The Big Six: Coastal Cornish rentals

The Limit, Holywell Bay

This 1930s former beach hut is now a high-spec modern hideaway for two. It overlooks the sandy dunes of Holywell beach on the north coast and comes with surfboards and wetsuits for active types. There are also retro deck chairs and loungers for sun worshippers, and a barbecue and outdoor table for fans of al fresco dining. Step within and it mixes pretty pastels with whitewashed walls for a breezy, nautical feel.

The Limit, Rhubarb Hill, Holywell Bay TR8 (01637 881942; uniquehomestays.com). Three nights' rental from £695; weekly stays start at £895. Sleeps 2.

5 Gull Rock, Rock

This angular, ultra-modern confection of chrome, wood and glass is within strolling distance of the centre of Rock. Inside, it's the ultimate party house, with contemporary art on the walls, coffee-coloured couches and leather armchairs, sheepskin rugs and a plasma television in the main lounge. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, some with private en suites. Outside, a broad wooden balcony has a dining table and heaters, sunloungers and views towards Padstow harbour, with its notable fish restaurants across the Camel estuary.

5 Gull Rock, Rock Road, Rock PL27 (01208 895570; perfectstays.co.uk). Three nights' rental from £1,400; weekly from £1,800. Sleeps 11.

The Sea Room, St Austell Bay

This remote retreat sits on a rugged swathe of the south coast near St Austell. The double-height sitting room has well-stocked bookshelves and a log-burning fire for cosy evenings in. The stylish double bedroom is raised at mezzanine level with sweeping sea views out towards the small fishing village of Fowey.

Guests can eat breakfast on the seafront patio, spend afternoons out fishing and return by night to barbecue the day's catch amid twinkling harbour lights.

The Sea Room, St Austell Bay, Trennaren PL26 (01872 553491; boutique-retreats.co.uk). Three nights' rental starts at £717. Sleeps 2.

Beach House, Whitsand Bay

This playful property has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. Spread over three floors, there's an aquarium, a spa with masseur on request, a games room with a Wii console, pool and football table. By night, dine on the deck or watch the sun set from the cedar hot tub.

Beach House, Whitsand Bay PL11 (01460 30609; www.beachhouse-cornwall.co.uk). Weekly rental from £1,495. Sleeps 10.

Blue Moon, St Ives

Cool, compact and conveniently located on one of Cornwall's most popular coves. This snug property has an open-plan lounge and kitchen, with just one bedroom upstairs. The interior is strewn with vintage "Love" cushions and a large, monochrome print of Brigitte Bardot that together create a beachy, bohemian feel.

Blue Moon, 5 Porthmeor Rd, St Ives TR26 (020-8740 3097; beachspoke.com). Weekly, £480. Sleeps 2.

Seaways, Polperro

Marine blue and turquoise hues pervade at this luxury cliff-top retreat. Quaint and quintessentially Cornish from afar, inside it caters for every whim with a gym, library, sleek kitchen and stylish lounge. There's an "attic apartment" in the eaves that's perfect for children and a heated pool outside which looks down over Polperro's scenic harbour.

Seaways, Polperro PL13 (01503 272093; luxurycottagecornwall.co.uk). Weekly from £2,250. Sleeps 12.