St Ia, Castle Approach, Tregenna Castle

St Ia is a four-bedroom house tucked inside the Tregenna Castle estate, the 72-acre Victorian hotel grounds that climb the hill above St Ives. The house sleeps seven across four bedrooms and four bathrooms, with views down over the bay and the estate's nine-hole golf course. Porthminster Beach is an 800m walk through the castle grounds, or six minutes by car if you'd rather skip the hill back up.

Living happens on the upper floor, where the open-plan kitchen and lounge open onto a balcony with sea glimpses. Three of the four bedrooms sit on the ground floor, opening onto a wraparound deck for breakfast in the sun. A downstairs snug doubles as a children's playroom - useful for groups travelling with kids. Sky Glass, a games console and a Bluetooth speaker cover wet-afternoon entertainment.

Guests can use the wider Tregenna Castle facilities (pool, tennis courts, spa, brasserie, golf), though these are run by the hotel and most carry separate charges - factor that in if you're planning to lean on them daily. The walk down to Porthminster Beach and its well-known café is the main draw, with the harbour, the Tate and Downalong's restaurants all within ten minutes' walk. Carbis Bay is a mile south.

Best for: larger families and two-couple groups who want estate space, parking and a pool without giving up easy walking access to St Ives. Less good for: anyone who needs to be in the heart of Downalong, or guests reluctant to walk uphill on the return.