leoscottage.co.uk

Leo's Cottage - three-bedrooms, sleeps 5-7

Nothing beats St Ives on a warm sunny day, sitting at one of the many excellent 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, it's 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 few seconds 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.
Look for the tiny cat's pawprints in the kitchen tiles.


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, kittiwakes 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 with proper sprung mattress.
This area 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 - same wonderful views and light as the living room, 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, under bed storage, hanging space and chests of drawers.

At the front of the house:
- A hose to wash down surfboards
- A porch to store 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 and dry washing on the clothes line.

Sea view from master bedroom

Overlooks only beach w 24/7 access for dogs