Trehan

Trehan is a stone cottage on Laity Lane, about two miles from St Ives, sleeping 4 across 2 bedrooms with 1 bathroom. It has a wood-burning stove, an open fire, a lawned and paved garden and a BBQ. Many cottages in the St Ives area sit in historic terraced rows with restricted outside space, while Trehan has room to sit out and cook.

The two bedrooms are in a traditional layout, with WiFi, parking for two cars, dishwasher, and washing machine all included. The layout is reversed: both bedrooms and the shower room are on the ground floor, while the kitchen, dining area and sitting area are on the first floor. Two well-behaved pets are welcome. Changeover day is Saturday.

Carbis Bay beach is 0.6 miles south - a broad sandy bay sheltered from the prevailing Atlantic swell, popular with families and swimmers. Porthkidney Beach is 1.4 miles, and Porthminster Beach - one of St Ives' four beaches - 1.8 miles. The Tate St Ives gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden in town draw visitors year-round. The St Ives branch railway line from St Erth is the most practical route into town, avoiding the summer car park queues.

Best for: couples or families of 4 wanting open-fire cottage character within reach of St Ives and Carbis Bay. Less good for: guests wanting to walk everywhere from a central base, or anyone who cannot manage stairs between the bedrooms and the living area.