6 The Dunes, Upton Towans

One of ten eco-homes on the edge of Upton Towans Nature Reserve, 6 The Dunes is a 2-bedroom cottage built with sustainable materials including timber framing and bee bricks. Air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and high levels of insulation reduce its carbon footprint. The property sleeps 4 and is dog-friendly, with prices starting from £700 per night.

Inside, the open-plan living space has a minimalist, light-filled feel with sliding doors opening directly onto a private terrace. The 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms give plenty of room for a couple or small family. A dishwasher, washing machine, barbecue and Wi-Fi are all included, and allocated parking sits on site.

The private terrace leads to a hot tub - the main draw for evening relaxation after a day on the coast. The garden and barbecue area extend the outdoor living space, with the dunes and nature reserve immediately beyond.

Gwithian Towans is 1.1 miles away - a 3-mile stretch of sand along St Ives Bay that rarely feels crowded even in August. Godrevy Beach sits 2 miles north-east, close to the seal colony at Godrevy Head. The South West Coast Path runs along the bay, connecting to Lelant and eventually St Ives, which is 3 miles west by road. Hayle itself has a rail station on the St Ives Bay Line, one stop from the mainline junction at St Erth.

Best for a couple or small family wanting a quiet, dog-friendly base close to the dunes, thanks to the private hot tub, garden and direct access to the nature reserve. Less good for anyone wanting to walk straight onto sand, since the closest beach is over a mile away.

Nearby: Gwithian Towans (1.1 miles) and Godrevy Beach (2 miles). See our Connor Downs guide for more beaches and walks in the area.