Lightkeepers
Gwithian, Cornwall, UK
A puzzle of lime pointed stone, bolstered by a pancake stack of granite corner quoins: this is Lightkeepers, a former collective of barns turned large luxury self-catering farmhouse on the Cornwall coast. With its hot tub, pool and picture windows that frame Gwithian and the Godrevy Island beacon from Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse, Lightkeepers is an earthen cradle where ceramics and selenite interlace with knotted lumber and elemental treasures.
Introduction
There is not a wayward pebble to inform those who arrive at Lightkeepers that, not so long ago, this luxury self-catering farmhouse was a windswept relic of Cornish past. Here are floors slabbed in eggshell stone and slaked lime walls that turn the place to clean coastal-hued canvas; and a heated plunge pool and hot tub to boot. Textures too, such as blown glass vases and natural bamboo window covers, add to the warm diffusion of honeyed light and refractions of marbled citrine. With its gallery feel, recessed window alcoves suddenly become little exhibition altars fit for displaying a curation of collected treasures: mini museums where shells from the nearby Towans sit with retro Polaroids.
Inside
With sky lanterns stretched from tea-dyed nets and grooved Porta Romana lamps cast in jesmonite, this is a home knitted together with cloth and timber. The interior of Lightkeepers reads like an easy incantation: a crescent moon horseshoe, a cantaloupe-sized conch, petrified hardwood stumps, and hand-pressed seaweed from Palace Cove sit among its beach bounty. From sipping bean-to-cup coffee on the ocean-facing balcony to swilling Cornish sea salt vodka in a bouclé clamshell chair, this is the place to come to live like a lightkeeper en luxe. For a touch of elevated snuggery, retreat to the vaulted lounge for jigsaws by the Cube woodburner.
Outside
On the outskirts of easy-going Gwithian village and situated beside a working farm, Lightkeepers is a tender fortress. Surrounded by clusters of purpletop verbenas, whirling wands of beeblossoms, and grooved canes of golden bamboo, the seaward garden is fit for daybreak pool plunges and hot tub stargazing alike. While marshmallows char over the iron fire bowl, watch for skylarks and hope for a sighting of the silver-studded blue butterflies that make their home in the botanical dunes of crushed seashells. By the fine sand of Gwithian Beach, explore rock pools in St Ives Bay or tote yourself to Jam Pot for a midday cream tea.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests
From £3,450 per week, £2,750 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are three double bedrooms (two with super king-size beds and one with a king-size bed), a zip-and-link bedroom, and a twin bedroom. The primary room has immersive apex windows to a glass-fronted balcony, a dressing room, and en suite bathroom. The two remaining double rooms are en suite, one is accessible on the ground floor, and the other is on the first floor with private garden access via external stairs. The zip-and-link bedroom and twin bedroom share a bathroom.
Note: there are blackout blinds and curtains in the primary, although the apex is not entirely blacked out.
View bedrooms - FeaturesOutdoor heated pool (8x2m, available May-September), hot tub and shower, games room with pool table
- PetsTwo well behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children and babes-in-arms are welcome, and one travel cot and highchair are available on request.
- PracticalitiesEntry to Lightkeepers is via an unmade road and there is ample parking for five cars in a gated courtyard. Two CCTV cameras cover the side drive and internal courtyard, these will be blinded for your stay. The adjacent farm is operational, so please take care to ensure that all vehicles are parked within the private courtyard or in the driveway. There is an electric oven, French-style fridge-freezer, fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine, and an industrial breakfast bar. A utility room at the end of the kitchen aisle contains an additional three-door fridge-freezer, microwave, toaster, washing machine, and tumble dryer. Whilst the south-facing courtyard is entirely enclosed by tall fences, the seaward garden is enclosed only by a low cottage-garden wall. There is no phone signal or landline at the property, but WiFi calling can be made via the internet. Due to livestock in nearby fields, dogs are to be supervised at all times.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper of local produce, luxury linens and towels, iPad, xBox Series S, WiFi, Sonos sound system, books and board games, solid iron Nkuku kadai fire bowl with grill plate, Weber´s gas barbecue, double-sided inset wood burner, and Lotus Living “Cube” freestanding wood burner, 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 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.
