, with the two double rooms benefiting from sea glimpses from eye-level Velux windows. A family bathroom and one en suite complete the accommodation.

Forever Cornwall Polvenna Porthtowan Beakfast In Bed

Outside and surrounds

Polvenna is set in the front row of three small avenues of private residences called East Cliff, which looks down over Porthtowan beach. The property is fully detached and set in a lawned and terraced garden. You can step directly from the living area onto wooden decking for lounging, al fresco dining and barbecues. A nearby footpath connects you directly to the beach and village (please note that the path is steep), as well to The South West Coast Path. The coast is particularly stunning in this part; eastward you can find the secluded Chapel Porth and picturesque St Agnes, whilst walking westwards you can find Portreath, Godrevy and St Ives Bay.

Things we love…

Polvenna makes an ideal beach retreat for a larger family, or, with its two double and two twin bedrooms, for two families to share. There is plenty of space in both the house and the garden, so you can be as sociable or as private as you choose. The beach is accessible by foot, so party members can come and go as they please without relying on the car. In Porthtowan there are a couple of great beach bar/cafés, a good pub and a handy shop near the beach, and even a surf school. Of course the setting is spectacular with a beach that feels endless at low tide, and miles of coast path on hand for walkers.

Beautiful
Thank you for such a wonderful week in your beautiful holiday home and making our stay a comfortable and relaxed experience! Also, a thank you to the cleaners for providing a spotless home and adding to the comforts of our stay. It is much appreciated. We shall certainly be returning.
The Pritchard Family — July 2022
Features

Retreat Features

  • Incredible coastal hilltop panoramic views
  • A suntrap garden
  • A short walk to the restaurants, bars, beach and shops of Porthtowan
  • Private parking
  • Free WiFi
  • South West Coast Path on your doorstep
SLEEPING
Principle bedroom: double with en suite
Bedroom two: double bed
Bedroom three: twin beds
Bedroom four: twin beds
All bed linen and bath towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Several sofas seating up to eight
32” TV and DVD player
Wood burner
iPod/CD/radio hifi system
Books and rainy-day games
Free wireless broadband
COOKING & DINING
Open plan kitchen/living area opening to terraced garden
Breakfast bar with two stools
Electric oven, grill, hob
Fridge and dishwasher
Microwave and toaster
Range of utensils and accessories
Utility room with washing machine, freezer and drying space
Tea towels provided
BATHROOM
En suite with shower
Family bathroom with bath & shower
Bathroom towels provided
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday standard changeover
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
OUTDOORS
Terraced and lawned garden
Decked sun terrace with sea views
Outdoor dining table and benches
Barbecue
Sun loungers, garden bench
Footpath to beach
HEATING & POWER
Oil fired central heating
Electric heaters in both double rooms
Wood burner
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot (no linen) and high chair available on request
PARKING
Ample parking for 2 or more cars
ACCESSIBILITY
Front door accessible from car park
A few steps down to living areas and further bedrooms
One bedroom on entry level
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Location

PORTHTOWAN

Wild and spectacular, this vast expanse of Cornwall from Porthtowan to Bude, including Newquay, Bedruthan Steps and Padstow is extreme and stunning. The dramatic high cliffs and rocky shorelines give way to miles of golden sand and amazing natural dunes and caves.

Travel times

  • Polvenna is about 10 minutes from the nearest mainline station at Redruth. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • Polvenna is about 10 minutes from the Chiverton Cross roundabout on the outskirts of Truro, coming from the A30. Driving time from London is around five or six hours in normal traffic, while Exeter is just under two hours away. We’ll send you detailed route information before your departure.

Things we love

  • A stroll to the family-friendly beach of Porthtowan
  • Moments from the excellent beachfront Blue Bar and Porthtowan Café (perfect for brunch!)
  • Excellent coastal walking to be had without getting in the car
  • Stunning commanding position on a hilltop with beautiful sea views

The porthtowan guide

Beach bar near Porthtowan holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Little gems

Porthtowan is only a small village, however there are a couple of eateries that are absolute treasures. For a sun-soaked pint, grab one of the benches outside The Blue Bar and watch the sun set over the waves. Every Saturday night they host live music, serving great cocktails, beers and wines with an electric atmosphere, and during the week you can enjoy fresh, light meals for both brunch, lunch and dinner, including some amazing vegan options. If you’re after a hearty breakfast, make sure you call into the Porthtowan Beach Cafe. Their morning meals have gained a local reputation for being some of the best around, and they offer takeaway, so you can sit on the beach with your bacon sandwich. They are open each day until 6pm and on Friday till 8pm, when they do a burger night and on Saturday till 8pm serving an evening menu. They have started to offer themed nights with a set menu and live music — take a look at their board for the latest updates.

