Lowenek
Portreath, Cornwall, UK
Here is a Cornish home that makes an art installation of the Celtic Sea, where walls of glass and infinity balconies bring the ocean into the interior. Part easy coastal retreat, part cheerful multi-gen gathering place, it might appear to be all floating aspects and modernity, but there’s cosy bones to this luxury self-catering beach house keeping watch over Portreath Beach. At Lowenek, you'll stroll to the surf at sun-up and race to the hot tub come nightfall.
Introduction
Surf retreat meets luxe living at Lowenek. Named after the Cornish word for joy, this coastal pile has all the hallmarks of a luxury self-catering beach house, but with cool familial flair; between the oystercatcher’s-eye view of Portreath and terraced bedrooms where one can assess the sea swell from between the sheets, it’s every inch a castle in the air for seafarers. But it wasn’t always this way. Not long ago, this gold dust plot was home to nothing but a timeworn chalet; Lowenek was born from hours around the drawing board, rendering high vaulted roofs, a subterranean snug fit for family billiards tournaments, and more than one room with a view.
Inside
Come here for upside-down living on the coast. This is a place where inverted floor plans reign, where dinner parties are had with one eye on the horizon and early risers step out of bed and into the morning sun. In this tactile Cornish hideout, where floating fires, swirling rattan lampshades, and apricot sofas warm the watercolour palette, cousins flock to the games room for Nintendo battles while the grown-ups unleash their inner mixologists at the in-house cocktail bar before retreating to their sea-view suites. With an air of Japandi about its wabi-sabi-meets-hygge interiors, Lowenek has the glow that only the most intentional family homes can muster.
Outside
Set high above the bustle, this wholesome family nest has the seaside as its backyard. Outside from dawn to dusk, chasing waves and eating salty chips and ice cream cones for lunch, those who spend their days on this dramatic shoreline leave all the better for it. Once you've hung up the wetsuits, let your thoughts turn to an al fresco supper of slow-cooked somethings from the barbecue, ice-cold Riesling in-hand. Tomorrow could be for cycling the Old Tram Way to the village of Devoran, or perhaps popping to Portreath Bakery for sourdough and saffron cakes; but tonight is for sipping spicy margaritas in the hot tub while the sky blazes orange.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 14 guests (12 adults and 2 children) (2 extra children by prior request)
From £4,450 per week, £3,350 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 8 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are six bedrooms at this luxury beach house. Three of the rooms have zip-and-link beds that can be made up as a twin or super king-size bed, and one of these is a family room which also contains two built-in double bunks (we market this room for two adults and two children, but four children can be accommodated on request). There are three further rooms with super king-size beds. All rooms are en suite with walk-in showers, while two rooms also have freestanding bathtubs. All downstairs bedrooms have doors that open out onto the garden, while two of the upstairs bedrooms have doors that open onto a shared balcony terrace with seating. There is one WC upstairs by the kitchen, and one WC and separate shower room downstairs by the utility room. There are also two outdoor showers.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHot tub, entertainment cinema room (with cocktail bar, table tennis, pool table)
- PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabies and children are very welcome. There is one travel cot and one highchair.
- PracticalitiesThere is ample off-road parking for six cars. The open-plan kitchen has an induction hob, two ovens, boiling water tap, built-in microwave with warming oven, large fridge-freezer, wine fridge, and double dishwasher. There is a downstairs utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer, a boot room, and a large surf storage area in the garage. There is underfloor heating. There are CCTV cameras on the premises covering the entrances and grounds and a ring doorbell camera.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper including breakfast provisions and savoury nibbles, iPad, Wi-Fi internet, 75” Smart TV in the cinema room and 65” Smart TV in the lounge (both with Sky TV, Netflix, sports channels, and Sonos sound bars), Nintendo Switch, Sonos speakers in the kitchen, gas barbecue, Nespresso coffee machine with pods, books and board games, luxury bed linens, towels, and bathrobes, and logs and kindling to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- Eco-friendlyAir source heat pump supplying underfloor heating and hot water, rooftop solar panels, electric car charger
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Portreath Beach
Known for its soft sand, “vortex” surf break, and postcard-ready turquoise waters, Portreath Beach has all the charm of the quintessential British seaside, complete with free-wheeling surf types, a fine bakery, and a bohemian energy.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury beach house sits above Portreath Beach on the North Cornwall coast, between Porthtowan and Gwithian, and with Truro as its closest city.
- By Car The beach house is 500 metres from Portreath, fifteen minutes from Redruth, half-an-hour from Penzance and St Ives, and five hours from London.
- By Train The nearest train station is fifteen minutes by car. There are regular and direct trains from London Paddington with a journey time of four-and-a-half hours on Great Western Railways.
- By Air Cornwall Airport in Newquay is forty minutes by car, and Exeter Airport is two hours by car. There is no helipad at the beach house, but guests may land at Perranporth Airfield, twenty-five minutes away, with prior arrangement.
From the owner
“We fell in love with the view in an instant; and the fact that it was within walking distance from such a renowned surfing beach sweetened the deal. We wanted to create large sociable spaces where we could enjoy many a memorable escape with friends and family, whilst large bedrooms with private balconies afforded spaces for quiet retreat time away from the group.”
We had our hearts set on a large house with a sea view, where we could entertain and host family gatherings; we´ve been able to have extended family Christmases and great New Year’s party weekends with friends. The open-plan living spaces, cinema room, and cocktail bar give us the option of some separation between the grown-ups and kids, and the option to come back together to eat, drink, and party!
The interiors were carefully created to complement the natural surroundings, and we took steps to make beach living as carefree as it could be; it was important that we could come straight off the beach, shower outside, dry out and store our wetsuits and surfboards, and keep the house as clean and sand-free as possible.
When we walked inside for the first time, we were struck by the most spectacular views. We now get to wake up in the morning, sit up in bed with a cup of tea, and look out onto that same seascape. In the summer we’ll have breakfast on the sun-trap terrace, looking out at Gull Rock, and planning whether we'll spend the day surfing, cliff-top walking, or biking the coast-to-coast trail; all straight from the door.
The Dansons
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Portreath Beach with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Portreath Arms
A family-owned eatery in the centre of the village, The Portreath Arms is the place to go for delicious fare; think tacos, chilled lagers, and Brazillian coffee. Just be sure to book a table.
To Do
Surf Beaches
Hovering over Portreath, and a short drive from the beaches St Ives Bay, you´ll be in good surf company here; or head to the village of Porthleven for one of the best surf breaks in the country.
To Do
Tehidy Country Park
Just over a mile from Portreath, the country park comprises around 250 acres of woodland with nature trails, bridleways, bike tracks, and more than a few curious squirrels
To Eat
The Flour Power Pizza, Portreath
This seasonal artizan pizza truck parks in The Portreath Arms car park between 5-8pm on Thursdays. But you´ll need to order in advance, ideally at least a day before, to grab a slice.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
I just wanted to let you know how much we loved our stay at the Lewenek. It was such a joy, thank you so much for facilitating the booking and thank you all for helping us with our queries while we were there. It was truly phenomenal and got us thinking of buying, so if something similar is up for sale or better yet Lewenek itself we would be interested!
It looked absolutely stunning from the pictures and was in exactly the right location. It was one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed - it absolutely made our holiday and would love to come back with a larger group.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
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Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024
All Properties > UK > Cornwall > Portreath > Lowenek
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
