Sea, Sand And Surfing: A Luxurious Staycation In Rock

Grazia’s Sarah Fitzmaurice escapes to the seaside in Rock, Cornwall for a staycation in a luxurious bolthole near the beach

It’s easy to forget just how beautiful British beaches can be but during a recent trip to Rock in Cornwall I was reminded exactly why staycations are so popular and just how chic they can be. Hello white sands and turquoise seas, cosy country pubs, good seafood grub and luxurious accommodation, all without the faff of flying. I was sold.

The Place To Stay

Our home away from home was Shalmar Hollow a postcard-perfect house, located just a short walk from the sands and the sea. As we arrived I couldn’t help but admire the mint clapboards and the manicured gardens, it’s a dream of holiday home. The space boasts large and airy entertaining areas, incredible views of the countryside and impressive outside space. There’s the perfect area for eating, drinking and general merriment in the vast kitchen, and combined with the large mezzanine seating area upstairs it’s ideal for a group celebration. There’s also a conservatory leading out to a patio with a fire pit, a cosy TV room and a games room, to keep younger guests happy. Shalmar sleeps 12 comfortably and with several doubles and bunks, so it’s great for families and groups of friends alike. The décor is rustic chic with a modern twist and with the binoculars, shells and surfboard snaps adorning walls and gracing table tops, you can’t forget you’re by the seaside, even when you can’t see the impressive views of the sea. The master bedroom en-suite boasts an impressively large freestanding bath tub – the ideal place to soak away the stresses of city life and I found myself stare out at the beautiful countryside thinking how well placed the window was. There are a further two bathrooms all kitted out with Jo Malone treats bringing London luxe to Cornwall. If the indoor space doesn’t impress you the outdoor areas will. There’s a heated swimming pool, a trampoline, a tree swing and a long manicured lawn for summer games and sunbathing alike.

The Area

Often dubbed Chelsea-on-Sea, thanks to the abundance of wealthy Londoners and their second homes, there are some lovely houses to admire if property is your thing. A short walk down a lane and a public footpath and you reach Rock beach where you can walk around to the sailing club and beyond. Buckets and spade at the ready!

There are several pubs in the vicinity (The Mariner’s and the Rock Inn are close by) there’s also Nathan Outlaw’s outpost at St Enodoc Hotel just a short stroll away. Catch the ferry over to Padstow to dine at a Rick Stein eatery, of which there are many, and take a stroll among the cute shops filled with sea-themed homewares. Seaside print anyone?

What To Do

To burn off all the fish and chips you'll definitely consume during your stay why not hit the surf? We booked a two hour lesson at George’s Surf school at Polzeath Beach, which is just a 10 minute car journey away. It might have been May but the sun was glorious and the conditions were excellent – we were positively warm in our wetsuits. Instructor George put us at ease, proving to be an attentive surf instructor and we began the lesson outlining some safety tips before hitting the waves. After ‘mastering’ how to glide while lying down on the board, we were taught the ‘slide, turn, twist’ technique to try and stand up on the surfboards. It’s testament to George’s patience, and his talent as a teacher, that all five of our party managed to balance on top of the board (for a second or so) at least once.

Prices at Shalmar Hollow range from £2,500 for seven nights and £1,800 for a short three night break. Grazia Daily readers will also be given a bottle of chilled bottle of Camel Valley Champagne on arrival and a beautiful Laboratory scented candle. This offer is available until the end of 2015. Visit ckrock.com for more information and mention Grazia.