Beach life

Porthtowan beach has a Blue Flag status and is lifeguarded everyday in the summer.  The currents on this coast can be very strong, but with that comes some great surfing! If you fancy trying your hand at surfing, Tris Surf Shop offers group or one-to-one lessons. They also stock all sorts of surfing gear, from hire boards to rash vests. Perranporth is a couple of villages along the coast and is home to one of the biggest beaches in Cornwall. Miles of golden sands, and the popular Watering Hole Bar on the beach can be found in this village. It can get very crowded during the day, but it’s a great evening location for a walk, dinner and a pint.

Heading south, Gwithian and Godrevy are about eight miles away. Run by the National Trust, here you can access miles of coastal paths, enjoy watching the kite surfers and find the large colonies of grey seals that gather on this part of the coast. There are about 3 miles of beach that runs along this coastline when the tide is out, so even in the height of summer you can get a spot to yourself!

People on holiday in North Cornwall

Things to do

This area of Cornwall is, of course, famous for its cracking surf. It is home to great waves, lifeguarded beaches and surf schools galore, and for anyone that hasn’t given it a go, we would thoroughly recommend it. From Porthtowan, you’re just a few minutes drive from the first-class Mount Hawke indoor skate park – this is a great place to tire kids out. There are plenty of watchful staff, reasonable prices and a bucket-load of tea and coffee for parents to sit and relax while young ones hit the ramps.

If wheels aren’t your thing, try Goonbell Riding Centre in St Agnes, just a 10 minute drive from Porthtowan. With trekking around the area and ponies suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s a really great way to see the Cornish countryside and try out something new.

Of course, there are plenty of other activities to get involved in. Contact Koru Kayaking to explore the coastline from the water, hike the coastal footpath or hire a bike and enjoy the coast to coast trail running from Portreath to Devoran.

Beaches
Forever Cornwall Porthtowan

Porthtowan Beach

If you’re after panoramic views that stretch into the horizon, this is your place; on a clear day you can see Godrevy lighthouse to the west and to the east a 19th-century mining engine house. The beach is a short walk from Chapel Porth, further north — they merge at low tide. There is a dog ban in place on Porthtowan between Easter and the end of September.

Forever Cornwall Chapel Porth From Above

Chapel Porth

You’ll find this small sand and pebble cove hidden away at the end of a long country lane, wedged between St Agnes and Porthtowan on the north coast. It’s one of the most exposed beaches on this stretch making it a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. There are some wonderful caves and lagoons to explore, plus a stream that runs down the beach for little ones to play in. You can walk the coast path to St Agnes Head, on the way passing the dramatic ruins of Wheal Coates mine, one of Cornwall’s most iconic engine houses. The popular cafe in the car park serves breakfast and brunch throughout the year.

Forever Cornwall Porthmeor St Ives Clear Water Dave Bleasdale

Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes

This is St Agnes’ main beach, a small cove backed by cliffs and rocks; at low tide the rocks either side of the sandy beach are exposed, revealing masses of rockpools. It’s a popular haunt for families, surfers and bodyboarders, and with board and wetsuit hire and surf lessons available, it gets busy in the summer. There are two car parks less than a minute’s walk away and excellent local facilities. At low tide it’s possible to walk to the neighbouring beach of Trevellas Porth.

Places to eat
Things to do
Guests Say
  • Lovely

    Had a lovely time in Polvenna. Hope the families staying here in the future have a wonderful stay. Our top three recommendations are: seal spotting, watching the sunset from the beach and seeing the Eden Project.

    The Smiths — August 2022
  • Beautiful

    Thank you for such a wonderful week in your beautiful holiday home and making our stay a comfortable and relaxed experience! Also, a thank you to the cleaners for providing a spotless home and adding to the comforts of our stay. It is much appreciated. We shall certainly be returning.

    The Pritchard Family — July 2022
  • A perfect two weeks

    We've had a perfect two weeks in Polvenna! The kitchen/dining area was amazing for meals at sunset. We especially enjoyed eating outside and making use of the BBQ. The decking and gardens were bliss offering splendid views out to sea - we even saw dolphins! Swimming and bodyboarding on the beach was fantastic, especially when joined by a seal. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay.

