One of the coolest houses in the UK!. Known locally as Bakers Folly, this Art Deco gem nestles into a cliff, the Atlantic crashing at its feet. A pool carved into the rock, a huge well appointed apartment, this dream home sits between great surfing and family beaches. As of August 2012 our guests, through tripadvisor, rank us top holiday letting in Newquay and in the top ten Cornwall.
This dramatic house shares the unspoiled East Pentire Headland with only one other building: the Lewinnick Lodge, an excellent pub/restaurant, close enough to walk to, far enough away that you wouldn't know it was there. The 'Merlin' Apartment is huge, the entire ground floor of the house, and is in walking distance of Newquay (along a coastal path) but remains entirely isolated from the town. You can either enjoy the buzz that Newquay has to offer or remain isolated enjoying the headland, the ocean and its wildlife.
The Headland places you between two fabulous beaches, Fistral and Crantock and the property even has its own sea pool, carved out of the rock at the base of the house. This property has everything in terms of drama, romance, location, sea and sand. 'Merlin' can accommodate a very large family easily or up to three couples giving everyone space to think and relax. Tell us the requirement and we will see if we can help. And if the dates you want are already booked, still get in touch, we may be able to help.
Size:
Sleeps up to 8, 3 bedrooms
Nearest beach:
Fistral and Crantock Beaches, 50m
Will consider:
House swaps
Access:
Car advised
Family friendly?
Suitable for over 5s only Unsuitable for people with restricted mobility
Notes:
May take pets - please enquire No smoking at this property
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player, Sea view
Pool:
Shared outdoor pool (unheated)
General:
Central heating, TV, Telephone, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
3 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms of which 1 family bathroom, 1 en suite and 1 shower room
Furniture:
Single beds (2), Double beds (3), Cots (1), Dining seating for 12, Lounge seating for 12
Other:
Linen and towels provided
Outdoors:
Shared outdoor pool (unheated), Balcony / Terrace
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: On sleeping arrangements there is a master bedroom (with amazing views) with four poster bed and en-suite bathroom and a second double bedroom again with a four poster bed. Finally there is a family room with a double bed and two single beds. This famly room can sleep up to 4. So in total the house sleeps 8.
The reception room, originally the Ball Room, and the center piece of the house, has two seating areas, one area with huge oversized comfy sofas, the other with 'planters chairs' where you can sit, read, chat and gaze out to sea. There is a separate Kitchen and Dining Room. Again the scale is big, the whole area designed so you can have family breakfasts, Sunday lunches and informal suppers around the massive refectory table made from ships beams.
Weather closes in! Don't worry, the apartment is huge (probably the largest on offer in the area) and even a large party won't trip over themselves. There is a serious Fooseball Table, a selection of DVDs and books to dip into, a big bag of Lego for the kids, an iPod docking Station and even a keyboard for those who play (just bring your music)!
Further details outdoors: The apartment has its own sea facing terrace and there are large communal terraces and a sea-water swimming pool. Because of the proximity to the sea and the cliffs you need to treat the pool with the same respect as you would if you were entering the sea, rather than as a normal domestic swimming pool. Sea fishing can be enjoyed from the property.
Further details
The apartment - which has been our home when we are in the UK - is part of a larger community. We like our neighbors, and want to stay on good terms with them, so this is a place for relaxation, kicking back and chilling out, rather than wild parties. The house isn't suitable for stag and hen parties or groups of guys / girls looking to enjoy the nightlife of Newquay. But it is perfect for families or those couples who are looking to relax, eat well, and enjoy the ocean.
Conditions
The property is perched on the side of cliffs with the Atlantic Ocean at its feet. It's spectacular, romantic and dramatic but it does mean that it comes with accompanying dangers that we want you to be aware of. Our children grew up here but this is not the place for children who like to explore, unsupervised. Although we accept babies this isn't a place to book if you have toddlers or indeed children younger than the age of 10. You will spend your time keeping your eyes firmly on them rather than relaxing. Use of the terraces, or the sea swimming pool, swimming in the sea off the property, and exploring the grounds are all done entirely at your own risk. We will ask you to sign a disclaimer to this effect. You can have tremendous fun here but having fun, responsibly, is part of the deal if you choose to rent the apartment.
Cornwall has awesome scenery and the best climate in Britain. Miles of sandy beaches, coastal walks, open moorland and a benign climate that sees spring arriving early, and autumn lingering longer. Winter has its own attraction and Lewinnick gives you a front row seat watching huge waves lash against the cliffs while you drink good wine by a big real fire.
Newquay sits at the heart of Cornwall, close to the A30, the main route though the County, which makes it a great base from which to explore the rest of Cornwall. The Eden Project is about a 40 minute drive away. Check out the Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions (www.cata.co.uk) which has lots of quality places to visit or head down to Falmouth for a trip to the National Maritime Museum and all things nautical. The attractive Cathedral city of Truro has high street and specialist stores, plus a variety of theatrical and musical events at the Hall for Cornwall. And Cornwall is a horticultural paradise. Its mild, maritime climate enabling species to be grown in the outdoors that can be found nowhere else in the UK.
