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Here on our owner blog, we’re passionate about celebrating our homeowners and their unique design projects. They provide the all-important backstory to our collection of luxury holiday homes, and often come with trials, tribulations and triumphs along the way.
Earlier this month, we sat down with Leanne Wood, owner of the newly renovated Panorama in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall. She headed up a two-phase renovation over three years. It took Panorama from an unassuming house with untapped potential, to a sought-after holiday home that’s been named one of the best villas in Cornwall by Condé Nast Traveller. Here’s how she did it.
STAY AT PANORAMAJOIN US AS AN OWNER
I became more ambitious over time. So ambitious that after a while I actually ripped up the original plans we’d drawn up.
What first drew you to Panorama?
A number of things. Holidaying in Cornwall for years, having friends who also stayed in Mawgan Porth. It’s small but it has so much to offer - I think it’s a very special place. Spending so much time here, I began thinking about whether it was an area I'd be able to buy a property in.
It was typical timing and Panorama came on the market just after I’d been in Cornwall for a week. When I first walked in and went upstairs to be met with that view, I just knew. That’s what sold me.
Living in London, I loved the garden - it was nice to have so much space. I could really think about how we’d use it as a family, and how guests would enjoy it.
Did you always know it was going to be a project?
No! The location and the view were both so magical that the house became almost secondary. It wasn’t until we started thinking about its potential that the reno project came about.
We planned for 2020 to be our first build year. It was never the plan to split the project into two phases, but Covid forced our hand and we made it work. If anything, the two-phase approach made it simpler to fund - we did two seasons as a holiday home between the reno of the ground floor and garden (phase one) and then the reno of the first floor (phase two).
How Perfect Stays were able to market the house during that time so successfully, but with so little to go from, was remarkable, really.
Which areas were you most excited to transform?
The house already had a swimming pool, but it was in the middle of the garden, which to me didn’t make sense. I knew I'd move it to get a clear view of the sea.
The kitchen was another huge part of the project. One of the first things Perfect Stays said to me when we joined the portfolio was that guests need a space to gather as a group, to be together and cement those lasting holiday memories. The original house didn’t have that option, so it was good to have the insight before we finalised the plans.
Left: the "before" of Panorama's small, plain, but practical kitchen Right: a totally transformed space that's designed for entertaining
Did you have a clear vision from the start, or did it evolve along the way?
It evolved. We spent a lot of time in the house as a family, learning what worked, finding what didn’t, and I became more ambitious over time. So ambitious that after a while I actually ripped up the original plans we’d drawn up.
In our first designs, we were never going to move the kitchen or knock down the walls to open up the space so much, but that’s the advantage of getting to know the house – you make better long-term decisions. I really wanted to get it right. Now, the new kitchen is probably my favourite space in the house.
Did you have a particular style in mind?
I knew I didn’t want anything to take away from that view. The house was originally built in the 1930s, so it was important to create something that did its mid-century modern style justice. The house needed to feel calm and inviting.
Thinking practically, I knew lots of carefully designed bathrooms would be important to make the house work well for different groups. In terms of the aesthetic, I wanted a colour palette to suit the house, and lots of chilled spaces that complement each other, which I think we’ve achieved.
Left: a space with endless potential and furniture in need of a shake-up Right: higher ceilings, statement light fixtures, and a bigger dining space to soak up the ocean outlook
These changes weren’t just cosmetic – they stretched my imagination about what was possible.
What’s the one decision during the build you’re most glad you made?
Changing the layout upstairs and lifting the dormer roof by 35cm on the sea-facing side. Originally, we’d planned an extension, but a total redesign made more sense and it didn’t prolong our build time so it was a win-win.
It was a big decision to make, and a risk given the cost, but I’m so glad we did it – it's given the space much more volume. These changes weren’t just cosmetic – they stretched my imagination about what was possible.
During the build: lifting the original dormer roof to re-imagine the first floor
If you could describe the new Panorama in three words, what would they be?
Best of both. You can look out over endless ocean in the summer, or you can sit by the fire and see straight down the coast when there’s a storm. It’s a setting for totally different experiences, where both are equally calm and relaxing.
Are there any little touches you’re especially proud of — things that guests might not notice right away?
Our artwork is locally sourced, which was important when I was doing all the finishing touches. We have a gorgeous abstract print of Bedruthan Steps upstairs so it’s reflective of the coastline just around the corner.
I also sourced a lot of ceramic pieces from a local potter, making sure to weave in smaller, independent artists.
Panorama today: blending comfort with style was important throughout the reno
Do you feel the renovation has changed the way you enjoy the property yourself? Have you created any “rituals” while staying here?
Definitely. We enjoy Panorama as much as we can as a family, and the new garden and outdoor kitchen means we’re able to stay out there much longer into the evening. I swim every day, and adding the spa pool to the infinity pool has paid off - it’s so relaxing.
Inside, the new layout of the kitchen means I can host friends and family totally differently. It’s always been important to me that the person who’s cooking still gets to enjoy the view. With everyone gathered around the island, it’s lovely to see that vision come to life.
Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in their own renovation journey, what would it be?
Take time to really find your people. Focus on finding the best architect, builder and project manager you possibly can. One way or another, everything else will come together, but it’s worth investing your time before the exciting bits even start, especially if you’re not able to be on-site 24/7.
We had brilliant support from our architect – Rob at Lilly Lewarne – who now has his own practice, Atlantek. We also wouldn’t have been where we are now without Mike at Rush Construction. His work was tireless and his commitment to quality workmanship never wavered.
Nicola O’Mara, one of Cornwall's best interior designers, was brilliant at translating my vision. She designed the ground floor, including the new bathrooms, and added the smaller soft interiors like the cushions and throws.
With its two-phase renovation now complete, we're delighted to welcome guests back to Panorama for 2025 and 2026 escapes. Host dinner parties in the all-new kitchen, take twilight dips in the heated infinity pool, and be the first ones on the beach every morning. Panorama is dog-friendly and sleeps 12 guests.
If you're inspired by Leanne's renovation journey and looking to take on a project of your own, speak with our Portfolio team. We can recommend trusted local suppliers, offer tailored advice about layout and design, and give you an idea of the rental income your property could achieve on our portfolio. Get in touch today: call 01208 895 570 or email owners@perfectstays.co.uk.
Outdoor space in abundance, made all the more special by the far-reaching sea view that stole Leanne's heart on day one
STAY AT PANORAMAJOIN US AS AN OWNERImage credits: Images of Panorama mid-build provided by the property owner and Rush Construction | All other images are our own.
When she's not out for a roast by the coast, Sophie loves exploring with her husband and their golden retriever pup, Obi. She writes about all things Cornwall and is a strong believer that there’s no such thing as too many house plants.
Panorama encapsulates the true luxury of holidaying in Cornwall: morning dips in the heated infinity pool, lunches served al fresco on the terrace, and evenings spent in the sunken spa pool. Dog-friendly and blending far-reaching ocean views with modern coastal interiors, find yourself within a 20 minute walk of Mawgan Porth Beach.
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