The Beach Shack
Portwrinkle, Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, UK
Salvaged from the washed-up timber of the marooned cargo ship Kodima, The Beach Shack celebrates life's essential joys: far-reaching views above Portwrinkle Beach, no sound to disturb other than the gentle roar of the waves, and an escape from the buzz of modern technology. This unique beach house in Cornwall's forgotten south-east corner offers luxury in the form of uninterrupted time spent together.
Introduction
Relaxation and The Beach Shack are synonymous; wake to the sun gilding the sky pink from the master bed before descending for a morning dip. Savour a picnic breakfast of buttery croissants and tangy raspberry jam on the deserted Portwrinkle Beach. While away the days moving in harmony with the tide, watching weather systems sweep across the ocean. Unlike the peppered cliffside huts of nearby Whitsand Bay, The Beach Shack stands in splendid isolation, offering an exclusive retreat worlds away from civilization. Here, time slows, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rhythms of coastal life and its simple pleasures.
Inside
Exuding a definite Antipodean flavour, The Beach Shack, with its clapperboard walls, nod-to-the-nautical artwork and whitewashed wooden shutters has all the hallmarks of a modern beach cabin. Reclaimed materials add a rustic edge to the laid-back seaside aesthetic, while layered linens foster calm. The master bedroom, with sweeping views from the chrome bathtub, offers a sublime respite from the world outside; next door, bedtime tales of pirates and stowaways will be conjured in the cosy bunk 'cabin'. Open-plan living here is all about the setting, window nooks and a telescope ensure it's the ever-changing tableau beyond that takes centre stage.
Outside
Commanding a prime position above Portwrinkle beach, The Beach Shack is cradled by wild coastal flora and extends onto weathered wooden decking. Spend hours warm sea breeze lulled, the rhythm of the waters below the melody to your escape. Under-veranda eves are where life plans are made, fresh fish suppers ended with marshmallow toasting around the fire pit. For the adventurous, chase waves and forage for mussels in rock pools, or venture along the South West Coast Path for invigorating cliff-top walks. It's a perfect balance of isolation and connection — to nature, each other, and the joys of seaside life.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children)
From £1,695 per week, £1,350 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 2 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOne double bedroom with king-size bed and large bath, one bunk room suitable for children under the age of 12, one family shower room.
- PetsYes, two dogs are very welcome with a third on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children up to the age of 12 are very welcome. One travel cot and one highchair are available. Please note, the travel cot can fit in the double bedroom, but not the bunk room.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for two cars. The bespoke kitchen includes a fan oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge with small freezer drawer, microwave and washer-dryer. Please note, due to the unique cliffside location the property is accessed via a steep set of steps.
- Homestay includesWelcome hamper with local produce, Smart TV with Netflix, Amazon Prime, iPlayer and ITV Hub apps, DVD player, Bluetooth speaker, cosy outdoor blankets, linen, towels, 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 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.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Whitsand Bay
A sparkling blue bay down on south Cornwall´s soft coast, Whitsand is the perfect spot for balmy summer holidays and storm watching when fierce violet winter skies move in.
Getting there
- On the Map The Beach Shack is situated in the coastal village of Portwrinkle on the edge of Whitsand Bay in South East Cornwall.
- By Air Newquay Airport is an hour away, whilst Exeter Airport is approximately 90 minutes away by car.
- By Car From London, take the M4 toward Bath, take M5 South and A30 to Cornwall and follow the directions provided to the property.
- By Train The nearest train station is Bodmin, 30 minutes drive away, or Plymouth which is around 35 minutes away.
From the owner
“There are so many things to love about The Beach Shack; the breathtaking views over Portwrinkle Beach and changing skies, the privacy, peace and overwhelming tranquillity. Our favourite way to spend a night here is to sit with a glass of wine, listening to the sea lapping on the shore or crashing against the cliffs in a storm.”
Nothing prepares you for the breathtaking view awaiting you at this cliffside cabin. For us, it was love at first sight. Here, you become one with nature in this beautiful, magical place.
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is 'Cornwall's forgotten corner'. Most visitors drive past—more fool them! How often can you have a beach to yourself on a sunny morning?
The seaside location brings varied weather; you may experience four seasons daily. Yet the view always captivates. Watch seagulls dive, basking sharks glide, kestrels hover, and if lucky, dolphins play in the surf.
The chalet, once part of Anthony Estates, was rebuilt in the early 2000s using wood from the shipwrecked Kodima. It's featured in drama and was a haunt for artists and actors. During WWII, it served as a command post.
Enjoy lying in bed watching rainbows splash into the sea, stargazing from the deck, or relaxing in the bath after a beach walk. We've provided guidebooks for local walks, but there's plenty else: swimming, golfing, picnicking, or simply reclining on the deck.
We hope you enjoy The Beach Shack's serenity and leave with a sense of peace, happiness and love.
Iris & Chris
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Whitsand Bay with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Adventure Bay Surf School, Tregonhawke
Founded in 2011, the team have built a solid reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting and unique surf and coasteering schools. Learn how to get to your feet on the sand before taking to the water to carve up the surf under the eyes of trained instructors.
To Do
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The aquarium is the Nation’s largest, as well as being a charity organisation, and as such has an extremely exciting and prevalent role to play in driving marine conservation. See the Atlantic Ocean tank with large Nurse Sharks, sand Tiger Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Ray and Clownfish.
To Do
Portwrinkle Beaches
There are two beaches immediately accessible from Portwrinkle; to the west of the harbour is the sandy and secluded crescent of Hoodny Cove and to the east the quirkily named Finnygook Beach. Both great for sunbathing.
