Escape the city and head to the beach with this relaxing, picture perfect South Cornwall getaway.
Words Pendle Harte
The Nare, South Cornwall
THE LOCATION
If Cornwall’s north coast is all about surf, the south coast is all about beauty. The insanely pretty village of Veryan on the Roseland peninsula, near beautiful St Mawes, is green and lush with exotic-looking fauna. The Nare is brilliantly located directly on Carne Beach, a vast expanse of sand and sea that’s picture-book perfect. The Nare is a quirky and characterful privately owned hotel with a lot of personality. Owner Toby Ashcroft is on hand to welcome guests in person, while every inch of wall space is taken over by his mother’s extensive and diverse collection of art.
THE ROOMS
Our family room has French windows on two sides allowing us to step directly into the gardens and the beach beyond. The view is stunning. The children sleep in a cosy cabin at the back; we have a seating area, a hugely comfortable bed and a spacious bathroom.
THE FOOD
Afternoon tea is an institution here. It’s served daily on the dot of 4pm with a spread of cakes and scones (it’s almost a requirement that you eat at least two). There are two restaurants, one formal and the other more casual – food is classic high-class hotel fare.
WHAT TO DO
As well as the beach, there are indoor and outdoor pools and a tennis court too. Resident artist Jeanni is on hand with art classes for all levels – we spent a happy morning learning to paint seascapes in acrylic and came away with new-found skills. But the best activity here is the espionage adventure. Owner Toby Ashworth’s enthusiasm for an elaborate scheme that invites guests to follow a series of clues – including a trip to St Mawes castle in his boat, the Alice Rose – is infectious and we spend a happy afternoon deciphering codes and hunting for information, all of it leading to the discovery of a Russian mole on the hotel staff.
