12 luxury holiday homes with stand-out sea views

A handpicked collection of exceptional sea-view properties in Cornwall and Devon

There are moments during every holiday that could be bottled and saved forever. Opening the curtains to glimmering ocean views at dawn, lazy lunches on waterside terraces and sunsets on the beach.

To help inspire your next getaway, we’ve shortlisted 12 luxurious holiday homes and cottages by the sea with incredible views. 

1. Compass Point in Coverack 

Embrace the view: wrap up in blankets, light the fire pit and watch the sunset over the ocean 

The basics: West Cornwall | Sleeps 8 | Dog-friendly | Sunken sea-view hot tub, tiki hut and covered terrace

A base for all seasons, Compass Point transforms from a summer beach house to a winter hideaway with ease. Elegant interior design flows from room to room, with high ceilings, light open spaces and bi-fold doors framing the ocean. 

Compass Point’s coastal garden encourages al fresco living, whatever the weather. Covered decking provides a sanctuary on drizzly days and there are endless spots for sunbathing in warmer climes. The cedar-clad hot tub and beachside tiki hut are prime locations for savouring the view. Perched above the sand overlooking Coverack Cove, the uninterrupted expanse of ocean extends for miles.

Adventurers should head into Poldark country and explore the surrounding Lizard Peninsula, with legendary beaches like Kynance Cove a short drive away. 

2. Breakwater in Sennen Cove

Embrace the view: start each day with morning yoga in the sea-view ‘quiet room’  

The basics: West Cornwall | Sleeps 10 | Dog-friendly | Sunken sea-view hot tub and cinema room

Surrounded by some of the best beaches in Cornwall, Breakwater blends striking architecture with vibrant interiors. Spanning the length of the first floor living space, the ocean vistas can extend as far as the Isles of Scilly on clear days. 

Outside, a sea-view hot tub is surrounded by beautiful curved seating and an egg chair. Gather for wine and nibbles after days surfing at Sennen Cove before heading to the terrace for supper. 

Ideal for winter breaks as well as summer getaways, four of Breakwater’s bedrooms look across the water, so you can indulge in rainy duvet days as white-capped waves crash outside. Cosy nights-in are catered for by the cinema room, and the ‘quiet room’ offers a stylish sanctuary for catching up on work emails.  

3. Shun Lee in St Ives 

Embrace the view: claim one of the gorgeous sea-view bedrooms and savour breakfast in bed overlooking the water

The basics: West Cornwall | Sleeps 14 | Dog-friendly | Cinema room and pool table 

Shun Lee’s magnificent architecture is softened by dreamy interiors and unforgettable coastal views. Even on an overcast day, the endless waters sparkle as you cast your eyes from St Ives Harbour all the way across to Godrevey Lighthouse. 

The garden gate opens onto the South West Coast Path, and Porthminster Beach is just a short walk away, so you can have your feet in the sand within moments of finishing breakfast. This beautiful area of coastline encompasses Zennor, Carbis Bay, Gwithian Beach and Portreath – all within a 25 minute drive. 

4. Trelorna in Polzeath 

Embrace the view: host mimosa brunches on the coastal balcony after surfing at dawn

The basics: North Cornwall | Sleeps 10 | Sunken hot tub, games room, covered balcony and wetsuit drying room

Located in the buzzing town of Polzeath, Trelorna is the epitome of chilled seaside living. After catching the waves on one of Cornwall's best surfing beaches, make the short walk back up to Trelorna and watch the sunset with a cold drink in hand. 

Sitting at the top of the house, the open plan living space maximises the elevated outlook across Polzeath Beach. Downstairs, a cedar-clad hot tub, private bar and stylish games room provide endless opportunities for entertainment after dark. 

5. Eden in Downderry

Embrace the view: watch the ocean glimmer from your private pool on balmy evenings

The basics: South Cornwall | Sleeps 6 | Dog-friendly | Resistance pool, private annex and covered terrace 

With bold architecture and contemporary interior design, Eden exudes a refined sense of style. Set on the Rame Peninsula in South Cornwall, the property’s elevated position frames the sea views from almost every room. The open plan living area leads onto a wraparound terrace – a tranquil spot for taking in the vistas from Downderry Beach across to Looe.   

Head over to the popular harbour towns of Fowey and Polperro for shopping, sailing, art galleries and coastal walks. And once you’ve had your cultural fill, return to Eden’s private heated resistance pool for a swim before dinner. 

6. Seathrift in Porthleven

Embrace the view: relax by the log burner on stormy days as the Atlantic waves crash outside 

The basics: West Cornwall | Sleeps 7 – 11 | Dog-friendly | Private swimming pool and wood-fired pizza oven

Just a short walk from Porthleven and a stone’s throw from the ocean, Seathrift is a sanctuary of calm on Cornwall’s rugged west coast. Floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors run the length of the living area, with the awe-inspiring Atlantic waves almost close enough to touch. 

On balmy days, dive into the private heated swimming pool and lounge in the garden as lunch is prepared in the wood-fired pizza oven. When the storms roll in, retreat inside, stoke the log burner and watch the sea turn wild.  

With Porthleven’s renowned restaurants just 10 minutes away on foot, there are plenty of opportunities to refuel at the likes of Kota Kai and The Ship Inn after brisk coastal walks.