The house itself is a well known local landmark. The land, next to what was known as 'Swimming Cove' was acquired in 1910 by Mr Baker, but building paused during the Great War and the house wasn't completed until 1927. Popular local legend has it that the 'house was built on the wrong side of the headland' but Baker knew exactly what he was doing. Sheltered from the prevailing South Westerly gales he could build his house close to the Ocean but keep it safe. The first year was used by the architects, watching the sea to ensure the house was positioned to be close but protected from the natural direction of the the waves. A step was blown into the cliff using dynamite and the rubble used to build the terraces, pool and foundations of the house. There was even a croquet lawn but the sea has since removed this. Used recently as the backdrop in a TV program, this has to be one of the UK's most interesting coastal properties.
The Newquay / Pentire area
As the UK's surfing capital, Newquay has surf lessons and board hire for ever!. With its string of beaches, there is a wave for all weather conditions and for every level of surfer. Other adventure sports include coasteering, kite-surfing, traction kiting, kite-buggying, all-terrain land-boarding, Europe's longest and highest zip wire, abseiling and rock climbing.
Something more relaxing? Fistral Spa is just a short walk away. And there are great restaurants. One of the best, Lewinnick Lodge, shares the headland with the house. Other favourites include Jamie Oliver's '15' at Watergate Bay and the New Harbor Restaurant. A 30 minute drive takes you to Padstow and all that Rick Stein has to offer. During the day, the laid back, and easy on the pocket, Cafe Irie, (38 Fore Street) serves fab all day breakfasts and organic food. Or perhaps take a day trip and visit some of the UK's best gardens, or take in the Tate Gallery at St Ives.
If you're a birdwatcher then head for the River Gannel (a few minutes walk from the house) and you'll be in an ornithological paradise, or saddle up and ride down beside the Gannel to Crantock. Coastal walks, that take an hour or a full day are on offer. And if you enjoy cycling try either the St Piran Way, a designated cycle route that winds through wooded valleys from Newquay to the City of Truro or hire bikes from Padstow and enjoy the Camal Trail that follows a disused railway line along the beautiful Camel Esturary. Deep sea fishing is available out of Newquay harbour or, eaier still, just cast your line off the terraces of the house. Bass are out there and just waiting to be caught.
For children, Newquay has ten beaches, an Aquarium, Cinema, Zoo, skate-board park, and water parks. Not much more needs to be said, the town is designed for family holidays. But of course Newquay is also known for its nightlife. There's every kind of venue, attracting national and international DJ's, with every kind of music. Our favourite: the trendy 'Chy Bar', has great music, is open late, overlooks the sea and it's easy to wander over to the 'Walkabout' which has good live music.
And pick the right week and there may well be a big event on in the town: the Zapcat King of the Surf Grand Prix, Newquay Fish Festival, RFU Beach Rugby Tournament, the Ripcurl Boardmasters, Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach, Fat Face Night Surf, or the moment when VW Camper Vans descend on the town during 'Run for the Sun'.
Whatever, after you have booked with us we will send you lots of local recommendations that we use when we are staying at Lewinnick: including recommendations from past guests.
How to get there
Merlin at Lewinnick Cove House
What's nearby:
Attractions
Restaurants
Click map icons for more information
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Newquay: 9 km
Railway:
Newquay: 3.5 km
Planes, Trains and Automobiles:
If you are visiting the UK from abroad - or live in the UK and just don't yet know Cornwall - and need help planning your trip, just drop us an email - we will make it easy for you; we want you to enjoy Cornwall not have to struggle with directions, train timetables or working out the best way to get here. But in summary:
By Car: From London the journey time is about 5 hours, Birmingham about 4 hours and Manchester about 5.5 hours. Take the M5 southbound and at Junction 31 bear left onto the A30 towards Bodmin. After 75 miles take the A39 towards Indian Queens followed, after 6 miles, by the A392 to Newquay. We will send you precise directions when you book or just plug the postcode (TR71QD) into your GPS!
By Air: Newquay Airport, is the closest (just 6 miles from the house) of four regional airports (others being Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol), There are flights to and from Newquay to London Gatwick, Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Leeds/Bradford, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dusseldorf, East Midlands, Cork, Jersey and the Isles of Scilly . A Taxi to the house should cost under £25 and can be booked, up to 48 hours in advance, via www.newquaycabs.co.uk or Pentire Taxis on 07900 090303, 01637 873303 or www.pentiretaxis.com
Car Hire: Car hire is available at the airport from Hertz or Europcar. Eurocar can be called on 01872 266300 or book via their website www.europcar.co.uk). Hertz can be contacted on 08708 448844 (24 hours), 01637 860997 (local reservations), 07971 643587 (out of hours) or book via www.hertz.co.uk.
Rail: There are intercity rail services to Newquay on Saturdays and Sundays from May to September, and every day during July and August. At other times you will need to change trains on the way, usually at Par or Plymouth. You can check this when booking your ticket. For train times to Cornwall and fares information contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or visit their website. First Great Western provide high speed services from London Paddington, South Wales and the Cotswolds to Cornwall, including a Sleeper service from London Paddington. First Great Western operate services on the branch lines in Cornwall, including the Par to Newquay line. Virgin Trains operate some services into Cornwall from Birmingham, Bristol, the North and Scotland.
