Old Arch Cottage, The Digey

Old Arch Cottage sits on The Digey - the narrow cobbled lane threading through the oldest part of St Ives - and dates from 1760. The two-storey fisherman’s cottage retains original exposed stonework, ship’s timber beams, and inset pilchard smoking boxes: structural details from when St Ives was a working fishing port rather than a gallery town. The property sleeps 5 across two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The cottage has sea views, an enclosed garden, and includes parking - not a given in central St Ives, where most properties on similar lanes have neither. Wifi, dishwasher, and washing machine are all included. Dogs are welcome. At £465 per night for five guests, the per-person cost reflects the St Ives premium but also the genuinely rare combination of period character, sea views, and beach proximity.

Porthmeor Beach is 100 metres from the door - the surfers’ beach on the north side of the headland, with lifeguard cover in season and the Tate St Ives gallery directly above it. St Ives Harbour Beach is 200 metres in the other direction. Porthgwidden Beach, the smallest and most sheltered of the town’s beaches, is 400 metres away.

Best for couples or small families who want to be in the centre of St Ives with genuine period character and easy beach access on foot. Less good for those wanting a quiet, residential setting - The Digey is central and can be lively in high summer.