Architect's Converted Sail Loft on Porthmeor Beach, St. Ives
- Minimum stay:Contact owner
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
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 directly above the sand and sea and includes a quiet WI-FI internet corner.
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. This sleeps 4/6 in nautical built-in beds and is a very popular feature. 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 our other property, Listing #56858.
Keywords: Apartment, condominium, flat
Property Type
- Apartment
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
Bedrooms: 4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10, Beds for 8-10
Kitchen & Dining
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
Amenities
- Iron & Board
- Towels Provided
- Gas Fireplace
- Clothes Dryer
- Washing Machine
- Hair Dryer
- Linens Provided
Entertainment
- Stereo
- Television
- Books
- DVD Player
- Toys
- Games
Communications
Location & View
Activities
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Beachcombing
- Bird Watching
- Fitness Center
- Wind-Surfing
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Tennis
- Surfing
- Golf
- Recreation Center
- Restaurants
- Live Theater
- Cinemas
- Library
- Museums
- Sight Seeing
- Shopping
- Wildlife Viewing
- Horseback Riding
- Walking
- Scenic Drives
Other Activities
Reviews
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Family Tradition
Family Tradition
- Guest Thomasin
- Date of stay 10/28/12
- Review Submitted 11/19/12
Going for a holiday at Upper Saltings has become a bit of a family tradition that we have been doing since my children had just started school (his is now off to University). What has been wonderful about the place is that it has catered for all ages whether young, old or middling and we have had all ages stay with us on holiday from a one month old baby to a 80 year old granny. The situation is perfect, everything within a few minutes or even a few seconds walk - shops, restaurants, beach and sea. If you don't feel like moving you can always just curl up in the beautiful window seat over looking Porthmeor beach and observe everyone else below. The loft has been beautifully and sympathetically converted in a very comfortable living space - the large open plan area becomes the hub of the holiday where everyone meets. The kitchen is well stocked with all a cook could ask for and the bathrooms have just been done up this year so are very sleek. The bunk bedroom is a real treat for those of a younger age. My kids would disappear into it and spend hours playing, reading and talking whilst hanging off the bunks at various different levels from the floor. For the past few years we have not even moved the car from the car park spending all our time in St Ives visiting the galleries, walking round the cliffs and body boarding. If you are looking for the perfect holiday place this has to be it.Recommended for: Girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.
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Exactly What we Hoped for!
Exactly What we Hoped for!
- Guest Susie
- Date of stay 09/15/12
- Review Submitted 11/05/12
I'd recommend this place to anyone that wants an easy walk into the heart of St. Ives but the peacefulness of being on the ocean. The views were magnificent and while we had planned hikes around the area we actually spent 2 of our days enjoying the house. Loved working with the owner, she's a delight and everything was so easy - even from the US. This house is very special to me and I can't wait to return.Recommended for: Girls getaway, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.
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Upper Saltings - Seaside living at best
Guest comment entered by ownerUpper Saltings - Seaside living at best
- Guest Jenny
- Date of stay 05/05/02
- Review Submitted 06/12/12
As soon as you arrive at St Ives and drive down to the harbour and on up to Upper Saltings the excitement grows, the wonderful light, sea, sand and atmosphere all combine for a memorable holiday. As soon as you walk into the huge kitchen/lounge area of Upper Saltings you are treated to the amazing views of sand, sea and sky. What could be better than sitting in the window seat with glass in hand enjoying people watching, surfers, seals (if you are lucky), sunsets and scenery. Upper Saltings is perfectly placed overlooking Porthmeor beach, a short walk to Porthwidden beach and café, town and harbour. Upper Saltings can truly be described as seaside living at its best.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Seal lover
- Date of stay 05/14/11
- Review Submitted 06/20/11
We really enjoyed staying at Upper Saltings, it is a great apartment in a perfect location, the living area spacious and the window seat perfect for beach watching – we saw seals and even had a paraglider sail past the window one evening which my grandson was very excited about. We were all thrilled with Upper Saltings and the accommodation suited our party perfectly. The window seat was just terrific and wonderful for watching the sunsets with a glass of wine in hand. The artwork was impressive and colourful. The bathrooms were great with constant hot water and good showers. The location is just perfect between two amazing beaches and so near the harbour and town. We didn’t use our cars at all and the Island car park so close to the apartment was very convenient.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Out of season short break
Out of season short break
- Guest Bliss
- Date of stay 05/07/11
- Review Submitted 05/26/11
Seeing this great apartment as an out of season short break years ago, we are now regulars, reluctant to let others know about it! A good place for families, couples, young or old, St Ives offers a relaxing break, without the need for a car. Lying on the window seat (more of a bed really) looking out over Porthmeor beach, watching the sea and the sky in all weathers, is a memorable experience to savour for the rest of the year.Recommended for: Families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
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Best location in St Ives !!
Best location in St Ives !!