Activities near Newquay
Sports: Watersports Waterpark Horse Riding Golf less than 15 mins walk Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Good nightlife Cycling holidays
This house is just amazing! It took our breath away when we arrived and we were still in awe of it when we left a week later. We were a group of 6 adults and there was plenty of room for us all to have our own space if we wanted it. We stayed for the Easter week and although it was lovely and sunny there was a biting wind so to snuggle up in front of the log fire was just idyllic. The rooms were all very comfortable, lovely large sofa and very comfy beds. We slept with the blind open in the master bedroom and you don't even need to lift your head off the pillow to watch the waves crashing against the rocks. We would all love to go back again, maybe in warmer months so we could use the fabulous swimming pool, saying that though, five of our group all hired wet suits and body boards and went in the sea ( when in Newquay!!) I very kindly offered to look after the bags! Don't hesitate to book this awesome apartment, you won't be disappointed, there really is nowhere like it.
28 Feb 2013
“It took our breath away (and that included our two teenage boys).”
This was my first visit back to Cornwall in 30 years since my childhood, when I had spent every summer holidaying with my parents. For my wife and two teenage sons (and our dog) it was their first. My sister and brother in-law came as well. We arrived together and drove down the 'private drive' to a courtyard car park. To access the property you walk down a flight of steps by the tower and into a covered walk way then, POW the view and atmosphere hit you. You are (as the site states) right on the edge of a cliff looking down to the rocks and sea. As you walk towards the front door you see the massive courtyard/patio and sea pool. My boys were like kids again. It takes a lot to get them out of their teenage 'disinterest' in the scenery attitude, but they were off exploring straight away and their interest didn't dwindle all week. The position on its own is just fantastic and then you go in . It's not the most modern, 5 star accommodation, but it is lovely, quirky and very different. You walk into the kitchen / dinner which is a large room (it has to be to accommodate the huge refectory table). The kitchen is well equipped. I must admit we didn't cook any meals as we utilised the lovely pubs and restaurants in the area. Off this room are two bedrooms with separate bathrooms (both well presented and modern) and a utility room with washing machine and tumble drier. Great for summer to wash beach towels etc. we didn't go swimming due to the -4 wind chill but the surfers were out there. Straight on from the kitchen is the living room. Again it is large (old ballroom) the Boys utilised the double desk for revision and we used the chairs during the day to watch the sea/coast and the sofa (with log fire) in the evenings. The master bedroom is then off of this room again with a modern on-suit bathroom. Oh, what a view to wake up to! In my feedback I have given a Good rating rather than great for the overall condition. This is due to the building rather than its care. It is a 1930's sea front house that gets the full force of the Atlantic all year round, and the owners have kept it reasonably original, rather than gut it and make it a modern interior. It has character. It also has history, a wonderful story as to how the present owners came to buy it. The walls are decorated with the owners own art work and pieces picked up from their travels. We all loved our stay (and that wasn't just due to the wonderful pub/restaurant at the end of the drive). We will be going back
26 Feb 2013
“Another fab long weekend...!”
Yet again we enjoyed the fabulous setting that Lewinnick Cove offers. The presentation of the house was excellent, with the clear blue skies enhancing the views across the bay. We made full use of... more
Location fantastic, dramatic, as isolated as you want to be. Great restaurant, great accomodation. Ideal for walks, shopping, eating and being alone, swimming pool lovely
29 Jan 2013
“FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
An amazing place to stay, the views are amazing, waves pound the rocks and the odd seal bobs by!
Perfect for our group, really cosy and a smashing pub just a few metres away!
I will be back!!!
05 Jan 2013
“A New(quay) Year Never Forgotten”
Have just returned from a glorious winter break at Merlin at Lewinnick Cove House. Its tricky to know where to begin…. here goes.
Previous reviewers have pretty much hit the nail on the spot.... more
We absolutely fell in love with Merlin, it was a total wrench to leave on Saturday and miss it very much already! Mandy was also extremely helpful throughout the booking and stay, with a huge list of local suggestions and genuine in interest in making sure we had a good time.
We felt very privileged to stay somewhere so special that is so obviously cared about in all respects - we're already thinking about when we can next return! It's a real gem and I couldn't see how anyone could fail to fall in love with it. Also, although we went as a couple we were rattling round as it's HUGE (with the advantage of not feeling guilty for hogging the stunning master bedroom where we slept with the window open every night to have the sea lulling us to sleep!) - so a great place for social groups and families too. Thanks again to Mandy!
21 Aug 2012
“A unique location for a relaxing holiday.”
Fantastic spot. Crystal clear Cornish waters. We need to return when the children are older to get more from the waters. Beaches local and superb. Wonderful living area for family time together. Limited kitchen room but enough for holiday needs - my Dad (family chef) said that the cooker was excellent. Poor local pub but Fifteen is a must - superb location and EXCELLENT food and service. Wonderful communication, advice and guidance from the owner. I am most greatful for her kind attention with my booking. Take books, wet-suits, wine and loved ones for a superb, unforgetable holiday.
