Escape to St Ives for a seaside holiday with an artistic twist – the busy harbour is at the heart of the town’s historic fishing community, but the light here inspired a whole school of painting and the local arts scene is buzzing. No visit would be complete without a visit to the iconic Tate St Ives, while there’s plenty to satisfy shoppers, foodies and history-lovers too. St Ives has four main beaches, which between them, offer miles of golden sand, azure waters and stunning views. To enjoy more iconic sights, drive 9.5 miles across the peninsula to Marazion, where the romantic St Michael’s Mount sits just offshore. Or, for a lesson in local history, follow the coast road to St Just, 15 miles away – the nearest town to Land’s End, it was once the centre of the tin mining industry, and the former engine houses at nearby Botallack cling dramatically to the cliffs along the rocky coastline.
Enjoying an enviable position above Porthminster Beach, this well-appointed ground-floor apartment is at the rear of a large Victorian house in fashionable Draycott Terrace. Head up the steps from the street, through the main house door and on to your open-plan kitchen/lounge/diner where colourful accessories complement a scene that’s both calm and comfortable. Snuggle up on the sofa, turn on the TV, watch a DVD or dock your iPod and listen to favourite tunes while you relax after a busy day of sightseeing. If you feel like cooking, all the essentials are here, and there’s a door to the courtyard area where you’ll find extra furniture for outdoor drinks and nibbles. The accommodation is all on one level so it’s not far to go for sleep – the double bedroom follows the styling of the rest of the apartment and is close to a modern shower room, while underfloor heating throughout will keep you warm whatever time of year you visit.
Steps lead down to the rear of the apartment where a shared paved courtyard area has bistro-style table and chairs. Alternatively, take a short stroll along Primrose Terrace to the golden sands of Porthminster Beach.