Bude, on the rugged coastline of North Cornwall, is a favourite hotspot amongst UK staycationers, and with its sandy beaches and enticing seaside charm, it comes alive during the summer months with visitors who come in search of sun, sea, sand and surf.
Known for its dramatic cliffs and picturesque landscapes, it’s home to a wide array of bed and breakfasts, holiday parks and campsites – but for those unwilling to compromise on luxury, it also offers some thoroughly opulent holiday cottages and lodges that promise to leave guests wanting for nothing.
Bude Coastal Resort is quickly becoming a sought-after choice for the discerning traveller, with and offers a luxurious sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of Bude’s main tourist throng.
Built around a small lake, this intimate resort is located on the edge of the town, just a 15-20-minute walk from stunning Summerleaze beach, where you can enjoy a leisurely morning stroll across the golden sands, or get lost in a fun afternoon of surfing and bodyboarding.
Its lavish ‘Residences’ are some of the most exclusive holiday homes in Cornwall, and are as stunning inside as they are from the outside. I recently had the pleasure of checking into one for the weekend to find out what it’s really like to stay in one.
The Residence
Mullion 3 – my Residence of choice for my stay in this stylish resort – offers 840 sq.ft of living space and 220 sq.ft of outside terrace.
Featuring three bedrooms and sleeping up to six, Scandinavian-inspired decor (think neutral tones with touches of navy blue), exquisite herringbone flooring and an open-plan living space with vaulted ceilings helped to create a light, bright and sophisticated feel that was perfect for relaxing in and in-keeping with the laid-back seaside vibe.
There was a Samsung TV and entertainment system, so if you fancy an evening in during your stay then you’re well covered. The same goes if you’re planning on entertaining a small group of family or friends, as in the dining room, there was a long table surrounded by stylish leather-backed chairs, creating the perfect setting to sit and enjoy a leisurely dinner and wine together.
On that note, if you’re planning on cooking up a storm during your stay then there’s a fully fitted kitchen where you can do just that. It’s kitted out with an electric hob, eye-level oven, and microwave, and there’s also a Bosch dishwasher, fridge/freezer, wine cooler and dual washer/dryer.
Bedrooms are simple but had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, with a minimalistic feel and subtle touches of colour against a backdrop of more whites and neutrals. The master bedroom boasted an en-suite bathroom and was suitably spacious, and while the other two bedrooms were a little on the small side, they were just as beautiful
Outside, there’s a spacious private terrace, where you can dine al fresco or host a summer barbecue for your guests and enjoy panoramic views over the lake. The star of the show, though, is an enormous hot tub that was quite possibly one of the biggest I’ve ever been in, and the ideal spot for kicking back, relaxing and soaking away the stresses and strains of modern life to really get you into the holiday vibe.
There are glass French doors that open out onto the terrace, so you can enjoy the same great vistas from inside when the weather isn’t so great. The exterior of the Mullion residence features a dramatic split-level roof and clapboard-style panneling, and all in all, it feels private and secluded, with the lakeside location making for a scenic and peaceful setting in which to enjoy some quality time with your travel companions of choice.
Facilities
The resort has a host of luxurious facilities for guests to take advantage of during their stay, including a heated indoor swimming pool and sauna, and a well-equipped mini-gym. There are also two treatment rooms on site, where you can enjoy an indulgent Temple Spa treatment of your choice, although these must be booked in advance.
The Coffee Shop serves up light lunches and drinks in the sunshine, and there’s even a putting green if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity to do with friends or family.
On-site restaurant The Burn Bar is a great spot for eating out without leaving the resort, so if you don’t feel like cooking then you don’t need to go far to enjoy some good food. The menu features plenty of fresh Cornish fish and seafood and some suitably gluttonous desserts, and there are regular live music performances happening throughout the high season. There’s also a pool table inside if you fancy a game over an evening drink or two.
One thing that is lacking on site is a small shop to stock up on basics, which would have come in handy. The nearest supermarket is in Bude town, which whilst not exactly far, also isn’t the most convenient should you run out of essentials.
Ownership
Although the lodges at Bude Coastal Resort are available for holiday rentals, there is also an opportunity to own your very own – so if you fall in love with it during your stay as much as I did then it’s good news.
Luxury Lodges offers flexibility and convenience for buyers seeking to invest in luxury real estate, whether you’re looking for a second home, a holiday retreat, or a lucrative investment opportunity. So if you just can’t stay away and want to be able to come back again whenever the mood strikes then it’s a great way to ensure that you can do just that, and the opportunity to monetise it when you’re not around is a nice added bonus.
The Mullion style residence can be adapted to suit your needs, with pergolas and roof terraces available on request, depending on your preferences. It’s built to British Standards 3632 and protected by a 10-year structural warranty, too, and there’s an energy-efficient A-rated boiler included with every Residence.
For unlimited use by you and your family, the Lifestyle purchase option allows you to enjoy complete ownership and come and go as you please. The same applies with the Sublet option, but it also allows owners to rent out their home either all of the time throughout the 12-month rental season, or just when you won’t be using it yourself – so you can maximise your property’s earning potential whilst enjoying the benefits of ownership, too.
Rental terms are fully flexible, and there’s no minimum stay for guests. And to keep admin to a minimum, there’s a dedicated property management team on hand to oversee subletting, including bookings, maintenance and guest services. So, if you’re keen to take a hands off approach but enjoy the benefits of an additional income stream, then they’ll do the legwork for you.
All internal and external cleaning, linen change, slippers and robes are included in the services provided to your guests throughout their stay, and your hot tub is also maintained for you whilst you’re not around, including refilling, cleaning and regular chemical testing.
All homes coming fully furnished, and prices starting from £250,000. It’s possible to cover your running costs with as little as 30 per cent rental occupancy, which means anything beyond that is profit to do with as you choose. And it’s such a popular resort that getting plenty of bookings throughout the year is more or less a given.
To do
If you do feel like venturing out of the resort to explore the local area, then Bude offers a wide array of activities for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. Its breathtaking beaches, such as Summerleaze Beach and Crooklets Beach, are the obvious first ports of call, and are ideal for surfing, sunbathing, and coastal walks along the South West Coast Path. For a dose of history, Bude Castle Heritage Centre will whisk you back in time to the town’s maritime past, and the Victorian architecture is of course steeped in rich history, too. The Bude Sea Pool offers a unique swimming experience overlooking the natural beauty of the coastline.
When it comes to dining, Bude is home to a variety of outstanding restaurants showcasing the best of local and international cuisine. The Olive Tree, is cream of the crop, and serves up tasty Mediterranean-inspired fare, with dishes crafted using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Think mezze platters, succulent grilled meats and seafood caught the very same day.
Other dining establishments worth checking out in Bude include Life’s a Beach, where you can enjoy yet more fresh seafood whilst taking in panoramic ocean views, and The Bank Tapas Bar and Restaurant, where small plates and craft cocktails are the order of the day. It’s a great place for a sociable dining experience with friends or family, in a stylish setting.
In a nutshell
With its blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and culinary delights, Bude promises a memorable experience for visitors exploring the enchanting landscapes of north Cornwall, and the luxurious Bude Coastal Resort is the perfect place to base yourself in order to do just that. Offering lavish Residences with stunning lake views and a really private feel, along with a raft of great facilities, once you check in you’ll likely never want to leave.
Factbox
Address: Poundfield, Stratton, Bude EX23 8SF
Phone: 01994 426 006
Website: luxurylodges.com/bude-coastal-resort/
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: Luxury Lodges
