The Old Bakery Flat

A town-centre heritage property renovated with terrific flair, this is an outstanding holiday apartment ideal for a family or group of friends. The reverse-level apartment enjoys a peaceful location set up on the first and second floors, but down at street level, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in the energy of St Ives. When the meandering streets have been explored and countless shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants discovered, trace the South West Coast Path around the headland and take in the open sea views. For those still with energy to burn, the local surf school offers surfing for all ages and levels of experience as well as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and coasteering.

Accommodation in this remarkable property is accessed via street level where a stained-glass front door and tiled hallway with exposed brickwork set the tone for the super design touches found in the apartment above. Up one flight of stairs, the first floor comprises three bedrooms – two doubles with en-suite shower rooms and one twin – and a family bathroom. A further set of stairs leads up to the second floor, where you’ll find an exceptional, open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner. This remarkable room has been sensitively restored to enhance period features. Here, a vaulted, beamed ceiling, exposed brickwork and polished floorboards offer period charm, while the addition of a modern glass extension fills this floor with light and presents views over the town’s rooftops to the sea. This is a dual-aspect room – the lounge area sits within the glass extension and a single step leads down into the kitchen/diner area which has large bi-fold doors opening out onto further rooftop views. The kitchen itself is smart and well equipped and there’s a dining table with chair and bench seating – an enticing spot for lingering over breakfast.

If the weather is good – and it so often is in Cornwall – pack up the breakfast and take it down to the beach, just a few minutes’ walk, for a memorable holiday meal.