Perfectly combining the old and new, The Looking Glass nestles into the cliffs above the golden sands of Mawgan Porth. Floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to sea ensure a true at-one-with-the-elements feel, while soft sofas and carefully collated vintage finds anchor warmth and character. A luxury self-catering home with views so spectacular and beds so cosy you’ll need to be dragged by the heels to leave.
Designed entirely to draw eyes to the horizon, The Looking Glass is a contemporary home above the surf where pops of colour and vintage embellishments adorn the walls with impeccable class. Downstairs, the open-plan living area seamlessly complements the ever-changing seascape with midnight blues, soothing greys and exposed wood shifting in tone with the climes outside. Whether watching clouds rumble through the sky over breakfast, dozing in the midsummer sun in the garden or sheltering from Atlantic storms by the woodburner in the depths of winter, days at this luxury home are easily spent.
On the ground floor is a king-size bedroom and en suite with roll top bath tub and large rainfall shower big enough for two. Upstairs there is one bedroom with an elevated double bed to ensure clear sight of the sea over a morning coffee and the king-size master, where crooked walls, nautical paraphernalia and a porthole looking across the ocean give the sense of hunkering down in the snuggest of sailing cabins. There is one family bathroom with roll top bath and rainfall shower on the first floor and one separate WC downstairs.
Flanked by Cornish stone walling, planted succulents and a bank of rustling dune grasses, The Looking Glass’ landscaped gardens offer an idyllic spot to enjoy the crashing waves from above. By day, wander five-minutes via private pathway through sunshine-yellow, coconut-scented gorse flowers to Mawgan Porth beach or join the South West Coast Path to Bedruthan Steps, just 15 minutes north. When the heat begins to fade and the moon starts to rise, gather around the fire pit for an indulgent feast of s’mores and hot chocolates before little ones trot off to bed.
Both adrenaline and leisure seekers will be at ease in this seaside home and with the beach just a short amble down the cliff, there really is no need to venture too far. For the little (and big) children, the local surf school offers enthusiastic lessons for all while, for anyone who would rather look at the waves than be in them, the adults-only spa just along the cliff has the finest infinity pool around. At the end of the day and armed with a portable barbecue and coolbox filled with fresh mackerel and crisp white wine, wander down the cliff path to settle onto the sand for a fish supper by light of the sunset.
There is private parking for up to three cars. The kitchen includes an induction hob, electric fan oven, grill, warming drawer, double fridge-freezer and dishwasher. A washing machine and tumble dryer are available. With garden terraces, steps and nearby cliffs, parents are advised to supervise children at all times.
Style: Modern, bright and oh-so snug, The Looking Glass perfectly twins contemporary architecture with reclaimed furnishings, all with uninterrupted views across Cornwall´s rugged north coast.
We love our breathtaking sea views, endlessly fascinating and stretching for miles down the craggy Cornish coast. Our favourite pastime is watching the tide roll in and out of the bay. The highlight is when the surf crashes over giant ´Pudding Rock´ - each wave bringing a fresh pouring of cream!
Discover places to see and things to do whilst in and around Mawgan Porth, Cornwall to truly enhance your stay come rain or shine!
Beach Days Armed with a delicious picnic, potter down the coast path and enjoy a good old fashioned day at the beach. With Mawgan Porth on the doorstep and the sands of Watergate Bay just around the headland, there are miles of golden beaches surrounding The Looking Glass so guests will be spoilt for choice.
Coastal Adventures The Looking Glass could not be better placed to explore all that Cornwall has to offer. Just down the road in Mawgan Porth is Kingsurf, where a fun and experienced team of surf and coasteering instructors take guests on adventures in the waves. Further afield, Watergate Bay and Lusty Glaze host a myriad of water sports and activities for all ages.
On Two Wheels The flat, family-friendly Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow is a great day out, especially when combined with fish and chips on the quay and a stop off at Camel Valley Vineyard.
For Little Ones Newquay Zoo, Newquay Aquarium and Dairyland are all just a short drive away and make a great day out for both the young and young at heart alike. For a day out with some historical value, jump on board a steam railway at Lappa Valley.
Nearest Beaches 0.4 miles to Mawgan Porth, 2.4 miles to Watergate Bay.
With a sea view kitchen as large and well-equipped as this, foodies will be hard-pressed to venture far for exquisite dining experiences. Trevilley Farm Shop, which specialises in home-reared meat, organic vegetables and handmade preserves can deliver a prearranged food box directly to the door for arrival. The shop's pasties, pies and cakes are also to-die-for and worthy of any beach picnic.
Wonderfully placed for a gastronomic tour of North Cornwall, guests to The Looking Glass are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out. Jamie Oliver's Fifteen, The Beach Hut and Zacry's are all a brisk hour's hike along the South West Coast Path (or short taxi ride) in Watergate Bay, while Paul Ainsworth and Rick Stein's restaurants can be found in the nearby fishing village of Padstow.