Hillcote

Hillcote is a four-bedroom beach house in New Polzeath, sleeping eight across one super-king, one double, and two zip-and-link twins (convertible to king-size on request). The house sits 300 metres from Polzeath Beach - an RNLI-patrolled half-mile surf beach with reliable left and right-hand breaks and several surf schools operating through the summer season.

The layout works for two families sharing: 2 bathrooms serve 4 bedrooms, the kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher and washing machine, and the garden has a BBQ for evening use. Wi-Fi is included. Up to 2 dogs are welcome, and off-road parking is available.

Baby Bay - the smaller sandy inlet just below - is a few minutes on foot, and the South West Coast Path runs directly through the village with National Trust land on the headland to the north. The Pentire headland walk to The Rumps, an Iron Age cliff castle, is about 2 miles and one of the better short walks in this part of north Cornwall, with regular seal sightings.

Greenaway Beach, known for rock pools and quieter than Polzeath, is 1.4 miles along the coast path. Daymer Bay - sheltered, family-friendly, and dog-welcome all year - is 2 miles south. Rock and the Camel Estuary water taxi to Padstow are about 3 miles away.

**Best for:** two families or a group of 8 wanting surf-beach proximity, coast path access, and dog-friendly outdoor space. **Less good for:** those wanting sea views from the house (Hillcote does not have a sea view); for that, look at nearby Hayle Bay.