12 Aug 2012
“cor blimey”
So what do you get for your substantial rent, albeit consistent with 'similar' (not that I can find anything remotely like this) properties in this neck of the woods? Well, on a mundane level, you get a three bedroomed apartment that can sleep 8 with one bath/shower room and 2 other shower rooms, all with toilet. One of the shower rooms is en-suite. All very-nicely kitted out with endless hot water and in 2 of them, towel-rails that are always on so that you can have dry towels every time you shower/bath. The en-suite has a multi-directional shower and an enclosure big enough for 2! Actually, the basin is bigger than some indoor swimming pools I've seen. There is a fantastic utility room with a big butler sink and massive washing machine and tumble drier, all the way from the USA. Amazingly efficient and useful. This room is always warm because the boiler is in the adjoining store room. Completely brilliant for wet suits etc in the British weather. The kitchen-diner is very large with a huge table. Nice aga-style electric cooker. Another big butler sink. Smeg fridge. Small gripe is that the freezer compartment is the only freezer capacity, so a tub of ice-cream, some lollies and a big bag of frozen peas pretty much fill it. Very efficient dishwasher. Interesting maps of the local area and London(?) on the walls. The 'lounge' is truly enormous and has all the stuff described by the owner. The table football is excellent. Very interesting art works on the wall. All the information from the owners is excellent and very useful. The wi-fi is very good. And then there is the location. As you drive down the drive to the property (ample parking for 2 cars) you get a real sense of just how unusual the position of the house is. As you walk down to the apartment you look out over the Atlantic ocean through an arcaded walkway with the sea crunching against the cliffs. The kitchen diner, lounge and main bedroom all have magnificent views of the ocean and cliffs, as well as the far end of Fistral beach. Open a window and the sound of the pulsing waves is incredible (and relaxing). You have to be careful with kids outside because there are some drops that you wouldn't want to try out, but the owner is very clear about this and even the most cowardly of our party (me) became accustomed to the situation within a day or so. The outdoor pool is very interesting (our kids used it on several occasions) and on spring high tides the sea completely covers it and water splashes up to apartment level. The waves are absolutely magnificent, even when the weather seems benign. The terrace becomes very warm when the sun comes out and my wife has the suntan to prove it. When you are on the terrace, people walking on the cliffs and up at the nearby pub/restaurant (we went there once and it was ok...service very good and lovely surroundings...book, it's obviously popular!) look at you as though you may be enjoying something special and beyond the reach of mere mortals. It's about 20 minutes walk (15 with no kids) to either Fistral or Crantock beaches and it was lovely discussing which one you might go to on any particular day. Generally we found Crantock more interesting and quieter, although getting there for free depends on the tides..for a couple of hours either side of high tide you go across in a boat which costs a pound or so per person. Again, the surf is spectacular, with mini-tsunami after mini-tsunami crashing in. Lovely, easy walks out along the headland. From the house we saw seals, diving gannets, fulmars and rock pipits nesting on the cliffs, great black-backed gulls on the terrace along with herring gulls, lots of oystercatchers, shags and a single dunlin flew over. And I forgot my binoculars! There's a Sainsbury's not too far away and a very good and big Morrisons not much further. Never shopped in that brand too much, but some of the stuff we got was of a very high standard. I won't go on about this sort of thing too much as the owner sends all the info anyway. So, an absolutely astonishing stay at a place that is, literally (even litorally), unique. We found it a very relaxing and enjoyable week and when we got home, things were nice, like home is, but it all felt very claustrophobic for a few days! The owner is very helpful and genuine and returned our deposit very promptly. Nowhere is absolutely perfect but this place has a combination of outstanding virtues that you might not be able to find anywhere else and has a sense of drama that we have never experienced before. You'll certainly take away fantastic memories.
We spotted the Cove House whilst enjoying a great meal at the nearby Lewinnick Lodge in August 2011, looked it up on Google and instantly booked for summer 2012. We saw the gallery of photos and thought we knew what to expect but nothing could have prepared us for how special and spectacular this property really is. Internally, everything is finished to a high standard and there is plenty provided to entertain all ages (books, DVDs,WI games,table football, board games...) Externally, it exceeded all expectations. The tiered terrace and sea-fed pool allowing a proximity to the sea which probably isn't experienced anywhere else. Our teenage children loved fishing and fuzzball, my parents loved the relative isolation and breathtaking views, we loved waking to see the sun rising over the cliff edge (from our pillows), the fab walks, daily seal spotting, the constant sound of crashing waves ....... There's nowhere like it!
22 Jul 2012
“Exceptional Art Deco beauty, Magical stay”
Lewinnick Cove House is a truly special place. We stayed in May 2012, a family holiday of six for my Mothers birthday. The Art Deco building oozes character and presence with wonderful views set... more
18 Jul 2012
“Comfy spacious accommodation with a great sea view”
Wow, the property is stunning!