To Eat
The Devonport Inn, Torpoint
A very popular traditional pub with characterful interiors displaying an eclectic mix of antiques! Owner Jerome is from Northern France and has the French passion for classic, uncomplicated dishes using the very best of fresh, local produce.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
A gem of a coastal retreat, private and overlooked by no one. Hard to describe you just have to experience it to know. A big thank you to the House Manager for everything.
This gem is a piece of heaven on earth. Nothing tops this view, I have been around the world and been lucky enough to have seen some amazing places. This place has something special about it. It has a healing quality. Already looked to when we can come back.
It’s a beautiful property, we felt so refreshed after our stay at The Beach Shack. It has a magical quality, thank you for allowing us to stay in your gorgeous home- we´ve had a wonderful time.
We loved our time here! This was one of our very best of many wonderful vacations. A truly magical place to spend our 38th anniversary. We went hiking every day in various sections of the SW Coast path and had great weather. Thank you.
What a beautiful week away. The weather was amazing and the views were stunning. We feel totally recharged. I will miss my morning coffee looking out across the beautiful ocean.
The view truly is special and dreamy. The sea first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening is memorable. The children loved the beach and we will always remember our stay at The Beach Shack and hope to return in the future.
The views are spectacular and luckily we have experienced all the summer weather. Thank you for such a lovely stay at The Beach Shack, we´ve had a great time here in Cornwall.
It was our first family holiday with our 3 month son. The Beach Shack offered comfortable family living with a fabulous coastal cliff top location. It ticked so many boxes for us and will remain a very special holiday for many years to come.
Just bliss! We are both totally recharged. Portwrinkle holds some great memories for us and now The Beach Shack is part of them. Thank you for such a fantastic stay, we truly had a great time.
We have had an amazing time here in Cornwall and LOVE the view of the Sea! The Beach Shack is so cosy and perfect; the beds are all so comfy. We have loved sitting down by the fire and playing board games while drinking tea. The food provided was delicious (especially the ginger biscuits), and we hope the next guests have as much fun as we did!
Wow. What a magical place. We´ve only been here a few short days and we don´t want to leave! Such a beautiful, tranquil, relaxing and heavenly stay in Portwrinkle. The house is stunning with everything we could have possibly needed for our stay. Thank you for sharing this incredible place with us. We´ll be back!
What a wonderful place! A real oasis of calm and tranquillity in a stunning location. The coastal walks are lovely and the local restaurants are fantastic. It´s been wonderful to experience this lesser-known part of Cornwall and from such a beautiful base! We very much hope to be back again one day.
We have enjoyed a lovely week at The Beach Shack. The views are wonderful and there´s always something interesting to catch your eye. We have especially loved listening to the squeals of delight as children (and adults) first enter the sea! Thank you.
Beautiful. Breathtaking. Sometimes in life, you find exactly what you need and The Beach Shack is it. Thank you for sharing your special home with us, we´ll never forget our stay here.
Thank you for sharing your breathtaking home with us - we kept thinking we were in South Africa or California. What a dramatic coastline! In sunshine or storm, it really is a special place; we feel lucky to have visited it. Thank you.
What a beautiful seaside escape! We have had the most incredible long weekend full of sunshine, food and wine. It´s a weekend we will never forget, especially as we got engaged here on Saturday night! Thank you for providing the perfect backdrop for such a special night.
Wow, what a beautiful home! We´ve had a super relaxing week here despite the high winds. From the views, the fire, the bath and the outdoor space, what more could one want? Perfect!
What a hidden gem! We have loved our week away at The Beach Shack. The cottage is simply perfect to switch off and enjoy a break away. It´s so comfortable and cosy. The coastal walks are stunning and we were so lucky with the beautiful December sun!
Paradise by the sea! We couldn´t have hoped for a more idyllic place or magical family holiday. It will remain in our sun-blushed, sand-sprinkled, salt-tinged, wind-tousled memories for a very long time. Thank you for sharing it with us and for everything that has gone into creating such a wonderful experience.
What a dreamy place, surely the ultimate seaside escape! The housekeeper must be a magician as it was so spotless that we wondered if we were the first ever guests! We enjoyed sunset drinks in the garden, baths with the sound of the waves, walks in both directions along the coastal paths, exploring the rock pools at different tides and seeing the lighthouse out through the telescope. What a magical spot. Wishing future visitors an equally restorative stay. We will be back.
What a place! We had two days of sunny skies and beautiful weather, yet when the weather was poor, there was nothing better than sitting and watching the storm pass. The recently renovated Finnygook Pub has a great atmosphere! This place is perfect for escaping all the daily stresses of life. Perfectly designed, clean and immaculate. We´ll be back!
Small but perfectly formed. We wanted for nothing on our stay here and the location is stunning. Wonderful views and yet hidden away, the perfect romantic getaway. Loved every minute, we will be back!
It´s hard to imagine a cosier place than The Beach Shack. It´s in such a gorgeous setting and is a beautifully designed cabin. We had a wonderful time on the beach, in Looe and around the area. We didn´t want to leave, absolutely magical!
We had an amazing time and shared a sunset to remember for years to come. The location is absolutely perfect, easily accessible but completely private with views you could only ever dream of. We will definitely be back again very soon.
What a fabulous place. We were sadly only here for four days but we didn´t feel the need to go anywhere else. A beautiful location and place to look at the view. This was a perfect and much-needed step off the treadmill. More time here wanted, so we will be back!
We had a lovely stay! It is absolutely gorgeous and has been fitted out really well. There was nothing that we didn´t like and as for the location, what can I say, other than it is stunning! We were lucky to have two amazing sunsets while we were here and even had enough sunshine to tempt me in for a swim, which was somewhat bracing but invigorating! We can´t wait for another visit.
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.
complete an image bank request
25 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 2024Highland fling
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
Collections > Couples´ Retreats > UK > Cornwall > Whitsand Bay > The Beach Shack
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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.
