6 The Dunes, Upton Towans

One of ten eco-homes on the edge of Upton Towans Nature Reserve, 6 The Dunes is a 2-bedroom cottage built with sustainable materials including timber framing and bee bricks. Air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and high levels of insulation reduce its carbon footprint. The property sleeps 4 and is dog-friendly, with prices starting from £700 per night.

Inside, the open-plan living space has a minimalist, light-filled feel with sliding doors opening directly onto a private terrace. The 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms give plenty of room for a couple or small family. A dishwasher, washing machine, barbecue and Wi-Fi are all included, and allocated parking sits on site.

The private terrace leads to a hot tub - the main draw for evening relaxation after a day on the coast. The garden and barbecue area extend the outdoor living space, with the dunes and nature reserve immediately beyond.

Gwithian Towans is 1.7 km away - a 3-mile stretch of sand along St Ives Bay that rarely feels crowded even in August. Godrevy Beach sits 3.2 km north-east, close to the seal colony at Godrevy Head. The South West Coast Path runs along the bay, connecting to Lelant and eventually St Ives, which is 3 miles west by road. Hayle itself has a rail station on the St Ives Bay Line, one stop from the mainline junction at St Erth.