CORNISH GEMS: WATER’S EDGE, ST IVES

16-18/03/19

*AD: Gifted - this was a press visit and I was given a complimentary 3-night stay by Cornish Gems in return for an honest review*

Why you should visit:

For the beach front location
To take in the picturesque views
For the modern scandi interiors
Enjoy the ease of self-catering

DESTINATION:

Last month, we had a week’s holiday in Cornwall which began in St Ives. Since Manchester is a little bit of a trek to Cornwall (just the small 6-hour drive!), we decided to fly into Newquay and then hire a car. This can be a much easier and quicker way of travelling to Cornwall, and apart from a small flight delay and a very windy and turbulent landing, it was a pretty smooth journey. We picked up our little orange Fiat 500 (who swiftly became known as ‘Clementine’) and drove the short 45-minute journey to the pretty coastal town of St Ives to our holiday home for 3-nights, Water’s Edge booked through Cornish Gems.

Water’s Edge is situated on a cobbled street right on the sea front, so there is no parking next to the property, and you have to drive a few minutes up the road to the Island long stay car park to leave your car, which you are given a permit for. Unfortunately on arrival, it was absolutely pouring it down, so we had a very wet walk to the house with our luggage but otherwise, it’s really not much of an inconvenience.

You couldn’t get a better spot to stay in St Ives than Water’s Edge. It is on the edge of the harbour (do you get the name?!) overlooking the sea and the beach and the dining room, living room and main bedroom have large windows looking out so you can take in the stunning view with ease.

St Ives is a charming seaside Cornish town with winding cobbled streets, cute shops, stunning beaches and lovely sea views. We were looking forward to a few days of relaxation doing pretty much nothing but exploring, eating and drinking!

DECOR:

The layout of the house is very cleverly done, with the kitchen and dining room on the ground floor, living room and bathroom on the first floor and two bedrooms on the second floor. That means that from the main bedroom, it’s higher up so a bit more private and you also get the best view in the house.

The decor throughout has a modern scandi vibe with warm earthy tones and the whole place has been very thoughtfully planned out. There is lovely crockery in the kitchen (which I now need to buy!), blankets and comfy cushions in the living room and mood lighting in the bedroom. It has a home away from home feel and we felt relaxed there as soon as we arrived.

There was everything you could need provided in the kitchen, the shower was powerful and the bed was comfortable (we slept in the front bedroom). Just one thing to note if you’re staying in the front bedroom, it is on the sea front so you will hear people walking past in the mornings and the seagulls are rather noisy! I didn’t mind waking up early with such a lovely view to look out at though.

The welcome hamper is also impressive. I’ve stayed at places where you don’t even get any milk on arrival – this is not one of those places! We were greeted with a loaf of bread, butter, local eggs, Cornish tea, coffee, cheese, chocolate and salt, and freshly baked scones and all the trimmings. It was a lovely welcome and it definitely started our holiday off right. You bet we chucked our wet coats off, stuck the kettle on and tucked into a scone!

DEBRIEF:

We really enjoyed our time at Water’s Edge with Cornish Gems. It was the perfect place to explore St Ives and there is lots available on the doorstep – delicious tapas and great wine in the Silco Searoom, a warm atmosphere and live music in The Sloop Inn and yummy ice cream in Moomaid’s of Zennor (try the ‘Shipwrecked’ flavour), are just a few things we got to enjoy during our three days there. Or you can equally just stay in and enjoy the lovely cosiness of Water’s Edge and make the most of the well-equipped kitchen, toasty fire and comfy sofa.

Sat looking at the sea view out of the window with a cuppa from bed is something I am definitely already missing. It’s a special spot for a lovely seaside break and the perfect place to relax.