In a best-of-both-worlds position, camouflaged just enough by swaying trees but treated to glimpses of the sea through sun-kissed sand dunes, The Limit has been described as a "tonic for the soul" by those who have visited. Here, we uncover its journey from unloved shack to beachside oasis.
In 2007, owners Rebecca and Steve stumbled upon the forgotten beach hut in Holywell Bay, tangled amidst brambles and ivy within two acres of wild grounds — a far cry away from the lovingly-created beach bolthole seen today. "Completely hidden away and having been untouched for many, many years, it was like stepping back in time," Rebecca notes. "We loved the patina of the wood, the 1950’s contents still intact, and the fact that it was a completely original chalet from the 1930’s."
The pair set out on their renovation project, juggling work commitments and family life. The result is a scheme one would expect for a home just a few steps from one of Cornwall's most beloved golden shores: peppered with sandy beiges, seal greys, and oyster-shell whites. A nature-lover's paradise, the cabin is "completely surrounded by flora and fauna"; offering privacy for leisurely al fresco lunches in the sunshine and hot tub soaks beneath the stars.
The epitome of location, location, location, "the setting is what makes The Limit so special," Rebecca states. "It's at the end of a single track road in a Site of Specific Interest. It's super peaceful and you get a sense of being in the middle of nowhere" — but of course with the benefit of having the beach as a back garden, a golf course within walking distance, and a 13th century pub a stone's throw away.
The Limit is a place where sandy flipflops are kicked off at the door, surfboards decorate the ceiling, waves can be watched from bed, and sunsets drench the walls in that roasted peach light at golden hour. Where everything slows down and the nervous system starts to reset, thanks to sea swims by day and deep sleeps by night, so that it’s hard to remember… what day is it, again?
When Rebecca and Steve enjoy time here, days are a blend of early morning surfs, walks across the coastal path to Holywell Bay or Polly Joke (whose poppy fields famously erupt with crimson from May to June), and fish 'n' chip suppers at the pub. They don't want for much when spending time here. And it's not hard to imagine why.
Feeling inspired? Book your stay at The Limit, explore our Cornish collection, or discover the best beaches in Cornwall.