The property was as described, well equiped, spacious and very comfortable. Our five teenagers (family and their friends) had space and enough things to keep them entertained. Out of town centre location was easily walkable from Newquay and Fistral Beach, with good privacy. Excellent advice from the owner on where to book surfing, land kiting, coastering, and where to eat, etc proved very good - we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
I stayed at Lewinnick Cove house with my partner,teenage son,older son and his girlfriend and our dog. The accommodation is extremely spacious,lovely decor,modern bathrooms (great showers),comfortable beds,very good cooker,all of these things very important when choosing somewhere to spend a holiday. As well as being internally spot on the location and position of this house are what makes it totally unique and special,i think it would be difficult to find anywhere else like this in the UK. Being able to see and hear the sea all day and night is just amazing. The outside terraces are great for relaxing and just watching the waves. My boys were fascinated by the sea water pool,only went in wearing wetsuits briefly but had fun just watching it change with the tides. Locally there is plenty to do,we like Fistral beach for bodyboarding but Crantock beach is only a short walk away.Holywell beach,a short drive away,is also a lovely beach. We went to Padstow and hired bikes to cycle the Camel Trail which is good fun (it was raining that day,we got very wet and muddy so the washer and drier in the utility room at the house was very much appreciated!) The Lewinnick Lodge just up the drive does very good food and accepts dogs. Little Italy in Newquay make very good pizzas,eat in and takeaway. We had a lovely holiday,didnt want to come home and i am really missing the sound of the sea!
25 Jun 2012
“Don't hesitate to book, you won't be disappointed.”
The property is superb. Decoration is inspiring. Comfy chairs relaxing chairs. And good quality mattress for that good night sleep. Plenty of books , games to borrow just in case you forgot to take yours. Cannot fault the facilities in the house, everything you need is there. Very spacious. And of course waking up every morning to the sounds and sights of the sea - wow - what more can I say on that. The locals are friendly, full of local knowledge regarding the history of the place. A must is a fishing trip - if you haven't been before do a 2 hour one first and build up to the 4 hour one. Take your fish home and cook. Fresh fish superb. Walking, if you love to walk , the coast line is stunning. We walked every day into Newquay to all the local beaches. All dogs welcome throughout the year on the local beaches(crannock and fistral). Surfing - taking the older children/teenagers you have fistral to enjoy. Hiring surf boards and suits all very reasonable. And loads of courses to brush up on technique or learn from scratch. If want to swim indoors the nearest is Pentire hotel just up the road. ( you pass on your right as you head towards the house) Few pounds for a swim - indoors. Of course you have the outside one as well. Would definitley return so much more to see. Would Recommend. And good contact thoughout with the owner, very helpful. Thank you.
12 Jun 2012
“If you can stay here you should - it doesnt disappoint!”
Stayed with my sister and family for a weekend break twice now. It is the most fabulous situation - everyone watches when you go out on the terrace! My sis said she felt like a movie star! The... more
Position of Merlin could not be beaten with views over the rocks and sea, fantastic walks on the doorstep, a decent pub 2 min walk away and supermarket short drive. Spacious property affording everyone some space,all rooms with own bathroom. Great place to stay- expect a fight for the master bedroom.
03 Mar 2012
“We had discussed how great it would be to stay here, and when we got the chance it did not disappoint!”
The property was more than we had expected, with great views out across Fistral Beach and onto Padstow Lighthouse. It was well presented with stacks of modern gadgets and a few good to have old ones. Every room was finished to a good standard, with its own personal touch. As a party of 6 we all enjoyed the space the property offered, providing a relaxing experience. We have been to the area many times and as per usual visited some of our old haunts, our favourite being the Lewinnick Lodge Bar & Restaurant situated less than a 100m away, a must visit! Thanks again we all had a fantastic time!
07 Feb 2012
“Most amazing location in England. Fact!!”
Myself and my partner stayed with 4 friends at the house over New Year and what a fantastic time we had. The house is situated in the most amazing location I have ever known and it was a real wrench to leave at the end of our holiday. It's such a huge space inside with enough space to even spend some alone time even when the house is full. Just at the top of the drive is the fantastic Lewinnick Lodge Restaurant/Pub. The food in this place just melts in the mouth, I defy anyone to not fall in love with it. I really cannot put into words just what a special house this is. The views from the master bedroom, living area, kitchen and dining room just leaves you speechless. Newquay in the winter is a gorgeous town. Quiet enough if you want to stay away from hussle and bustle yet New Year's eve is a must for everyone. The whole town wear's fancy dress so make sure you join in!!!. Thanks Mandy for a fantastic break at your wonderful house. We will definately be returning as soon as we can
“The most unique house in britain. Unbelievable location beautiful house”
Having stayed at lewinnick cove house before we already knew how special a place this is. This is possibly the most unique house and location in britain if not the world! Every room has a unique feel to it. Newquay in december is a gorgeous place. Not too many tourists about so getting around is a doddle. New years eve is a must for any visitor to the area. A fantastic night where the whole town gets involved with fancy dress. Lewinnick lodge at the top of the drive is our most favourite restaurant in the world. A top class chef combined with a wonderful atmosphere and very reasonable prices only confirm to make lewinnick cove house the most fantastic place we have ever stayed. Mandy and her husband have thought of every detail to make this place memorable forever. Thanks for a truly fantastic holiday, we will definately return as soon as we can.
