Chy An Eglos

With the sandy sweep of Carbis Bay just a short stroll away, it takes something special to make you rush back to your holiday accommodation – Chy An Eglos is that place, an exceptional 1930s' house that has been stunningly renovated and extended as a luxury holiday home for family groups of up to eight people.

Let's start outside, because the heated pool alone puts it in the rare category of holiday homes in British seaside towns that you might not want to leave. A large, lush and very private outdoor area contains pool, terrace, sun-loungers and outdoor shower, while covered dining and a fancy gas barbecue under a glass awning makes for a very grown-up, al fresco space. This is more LA than town-centre Cornwall, a feeling that continues as you head inside to the stunning open-plan lounge and dining area, with garden and pool views to all sides. There's a second living room, with even more leisure space, and a high-spec kitchen and breakfast bar that looks as if it's just waiting for your private chef to start work (chef, sadly, not included, you'll have to bring your own).

The four bedrooms upstairs are simply but beautifully furnished – think contemporary boutique hotel – and two of them are en-suite, including the master bedroom which has a bay window and a super king-sized bed. Otherwise, there's a family bathroom, a downstairs cloakroom, and shower and toilet in the timber-clad pool building outside. No one is waiting for the loo, let's put it like that.

You can park three cars at the property and it's doubtful you'll ever move them, given the house pool and the lure of the nearby sandy beach. Carbis Bay is terrific for families – it's a quiet bay, perfect for swimming – and there are plenty of local board and beach hire facilities. Best of all is the little branch line train to St Ives, just a couple of miles away, which gives you access to plenty more shops, galleries, pubs, cafes and restaurants, though there are some really nice choices within walking distance of the house too. Want to stretch your legs for longer? The coastal path runs to St Ives one way and Porthkidney Beach the other, with miles and miles of walking beyond in either direction along one of the most stunning coastlines in England.