The Sail Loft

The Sail Loft is a three-bedroom cottage in central St Ives, sleeping six across two bathrooms. Its Island Square address puts local shops about 20 metres away, and reserved parking for 1 car is included, useful in a town where street parking is limited. The space is at St Ives Rugby Club, about 20 minutes on foot, though you can unload outside the cottage.

Wi-Fi, a dishwasher and a washing machine are provided, and the living room has an electric stove rather than a wood-burning fire. Seven steps lead down from the lane into the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, which has a beamed ceiling and flagstone floors. A twin bedroom (zip and link, or king on request) opens off the sitting room, open-tread, open-sided stairs lead up to two double bedrooms, and a wet room by the entrance suits rinsing off after the beach. A pub and shop are within a mile. Two well-behaved pets are welcome, with a £25 fee for the second pet. Changeover day is Friday.

Porthgwidden Beach is 200 metres away. Porthmeor Beach, backed by the Tate St Ives gallery, is 300 metres, as is St Ives Harbour Beach. Between the three, guests can reach a different beach most days of a week's stay without needing the car. Galleries, restaurants and independent shops fill the streets around the harbour, and the St Ives guide has more on the town's food scene and art trail.

**Best for:** a group of up to six wanting a central St Ives base, reserved parking (a 20-minute walk away) and three beaches within 300 metres.