Shane, caroline and friends
02 Oct 2011
“The most impressive holiday rental in Newquay - bar none”
We've been holidaying in Newquay for over 20 years. We've also stayed at Lewinnick in the past when the site was split in to a number of holiday rentals.
The current property is fantastic it really does feel like being invited to stay in a home not a holiday rental. It surpases every other rental we've stayed in, in terms of; facilities, space, and location. It is seculded: Far enough away from Newquay's busy town centre to be a quiet retreat but close enough to walk to if you are energetic. If you are not energenic it's only 2 or 3 minutes by car.
The appartment is very well appointed. There is so much room you really can have your own space. The kitchen has everything you might need and there are sufficient bathrooms that there should never be a queue to get ready to go out.
Sitting on the patio looking out to see you can almost believe you are on your own desert island. We dined on Mackerel and Sea Bass that we caught from the patio so you can start to feel like you could be self sufficient if you needed to be. You don't have to be though, the excellent Lewinnick Lodge restaurant is at the end of the drive and there are lots of other good restaurants slightly further afield.
We had very fond memories of staying at Lewinnick and it was a risk for us to return as reality very rarely lives up to memory. This risk paid off. Lewinnick was everything we remembered and more.
Now that we've been back we can't wait to visit again.
Response: Your kind comment sets a high bar for us to maintain. So glad that your return to Lewinnick, after so many years, worked out so well for you. And so pleased you took two whole weeks out of high season, such a relaxed way to unwind!
03 Sep 2011
“A one-off.... you won't have stayed anywhere like Lewinnick!”
This is a wonderful atmospheric property right by the sea..... we had a fantastic week here as a group with friends/family with teenagers. The house was spotlessly clean on arrival and extremely spacious... the views from the master bedroom are just incredible! The lounge and kitchen have panoramic views out to sea too. Plenty of hot water, very useful utility room with tumble-drier, big shower rooms and well equiped kitchen. The boys played cricket on the large terrace (shared with occupiers of the other flats, but that doesn't matter.... it is so large and there was rarely anyone else around during our stay) and we swam in the sea pool..... it is also possible to swim in the Cove right from the House when the weather/tide is favourable.
During our stay we saw seals and oystercatchers which was lovely.
So much to do locally.... we managed swimming, surfing/bodyboarding at Fistral/Watergate Bay/Chapel Porth and Crantock Bay. Lovely walks on the Pentire Headland and can highly recommend relaxing with a drink at The Lewinnick Lodge on the cliff above the house. However it is also great to do nothing but relax with tea and cake on the terrace and enjoy the views.
We were told that the house is also fab in winter with the sea crashing outside and a log fire burning and we hope very much to return for a long winter weekend.
Remarkable and unique, we would have no hesitation in recommending Lewinnick Cove House.
Response: You really made the most of it. Fantastic. Thanks for the nice comments and I see a future guest (whoever that might be) has already found your comments helpful. Hope the rest of the year is good to you.
If you like the look of this property just book it and go. It will surpass your expectation. It is in an amazing location. An oasis of calm and yet within walking distance of Fistral Beach. It is enormous and just perfect for travelling with teenagers.
Response: That says it all for us, so pleased you had a good time, thank you. Please come back next year - just hope Lewinnick has the same wow factor second time around.
24 Aug 2011
“The best family holiday for years. Simply gorgeous accomodation.”
I can't recommend Merlin highly enough. Five of us (including my 19, 14 and 5 year old boys) have just returned from a wonderful week there. We had the the best family holiday for years. On our third day there we agreed to re-book for next year. There is lots to love but these were the best bits for us. 1) location - it's beautiful. To wake up to those views and be able to walk outside and be right next to the sea was amazingly relaxing. The sea pool was an absolute blast. You're also within a ten minute walk of two (very different) big beeches. 2) accommodation - the house is just beautiful and massive. The space was great for us allowing everyone plenty of space to chill out. 3) area - I'm not a great fan of Newquay town centre but the surrounding area and beeches are just so beautiful. If you like beach holidays - you'll be in heaven. There are also some great restaurants (try Kahuna, the Harbour boathouse and Lewinnick lodge. 4) Service and Value for money - Mandy (the owner) is lovely and you kinda feel like you staying n a friends house. Her instructions, arrangements and friendly advice all contributed to a stress free and enjoyable holiday for all (harder than it sounds given our numbers and ages). Regarding money, we've been going to Cornwall on summer family holidays for 10 years and I have paid significantly more for significantly less. I believe it was great value for the quality of accommodation and the uniqueness of the location. Book it and I bet you'll fall in love like we did.
Response: Thank you for these really kind comments. I know how much you were looking forward to this so I'm so pleased everything worked out well for you. You are not the first to find that young adults, teenagers and young children can all get something different out of the house, and its location. I'm also delighted you found Lewinnick homely; the concept was to have a 'soft warm' interior contrast with a dramatic exterior. Anyhow, really looking forward to having you back down with us.
20 Aug 2011
“Great place in a great location”
'Merlin' at Lewinnick Cove House is a unique property in Cornwall, situated right next to the ocean, which crashes onto the rocks directly below. There are superb views towards Fistral Beach and the Headland Hotel at Newquay, and the place has an enticing close-to-nature feel..
