Guests say
The Shack offers a peaceful and private retreat in a stunning location just a short walk from Mawgan Porth beach, with beautiful countryside views and a spacious garden. Guests consistently praise the setting, outdoor space, and easy access to local amenities. While the property is well-equipped and has a welcoming, homely feel, some aspects are described as dated and in need of refurbishment. Comfort and cleanliness receive mixed feedback, but the overall experience is positive, with many guests returning year after year.
Cleanliness is mixed, with several guests noting issues such as tired furnishings, musty smells, and areas needing a deep clean, while others found the property acceptably clean. Some specific concerns include dirty ovens, slow-draining showers, and occasional maintenance lapses. However, many guests still felt comfortable during their stay.
The location is universally praised, with guests loving the proximity to the beach, countryside views, privacy, and easy access to local shops and eateries. The peaceful setting and garden are frequently highlighted as standout features.
Comfort receives varied feedback. Many guests enjoyed the cosy atmosphere and spaciousness, but several mention hard or uncomfortable beds, cramped bedrooms, and issues with hot water. Despite this, the majority still found the property suitable for a relaxing holiday.
Facilities are generally good, with a well-equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and outdoor space. However, guests note the lack of a dishwasher, issues with the hot water system, tired décor, and some maintenance concerns such as blown windows and slow-draining showers. Some improvements have been made, but further updates are suggested.
Guests appreciated helpfulness from the owner and cleaner, especially when items were left behind, and found the property well-equipped for holidays. However, there is no mention of welcome gifts or extras, so such gestures cannot be guaranteed.
About this property
Newquay 5.5 miles.
This detached Newquay holiday home is in a secluded position on the hill overlooking Mawgan Porth Beach, a mile from the long stretch of sandy beach at Watergate Bay north of Newquay. Reached via a long, private driveway off the road, and with spectacular, uninterrupted countryside views from the garden, this Mawgan Porth bungalow is the ideal place to unwind. Offering comfortable family accommodation with patio doors opening to the secluded private front garden, the safe, sandy beach is just a 5 minute walk from this Newquay holiday home with its range of shops and cafes. Much of the coastline to the north of Mawgan Porth is owned by the National Trust and there are a host of pretty coves and rocky outcrops to discover on foot from the coast path. For families, the popular beaches of Booby's Bay, Constantine Bay and Mother Ivey's Bay are all within a 15 minute drive along narrow lanes. The attractive village of St Mawgan is two miles up the vale from the beach and has a traditional village inn and a 13th century church with one of the finest collections of monumental brasses in the country. Further afield, the busy resort of Newquay offers many attractions including its aquarium, zoo, Trenance Gardens and plenty of shops, bars and bistros, while the Eden Project is only 14 miles away. A lovely Newquay holiday home close to one of the most spectacular stretches of Cornish coastline.
With 3 major beaches and the National Surf Centre, Newquay is a water sports paradise! The SW coast path passes in both directions along a stunning coastline of high cliffs, hidden coves and yet more beaches.
Accommodation
All ground floor.
Three bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin, 1 x single.
Bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC.
Fitted kitchen with dining area and door to garden.
Sitting room with dining area.
Electric convector heating with underfloor heating in the bathroom and hallway.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, TV with basic Sky, DVD, WiFi, selection of books and DVDs.
All fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off road parking for 2 cars.
Private secluded garden with panoramic views and furniture.
One well-behaved dog welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop, pub and beach 5 mins walk.
Note: This property is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Reviews (31)
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Lorraine
It was lovely to see the family photos in the folder depicting the history of The Shack. It is in a great location, a 5 minute walk down the hill to the beach, maybe 15 coming back up : ) We loved the garden and the views, the garden being an all day sun trap. I really wouldn't like to see fencing at the end of the garden as another reviewer suggested. You'd think we had never seen rabbits before when we were excitedly taking pics as they were having a nibble just outside the sliding doors. The Shack was well equipped although in need of a deep clean, but that would obviously only be possible when not booked and it is very popular. The beds, I would say, are nearing end of life but I still slept reasonably comfortably. My son did complain about his 'flat pillows', so if you like a big, fluffy pillow, take your own along. We didn't have a problem with hot water, but I guess if you have a larger family just bear in mind it takes a while for the tank to heat up again. No problem with shower tray either. It was a bit slow to drain, but as the owner had said, it is likely blocked with sand and again, can only be investigated once holiday season quietens down. It certainly wasn't flowing over. Mawgan Porth does not have good wifi coverage so it was a bit patchy, but we managed OK. Mawgan Porth is a great place to holiday without a car, being on the Newquay to Padstow bus route. There is a well stocked shop along with great places to eat such as The Catch and Betty's to buy your bucket and spade, or beanie and hoodie in my case. The home made quiche at the Carnewas tea room was delicious. Unfortunately there is currently no access down to the beach at Bedruthan due to a rock fall, but still worth a visit for the view...and quiche. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our time there, particularly the peace and privacy. My biggest gripe really was with the previous holidaymakers. Who just empties a teapot and puts it back in the cupboard without cleaning it? Evident by the still wet tea bag stuck at the bottom. Clean up after yourselves! Tsk.
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Robin
We donât normally do reviews but as you are persistent we will the property was as clean as it could be it is very tired the front door is falling apart windows are labelled do not open as difficult to close lots of crockery is chipped cookware is generally poor condition tiling in the bathroom room was poor with cracked tiles and dirty grouting overall the property was overpriced for its condition it is obviously not well maintained we accept it is called the shack and our expectations were not high but for nearly £900 we felt it was poor value
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Robert
The perfect peaceful retreat for a family with small children, for a dog owners, or for a couple who still love a traditional British holiday. The Shack is perfectly situated to access the local amenities in Mawgan Porth, with the local pub, shop, restaurant and beach within 400m. It sits in a very private location, so you do not feel overlooked and has a very generous garden space, to keep even the most energetic pup (or children) entertained and has plenty of space to park a couple of cars. If you are looking for pristine, IKEA , all singing mod-cons accommodation, it's not for you. But if you value character and a warm friendly ambience, somewhere that brings back memories of your own childhood holidays and that will soon feel like a home from home, it will tick all the boxes. The Shack has been lived in and loved and it shows and staying there is all the more relaxing and welcoming for it. We visited the Shack in April 2026 and were fortunate to e blessed with very favorable weather. The sign of a good holiday is when you are reluctant to go home and look forward to a return stay... another box ticked there.