Review: The Balcony Studio, St Ives, Cornwall, UK /

This blue-washed waterfront retreat, with its monumental balcony rising above the sea wall, is almost on the beach. Pole position for exploring the charms of St Ives from sunrise to sunset and beyond.

On that balcony is a schematic map with directions to the world’s best surfing beaches: Bondi 10,780 miles, Waiki 7,213 miles and Porthmeor just half a mile away. Point made.

As one of St Ives’ oldest and most characterful cottages, The Balcony Studio underwent a two-year damp-to-roof renovation, welcoming guests again from summer 2022. The studio is rich in history and has been home to artists and seafarers.

The welcome

Guests are encouraged to download the property’s app. Parking at St Ives Rugby Club, high above the town’s towering medieval lanes, is highly recommended. Then taking a taxi to Andrew Street is probably the best option.

Three days before our first night we receive an email with the code for the key box. On arrival, butter, cheese, milk and wine await you in the SMEG fridge freezer. The welcome pack includes a cover with capsules for the Nespresso coffee machine, biscuits, chocolates and two stamped postcards from the Balcony Studio.

The little house

The front door opens from the cobbled St Andrews Street straight into a spacious kitchen.

Opposite a wide dark wood breakfast bar are a coffee maker, stovetop, oven, dishwasher and wine fridge large enough to get you through a global wine shortage.

Stairs lead up to a contender for the largest bathroom in St Ives. A William Holland Alvius pewter spa bath is based on traditional Cornish textures and is large enough for at least two people. Above the slate floor are two side-by-side showers and a further heated shower cubicle, ideal for drying wetsuits. A cupboard is home to a washing machine.

On the third floor is the bedroom with a modern four-poster bed and a beautiful view over the harbor. A remote control next to the bed opens the curtains. Two armchairs are even closer to the sea view.

More stairs lead to a snug cozy sofa facing the television and also to the toilet. The entire coastal color palette is largely natural and neutral

Rent

The Balcony Studio is located in the heart of St Ives, a few minutes’ walk from many cafes and restaurants. A Belgian-themed café is less than 10 meters from the front door, while the Coasters café, specializing in crab sandwiches, is less than 20.

The Tate St Ives is renowned for its views over Porthmeor Beach as much as for its art. The collection focuses on 20th century St Ives artists, who were drawn to the city by the light and views. Incredibly a small coastal town, once a quiet fishing port, gave its name to an international art movement. Patrick Heron CBE, whose work is exhibited at Tate St Ives, painted from the Balcony Studio in the 1950s.

Through January 14, 2024, Tate St Ives is offering a major exhibition of work from the Casablanca Art School. Works by 22 artists represent the Moroccan exuberant response to artistic freedom from colonial rule. Abstract paintings, urban murals, vintage magazines, documentary photos and films all contribute to the exhibition.

Right in the center of St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover the sculptor’s life and work through her home, studio and garden. Hepworth designed the garden, with the help of her composer friend Priaulx Rainier, to display her sculptures.

St Ives is a place for education. Learn to surf at Porthmeor Beach, develop your artistry skills on a course or choose from over 70 botanicals at Tarquin’s to design your own gin.

Other nice keys

A welcome card from the owners shows the property drenched in a winter storm surge spraying over the roof onto St Andrew’s Street.

As a tribute to Captain Phil Moran, a resident of the house, there is a series of first editions of him Soaks the Bear children’s books.

Moran’s history as a sea captain and a member of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is also honored with the owners’ annual contribution to the RNLI charity.

The app not only displays the history of the cottage, but also gives easy access to details about how heating and appliances work.

Costs

A minimum two night stay starts from £250 per night.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

If you are reading this article anywhere other than A Luxury Travel Blog, chances are this content has been stolen without permission.

Please note the web address above and contact A Luxury Travel Blog to notify them of this issue.

Thank you for helping us fight content theft.

The best bit

Such is the appeal of the view that the owners commissioned local artist Eric Ward to paint the scene guests see from their bedroom.

Beyond the harbor wall to the east is Godrevy Lighthouse. Famously, it is the landmark that gave Virginia Woolf the title for her novel To the lighthouse.

The final verdict

A stylish renovation that adds contemporary design flair to the exposed stone and hefty timbers of one of St Ives’ most historic cottages. Now reinvented as the Balcony Studio, the property is located in the heart of St Ives.

Rightly so, the restoration makes the enchanting view of the harbor and beach the star of the show.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by The Balcony Studio.