Originally a single house built by a wealthy family, it has been divided into apartments, with Merlin occupying the entire lower floor. There is a large, well-equipped kitchen/diner, an enormous oval-shaped reception room (formerly the ballroom), 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a utility room. It was more than big enough for our family of four.
The fittings are generally of good quality, and the showers work well. It is easy to feel comfortable there.
The property shares a large patio, and a unique sea water swimming pool cut out of the rocks at sea level. Full enjoyment of the pool would require warmer weather than we had (16-18C,) but we did brave it once (with wetsuits) and it was certainly different.
As a bonus, very good restaurant called Lewinnick Lodge is 2 minutes walk away (the only other property on the headland.) Fistral and Crantock beaches are a brisk walk , and the property is well-positioned for driving access to Cornwall's many attractions.
The owners were very attentive, and resolved the one minor problem (a blocked shower outlet) within 30 minutes of our reporting it. Prior to booking, they were also very open about the nature of the property, and the potential unsuitability for younger children. Our youngest is 7, and was fine, but anyone with children under six would need to supervise them very carefully, due to the proximity of rocks and sea.
Overall, Merlin is not only very well located, but a unique and fascinating destination in its own right. Waking up by the ocean is a great start to any day, and watching the sunset with a glass of wine is a pretty good way to end it.
Definitely recommended.
Response: Thank you for posting. I'm sure others will find this really useful - you should be a travel writer! And having looked at your other reviews, clearly a discerning one. Thanks for the restaurant tips that you sent to us directly - particularly 'The Odd Spot' - looking forward to trying it ourselves. Take care and fingers crossed, hope to see you again soon.
Our stay at Merlin at Lewinnick Cove House felt more like being in someone's family home than a holiday rental. We were a group of 5, me and my husband, our son (18), our daughter (14) and her friend (15). We arrived on a beautiful sunny day and were all totally overwhelmed by the beauty of both the interior and exterior of the house. Loved the decor, artwork, furniture - such a beautiful place with lots of light and space. Great bedrooms, bathrooms, all very clean and fresh. Huge kitchen and living room with amazing views. Near enough to Newquay to walk in, or drive to the beaches, but nicely tucked away to feel a sense of isolation. Could easily imagine going back during the winter months too. Got out shopping for the week delivered on the Saturday courtesy of on-line Sainsburys order so no supermarkets all week! Great details of local amenities in the house folder and very interesting family history too. Thanks Mandy, Nigel and family, we had a great holiday in your house.
Response: Thank you so much. And really pleased it felt like a home rather than a rental. Although we presently can't live at Lewinnick we still very much see it as our 'home' and love coming back to it. You are right about the Winter, too, we have marked off Christmas for our family this year. Perhaps catch you in 2012? Thanks again, hope the rest of 2011 is good to you and your family.
01 Aug 2011
“A unique property in a special location.”
We could quite easily have spent the whole week at the house and wandering on the headland, with the occasional trip to Morrisons! The apartment is comfortable, spacious and well equipped, with plenty to occupy guests of all ages and the ever-changing ocean views were a constant source of fascination, whatever the weather. Early morning and evening strolls round Pentire Point, and the rather too convenient Lewinnick Lodge when you don't feel like cooking, make this an incredibly relaxing place to stay. For the more energetic of course Fistral Beach and Newquay are only 20 minutes stroll away but Lewinnick Cove remains peaceful and secluded. We look forward to our next visit!
Response: We are with you. There are some days (we never quite make it through a whole week) when we just stock the fridge, chose some good wine, and barely leave the house - let alone set foot off the headland. And we agree, the pub is a bit too convenient particularly if you happen to like 'Doombar'...
31 Jul 2011
“Magnificent location is only the start.”
Part of our reason for choosing Lewinnick was its location but the reality was even better than we imagined. The secluded position was excellent and the near neighbours were friendly but not intrusive. Although the house was tucked away it was close to amenities and the children could safely walk on their own to Crantock beach. We enjoyed daily dips in the sea pool and picnics on the terraces and we spent some time watching the high tide break over the rocks and thought how nice it would be to return in the winter. The friendly cleaning team checked that all had gone well at the end of our stay
Response: You are very kind for taking the time to post a review. The team, who look after the cleaning for us, will be delighted you mentioned them. They are great so thank you. And do take the plunge and come down in the Winter: storms, big log fire, wind-swept headland, big utility room to dry clothes if you need to, pub at the top of the drive - fantastic!
“A great stay in a fantastic house with spectacular view on the ocean”
We so much enjoyed our stay at the Lewinnick House. It turned out to be much better than we could have hoped for. The house is really spectacular, with its dramatic (sometimes intimidating) view on the vast sea. It is an unusually beautiful and spacious house, both historic in feeling and with all practical modern facilities inside - a great big kitchen and dining area, a really large and comfortable living room with rustic Indian furniture, very nice modern bathrooms, and charming bedrooms. The spectacular natural pool, built into the rock was great for morning swims and gave the place a nearly surreal atmosphere. It was so much fun to be there. At the same time, the surroundings of the house offer great beaches to enjoy, and activities to do – very well and adequately recommended by the owners. A favourite was Crantock beach, where we went crabbing. But it was always so pleasant to return to the tranquility and beauty of the house. Traveling with two children, it isn't always we are all content in the same four walls, but this house offered such a variety of entertainment, such as interesting books, a great Lego collection, the foseball, the digital piano and all the electronic devices. We were all really pleased with our stay.
