Shell Cottage, St Ives, is a delightful traditional Cornish retreat nestled in the charming Downalong quarter, offering character and comfort in equal measure. The inviting lounge welcomes you to unwind after a day of coastal adventures, perhaps enjoying your favourite programme on the smart 50″ TV while the sea breeze drifts through the charming stable door. Step through to the impressive, light-filled kitchen/diner where the modern induction hob and electric cooker await your culinary creations, with ample space to gather around the dining table for leisurely holiday meals and lively conversation.
Outside, the small courtyard provides valuable storage for your beach essentials, ensuring sandy towels and windbreakers have a home away from home. Upstairs, accessible via wooden stairs with thoughtful stairgates at both ends, you'll discover two beautifully appointed bedrooms – a comfortable double and a cosy twin – complemented by a modern family bathroom featuring a sleek shower cubicle and heated towel rail, plus a convenient downstairs cloakroom with WC and wash basin.
Imagine waking to the distant call of seagulls, brewing fresh coffee in your sun-dappled kitchen before strolling through the narrow, flower-lined streets to feel the morning sand between your toes. Return wind-tousled and salt-kissed to your characterful cottage, washing away the day's adventures under the invigorating shower before venturing out to sample the delectable seafood at a harbourside restaurant as the setting sun gilds the bay with amber light.
Shell Cottage, St Ives, is perfectly positioned to explore this iconic Cornish harbour town and its surrounding treasures. From your doorstep, it's a mere 150 metres to the dramatic headland known as The Island, where you can join the spectacular South West Coast Path for breathtaking coastal walks. The golden sands of Porthgwidden and Bamaluz beaches are equally close, offering idyllic spots for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the renowned Tate St Ives and the fascinating Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, while the town's labyrinth of streets reveals a treasure trove of independent shops, galleries, and eateries waiting to be discovered.
Venture beyond St Ives to experience the natural wonders of Seal Island in Zennor (7 km), where scenic boat trips allow you to observe grey seals in their natural habitat, or visit Paradise Wildlife Sanctuary in Hayle (10 km), home to over 1,200 animals with interactive exhibits and a fun indoor play centre ideal for family days out. Further afield, the dramatic Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, which is a 30-kilometre drive away, offers an unforgettable open-air theatrical experience set against breathtaking ocean views, while Stithians Lake Activities Centre in Menherion (30 km) provides a range of water sports, fishing, and nature trails for outdoor enthusiasts. History buffs will marvel at Wheal Coates (35 km), a historic tin mine perched dramatically on the rugged coastline with spectacular views.
The characterful harbour town of Penzance lies just 14 kilometres away, boasting excellent restaurants, shops, and galleries, while the historic market town of Redruth (27 km) offers a vibrant creative arts scene and is surrounded by beautiful countryside perfect for walking, biking, and horse-riding.
