Tathra Beach Cottage

Tathra Beach Cottage is a Grade II listed three-bedroom cottage on Barnoon Hill in central St Ives, sleeping five. The position is hard to beat: the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is the next-door neighbour, the harbour is one minute downhill, and Fore Street's shops and restaurants are 100 yards away.

The cottage spreads across four floors. The kitchen and living room sit on the ground and lower-ground levels; three bedrooms occupy the two upper floors. Interiors have been refurbished with modern bathrooms and a fitted kitchen while the listed character of exposed walls and timber beams stays intact. Wi-Fi, a washing machine and a small enclosed garden are included, and dogs are welcome.

Walking is the realistic way to use this address. Parking in central St Ives is restricted and the lanes around Downalong are narrow, so most guests use the Park & Ride at Lelant Saltings or the branch line train from St Erth (12 minutes). Once you're in, Porthmeor Beach below the Tate and the sheltered Porthminster are both 300m on foot, and the harbour cafés and Hub Box burgers are five minutes away.

Best for: art-lovers, dog owners and couples or small families who want to walk everywhere. Less good for: groups planning to drive in and out daily, or anyone bothered by stairs - the layout spans four levels.