7. Tamarisks in Hope Cove 

Embrace the view: prepare seafood feasts in the outdoor kitchen as the tides roll in below

The basics: South Devon | Sleeps 14 – 16 | Dog-friendly | Outdoor kitchen, pizza oven and media room

Perched just above the beach, Tamarisks offers a quiet sanctuary away from busy city life. Nestled in the picture-perfect village of Hope Cove, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is virtually unspoilt. On a calm day, the water surrounding Tamarisks is like a millpond. Rise early, join a local sea swim and then warm up with a coffee on the first floor window seat. 

The two-tier terrace becomes a permanent base on summer days. Surrounded by blue, it almost feels like you’re on the deck of a boat. Relax with a newspaper as the rest of the family plays on the beach below, then pop some pizzas in the wood-fired oven for an al fresco treat. 

Ideally placed for exploring the South Devon coast, the historic towns of Salcombe and Dartmouth are both a short drive away.   

8. Overcombe in Bigbury-on-Sea

Embrace the view: clink glasses of fizz on the terrace surrounded by a wide expanse of ocean

The basics: South Devon | Sleeps 10 | Dog-friendly | Games room and wraparound terrace

With some of the best views in Devon, if not the UK, Overcombe’s clifftop location and wraparound terrace really do steal the show. Overlooking Bigbury-on-Sea, Bantham and Burgh Island, expect incredible sunsets and a constantly changing coastal outlook. 

The open plan living space has glass on three sides, so it’s an ideal spot for hosting dinner parties against a panoramic backdrop. When the weather turns and storms start to batter the coastline, hunker down in the TV room and listen to the rain outside.  

9. Waterside in Salcombe

Embrace the view: lounge on the suntrap balcony as sailing boats glide past and out to sea

The basics: South Devon | Sleeps 6 – 8 | Cinema room, waterside balcony and unlimited spa access

Effortlessly chic, Waterside is a stylish base for holidays on the Salcombe Estuary. The balcony is set right on the water’s edge, and is in a prime position for watching the boats, kayaks and paddleboards cut through the waves below. 

Located just beneath the Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa, our guests have unlimited use of their facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and fitness suite. After a morning of luxury, stroll into town for a spot of lunch at one of Salcombe’s incredible seafood restaurants. The Jetty is our go-to for special occasions and The Crab Shed serves some of the best hand-picked crab sandwiches around. 

We’d also recommend the Salcombe Gin Tour and Tasting experience at the harbourside distillery before retreating to Waterside for a movie in the cinema room.  

10. Brynia in Daymer Bay 

Embrace the view: sink into the hot tub as the sky turns golden 

The basics: North Cornwall | Sleeps 8 – 12 | Sea view hot tub and large grassy garden 

The beautiful Brynia in Daymer Bay blends incredible coastal views with classic design. The interiors are delicate and elegant, with everything focussed on the sea. Slow down, pick a book from the shelf and curl up in a window seat overlooking the tides.

Occupying two acres of land at the front of the house, Brynia’s grassy garden looks out across the mouth of the Camel Estuary and is perfect for picnics, sunbathing and lawn games. Once the children are in bed and the sun is on the horizon, sink into the hot tub for an evening of relaxation. 

Just moments from the South West Coast Path, discover the local beaches of Daymer, Greenaway and Polzeath on foot. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, we’d recommend heading towards Rock and hopping on the passenger ferry to Padstow. It’s home to some of the best chef-named restaurants in Cornwall, including Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and Paul Ainsworth at No 6. 

11. Serenity in Carlyon Bay

Embrace the view: pull back sliding doors and bask in the fresh ocean air

The basics: South Cornwall | Sleeps 5 | Panoramic sea views and large paved terrace

One of the newest additions to the portfolio, Serenity is encompassed by calm shores and walking routes. Located on a coveted area of Cornwall's south coast, look out across the bay from every room or head to the terrace for a spot of sun catching. 

Set over two floors and home to three sophisticatedly designed ground floor bedrooms, return after busy days of wandering the South West Coast Path to find the house flooded with natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and bi-fold doors. For those seeking a peaceful refuge, ascend the stairs to the living area to soak up the view from an elevated position. 

If you're looking for somewhere to dine, the popular fishing port of Charlestown is just a short distance away and plays host to a plethora of tasty eateries serving up a selection of dishes that showcase fresh and locally sourced produce. These include Samphire and The Longstore. For more inspiration, take a look at our "Where to eat in Charlestown" blog post.

12. Salt Spray in Porthleven

Embrace the view: sip spritzers from the balcony as the sun sets on the horizon

The basics: West Cornwall | Sleeps 6 - 8 | Wraparound balcony and snug

Sitting directly above the water's edge, this incredible ocean-view retreat redefines what it means to live by the sea. Having started life as a pair of fisherman's cottages, this ground-up reconstruction has retained much of its original charm despite having received a contemporary, high-spec revamp. 

To make the most of its front-line position on the sea wall, Salt Spray's open plan kitchen, dining and living area sit on the ground floor along with the master bedroom, while the remaining bedrooms and snug sit just below. 

A stay in Porthleven places you in the heart of one of Cornwall's foodie hubs, with everything from Asian-inspired cuisine at Kota and Mediterranean dishes from Amelies on your doorstep.

With a new year on the horizon, where are you looking forward to exploring in 2024?

If you'd like to stay in one of our holiday homes for 2023, get in touch with our Property Advisors on 01208 895 570 or info@perfectstays.co.uk to start planning your dream getaway. From family escapes by the sea to solo retreats and foodie staycations, an incredible 2024 awaits.