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Upper Saltings is part of a 19th Century granite building right on famous Porthmeor Beach. Over the years it has been used for drying nets, fish, sails, and as artists' studios. We have now converted the space to make an extraordinary holiday retreat. The living room is huge (40 feet by 25 feet) with a nine foot wide window seat above the sand and sea.
You may spend most time there mesmerized by the sky and the light which drew so many 20th Century artists to this place: Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Bernard Leach, Terry Frost, Patrick Heron, W. Barnes-Graham, all of whose work may be seen in the Tate St Ives Museum further along the beach.
We have used slate, maple, and stainless steel to make a 21st century kitchen with every appliance. What you may remember most is the view from the kitchen sink: surfers riding the waves and spray shooting over the rocks. Under two big skylights (excellent for watching gulls, clouds, and stars), you will find a long dining table, for long convivial meals.
A fireplace, sofas, a yew table with broadband access, low children's tables, wide screen TV, DVD player, board games, and lots of books and art materials provide equipment - even for a rainy day. The four bedrooms have bedside reading lights, cupboards, and good mattresses.There are two doubles, one twin, and one boat-like bunk room. Two bathrooms and a utility room complete the space.
Should this be your first visit to St Ives, you are bound to fall in love with the cobbles, the fishing boats, the many small galleries, the green hills, harbour, and ever changing sea. The cliff path above small coves and basking seals will take you through National Trust land in Penrith to Land's End, past standing stone menhirs, stone circles, and a bronze age village. In this land of the Celts, Cornish is still spoken and sung. For us, it is a magic place; the folk tales are almost believable.
We use Upper Saltings for three main purposes. The first is for a family holiday. Youngsters can have an independent run of the town in safety and build sand castle just below the balcony. The second is as a place for "time-out" to reflect, to read, to paint, and to revel in the elements. The third is for reunions. It is a great place to gather. Additional sleeping quarters can be found in other apartments but it is hard to beat Upper Saltings for a memorable evening - watching the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon, wine glass in hand.
As you can probably tell, we adore being in Upper Saltings and suspect you may too. If you would like a smaller place on Porthmeor Beach, go to Listing #56858. Alternatively if your desired dates in 2008 are already taken, book for 2009! |
