Old Arch Cottage, The Digey

Charming 18th Century St Ives Fisherman’s cottage, moments from the beach

Less than a minute’s walk from Porthmeor Beach, sits Old Arch Cottage, a charming 18th Century Fisherman’s cottage, centrally situated between St Ives’ Fore Street’s shops and restaurants and the famous Tate Gallery. This characterful two-bedroom cottage, in the highly sought after ‘Downalong’ area, was built in c.1760, and was recently renovated by the owners to retain its character and style, while creating the luxury quality of a special beach property. Full of original features, expect exposed stone walling, inset pilchard smoking boxes and reclaimed ship timbers to the cottage’s ceiling beams and fireplace.

Old Arch Cottage is somewhere very special indeed, an oasis of calm in one of Cornwall’s most popular locations, with its colourful artistic history, a place central to the St Ives colony of artists. Off the cobbled streets, as you enter the cottage from the front entrance, you’ll arrive at the attractive living space. Particularly spacious for a property of this type, there’s an open-plan lounge dining room, complete with a large plush chaise family sofa, charming window seat, a 42” 4K Ultra HD Smart TV and a plethora of board games and books. The country-style dining table comfortably seats six.

Step down from here and guests will appreciate the well-appointed, fully fitted country-style kitchen, boasting a range of high spec amenities. Budding chefs can enjoy the Neff electric oven and gas hob, while the integrated dishwasher and washing machine offer home comforts. There’s also an integrated fridge freezer, microwave, and all-important Nespresso coffee machine.

The high standard continues upstairs with two bedrooms and a modern family bathroom, complete with a large bath with shower over. Bedroom one is king sized, offering plenty of space and light, thanks to the rear aspect Velux window. In true hideaway style, the bed neatly fits into the dormer window, there’s a small TV, and plenty of storage from the built-in wardrobes.

The second bedroom features a triple bunk bed and is situated at the front of the house. There’s a sweet window seat overlooking The Digey, a reading chair, well-stocked kids’ bookshelf and each bunk is thoughtfully equipped with its own reading light. Plus, the built-in wardrobe provides hanging and storage space. For extra sleeping space, the oversized reading chair in the the second bedroom is a Cocoon memory foam sofa bed, which converts to a very comfy fourth single.

Back downstairs you’ll also find an additional shower room, just off the kitchen. Positioned next to the rear entrance of the property, it comprises of a shower cubicle with freestanding electric shower, making it a convenient spot to shower off a day at the beach before entering the rest of the property. The door at the rear of the cottage also opens into a sweet courtyard, which features an original stone arch dating to 1611, plus there’s a bench, coffee table and a practical surfboard and wetsuit rack.

Old Arch Cottage is a peaceful retreat, just moments from the buzz of St Ives. While we understand that you may not want to leave the delights of this artistic town brimming with culture and beautiful beaches, you’re also in a great position to explore the rest of what Cornwall has to offer.