Neet Retreat – sleeps 7 next to beach

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Neet Retreat? It’s one of those places where the photos actually undersell it. I mean, sure, you can see it’s right by the beach in the listing, but until you’re standing there watching surfers catch waves literally from your kitchen window – well, it hits different. The cottage sits on this quiet stretch near Bude’s Crooklets Beach, and honestly, I’ve stayed in plenty of “beachfront” places that require a ten-minute trek through dunes. Not here. You’re basically watching the Atlantic from your breakfast table.

The space itself sleeps seven comfortably, which sounds cramped on paper but actually works brilliantly. There’s this smart layout where the main living area opens up properly – none of that poky cottage nonsense where you’re bumping elbows constantly. The kitchen’s got everything you’d actually need (proper coffee machine, thank god), and I loved how they’ve kept the original cottage character without making you feel like you’re camping indoors. The bedrooms upstairs have these slanted ceilings that kids absolutely love, though tall folks might want to mind their heads in the morning. What really sold me was the little details – decent Wi-Fi that actually works, blackout curtains for those summer mornings when the sun’s up at 5 AM, and enough hot water for seven people to shower without the last person getting an arctic blast.

Here’s the thing about Bude that not everyone realizes – it’s got this perfect sweet spot where you’re close enough to Cornwall’s dramatic coastline but far enough from the Newquay crowds. From Neet Retreat, you can walk the South West Coast Path in either direction and hit some absolutely stunning viewpoints, especially toward Widemouth Bay. The local surf shops on Belle Vue know their stuff if you’re thinking about getting in the water, and there’s this brilliant fish and chip place called Life’s a Beach (I know, I know) about five minutes’ walk that does proper portions. Parking’s sorted with the cottage, which honestly saves you a headache in summer when Bude gets properly busy. The only minor thing I’d mention is that being this close to the beach means you’ll hear the waves constantly – for most people that’s perfect seaside ambiance, but light sleepers might want to pack earplugs. That 9.2 rating makes complete sense once you’ve been there. It’s not trying to be a luxury hotel – it’s just a really well-thought-out base for exploring this gorgeous bit of coastline.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $328. Three-Bedroom House with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds, 1 single bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 7

Reviews

• Luan from United Kingdom – 7 January 2025 (9/10)

  Location was perfect! Looks small from the outside but when you go in, its great. Very clean and loved the whole place. The garage was a lovely bonus! Definitely would return and all our family enjoyed the cottage and Bude. So close to the beach – the dogs loved it!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really. The only thing we had an issue with was only having 1 key (which we had to collect from a local B&B due to the key lock being broken). With 6 adults it proven challenging when people were doing different things and getting access to the property, but this was only because the key lock had been broken, so unavoidable really.

• Lorraine from United Kingdom – 28 September 2024 (10/10)

  Very spacious and clean, lovely family house with garage. Lovely helpful owners.
  
  What could be improved: n/a

• Yvette from United Kingdom – 16 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: N/a

• Mandy from United Kingdom – 11 September 2024 (10/10)

  Location was in the centre of Bude. Very spacious, modern and was just like going from home to home !
  
  What could be improved: The property was perfect , no faults what so ever

• Lisa from United Kingdom – 12 August 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing central location – everything within walking distance .
  Well equipped( only very very small suggestion would be some hooks on backs of doors which would help when showering etc )
  Quick friendly response from owners .
  We will be back

• Maurice from United Kingdom – 4 July 2024 (10/10)

  Location, we could walk to the beach with surf boards or into town to get a coffee etc within a few mins .
  Slightly quirky layout. Garage for board storage. Nice garden space. Spacious kitchen with good job and oven.
  
  What could be improved: Could have done with a few more kitchen knives. And some of the deck board want a couple more screws in.

• Joe from United Kingdom – 19 May 2024 (10/10)

  From the Wife: The location of this property was perfect. With everything available in the property was just equally perfect. Comms with the owner was brilliant, approachable and very accommodating. We will return.
  
  What could be improved: It’s not a dislike as such.
  
  The pictures don’t do this property justice, it far better

• Nicola from United Kingdom – 9 May 2024 (9/10)

  The house was beautiful, the upstairs lounge room was wonderful and bright and the balcony was a bonus. The bathrooms were lovely and showers hot and powerful. I loved the kitchen and lounge was comfy and welcoming. The location was excellent, central for everything. The hosts were very helpful. The garage looked a right squeeze but I managed to get my Nissan Qashqai in although to access the boot we had to move it forward. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Bude and the house made it extra special.
  
  What could be improved: My 8 year old could not fit on top of the bunk bed as it was too close to the ceiling, would only be suitable for a much younger child. Also the ladder was not attached to the bunk bed which was a hazard as when placed in position would have slipped if I didn't hold it. The drawers in that room were also dated. No instructions for appliances and we struggled to work the cooker and didn't know how to turn on the wine cooler.

• Helen from United Kingdom – 7 May 2024 (10/10)

  Spacious, clean and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Couldn't find any issues.

• Sean from United Kingdom – 12 August 2023 (10/10)

  Great property. We're long time visitors to Bude and love the place. Rob, the property owner let us book in early. Also helped direct me to park my car in the garage as space was a bit tight. Also helped us unload the car. Top fella. Super comfy sofa and beds. Full Netflix, disney plus, amazon entertainment package which was great for relaxing evenings after a busy day. Nice rear garden. Lovely kitchen. Location is fabulous. Close to great pubs, cafes. Beech is 2 mins walk. Town centre 1 mins walk. Canal and surrounding area all on the door step. Would love to live in Bude if we had the chance. Absolutely amazing place
  
  What could be improved: Only issue was an hour after arrival. Knock at the door from a lady saying she had also booked the cottage through another agency (Vibo i think). I phoned Rob the property owner who sorted it in 10 mins. Told us it was the other agencies issue to sort. Lady who initially knocked on the door was pleasant but her mother was a bit of a snotty old dragon

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities