Location

‘Merlin’ is a joy inspiring, waterfront hideaway located on the very desirable and peaceful residential Pentire Head peninsula overlooking the dramatic Newquay coastline, within walking (and boating) distance of Fistral beach and the magnificent Crantock bay with its inscribed caves and ivory sandy beaches.

The property lies two miles to the west of the popular surfing resort of Newquay with its beautiful coastline, numerous sandy coves and a diverse selection of shops, cafés, restaurants and seasonal cultural events. Lewinnick Lodge, Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay Hotel are just some of the places to head to for brunches and lunches while Newquay town offers a revitalised visitor experience with its coast inspired boutique shops and trendy eateries.

A number of highly rated schools are found locally to the property, including the Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ Trenance Learning Academy for 4-7 year olds.

The Newquay area is well connected to Cornwall’s spine routes, with a branch rail line that links into the high-speed rail services to London Paddington and Glasgow and of course Cornwall’s Airport at Newquay is only five miles away offering daily return flights to London as well as other domestic and international destinations.

Description

I couldn’t find this property on my first visit; think James Bond cliffside lair, meets a Sorrento Villa, this striking, curvy Italian style apartment is completely concealed from the visitor’s view yet comprises the entire lower floor of Lewinnick Cove House. This cliff side mansion was built by an ambitious lawyer and businessman, Mr Baker in the early 1900’s and has to be seen from the water to fully comprehend its size and his ambition. Mr Baker was inspired by the Italian coast and designed the retreat in the style of a Romanesque villa, commissioning Italian builders for its construction. The villa and its grounds reflect the glamour and joy of both post war eras, Mr Baker generously providing a venue to host impressive social events, some of which were captured on historical film. The cliff was dramatically carved out to create grand level terraces for formal pools, a tennis court, a tiled sea water pool and classical marble follies.

The house was lived in by Mr Baker’s family until it became a Country club, before finally being divided into four generous, luxury apartments. The house with its unimposing front façade is barely visible from the access road as it cuts into the cliff and winds down through the landform of the steeply sloping plot. Merlin has multiple arched windows punched into its sinuous leeward elevation, presenting opportunities throughout the property to pause, absorb the coastal atmosphere and enjoy the big sky scenes. During the winter, the retreat provides the perfect viewing platform for storm watching.

Inside - Descending a discrete flight of steps from the side of the walled parking court, this hidden pad is entered through the colonnaded stone corridor at lower ground level. An anthracite grey finished front door opens onto a spacious, terracotta tiled floored reception space. Its high ceilings, curving walls and Tuscan column create a gallery feel to the room, shared by the kitchen and large dining area. The kitchen has a double Esse navy blue baking oven, Butlers sink, timber block work surface and fitted solid timber cupboards with open basket drawers. The large, fine crushed shell rendered walls reflect the coastal light and the space provides the perfect opportunity for dramatic art installations.

Ahead of you, the original coloured glass double doors draw you into the grand lemon shaped ballroom which is zoned into seating, gaming and office areas. A limestone open fire with a grey slate hearth provides a focus to the back wall while the six arched windows and central door to the terraces fills the room with light and sea colours. The walls are painted in crimsons and oranges to reflect the original coloured glass, contrasting with the octagonal white columns, all set off by the oak parquet flooring. The visual axis draws you on to two further double doors at the end where the principal bedroom suite terminates the apartment.   

This tiled bedroom has three, sea facing arched windows framing the glorious views from the bed. Through a further set of coloured glass doors, there is space for a dressing area and seating which leads into a tiled ensuite bathroom which includes a spacious curved shower cubicle, WC and wash basin. There are two further double bedrooms off the kitchen and two stylish bathrooms, one with a full-length bath, while the other has a walk-in shower.

To the rear of the apartment, the utility room has space for a large washing machine and tumble drier. The adjacent plant room houses the hot water tank, oil fired boiler and air drying system, creating a warm room for drying clothes. A door opens onto a rear access corridor.

Exterior, gardens and parking - A shared drive and parking court is enclosed by stone walls with multiple porthole windows and there is parking space for six cars between the four apartments. The rear cliff side garden is incredible, predominantly paved to cope with tidal inundation, its classical formal style with symmetrical pools, seating alcoves and sculptural wave steps hint at the glamorous era of lidos with steps and paths connecting the multiple terraces. The cliff gardens are shared between the apartments.
There is a small (disused) changing room for swimming in the tidal natural sea water pool.

Directions

From the Trevemper Road roundabout on the A392, at the head of the Gannel Channel, head north west along the A392 on the north eastern side of the river. Head straight over the roundabout onto the Gannel Road and at the Mount Hawke roundabout, turn left onto the Pentire Road, heading west. After half a mile the road bears left into Pentire Avenue. Follow it westwards for a third of a mile until the end of Esplanade Road and turn right into the track towards Lewinnick Lodge. Just before the lodge, turn tight into the gated drive and descend to the end of the track through the cliff cutting to the parking court.

Distances (miles): Truro - 14, Padstow - 20, Newquay - 2, Fistral Beach - 0.5, Falmouth - 25, Cornwall Airport (Newquay) - 7