Luxury lodges redefined
- Jamie Crocker
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
Cornwall’s premium coastal retreat challenges preconceptions about holiday park living.
The transformation of Ocean Cove from its origins as a touring caravan park tells a compelling story of evolution in the luxury accommodation sector. When the park was developed in 2006, they recognised potential beyond conventional holiday park models. Their development of 79 individual lodge plots created something distinctly different – a private ownership community that operates more like an exclusive second home village than a traditional commercial venture.
Emma Morgan, the park manager who has observed Ocean Cove change through ownership shifts during her eleven years here, explains what sets it apart from other coastal getaways – “We don’t allow subletting, owners have exclusive use, which creates a sense of community. There are only a few parks that operate this way. It’s as simple as that.” This exclusivity extends beyond accommodation to all facilities, too. The swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym remain strictly for owners, their guests, relatives and friends.
The current owner, who acquired Ocean Cove in September 2020, brought extensive holiday park industry experience to the venture. However, this represents their first independent acquisition, chosen specifically because it matched their vision for luxury holiday living. Emma describes the transformation under their stewardship: “The current owner has elevated the park, improving the experience for both staff and lodge owners considerably.”
The accommodation itself challenges any lingering associations with mass-market holiday lodges. Each holiday home presents individual character. “Every lodge you walk into, although bearing similarity on the outside, will be quite different on the inside,” Emma notes. Some maintain traditional layouts with separate hallways, lounges and dining areas, creating the familiarity of conventional homes. Others embrace open-plan living concepts that maximise space and light. The variety extends to bedroom configurations, from compact one-bedroom properties designed for couples seeking expansive living areas, to three-bedroom family accommodations.
Construction materials reflect contemporary standards. Most lodges feature Canexel cladding, while others utilise free foam boarding – a vinyl-backed material with wood grain effects that provides superior insulation and requires minimal maintenance beyond annual pressure washing. All properties include composite decking with UPVC skirting, contributing to the development’s cohesive aesthetic while also reducing the long-term maintenance requirements.
Owners maintain complete autonomy over internal modifications – installing new kitchens, changing flooring, or reconfiguring layouts according to personal preferences. External alterations require approval from a pre-approved colour palette, ensuring visual harmony across the development. The management team provides practical support that extends beyond typical holiday park services, including key handling for renovation work, maintenance coordination and even pre-arrival heating activation for winter visits.
What emerges is a community structure that balances privacy with connection. Regular coffee mornings in the private owner lounge provide opportunities for socialising. “Nobody’s obliged to do so,” Emma emphasises. “Some owners would rather just keep themselves to themselves, they come down to hibernate in their lodge and have a nice relaxing weekend. Others meet up with neighbours for coffee and cake. That’s the beauty of it – you can have it both ways.”
The demographic gravitates toward couples whose children have reached independence, seeking what Emma describes as “a bolt hole, somewhere to come to. It’s a home away from home.” The financial profile typically involves cash purchases, often facilitated by equity release on primary residences. The absence of mortgage financing reflects both the buyer demographic and the non-residential classification that provides advantages over traditional second home ownership, particularly regarding local authority rates rather than council tax obligations.
Location plays a crucial role in Ocean Cove’s appeal. Positioned on the coastline between Boscastle and Tintagel, the development benefits from proximity to the A30 while maintaining the sense of arrival that comes with coastal destinations. The view of the sea during the final approach creates what Emma describes as that “Oh wow, here we are” moment, that signals complete disconnection from everyday pressures. “Nothing compares to that ocean view when you see it in person. It’s truly breathtaking.”
The operational philosophy deliberately supports local businesses rather than creating self-contained facilities. The decision against on-site catering or retail reflects the management’s commitment to integrating with Tintagel’s existing hopistality offering. Within a ten-minute walk, owners have access to multiple pubs, cafés, an Italian restaurant, speciality shops and convenience stores. This approach maintains positive relationships with the local community while encouraging owners to explore the broader area.
Staff continuity reinforces the development’s community atmosphere. The core team – Emma, administrator Hannah, groundskeeper Jane, and head grounds and park warden Shaun – have maintained long tenures that allow for personal relationships with owners. “We know all owners by their first names. We know their immediate family members, and we’ve got good relationships with them all,” Emma explains. This personalised approach extends to practical services, from routine maintenance assistance to emergency response capabilities.
The gated access provides security without creating a fortress-like separation from the surrounding area. Night-time gate closure addresses practical security concerns while maintaining the open, accessible character during daytime hours. The 24-hour on-site presence through the park warden system provides reassurance for owners who may worry about property security during extended absences.
Future developments focus on infrastructure enhancement rather than expansion. EV charging installation represents the primary current initiative, though implementation requires careful consideration of the existing owner demographic’s comfort with new technology. Fibre optic internet connectivity continues expansion throughout the development to meet evolving connectivity expectations.
Property turnover typically occurs every five to seven years, though some original owners remain committed to their full licence terms. This stability contributes to the community atmosphere while providing opportunities for new owners to join the development. The streamlined purchasing process, which can complete within a month without mandatory legal representation, contrasts favourably with conventional property transactions.
Ocean Cove represents a sophisticated response to changing expectations in luxury accommodation. By combining private ownership benefits with community amenities and professional management, it addresses the desires of discerning buyers seeking coastal retreats without the complications and potential negative impact of traditional second home ownership. The model successfully challenges preconceptions about holiday park accommodation while delivering genuine luxury in one of Cornwall’s most desirable coastal locations.
