Ian, our Son and his South African wife have lived in St Columb Major self build log cabin and 2 acres of Organic vegetable producing land and now also have a home in St Eval and both are proper villages with plenty of real locals doing the things a smallish community do with full easy access to quieter surfing beaches.
They swim or surf at least once a day, normally very early or late on after work during the week. They do this all year round and love the community around these activities.
If your friend would like a down to earth chat with a pair of locals of 26 years standing just pm me for his number or email..