North Cornwall
WE live in Constantine Bay, a few miles south of Padstow and inside an AONB. There are seven bays on this small part of the coast, starting with Porthcothan in the south, Treyarnon Bay, Constantine Bay, Boobys, Mother Ivey’s, Harlyn and Trevone in the north. The coast is fantastically unspoiled and a haven for wildlife. It is remote and vibrant— and always fun. The surfing is world renowned, we swim and surf year round, rain or shine.
We bought our house in 2018, but have been coming to this spot for 40 years or more. Adam stayed with his grandmother every Easter and summer holiday from the age of six, so he knows every rock and beach and secret pathway. Wild crashing waves, craggy dramatic cliffs, big skies, dream-like rock pools and sand dunes for days: we might not be locals, but we love the idea that we could be and notice ourselves spending more and more time in our Cornish idyll.
Years ago, you were lucky to get fish and chips and a pasty—and we were happy with that. These days, however, there are excellent farm shops and the area is home to some of the best restaurants in the county. The Padstow Farm Shop near Tregirls Beach is where we do our weekly shop—it has its own deli, where they make soups and salads and the best bread in the area (www.padstow farmshop.co.uk). One of the reasons we bought our house was because Constantine Bay Stores—the world’s best shop in our opinion— is at the top of the road (www.constantinebay stores.com). It’s run by Chris and Amelia Keeble and is like a tiny department store, selling almost anything you could possibly want or need. At the back is an extremely popular and well-stocked wine shop. We pop in every morning after our first swim to get a coffee, the daily papers and some supplies. It’s an institution. Another dreamy newcomer to the area is The Pig at Harlyn Bay (www. thepighotel.com/at-harlyn-bay). The beautiful old house has been transformed into a properly cool hotel with two restaurants and a bar. An old barn, overlooking Harlyn Bay, hides The Oyster Shack—there are no words to describe the chips and rosé.
If the weather is bad, we may venture to the south coast (a 35-minute drive) and visit the incredible Lostwithiel Antiques Centre, a vast series of barns full of interior and architectural treasures (www.lostwithiel antiquecentre.com). There is always something there one cannot live without. Owners Martin and Annette are full of banter and somehow manage to source the most interesting pieces from all over the world.
Our last swim takes place about 6pm, followed by a local Tarquin’s gin and tonic, a game of backgammon and an early supper in front of the sunset.
Tom Konig is a founder-member and owner of luxury-brand consultancy The Communications Store and Adam Brown is the founder of Orlebar Brown (www. orlebarbrown.com)