7 Virgin Street

7 Virgin Street is a one-bedroom fisherman's cottage in St Ives' Downalong quarter, sleeping two. The interior leans into its origins: low beamed ceilings, exposed granite walls and a staircase built from reclaimed boat timber. The lower-ground kitchen has flagstone floors and a granite pillar salvaged from the old St Ives Fishery. From GBP315/night, with a 4.8 rating from three guest reviews.

The cottage works for a couple or a single traveller with a dog (it's dog-friendly), and includes Wi-Fi, a dishwasher and a washing machine. The downside is honest: low ceilings, narrow stairs and no parking on Virgin Street itself - the lane is too tight for cars. Tall guests should picture the head-clearance carefully before booking.

Location is the headline. Fore Street's shops and pasty bakeries are a few steps away, the harbour is 50 yards from the front door, and Porthmeor Beach and the Tate are both 200m round the headland. Porthgwidden Beach sits 400m the other way. Park at the Park & Ride at Lelant Saltings or arrive on the branch line train (12 minutes from St Erth) and walk down.

Best for: couples, dog owners and solo travellers who want to walk out the door into the Tate-and-harbour heart of St Ives. Less good for: tall guests, anyone who needs to park on the door, or families needing more than one bedroom.