Gwithian Beach Chalet: Oystercatcher

Our shabby-chic chalet is hidden by the dunes behind one of the UK's most spectacular golden beaches. It's enchanting yet simple, the charm perhaps that it is 'just' a beach house, painted with love in restful pastel colours and tones, and decorated with care and attention. There's original art on the wall, designer cushions and throws on the sofa and chairs, and local pottery and ceramics in the cupboards. But there's all the practical stuff too, cafetiere, microwave, teapot, wifi, mugs. This is a wooden beach chalet with a deck and parking for two cars. There are two steps up onto the deck and then everything is all on one level. Its open plan living: the kitchen is stocked full of utensils for cooking (pots, pans, dishes, bowls) there's a kettle, microwave, toaster, hand mixer, cooker with hob, Smeg fridge (with freezer compartment inside). Oystercatcher accommodates four guests (e.g. cutlery, plates, cups and saucer, mugs, bows for four adults). We also have colourful plates and beakers which may be more suitable for children (but hey... don't we all have a little of the child at heart?). In the bathroom there is an electric shower, electric heated towel rail, toilet and sink. There's a small cabinet with mirror above the sink and a wall-mounted electric heater should you feel chilly. By the bathroom there is an airing cupboard with hanging space. Please note: Electricity is not included and there is a £1 coin meter in the airing cupboard, along with iron, ironing board and vacuum cleaner. Its a fairly low maintenance place, the type of place you can kick your shoes off and walk to the surf (which we do all the time). The walk to the beach takes around 15-20 minute and is through the dunes. This area is wonderful for morning jogs and runs as is the five mile long beach, but there are heaps of other activities nearby including bouldering, kayaking, kite surfing, horse riding, and cycling. Outside July and August (when dogs are not allowed on the site) you can even bring your pooch... We charge an additional £30 per dogs (payable locally) maximum two dogs. We provide a welcome pack of essentials to get you started (such as tea, coffee and a pint of milk) dish cloths, oven gloves and tea towels. Bed linen: we ask guests bring bed linen (pillow cases and sheets) , and we provide laundered mattress protectors for the beds and supply a double duvet for the 5ft bed and single duvets for the single beds, along with pillows. We ask guests to please bring bath and beach towels. Guests rent the whole chalet (including decking) and have sole use for the duration of their stay. Guests also have access to an area of tended grass surrounding the chalets and paths that lead to the beach and coast path. Guests also have access to an on-site coin-operated laundry & drying room with rotating washing lines 200 yards away. We'll leave a key for you in a safe place, and ask you clear up, put the rubbish and recycling in the refuse area and lock up before you leave. We have a housekeeper who is reachable by phone should you have any problems. She speaks English and French. There are 30 other similar chalets in the area - some are lived in by their owners and some (like ours) are rented when the owners aren't home. Others are exclusively holiday rentals. In our experience it is a quiet, friendly and respectful group of people. Dogs are permitted (except July and August) but all owners are asked to keep their dogs on a lead outside of their chalet. This is a wonderful area to walk, you can arrive by train (four miles away there is a station in Hayle and six miles away in St Erth). There is an amazing branch line between Hayle and St Ives for day trips. The lanes are narrow, but loads of people cycle. There are regular buses that pass along the main road and that go to the local towns.