Ukiyo
Coverack, Cornwall, UK
Urban modernity flirts with the elements at this eco-friendly home in Coverack. A striking structure on the untamed east coast of Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, this luxury self-catering hideaway is a nod to the modern Scandinavian summerhouse. Inside, a contemporary haven of sculptural furnishings and poured concrete is offset by silvering Siberian larch cladding, which seemingly melts into the shimmering ocean setting.
Introduction
The term ‘Ukiyo’ derives from Japanese culture and translates to ‘the floating world’, a blissful state of detachment from the bothers of everyday life - a feeling you can find here on the south Cornwall coast. Perched above Coverack Cove, this luxury self-catering bolthole offers a sublime escapism throughout the seasons. In summer the landscape is ablaze with wildflowers while in winter, storms rage and salty winds whip the chimney tops, presenting the perfect excuse to hunker down with a bottle by the fire. Ukiyo strikes an elegant balance between an industrial aesthetic and the natural environment in which it resides; a city-dwellers dream coastal escape.
Inside
Concrete evokes an urban feel and unchanging quality, in contrast to the wild coastal views on show through the picture windows that wrap around the front of the house. Sculptural pieces of furniture sit on locally made jute rugs, and linen cushions line deep window sills. A floating staircase leads from the open-plan living area to two double bedrooms. Looking out through a palm tree over the garden, the zip-and-link bedroom comes equipped with walk in-shower en suite. Next, the master has a freestanding ash-clad bath at the foot of the bed, plus an altrock open-plan shower room made from recycled natural stone that continues the sustainable theme; all of which share the panoramic sea views.
Outside
Partly cleaved from the rest of the county by the Helford River, Cornwall’s soft, southern coast takes a dramatic turn around the Lizard Peninsula. Flower-filled hedgerows and grassy heathland fall away to a melee of black serpentine cliffs and desert island beaches ringed by raging open seas. Coverack’s sheltered cove is perfect for a bracing swim; wild in winter but crystal blue in summer. For those who prefer a splashabout in warmer waters, recline in Ukiyo’s cedar spa hot tub before popping on a robe to sip a glass of red on the marshmallow terrace sofa. If you can tear yourself out of bed early, pad out to the garden and watch the fishermen haul in your lobster supper - ready to collect from the harbour later.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 4 guests
From £2,495 per week, £1,895 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe master bedroom features a super king-size bed, a walk-in shower room (with private WC) and a bath set at the foot of the bed, with central taps so two bathers can recline comfortably and enjoy views over the ocean. A super-king zip-and-link bed offers flexibility in the cosy second bedroom, which has an en suite shower room with WC and views through palm trees over the garden.
- FeaturesHot tub
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children aged 10 and above are very welcome; one cot and one highchair are available upon request. Please enquire with our Bookings team for further details on visiting Ukiyo with children under the age of 10.
- PracticalitiesThe rear parking spot can accommodate one small-medium car via a fairly tight lane and turning circle. For those who feel uncomfortable tackling it, there are a number of other parking options available on the roadside. The open-plan kitchen has been cleverly designed to include all the essentials for a luxury self-catering stay. There is an electric oven with integrated microwave and induction hob, large fridge-freezer, Bosch integrated dishwasher, Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and toaster, plus a Beko washer-dryer in the hallway utility.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper of Cornish produce, bottle of Prosecco, superfast WiFi, luxury towels and bedding from Pure Linen, Land & Water toiletries, scented candles, board games, books, buckets, spades and crab lines...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 adrenalin-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, underfloor heating and recycled materials
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Coverack
Poised on a coastal crescent of the wild Lizard Peninsula, the quintessential fishing village of Coverack is located at the southern tip of Cornwall and offers visitors a quieter corner of the county.
Getting there
- On the Map This unique modern home sits in a row of coastguard cottages on the sea-front at Coverack Cove on The Lizard in South Cornwall.
- By Car From London, take the M4 towards Bath, the M5 South and the A30 to Cornwall, then follow the directions provided to the property.
- By Train There are frequent train services from London to Penzance (around 40 minutes by car from the property), with a journey time of approximately five hours.
- By Air Fly from London to Newquay Airport, just over an hour's drive from the house.
From the owner
“Simply put - enjoy the view! From the sofa, the window seat, the bath, the bed, the garden, the hot tub; it´s encapsulating and ever-changing.”
The coastguard cottage next to us sold off this piece of land in the 1960s when the house was first built. It was further modernised when we purchased it in 2018. The previous owners lived in it for over 30 years and brought up their family there before moving to a local village.
Being a 'fan' of timber, we were keen from the outset to clad the building in a wood that would silver off over time and blend in with the classic Cornish cottage slate roofs around us. We chose Siberian Larch for it's clean look and knowledge that it is very hardy, and the fin-like design as it added that extra bit of architectural texture that makes it, we like to think, unique.
We incorporated huge windows for panoramic views over the sea from almost every room. With the weather fronts moving through you can enjoy watching gannets diving in the bay, seals and occasionally dolphins bobbing by, sometimes even basking sharks.