- RestrictionsPlease note, fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Gwithian
A peaceful coastal community known for its golden beach of coves and rock pools, Gwithian is a small village and duneland in west Cornwall. A favourite among surfers and paddle-boarders, it has a sprinkling of cream tea shops and ale-pouring inns to sweeten the deal.
Getting there
- On the Map This contemporary stable barn sits adjacent to a working farm on the outskirts of Gwithian on the north Cornwall coast.
- 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 Saint Erth (around 15 minutes by car from the property), with a journey time of approximately six hours.
- By Air Fly from London to Newquay Airport, approximately one hour from the house.
From the owner
“Seeing the view across to the lighthouse, it was easy to let the mind wander and imagine a glorious restoration, lazy afternoons sipping wine upon the terrace, and quiet evenings watching the sun go down over the sea.”
Just over a decade ago, our family bought a small bolthole just up the coast from Gwithian in St Agnes. We wanted to spend more time together as a family with our two young boys, and chose the north Cornwall coast because of it's rugged beauty and for the great the surf. Cornwall really has rewarded us with so many memories, and a much greater appreciation of the beauty and diversity of the landscape right on our doorstep.
We came across this beautiful barn in Godrevy while visiting with the boys on one of our surf trips, where we'd watch the sea and spot seals while sipping flasks of coffee. It was completely dilapidated, a mess of tumbling stone, when we chanced upon it. Who would have thought we'd find this in one of our favourite spots?
We are thrilled that the barn has turned out the way it has; the old, the new, and the modern yet natural interiors make it our absolute pleasure to share it with guests. We hope so much that everyone who stays here creates their own happy memories and finds their own favourite spots in this beautiful part of England.
James & Katie
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Gwithian with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Minack Theatre
This world-famous outdoor theatre next to beautiful Porthcurno Beach was hand-carved into the granite cliffs by Rowena Cade. Try and catch a show at the open-air theatre if you can.
To Eat
Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling, St Ives
Only a mile from St Ives in Cornwall, Ugly Butterfly is a restaurant and bar that offers seasonal fare and spectacular views across glistening Carbis Bay.
To See
Chapel Porth, St Agnes
This is a secluded spot to start a walk along the South West Coast Path; park up and walk north towards St Agnes to find the tin mines at Wheal Coates, a truly spectacular sight.
To Do
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Saint Austell
Situated near Mevagissey in Cornwall, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a 19th century network of magical gardens and woodland walks set across 200 sprawling acres.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We were completely blown away by Lightkeepers. Adventuring down the old Cornish lane towards the property, we felt like giddy children. Inside, stresses melted away at the sight of the dreamy interiors and views over the sheep-grazing fields and ocean beyond. Sunset watching from the tub doesn’t get much better than here. It really is some kind of paradise we wish we could keep just for us.
I love the blur between the countryside and the seaside that Lightkeepers captures so wonderfully. We adored the open communal spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows supplying us with almost panoramic views of Gwithian. Lightkeepers is also perfect if you wanted to pop down to the beach and visit the seals who call Gwithian their home.
Lightkeepers is a waking dream for book-and-beach lovers; it’s set back from one of Cornwall’s most renowned sandy stretches and has views from almost every window to the lighthouse that inspired one of Britain’s great literary classics (To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf). Inside, it’s a treasure trove of coastal talismans, cool photography, and plush fabrics.
Gwithian is one of my all-time favourite beaches for summer and Lightkeepers is a true haven tucked just a short distance away. A fabulous home for a family holiday. We loved the Miami beach house vibe interior; the view from the master bed is spectacular.
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 > Luxury New Year Breaks > UK > Cornwall > Gwithian > Lightkeepers
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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.
