My return to work after the Easter Bank Holiday weekend was made somewhat sweeter on Friday when I was presented with the ultimate treat – a short break at The Limit in Holywell Bay! The Limit is a short 15 minute drive from our countryside offices and, having previously only seen pictures of this quirky 1930’s home, I was really intrigued to see it in the flesh.
Holywell Bay is a classic north Cornish beach with a sweep of gold sand and an impressive arrangement of towering sand dunes. The Limit sits in a unique position behind the dunes in an area of Special Scientific Interest and as I turned on to Rhubarb Hill (love that name!) a wonderful view of the beach and ocean opened up to greet me. The winding road past the sand dunes brought me to the end of the track and it was there that I found this inimitable clapboard hut – The Limit.
The Limit comprises the original beach hut housing the kitchen and living area, with a similar size neighbouring building alongside which offers the cosy sleeping and bathroom accommodation. The two huts are joined by a spacious patio and decking area, making the most of the wonderful views.
Here you will find it difficult not to slow down and ease up, such is the seclusion offered by this secret hideaway. There is no internet and the phone signal is patchy, so The Limit offered me the ultimate excuse to leave behind the Excel spreadsheets and enjoy a true digital detox!
I was welcomed by Becca at the stable door which lead into the stylish kitchen and living area where I was unexpectedly presented with a gorgeous cream tea – absolutely delicious! The property has been beautifully and sympathetically renovated with much love and care; mod cons were aplenty and there was even the luxury of underfloor heating.
The large bedroom with splendid en suite could compete with any luxury hotel, such was the lavishness, so after a lovely hot shower and with my toes warmed by the underfloor heating in the bathroom, I grabbed a book from the wonderful selection on offer and sunk into bed, distracted only by the covering of stars I could glimpse through the huge window above the bed and the views of the golden-topped sand dunes. I dare you not to have a good night’s sleep here!
Flurries of April showers meant the weather was a little damp the next morning but I threw on my rain jacket anyway and headed for the dunes, a short walk from the property. With no GPS facility (!) I turned explorer and navigator, making my way through the network of dunes to my ocean reward.
I reached the shoreline as the sun made a triumphant appearance on my behalf - I couldn’t have wished for more! There was a wonderful feeling of “vivre la vie” with the warm sunshine, dogs playing and families enjoying the good life! Plus the surf was working, so it was definitely time to join the locals in the line-up.
The waters of the Atlantic are not warm…especially in April, so having made the most of the surf I raced back to The Limit to get the log burner started! Later in the day, I decided to explore the thatched inn I had passed earlier, at the bottom of Rhubarb Hill, The Tregurth Inn. The Tregurth is the epitome of an old Cornish inn with low ceilings, brass on the beams, cards on the table and good ale on tap! The staff were also extremely welcoming.
The next day I headed to the cathedral city of Truro which is just 13 miles from The Limit with a good selection of shops and eateries. After the enjoyable hustle and bustle in town, I was very happy to return to the contracting sanctuary of my special retreat for my final evening. The skies brightened and, with rain not stopping play on this occasion, there was no excuse not to take advantage of the large wooden deck and slate patio to enjoy a couple of night caps by the fire pit. Saluting the sunset and raising a glass too this wonderful little gem!
