With staycations still firmly on the summer agenda, editor Sophie Ritchie shares how to live the high life with Highcliffe, a chic collection of 46 holiday homes helmed by the Mably family for three generations
The thought of going into business with my family terrifies me. I think the most I've ever managed was a one-day lemonade stand with my older sister, aged six and eight, setting up shop by our community pool during a hot Texan summer's afternoon. I'm fairly sure I drank half of our luminously neon supplies by midday, there were at least three screaming matches between co-owners and I remember a distinct squabble over who had to cart our makeshift stand back home in my brother's pull-along red wagon. So no, when it comes to work, I definitely keep my family far away from my to-do list.
At Highcliffe in Cornwall however, there's no crying over spilt milk (or lemonade). A family-owned holiday home company perched between Daymer Bay and Rock, this chic collection of 46 homes (once a former farm) has been owned and helmed by the Mably family for three generations, operated by Rob, his daughter Becca and their team of excellent staff, who run the day-to-day operations and keep things ticking over.
Becca is the latest generation to immerse herself in the Highcliffe business, having moved back to Cornwall from London to take hold of the family business reigns and breathe new life into it, focusing on wellness-inspired amenities and a variety of polished, state-of-the-art new homes.
Becca's rejuvenated vision for Highcliffe involves providing a full 360 degree experience for everyone that stays here, rather than a simple set of keys and a brief "see you later" approach.
Situated in a new separate building, guests can now enjoy an ambient state-of-the-art yoga studio providing regular expert-led classes and a fully-equipped gym, with plans for an all-day café serving nutritious goodies and speciality coffee to follow next year. These sleek amenities offer more than just an excuse to pack your Lulu finery - they're also open to locals, aiming to make Highcliffe more community-based and emphasised as a year-round experience.
The Homes
Highcliffe's collection of homes is 46-strong, with the company in the final stages of completing their latest collection of gleamingly contemporary new homes, which sit alongside their older siblings. Designed to cater to every group size, homes range from smaller 3-bedroom properties through to vast 5-bedroom houses, which provide ample enough space for two families or groups.
There's a focus on flexibility here - some are pooch-friendly, others are strictly pet-free, most properties aim to suit young families and a select few are distinctly designed for the grown ups. Whatever the holiday you had in mind, Highcliffe aim to deliver the perfect ambience for it.
I stay in four-bedroom Botallack, one of the first new houses to be ready for guests in 2023. Contemporary to its core, this large property is designed to maximise the impressive far reaching views across the Camel Estuary and Stepper Point, with a balcony that invites you to sit and chat for hours as soon as the large sliding doors are pulled across.
Intricate detail is found in everything from the building's textures to the furnishings - think polished concrete floors, a sprawlingly tall entrance and a beautiful hand made oak stair case that leads guests towards an open kitchen meets living room area complete with concrete worktops, plush leather sofas and mod cons galore.
The accessibility of Becca's London life feeds into the tiniest of details - opening the fridge for example, reveals not only standard milk but a bottle of Oatly Barista - small touches that make Highcliffe feel luxuriously inviting.
The four bedrooms, with a mix of double and single beds, are large and stylish - but it's worth noting there's only an en-suite in the master bedroom, with three other separate bathrooms found elsewhere. Pack your own toiletries as these come sans shampoo - and if you need to stock up, a number of Chapter Organic products can be purchased via the front desk at reception (with a small supermarket located about ten minutes away too).
Being located in Cornwall, Botallack's design is as functional as it is fabulous. Outside, there is a hot shower to wash off after a tough day's surfing with side access into the utility room to avoid mucky footprints. It's also one of the few Highcliffe properties to have a private terraced garden.
Where to Eat
Bottom's up. Cornwall's eclectic food scene could have you feasting for weeks - here's where to stick your fork this summer:
1 Best for breakfast: Fee's Food
Whilst Fee's offers a variety of tasty ready meals that are perfect for when you'd rather leave the washing up back at home, it's the brand's delicious packaged granola that really 'bowls' us over. feesfood.co.uk
4 Best for gourmet pub grub: St Kew Inn
Ideal for history buffs, St Kew Inn's original building dates all the way back to approximately 1460. Nestled in the beautiful Parish of St Kew, pre-book a taxi to avoid navigating Cornwall's single track traffic and enjoy a bite of traditional excellence at this charming location, with a glass of cellar wine for the ideal accompaniment. Don't be fooled by its archaic appearance - this spot is regularly included in various guides, including both the Michelin and Good Food guides. stkewinn.co.uk
5 Best for art lovers: The Mowhay
There are two major reasons to love The Mowhay. 1) It's about a five-minute stroll from Highcliffe 2) It's brimming with pieces from local artists, with walls decked from floor to ceiling with a mix of purchasable paintings and creations. Oh, and the hearty food, served from dawn to dusk, is pretty delicious too.
themowhay.com
What to try
When it comes to outdoor activities, the world's your oyster at this coastal stay:
1 George's Surf School
Surf's up baby. Ideal for beginners and advanced students alike, George's Surf School is ideal for a session out on the water. The instructors are truly excellent, putting you at ease and helping you gain confidence faster than you can say "cowabunga". Prices from £100 for a single lesson (2 Hours) for one person. £30 for each supplementary person thereafter (up to a maximum of 6). Book via georgessurfschool.com.
2 Saunas by The Beach
If there's anything better than a sauna session, it's a sauna session enjoyed directly on the beach. Ideal for something both fun and health-boosting, pre-book this nifty activity for a dose of relaxation right by the water. Just add towel! Prices from £17.00 for a single booking, book via saunasbythesea.co.uk
3 Costal runs
If you're a runner, it would be rude to trek all the way to Cornwall and not give those trainers an outing. Navigate your way around Strava and take on one of the many coastal trails available from Highcliffe's doorstep - the steep climbs are tough, but the views are worth it.
Make it happen
Wallet: Original houses start from £735.00 (Off season - January). New houses start from £1155.00 (Off season - January).
How: Find out more and make a booking via highcliffecornwall.co.uk.
Where: Francis Ln, Trebetherick, Wadebridge PL27 6TS
PLUS: To celebrate summer, Highcliffe are currently offering 15% off stays throughout July and August on selected properties. To make the most of this offer, simply add the code 'SUMMER15' at checkout.
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
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