I’ve never been a fan of rain or drizzle. But after spending a long weekend watching the clouds roll over the cliffs from one of the sea High cliff‘s stylish kitchens on the first floor, it turns out that I don’t mind rain. I just think it’s bad in London.
North Cornwall’s luxury holiday homes are in a prime location, just up the hill from Polzeath beach, and there’s no better spot in all of Cornwall: you can see the sea from your window; Daymer Bay, Rock and Padstow are all within walking distance; and a pilates instructor is on hand to solve all your post-hiking, surfing and golfing problems. Oh, and there’s a gym, tennis courts and yoga classes on site too. Not bad if you’re signing up for a self-catering holiday.
There are 46 properties in total, ranging from cozy three-bedroom cottages to beautiful five-bedroom properties with their own private terrace overlooking the sea. The atmosphere is minimalist modern luxury, but refreshingly relaxed. It is still run by the same family who have managed the land (formerly a farm) for three generations.
From sunsets by the sea to post-surf sound recovery sessions, here’s what to expect.
Where is it?
Right in the heart of Trebetherick in North Cornwall, just a 10 minute walk (downhill) from Polzeath beach.
Greenaway beach is a 15 minute walk, Daymer Bay is 20 minutes and Rock is a slightly longer walk across the golf course. From there you can take the ferry to Padstow.
Style
Cozy houses with wood stoves where you can relax after a surf. Stylish, bright homes with south-facing gardens overlooking the sea. Beautiful Grand Designs style homes overlooking the Camel Estuary and Stepper Point.
The atmosphere at Highcliffe is relaxed but high-end, with something for everyone, whether you’re a couple fancying a romantic weekend by the sea or a group of families looking to get away from it all. The latest properties are sleek, modern and designed to maximize natural light, with huge open-plan kitchen-living rooms and long, large windows with impressive far-reaching views. Even on a dull day it’s mind-boggling.
There is a relaxed, family-run atmosphere. Owner Rob built Highcliffe on his old family farm (it was a pick-your-own strawberry farm with a small farm shop before becoming Highcliffe in 1997), and today he runs the place with his daughter Becca, a former music manager to stars including Robbie Williams and keen runner which can often be seen on the coastal paths. There is also a family atmosphere among the guests. Many return year after year.
Which building?
Set in eight acres of landscaped gardens, Highcliffe has a whole range of properties to choose from (there are 46 in total), from cozy cottages to modern architectural homes. Just search for three bedrooms, four beds, five beds on the Highcliffe site to choose your home: some of the older houses have been recently renovated by Becca; some of the newest are still being built.
Each house has at least one twin bedroom, a games room and board games for children, and several are dog-friendly if you bring your pet. Many of the homes have downstairs bedrooms if you require accessibility.
We stayed in Botallack, one of Highcliffe’s newest dog-friendly properties with four bedrooms, polished concrete floors, a double-height entrance hall and a beautiful handcrafted oak staircase to the first floor living room that looked like it came straight out of an interior design brochure. Think soft tones and quality linens, a hot outdoor shower to wash off after a day at the beach, and a gigantic kitchen with a large island and an even larger dining table – perfect for large family gatherings and game nights as you watch the sun set over the Sun. sea.
Speaking of sundowners, the real highlight is the first floor balcony, accessed via large sliding doors from the kitchen. Choose a summer evening, grab a drink on the outdoor benches and watch the sky fill with color as the sun disappears behind the clouds. I could have stayed there all day.
Eat Drink
It is self-contained but in a luxurious way, with each house soon to be equipped with an American fridge-freezer, Nespresso machine, dishwasher and oven and an on-site café opening in the reception and yoga studio building.
Highcliffe is in the heart of Cornwall’s so-called ‘culinary triangle’, so there’s plenty of good food to be had outside the site. Popular family restaurant The Mowhay and popular local pub The Oystercatcher are both a short walk away and Polzeath is packed with cool eateries, from Surfside on the beach to The Atlantic Kitchen on the cliff top.
Nearby Padstow is worth a stroll for the food alone. Eco British-Middle Eastern delicatessen Sabzi serves the best coffee in town (make sure you try owner Kate’s famous homemade love cake), while other highlights include Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant, Stein’s Fish and Chips and Paul Ainsworth’s Michelin Star Restaurant No. 6. The Pig at Harlyn Bay is just a 35-minute drive away.
Facilities
There are two tennis courts on site, one of which overlooks the sea and both are open to guests free of charge. But the real highlight of Highcliffe is its recently opened state-of-the-art gym, yoga and pilates studio, which hosts retreats as well as daily yoga, pilates, meditation and sound healing classes, including one-to-one lessons. pilates sessions.
Walking into the reformer room feels like you’re entering a luxury London studio, with luxurious Chapter Organics amenities, sleek wooden interiors and the chicest reformer machine I’ve ever seen. Instructor Anna Clagett, a keen golfer and pilates guru, lives locally and offers everything from mat pilates to personal training on the reformer machine, for those looking to dip their toe into Britain’s hottest new workout or continue their regular training during their vacation. She tailors the training to you and is happy to share local walking, running and golf tips for your day out afterwards.
Local surf instructor George Stoy is happy to take Highcliffe guests out on the water, as is the Wavehunters Surf School on Polzeath beach. Cornish Rock Tors offers sea kayaking, coasteering and wild swimming, Camel Ski School offers water skiing and wakeboarding on the River Camel and Padstow Cycle Hire is a favorite with cyclists.
The world-class St Endoc golf course is just around the corner, with views over the Camel Estuary, and the nearby St Moritz hotel has a Cowshed spa. Saunas By The Sea in New Polzeath is another must for spa lovers, with bookable wood-fired saunas for 10 people right next to the beach.
Check out Highcliffe’s Instagram page, a curated mosaic of fun local facts and luxury interior photos for a glimpse into the various properties.
What on Instagram
The view from your own private balcony at sunset.
Best for?
Outdoor families looking for a luxurious but relaxing seaside holiday within walking distance of Polzeath.
How to get there
Take the train to Bodmin Parkway. It’s just under four hours’ drive from Paddington and then a 40-minute drive from there. It’s just over a five-hour drive from central London.
Houses from €735 per week, highcliffecornwall.co.uk