Sunset Retreat

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If you are looking for a cool place to stay with your family or maybe somewhere for a little romantic rendezvous, then this unique shepherd's hut is simply perfect. Sunset Retreat is located just off the main road in a delightful little spot in the heart of Gwithian, a very pretty Cornish coastal village, with the most gorgeous village pub literally on your doorstep.

Step into this dreamy bolthole away from busy modern life and you are instantly greeted by an open plan living space with two comfy armchairs and beanbags for the little ones, a dining-area which, when in place, has seating for four and a fully-equipped kitchen (complete with an electric cooker). This idyllic hideaway sleeps up to four people with a super-comfy king-size bed - that you don't have to fold away by day or climb over each other to access - and two single beds above. There is also an en suite shower-room with a lovely shower cubicle, wash-basin and loo - so no going out across the paddock from this shepherd's hut in the middle of the night! The icing on the cake is the under-floor heating, which compliments the wood-burner, making sure that you always feel warm and toasty even on those chillier days.

Outside, simple fencing creates a laidback setting and a pretty gravelled area takes you to the three dedicated parking spaces. There is an al fresco seating area too and a oh-so-fabulous outside shower, which is essential for washing away the salt and sand after a day on the beach.

Pack up your surfboard and wetsuit and walk to the breath-taking beach at Gwithian Towans (you are literally that close!) - voted one of the best British beaches by the Telegraph. Framing the Atlantic Ocean, it is always a colourful scene of surfers on the water and kites in the sky. Backed by sand dunes (where roly polys are a must!) at low tide, there is miles of sand to enjoy and large areas of rock-pools to explore - which are great for the kids, all you need is a bucket and spade and lots of time. This gorgeous beach is a favourite destination for surfers as the constant swell coming in from the ocean provides good conditions all year round. If you're really lucky, you may even spot some seals as they do seem to love this area of the north coast. After a busy day surfing you're bound to feel peckish, so head over to The Sunset Surf cafe (which overlooks the beach and is open all year - perfect for tapas in the summer and homemade soup on those chillier days), The Rockpool cafe (known for good food and music, also surrounded by stunning beach views) or the friendly village pub (serving hearty meals and just yards from the hut).

There is an idyllic nature reserve close by too (a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), along with National Trust walks and the coastal footpath, so don't forget to bring your walking boots and coats. After all that walking, you're sure to deserve a Cornish cream tea - jump in the car, head up the Gwithian road to Trevaskis Farm and be prepared to be "wowed". Set amidst 28 acres of beautiful countryside, you can easily spend the day here. Choose from an abundance of fruit and vegetables to pick (depending upon the season, of course) and afterwards head over to the Farmhouse Kitchen Restaurant - a food-lovers dream! Everything is homemade using local produce and the desserts will most definitely fill your plates and tummies.