Drishti

Drishti is a four-bedroom house on Dunder Hill in Polzeath, elevated above the village on the north Cornwall coast. The cottage sleeps up to eight and accepts dogs - up to two, by arrangement. Street parking in Polzeath is free but fills quickly on summer weekends, so arriving midweek or early morning helps. Rated 14 times.

The four bedrooms are a mix of doubles and twins, two with en-suite shower rooms. A family bathroom with both a bath and overhead shower serves the other bedrooms, and a separate WC is provided. The open-plan kitchen and living area run the depth of the house. Underfloor heating runs throughout the ground floor. The kitchen has a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, and Tassimo coffee machine. A utility room houses the washing machine and tumble dryer. An enclosed garden with outdoor furniture sits to the rear. Wi-Fi is included. Friday changeover.

Polzeath Beach is 700m downhill - a half-mile stretch of sand with two surf schools, lifeguard cover from May to September, and consistent swell that works for beginners. Greenaway Beach is 0.8 miles along the coast, a quieter cove with rock pools at low tide. The coast path from Polzeath to Pentire Point takes around 45 minutes and gives clear views across the Camel Estuary to Stepper Point. Rock is 2 miles south, with the water taxi to Padstow.

Best for groups of up to eight, including families with older children and dog owners, who want a Polzeath base within walking distance of surf. Less good for a group that requires more than 4 bedrooms.