Response: It's always such a responsibility when you have overseas guests and you so want them to see the best of Britain and in particular the best of Cornwall. So thank you for your lovely review; very reassuring. Glad you enjoyed being right next to the Atlantic and that the whole family had a good time. We must come and see you in Sweden at some point; so thank you for the invitation!
24 Jul 2011
“Breathtaking Location and Stunning House”
This is the third year we have visited the Merlin Apartment, despite the familiarity with the area and house we were still blown away as we turned round the steep bend on the drive and caught our first sight of the house and cliffs, its just breathtaking. The sign at the top of the drive and the house make you feel that you are about to enter the set of an Agatha Christie movie.
The living space is huge, we always take some friends as its too good not to share, even with 3 kids and 4 adults you can always find a quiet corner to do your own thing. The bedrooms are more modest in size but still large with comfortable beds, stylish yet practical furniture and unusually for rented accommodation enough coat hangers for even the most heavy of packers. The house is well furnished with 2 huge comfy sofas, steamer chairs, beautiful indonesian furniture and most importantly bar football for family entertainment. The kitchen is well equipped and the local Morrisons means its easy to keep the costs down if you choose to, if not ,the Lewinnick Lodge is a 2 minute walk away and serves fantastic food. The views are stunning just sitting on the large terrace with a glass of wine can undo a whole years stress in an hour. This time we had the added bonus of regular visits from a lone seal (so close we eyeballed one another) and 3 dolphins partied with us for a hour on our last night. In terms of tips and guidance my recommendations are as follows: - get to Morrisons as soon as you can its bedlam after 1pm on a Saturday - take a few candles and tealights use with care to make the place look even better - follow the house rules to keep small children safe (always 2 feet on the floor outside) - take a pair of binoculars - arrive at Lewinnick Lodge before 3 pm to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous green eyed barman
We are about to book again for next summer, I half hope no one reads this that way we can be sure of availability.
Response: It is so nice having you back year-on-year; you now know Lewinnick as well as we do. Just in case you have any ideas, worth pointing out that staying at the house three times in a row doesn't mean you can keep it! Hope 2011/2012 is good to you and look forward to catching up next summer.
12 Jun 2011
“Must be the best coastal holiday home in the UK.”
I don't think there can be a coastal home in the UK in a better position. To be so close to the ocean and all the wildlife that comes with it was a real privilege. We saw a pod of dolphins swimming by one morning ( must have been between 10-12 of them ). Had a seal in the cove catching his tea a few times, as well as the resident cormorants fishing outside most days. The sea water pool is definitely the envy of all passers-by walking the coastal path and also the diners at The Lodge. The children were in their element watching the fish IN the pool. There aren't many places these days that can be enjoyed equally by an 10 yr old boy and a teenage girl.
Response: Thanks for taking the time to comment. Great you saw so much wildlife. And delighted your children had a good time: for our family it's a place where we all revert to childhood - just for a while.
"My wife and I have just returned from a fantastic, chilled out week in this very special place . The apartment is bright and spacious with many interesting pieces of furniture. But the star feature has to be the mesmerising views of the sea and cliffs. When you are in the apartment the rest of the world is put on hold as you watch the everchanging view through the many windows or from the terrace . The bar restaurant that shares Pentire Head is good and we also ate at Rick Steins in Padstowe which is only 40 minutes away. We went to Tintagel Castle, St Michaels Mount and the Eden Project, which are all well worth a visit and within easy travelling diistance . We will definately return to Lewinnick House as it is a uniqe experience in a unique apartment. (Oct 2010)"
Response: Thank you, so pleased you had a good time. And it's great you enjoyed the house, and everything Cornwall has to offer, in October. Apart from being in Lewinnick for Christmas and New Year, Autumn is our favorite time too; sea warm and beaches empty.
29 May 2011
“fantastic location, superb accomodation, a truly wonderful experience.”
waking up every morning to a view of the sea from the bedroom window has to be one of the best experiences - closely followed by watching the sun go down over the horizon from the balcony with a glass of wine. just the perfect location to get away from it all - we watched cormorants fishing just feet from the apartment and were visited by grey seals on a number of occasions - usually when the sea was 'a bit lively' - spectacular watching the waves crashing against the rocks. the lewinnick lodge next door is a great place for a meal - or breakfast! (my wife recommends the 'eggs benedict'). the apartment is huge, a spacious living area with plenty of seating around the real log fire. the large well equipped kitchen has loads of room for dinner parties. i counted 3 double beds and 4 single bunk beds, 3 wc's, 3 showers and a nice big bath with 'no tap end' - plenty of room for a large party of guests. we had a very relaxing stay and will definitely be going again - thanks! (pete and lesley, stoke-on-trent, may 2011)
Response: Thank you so much. Our first review and very much appreciated.
The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2008. This apartment has received 32 reviews from previous guests.
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