This welcoming home – a joyful, modern interpretation of the ‘house by the sea’ – is just a short ramble through Cornish countryside from the charming fishing village of Port Isaac. Black timber cladding strikes a confident chord against the skyline with all the aesthetic charm of the Nordic Sommerhus, while softly lit decked terraces welcome long, lazy summer suppers in the four acres of wide-open gardens. The brilliance of the coastal light brings a dazzling warmth to every room, while a log-burning fire and deep bathtubs add material comforts for hunkering down through the wilds of Cornish winters.

The Tour

The house was built in 2017 and extends to over 2,040sqft; set back from the road by a private gated driveway, with a large parking set adjacent. Lavender lines the paved pathway that weaves through the front gardens, leading up to the front entrance set beneath a porchway on the easterly side. Wide oak floorboards run underfoot through the entrance hall, with a deep storage cupboard here for coats and boots.

A beautifully bright open-plan kitchen and dining space unfolds across the southerly side of the house. A large gas range, butler sink and appliances are built into lines of bespoke cabinetry. Timber-framed windows bring light from two sides and bi-folding glass doors open directly onto the terrace, creating an easy flow between inside and outside while framing fabulous views across the fields and down to the sea.

The interconnected living room is a more relaxed space, great for watching films, playing games, and gathering around the fire. Large sash windows ensure an excellent quality of light throughout the day, and an external door leads to the gardens.

Two of the four double bedrooms are on the ground floor, privately positioned on opposite ends. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom, thoughtfully finished with decorative tiling and hand-crafted details. There is also a ground-floor WC.

Upstairs, the landing has been intentionally designed to feel open and voluminous. Floorboards have been painted white, bouncing the light as it streams through large skylights overhead. Versatile in its use, this space invites a quiet afternoon reading or napping, or for comfortably accommodating an overflow of guests.

Double bedrooms occupy the two ends of the first floor. Perhaps one of the best features is the free-standing clawfoot bathtub in the south-facing bedroom, alongside the far-reaching sea views. The north-facing bedroom is slightly larger though, and also has an en suite bathroom.

Outside Space

Four acres of gardens surround the house, creating a blanket of privacy and a green backdrop from almost every room. The decked terraces have been suitably orientated to make the most of the sunlight, although external lighting illuminates the space for eating, drinking, and stargazing. There are also three useful outbuildings for general garden storage, and plumbing for an outdoor shower.

The Area

Port Isaac and its harbour are reachable in around 15 minutes on foot. It is a charming old village nestled in a steep valley, well known for its active fishing community and historically for smuggling and slate export. The village now has an inviting selection of cafés and independent shops, and Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin-starred The Fish Kitchen. Port Isaac is also a lovely place to commence a hike along the South West Coastal Path heading towards the famed Tintagel Castle.

The sheltered coves and rock pools at Port Gaverne Beach are around a mile from the house, and reachable in five minutes by car or 30 minutes on foot. Just a 30-minute drive away is the beloved fishing village of Padstow, renowned for the restaurants owned by Rick Stein, such as The Seafood Restaurant and by Paul Ainsworth, such as No.6, in addition to the hip Prawn on the Lawn. Cornwall’s northern coast also has ample options for surfing and sailing. For provisions, the Saint Kew Farm Shop is a short drive away and supplies locally sourced or grown produce.

Council Tax Band: Pending Assessment 

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.