Leo's Cottage, St. Ives

Holiday cottage/Self catering

Nothing beats St Ives on a warm sunny day, sitting at one of the many cafes overlooking clear turquoise sea - except perhaps St Ives on a stormy day, when Atlantic breakers roll in and the surfers hit town.   

Leo's Cottage is in the heart of Downalong, the old fishing quarter - a maze of narrow cobbled streets, art studios and cafes.  A quiet No Through Road is all that separates it from the sea wall and Bamaluz beach (year round unrestricted access for dogwalkers).   

It's a place with soul, and arguably the best sea views in this historic village. Built around the mid 19th century, the cottage has been modernised where it needs to be (heating, great showers, comfy mattresses, shaver sockets) but with sympathy. You'll find interesting art, vintage furniture and a place that feels like home.

Floors are wooden or tiled.   

A minute to the right is the harbour with its cafes, shops and pale gold sandy beach.

Five minutes to the left: Porthgwidden beach, with its wonderful cafe. A great spot for swimming.   

Ground floor:  A well-equipped kitchen and cosy breakfast room comfortably seating eight under old timber beams.  The kitchen cupboards are made from the original doors of the cottage.      

First floor

• Living room:  Views to Godrevy Lighthouse and across St Ives Bay to make the most jaded heart sing. This room gets great light, morning and afternoon.   

You might spot dolphins and seals, along with cormorants, and other seabirds diving for fish.   The airy living room has two sofas, two armchairs, a window seat, occasional chairs and space for children to play, plus: 

• Books, DVDs and a Plasma screen TV/DVD player with Freeview channels and an iPod dock.    
• Double sofa bed, proper sprung mattress.  Can be curtained off to create some privacy.    

Family bathroom  

• Multicoloured slate floors, white suite, tiled walls              Bath with over bath power shower - WC -
• Shaver sockets - Mirrored cabinets - Heated towel rail.    

Second floor:  

• Master bedroom - wonderful views and light, ensuite with drencher shower  
• Smaller double, and single room - both with views of the slate roofs and quaint streets of Downalong   
• All have pretty mirrors, comfy mattresses, under bed storage, hanging space and chests of drawers.   

At the front of the house:  

• A hose to wash down surfboards
• A porch for wellies, coats and beach gear   
• Stable doors opening on to the quiet road outside.    

To the rear 

• A small courtyard that catches afternoon sun, to sit or to hang wetsuits, dry washing on the clothes line.  

Check in: 2:00pm
Check out: 10:00am