You’ll find The Hyde tucked among the trees of a young woodland in a Cornish valley which leads to Porthtowan’s sandy beach. It’s a secluded treetop cabin, which was handcrafted by a local surfing legend. It’s finished to a high standard, kitted out incredibly well and kept immaculately clean – all of which makes it a lovely place to stay.
This is no surfer’s shack but if it’s breaks you’ve come for, you won’t be disappointed. The Hyde was built by Johnny Manetta, just a mile up the road from the still-thriving surf shop he started in 1974 and not far from his self-built home. After 50 years crafting boards and surfing around the world, Johnny may no longer be catching waves but, via this cabin, you might say he is still making them. It seems that everyone who stays here is delighted by what they find.
You approach The Hyde along a lit pathway through trees Johnny planted himself, stepping onto its wraparound deck at ground level. It’s only as you make your way to the front that its place among the canopy is revealed. The gradient of the hill means the front of the cabin is raised so, whether you’re sitting on the warm-hued sofa in the living room or on the king-sized bed in the bijou, light-filled bedroom, you can watch birds among the trees. There’s a covered dining table on the deck, a couple of hammocks hanging below, and a lovely garden on a lower terrace; all of it just for you.
The interior is eclectic and quirky, put together by Johnny’s partner, Phillippa, who has an expert eye for design. It has all mod cons and they’re good ones: the things you’ve got (or want) at home. There’s a Nespresso for your coffee, a Nutribullet for your juice, Bose speakers for your music: the list goes on and on. You may not fancy leaving this special little spot, but that would be to miss out on what drew your hosts here in the first place: the surf of Porthtowan and its place, between St Ives and St Agnes, on the beautiful north Cornish coast.
The Hyde is special. Every inch of the treehouse, from the shell to the interiors, is masterfully crafted by hand. Hidden away in dense woodland far from the world, it is a perfect retreat for a couple or solo traveller. It isn’t just a treehouse or a cabin but an experience; an invitation to escape. From the cosy Bohemian interiors to the luxurious appliances and linens (think Heston Blumental barbecue and Bose sound system,) there is plenty to love. Step outside after breakfast on the glass covered deck and you can spend the day swinging on the hammocks, listening to birdsong, or sunbathing on the wicker loungers in the private garden. Revel in the coastal walks across the nearby beach at Porthtowan until you reach the cliffs with St Ives in one direction and St Agnes in the other. Cycle around the villages across the UNESCO World Heritage site on which our property is located. If you’re a surfer, or would be surfer, we own the renowned Tris Surf Shop in Porthtowan and can arrange private lessons and all the kit.Hosted by Phillippa D.
Joined in August 2022The Hyde is a mile from the beach at Porthtowan, a renowned surf beach and part of the Cornwall and Devon Mining Landscape, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your hosts, Philippa and Johnny own the Tris Surf School in Porthtowan, and it’s run by their son Ryan, who can organise surfing lessons or board hire. If you fancy kayaking, head three miles to St Agnes where Koru Kayaking can take you on a guided paddle or set you up with gear. As with all of the Cornish coast, the South West Coast Path offers great coastal walking. A good local route is to head up over the cliffs from Porthtowan to Chapel Porth (just over a mile) – then reward yourself with an ice cream before the walk back. Alternatively, for a longer walk carry on to reach St Agnes Head from where there are spectacular views. St Ives is 20 miles south west (but still on Cornwall’s north coast). Instead of driving there, Philippa and Johnny suggest driving to St Erth from where you can enjoy a scenic coastal train ride (and avoid the parking in busy St Ives). Falmouth on the south coast is less than 15 miles away. The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan can both be reached in less than an hour.
A Cornish cream tea awaits your arrival at The Hyde and, if ordered in advance, shopping can be ordered in for you. Otherwise, you can pick up most of what you’ll need from the excellent and friendly Porthtowan Village Stores – and there’s a vegan shop, Nature’s Treats, next door too. Four miles away in Chacewater, The Old Market offers a wealth of fresh local produce from different stallholders. For a meal out, there’s The Porthtowan Beach Cafe for breakfast and Blue Bar or The Unicorn for drinks or dinner at sunset. If you fancy takeaway fish and chips, try Seasmiths. If you’re heading to St Ives, and would like a nice meal, Philippa recommends the Porthminster Beach Cafe (where the dining is finer than the name suggests!).
