The Trick

First-floor one-bedroom apartment in Carbis Bay sleeping two, located on The Sands just off Porthrepta Road. Underfloor heating throughout keeps it comfortable from early spring through late autumn. Off-street parking is included.

The apartment has one bathroom and a dishwasher. The living area is compact and well-suited to a couple. A private garden gives space outdoors. WiFi included; changeover is Saturday. No washing machine in the cottage.

Carbis Bay beach is 500 metres - a sheltered, south-facing sandy bay protected from the prevailing south-westerlies, with lifeguard cover from May to September. The bay is calmer than the exposed north-facing beaches and reliably swimmable through summer. Porthkidney Beach is 1.6km - a quieter stretch of sand between Carbis Bay and the Hayle estuary. St Ives is roughly a mile along the South West Coast Path; the section from Carbis Bay is mostly flat and takes around 20 minutes on foot.

The coast path runs past the door, giving access to the South West Coast Path in both directions. Best for a couple wanting a quiet base with beach access and easy walking to St Ives without paying St Ives prices. Less suited to families or groups of three or more - the apartment sleeps two only.