This Cornish retreat is a dramatic departure from the local pebbledash norm – and it comes with its own private beach.

Seth Stein Architects designed Pencalenick House in 2006 and scooped a RIBA Design Award for the project. It appears as though carved into its wooded hillside setting thanks to its rocky façade, built using local stone, and is camouflaged by a grass roof.

The Cornish property – on the market via Knight Frank for £2.75m – captures far-reaching views across the Fowey Estuary from its hillside plot on Pont Pill Creek. It’s set over two levels with floor-to-ceiling glass throughout the home.

Pencalenick House comes with eight bedrooms and three reception rooms, the most dramatic being the 40ft kitchen and living room, which has a brick fireplace and glass walls opening onto a large terrace.

Though the house is secluded, it’s not far from the cobbled market town of Fowey, which is across the water. The town is perhaps most famous as the home of author Daphne du Maurier – a festival is held there in her honour every year.

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