St Ives ~ Hotel picks

Growing up holidaying in this picturesque town I’ve seen it change year on year. For me it’s a bit of a love-hate relationship. It is undoubtably one of the most beautiful places; the colour of the sea is like nothing else in the UK and rivals that of the Mediterranean. Yet summer, where it comes into its own, equates to vast amounts of people wanting, quite rightly, to enjoy this little town. The small cobbled streets and sandy beaches are overthrown by coloured wind-breakers and the streets alive with the sounds of seagulls nabbing ice-creams. If I was to recommend a time to visit, it might be shoulder seasons, which have a quietness and if you are lucky, glimpses of sunlight to illuminate the crystalline water.

I’ve collated a few spots to stay if you are interested in visiting, which should be your first port of call:

1. Primrose House

Is an eleven bedroom boutique hotel, set in an Edwardian building, on the edge of Porthminster Beach. It has a uniquely calm and neutral interior, with beautiful Art-work by the owner. It is Rooms start from £100 (low season). https://www.primroseonline.co.uk/

2. Trevose Harbour House 

Trevose Harbour House is a breath of calm, yet bold quirkiness on one of St Ives most charming streets. The interiors of this boutique hotel come coastal town-house, steer away from the more typical 'coastal style', whilst retaining a reflection of the surrounding bay with a white and blue colour palette. The main communal space is a reflection of the couple (Angela & Olivier's) style, which can also be seen in newly-opened this season guest house Sands Studio. A bold style with retro influences sees a blue Liberty-style wallpaper, large scale prints and mid-century Ercol pieces balanced within a bright fresh space to ensure a sense of serenity. Each of the six rooms reflect this palette of clean and calm yet with individual personality, with mid-century furniture as vanity units and glass blocks partitions to maximise the light within the spaces. http://trevosehouse.co.uk/

3. Harbour View

After purchasing the hotel in February this year, Georgia and her partner Ant have been refreshing the hotel which was previously owned for over 40 years. There is a coffee shop on the ground floor, with all furniture second-hand, repurposed or sourced from travels. Hotel rooms will be available summer 2020 and start from £100. https://www.harbourviewonline.co.uk/