Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

Two minutes from a surfing beach, half an hour from Eden! Rebuilt in 2007, this big balconied house is flooded with light and long sea views. All feels fresh, modern, spacious and exceedingly well-equipped. Find top mattresses encased in top linen, Le Creuset in the kitchen, a dollshouse, rocking horse and dressing-up box for little ones, golf clubs for you, and an outside shower for sandy feet. The owner, who lives in London, has thought of everything to delight her own family when they stay, so you get the best; when they're not here, a caretaker welcomes you in. Sitting rooms (there are two), have pale armchairs dressed in piped linen, cushions for comfort, books, pictures and an open fire. French windows lead to a paved terrace, there's a piano in the hall – tuned, of course – and the rosey garden has good-quality loungers and space for rounders. Best of all, you can reach Harlyn Bay from the end of the lawn: down the lane and you're there. St Merryn (shops, post office, pubs) is a mile away, Padstow is close for foodies (fish and chips to 'fruits de mer'), and the coastal walks are... well, marvellous.