From unloved bungalow to dream Cornwall home | Transforming The Paddock

A north coast home designed for family holidays

Perched above Trebarwith Strand with sweeping views across the Atlantic and rugged Cornish coastline, The Paddock was always meant to be something special. Discovered by chance, it’s been Chris and Mel Broad’s cherished home since 2015 - a space designed with connection, comfort, and family at its heart. 10 years on, it's now loved by guests and receives glowing reviews from Condé Nast Traveller, who describe it as "one of the best villas in Cornwall".

From childhood holidays and beachside bike rides to welcoming a new generation of grandchildren, owner Chris shares the story of how The Paddock came to life - and why it continues to bring families together, year after year.

 

What first drew you to Trebarwith Strand and what made The Paddock feel like the perfect place?

I've always had strong ties to the South West - my mum was from Devon, so I spent many of my childhood holidays here. When our children were young, Mel and I would load up the car and head to the West Country, often staying near Trebarwith. One day we cycled down to the beach there and were met with groans from the kids when we had to ride back up the hill, but over time, this became a tradition. 

We'd always talked about having a bolthole of our own in Cornwall and we spent a lot of time looking for something, but then we came across The Paddock. At the time it was a three-bedroom bungalow owned by a local farming family who look after the surrounding land. When they'd retired, they'd built the bungalow on what they believed to be the best possible spot - and we couldn't have agreed more, we actually ended up rebuilding The Paddock to the exact centimetre they had already chosen.

It's got the perfect balance: you can see Port Isaac, the mouth of the Camel Estuary, and even the Trevose Head Lighthouse blinking in the distance. When we first saw it, we just knew it was the home for us. It's a space that truly takes your breath away - no matter the season - and we feel incredibly lucky.

Before: The Paddock was an unloved bungalow in need of a shake-up

It was almost poetic how it came together: we sold our Sussex home, and two days later, The Paddock was complete. It was meant to be.

What was your vision for The Paddock and how did you bring it to life?

We wanted the design to be all about the view, and how the inside could flow effortlessly into the outside. It needed to be a place where the whole family could gather, make memories, and break away when needed - that's why we wanted the TV room and the garden games room. 

The main living space was key - somewhere to come together at the end of the day to cook, share stories, and open the bi-fold doors to spill out onto the garden. The children love to play on the lawn, and it really is wonderful seeing everyone enjoy the space as we intended. The kitchen was always going to be the heart of the home - we wanted it to be spacious, social, and well-equipped for the foodies in the family. 

We worked with Dingle and Way in Wadebridge to bring it all to life. They were fantastic - clever, adaptable, and totally committed to making our vision happen. The build took exactly a year, and it was almost poetic how it came together: we sold our Sussex home, and two days later, The Paddock was complete. It was meant to be.

After: It's now a successful luxury rental, crafted with magical family escapes in mind

The views and the space are what drew us in, but it's the memories that we, and our Perfect Stays guests have made here, that make it so special.

HOLIDAY AT THE PADDOCK

Do you have a favourite space in the house?

It has to be the kitchen, dining, and living area. The bi-fold doors open right out onto the garden and outdoor kitchen - there's a playset for the kids on the lawn, everything feels connected. But evenings are our favourite - we all wait in anticipation of the sunset. Sitting in the lounge or out on the veranda, watching the sky light up over Tintagel, with the last golden rays hitting the sea...it's magic. The views and the space are what drew us in, but it's the memories that we, and our Perfect Stays guests have made here, that make it so special.

The Paddock is loved for being so family-friendly. What's the secret?

Space and flexibility. We designed it to suit every generation - with downstairs bedrooms and bathrooms - so it works perfectly for multi-generational stays. Our property management team are on hand to provide telescopic channel ramps at the entryway for guests with limited mobility, and because we have wood and tiled floors throughout all the ground floor social spaces, it's accessible for wheelchair users.

The kids love it too - they're always running around the garden or playing at the beach. Inside or out, there's always something to keep them busy. Then in the evening, we all gather in the kitchen, catch up over food, and enjoy the sunset. When we hear that guests have enjoyed their family time here too, it's just perfect - what we dreamed of when we first found the place. 

Sometimes the best plan is no plan. We open the bi-folds, pour a drink, sit, and watch the tractors in the fields as the sun dips into the sea

What do you think makes North Cornwall such a special destination?

It's the perfect blend - dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside, and quieter villages that still feel wild and real. Trebarwith Strand especially has this amazing stillness. The views never disappoint, and there's always a moment that you makes you stop and take it all in - even after 10 years. 

Any favourite local spots you'd recommend to guests?

There are so many! We love the Port William Inn - it's just above Trebarwith Beach and perfect for a pint and no-nonsense pub grub after a long beach day. Then Port Isaac is brilliant for food - anything from Nathan Outlaw is worth the trip - and the St Tudy Inn is another favourite of ours. For something more casual, the Pilchard Sheds do great fish, and Charlie's Deli in Tintagel has fantastic cakes and coffee - the turmeric sourdough is a must-try. 

For outdoor adventures, the Camel Trail is great in the summer - we like to park at Wenford Bridge and stop by the Camel Valley Vineyard for a tasting. And if you're after a walk, Crowdy Reservoir and Packhorse Bridge near Bowithick are both stunning.

But honestly? Sometimes the best plan is no plan. We open the bi-folds, pour a drink, sit, and watch the tractors in the fields as the sun dips into the sea. 

How have you found your experience renting with Perfect Stays?

Easy and straightforward - which is exactly what you want as an owner. The team know our property inside and out and always have our best interests at heart. It's a very personal service. Nothing's intrusive, but everything just works. We feel really confident that The Paddock is in safe sands and that our guests will have the best experience when they stay.
 

See The Paddock in Condé Nast Traveller

A dog-friendly home sleeping up to 14 guests, The Paddock has earnt the Condé Nast Traveller stamp of approval. "Big enough for families, but cozy enough for small groups", it's loved for its airy kitchen and living room, wrap-around slate terrace, and sunken deck complete with pizza oven.

We welcomed Helen Placito, who says: "at night you can sit around the fire pit or, if it’s chilly, go inside to generous sofas with fur throws and light the wood burner. Perfect Stays also offers a concierge service with choices ranging from coastal rock climbing to a private chef. We enjoyed a fabulous meal prepared by master mixologist and chef Will from Sauce Cornwall, served at The Paddock’s marble-topped kitchen island."

Find even more reasons to fall in love with The Paddock when you holiday here for yourself. Best seen to be believed, secure some of our final dates for 2025 or plan ahead for 2026.

BOOK YOUR STAY

Hoping to rent your luxury home with Perfect Stays?

We work closely with homeowners at every stage of their journey - from new purchases and renovations to launching dream properties like The Paddock. If you're curious about joining our portfolio, get in touch with our expert team today on owners@perfectstays.co.uk or call us on 01208 895 570.

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Image credits: "Before" photos of The Paddock kindly provided by the owners. All other images are our own.