- Guest Anne
- Date of stay 09/18/10
- Review Submitted 10/15/10
Stepped into Upper Saltings and completely overwhelmed by the amazing space and view from the large window looking out onto white sand, turquoise sea and blue sky ( lucky , we had sunny weather !) Fresh flowers on tables was a nice touch. The whole property has been beautifully designed and decorated and one of those places which you wish belonged to you !! Loved the artwork and ornaments. .Beautiful yet practical, the fully equipped kitchen was joy and made you think you were taking part in 'Master Chef'' thoughtful storage for boots, shoes, wetsuits, coats etc. Short walk to excellent restaurants, , coffee shops , galleries and main town shops. Truthfully say we enjoyed every minute of our stay , surfed every day , painted and sketched, the everchanging seascape, We go back home refreshed, relaxed and happy. Thank you we'll be back ! ..Recommended for: Girls getaway, people with disabilities, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.
Owner response: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You do seem to have made the most of the location and of your week. We ,too, are drawn to the magnet of the window seat. One often sees dolphins swimming along with the surfers. The skill of the surfers is sometimes breathtaking. In early morning the little St Ives fishing boats are both comforting and exciting. What will be on offer at the harbour mid -morning? Delighted you took time out to sketch and paint. We do too and enjoy the workshop sessions at the Tate and the Wednesday evening life classes at the School of Painting along the beach. Once one is spoiled by a week in St Ives, there is no other!
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Black
- Date of stay 09/26/09
- Review Submitted 04/15/10
An excellent flat in a wonderful position, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, The Island and Clodgy Point. Well chosen furnishings, very well equipped and more someone's home than a commercial rental. You'll never tire of the views of the sea, the beach, the sunsets, etc. Great art inside and out. Definitely recommended.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Herons
- Date of stay 02/14/09
- Review Submitted 04/15/10
We have been renting Upper Saltings for about fifteen years. The children were very small when we first visited and took to it immediately; the apartment has many delightful features put there with children in mind. It is magical. As the children have grown into young adults they still love it. It has fantastic views over Porthmeor beach and one can spend hours just looking out from this amazing front window, whatever the weather. The beach is good for surfing, there are good restaurants, fish and chip shops, fudge shops, Cornish pasty shops and wonderful walks along the coastal path. But St. Ives is unique in its history as a focus for visual arts, reflected in the Tate and other galleries but also clearly evident in the pieces collected at Upper Saltings itself. And the brilliant architectural design of the apartment shows extraordinary flair and imagination. Overall, a real joy.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Clutterbuck
- Date of stay 10/03/09
- Review Submitted 04/15/10
A stunning, comfortable and extremely well equiped holiday apartment overhanging Porthmeor Beach. Very convenient location with the beach a few steps from the front door and the town a minute or two's walk away. The views from the window seat are truly magnificent. St. Ives has an abundance of excellent restaurants, some marvellous galleries and of course Tate St Ives. For those interested in walking, there are some excellent walks along the coast. The area around Zenor is particularly beautiful. The Screech Owl Sanctuary at Indian Queens and the Telegraphic Museum at Porthcurno are well worth a visit not to mention the Barbara Hepworth Museum in St Ives itself. We have spent a number of holidays at Upper Saltings and have always found the property clean and well maintained. We will certainly be returning. Highly recommended.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Alan
- Date of stay 09/27/09
- Review Submitted 04/08/10
An excellent flat in a wonderful position, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, The Island and Clodgy Point. Well chosen furnishings, very well equipped and more someone's home than a commercial rental. You'll never tire of the views of the sea, the beach, the sunsets, etc. Great art inside and out. Definitely recommended.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
13 Apr - 17 May: £1500; 18 - 24 May: £2200; 25 - 31 May:£2800;20 Jul -30 Aug:£2800 1 Jun - 28 Jun: £1500; 29 Jun - 5 Jul: £2200; 6 - 19 Jul:£2600 31 Aug -13 Sept: £2600; 14 - 21 Sep:£2200; 21 Sept - 4 Oct: £2000 5 - 18 Oct: £1500;19 - 25 Oct: £1800;26 Oct - 1 Nov: £2600 ; 2 Nov - 13 Dec: £900 14 - 27 Dec: £1500 ; 28 Dec - 5 Jan 2014: £26 00 Outside school holidays: For parties of 4 or fewer, deduct £100 Outside school holidays: November - April: 3 nights £900; up to 4 people £700 All prices quoted are for a week. £300 refundable deposit.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
Owner info
Photos
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At low tide, after a cliff walk, you could be here!
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Enough room to be together and apart!
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You can track sun, moon and stars through the skylights
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From the kitchen sink, you can watch spray rise and surfers fall
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children's table for meals, board games, craft projects or drawing and painting
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He's waiting to greet his guests
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Double bedroom with ensuite shower room
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Twin bedroom with big cupboards
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watching out for dolphins
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Is there a better place to gather for fresh seafood, chilled wine and sunset?
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Miele appliances tucked almost out of sight
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Plenty of glasses, pottery and Denby close at hand for easy entertaining.
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At low tide, after a cliff walk, this could be you!
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It's better than a ship!
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Double bedroom with big window and cupboard.
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Family bathroom
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This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - Wednesday, May 29, 2013