Even when there's no wildlife on show, you can watch the fishing boats picking up their lobster and crab pots, or ocean going ships 'waiting for orders' for their next cargo. We've provided binoculars in both the sitting room and the master bedroom to give you the best chance of spotting everything.
The Francis Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Coverack with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
Coverack Crab & Lobster
You can´t stay in a Cornish fishing village without sampling the fisherman´s catch of the day, and Coverack delivers some of the best around. Contact Harbour Master John Carey for delicious lobsters and crabs pulled from the Atlantic that morning. Make a creamy bisque or throw on the barbecue with lashings of garlic butter.
To Eat
Archie´s Loft, Coverack
A hidden gem in the village, this friendly fishing loft-turned-cafe serves home-cooked pizzas and fresh salads to take away or enjoy within their outdoor seating area overlooking the harbour. The perfect place to stop for a post-swim snack off the beach.
To Do
Wellbeing
In two acres of romantic walled gardens, the Trelowarren Estate encompasses a 20-metre outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis court, gym and spa which uses 100% Cornish organic products. If you want at-home wellbeing, arrange a bespoke yoga session with Falmouth-based Lila Whiting, who´s details will be in your house book.
To See
The South West Coast Path
Head east through the village and make your way to the Helford River Estuary along a peaceful, sheltered walking route. Or, if you want to get the legs pumping, hop on the coast path and turn west towards Chynhalls Point - the views are spectacular. The 10 mile stretch to Lizard Point is a stunning route for serious trail runners.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
The property was incredible and immaculate, it felt like every single thing had been thought of. The views were incredible, the facilities were fantastic and we couldn’t have wished for a better stay. We wanted that luxury feel for our honeymoon and got exactly that - couldn’t recommend it any more.
A truly magical place that exceeded all expectations. Our stay couldn´t have been more perfect and the owner was extra lovely and helpful whenever we got in touch with him. A really versatile property that´s equally great for cosy winter nights as it is the bright summer days that Cornwall has to offer.
Not much more to say other than, perfect! The fire, the views, the beaches, the walks, the wildlife... This has been the best way to spend a week in the run up to Christmas. We are very grateful we were able to spend a lovely time here.
What an incredible place! We have had the most amazing week - stunning house, setting, surroundings and weather! Our children loved the hot tub and stargazing while Pickle, our puppy, enjoyed the beautiful coastal walks and beaches. We loved it all!
We arrived in the dark on a very wet and windy evening, but stepping inside was such a relief, and to find it is so beautiful was such a delight! The house is beyond gorgeous and everything inside has been so carefully chosen. Waking up to the shimmering views is breathtaking and we´ve had such fun during our stay. We´ve been in the hot tub before breakfast and toasted marshmallows at the fire pit before the sunset. It´s an idyllic setting for coastal walks too. Spotting wildlife and spending cosy nights in; we could have easily stayed much longer and we will return! Thank you for a fantastic stay!
What an amazing place you have here. The house, the view - all so stunning. A little slice of Cornish paradise. It´s been a wonderful place to stay for our little family, the children loved the hot tub, as did the adults! Sitting there watching the clouds roll past and hearing the waves below was a highlight of the holiday. Congratulations on creating such a beautiful space, we are sad to leave it!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful house, what a joy it has been to wake up to this view and go to sleep looking at the twinkling lights on the ships at anchor. Great walks along the cliff path, reading and dozing outside in the sunshine, sightings of dolphins in the bay... The swooping of gulls onto the roof and the pitter-patter as they run to take off! A wonderful and much-needed break, thank you.
This has been a wonderful stay for our mini-moon. The house is incredible and the views are stunning, especially from the hot tub. This has been the perfect way to start married life! Thank you, we really do not want to leave.
How we would love to wake up to this mesmerizing view every morning! Thank you for creating such a wonderfully stylish yet incredibly comfortable home and garden. We felt completely relaxed from the moment we walked through the gate: an oasis of calm and tranquillity. We have enjoyed days out in Cornwall before returning to soak in the hot tub, looking out over a moonlit sea, followed by cosy evenings in front of the fire. Bliss! We are so glad we had the opportunity to stay here, we couldn´t have asked for more and it´s hard to leave!
Ukiyo is just stunning; our fourth stay at a Unique Homestays property and everything was more than perfect! Thank you so much for making each stay such a unique and special experience. We highly recommend Unique Homestays to all our friends!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Ukiyo has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Small Christmas tree design
Living Etc.
December 2022Stylish Cornish home that exudes tranquility
Country Living Modern Rustic
October 2021A Contemporary Cornish Cottage
House & Garden
July 2021Japandi Style Beach House
Living Etc.
July 2021A Contemporary Cornish Cottage
House & Garden
June 2021The Round-Up: British Houses
Condé Nast Traveller
May 2021The Coastal Gem
Living Etc.
February 20212021 Travel Wishlist
House & Garden
January 2021
Collections > Coastal Retreats > UK > Cornwall > Coverack > Ukiyo
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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.
