Little Cottage

Little Cottage is a four-bedroom architect-designed house above Praa Sands, sleeping 10 with the beach 40 metres from the garden path. Designed by Alex Michaelis, the apartment looks straight down the mile-long sweep of sand toward Cudden Point.

All four bedrooms are en-suite (six bathrooms in total). Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open the kitchen-diner onto a front terrace with sea views. There's a hot tub, an open fire and a wood burner; dishwasher, washing machine, BBQ and wifi are all included. Parking is on site, and up to two dogs are welcome. At GBP 2,828/night the headline number is high, but at sleeps 10 that works out around GBP 283 per person per night.

The beach below has a surf school in summer and is lifeguarded; the Sandbar Restaurant and Sand Bar pub sit on the sand. The coast path west passes Cudden Point on its way toward Marazion and St Michael's Mount (6 miles); east, it reaches Porthcew (Rinsey Cove) and the Wheal Prosper engine houses inside two miles. Porthleven and Helston are 15 minutes by car, Penzance and St Ives within easy reach.

Best for a multi-family group or two couples wanting space, design and direct beach access. Less good for budget travellers or anyone preferring a traditional Cornish cottage feel.