    Kate, Albert, Jonathan, Tommy, Lana & Robbie — September 2021
  • Wow, what a view

    Wow, what a view to welcome you to Cornwall! Polvenna is in a fabulous position, we loved every minute of our holiday in such peaceful surroundings. The house itself is so well equipped - grateful for all the cooking pots and pans. We loved taking the train from St Erth into St Ives and having a boat ride out to Seal Island. Trying to surf and bodyboard on the beach was good fun as well. Thank you so much, we had a great time.

    The Ziton & Bass Families — August 2021
  • Very comfortable house

    What a spectacular view! Had an amazing week. Porthtowan has everything you need for a fab holiday. Very comfortable house which easily accommodated us all.

    The Bellms & Connors — June 2021
  • Spectacular!

    Really enjoyed our stay here at Polvenna. The views from the windows are spectacular! We all felt cosy and relaxed, with everyone having plenty of room. So lovely to experience freedom after a year of lockdown! Thank you.

    The Howards & Steventons — June 2021
  • A fab week

    We've had a fab week here in Polvenna. Lovely big house with stunning views. The beach here in Porthtowan is lovely, especially watching the surfers on a warm, clear evening - hypnotic. Everyone has been so friendly, which is especially lovely when you have an active three-year old girl! We would love to come back in the future!

    The Blackburns — May 2021
  • Amazing

    This house is amazing. Another year at Polvenna with beautiful sunsets and amazing restaurants. Walking to Chapel Porth is beautiful. A lot of amazing beaches nearby with views looking over the sea. Another amazing year at Porthtowan - can't wait to come back again next year!

    The Pattisons & Atkinsons — April 2021
  • We have had a lovely week

    We have had a lovely week with a mixture of weather! There are some fabulous walks along the cliff tops, especially to the right. The ice cream parlour is nice with a friendly owner who told us about the filming of Poldark! Have a lovely holiday!

    The Jennings Family — February 2018
  • The house is very comfortable and well equipped

    Great to arrive to a very useful welcome! We've been lucky enough to enjoy beautiful weather. The house is very comfortable and well equipped, with lovely views to enjoy. A great stay.

    The Taylor Staines Family — November 2017
  • The house is great!

    We have had a great week here. Loved the beaches and cliff top walks. The house is great with fantastic views. We were very cosy through the storms, would definitely come back.

    The Sands Family — October 2017
  • A great house and great spot

    We have had a lovely week here in Polvenna. The views are wonderful and the beach here is great especially at low tide, so much to explore on your doorstep, or a short drive away. We loved Holywell Beach especially. A great house and great spot.

    The Curry Family — October 2017
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  • What a wonderful place!

    What a wonderful place to spend a lovely, relaxing, restorative week! We have absolutely loved exploring the coastline, beaches and walks and returning to lovely Polvenna afterwards. Thank you for the lovely welcome bits in the kitchen upon arrival too, so thoughtful. We can't wait to return soon!

    The Charlton Family — September 2017
  • Fantastic location

    Another great week at Polvenna. Fantastic location with amazing views down across the bay. All in all, this location gives you access to many attractions. We will, as always, be back next year for more of the same.

    The Pattison & Atkinson Families — August 2016
  • What a beautiful place

    What a beautiful place. We're going to miss this view in the morning and evening! We've had a great time.

    Frank, Louise, Rowan and Aidan — August 2016
  • Lovely house with amazing views

    We had a great time here in a lovely house with amazing views! The house is well equipped with everything you need for a week away. The Unicorn and Blue Bar are worth a visit for nice food and drinks. The kids loved the ice cream at Moomaids too.

    The Shepard Family — August 2016
  • What a beautiful place

    What a beautiful place. We're going to miss this view in the morning and evening! We've had a great time.

    The Hird Family — August 2016
  • Everyone of us loves the house!

    Polvenna has been a wonderful place to stay. The house has been amazing - everything we needed for the seven of us. We have celebrated two birthdays and also the engagement of Nathan and Maxime. We have all had a wonderful holiday, everyone of us loves the house!

    Denise, Steve, Lisa, Alex, Nathan, Maxime & Ruby-Lillie — July 2016
  • Such a wonderful view

    Thank you for a lovely stay. The house was amazing and so well equipped. Having such a wonderful view made our holiday. It was the perfect base from which to explore North Cornwall. Hoping to be back next year.

    The Kennedy Family — July 2016
  • A little gem

    Polvenna has the most beautiful views of the coastline and ever changing sea. We found the house clean and comfortable. We will be recommending Polvenna to friends and family as it is a little gem. Many thanks for a restful and relaxing week's holiday.

    The Brunsdon Family — April 2016
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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.