7 Wheal Ayr - a house that sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms

With clean, clear water, stunning scenery and half a mile of white sand, Porthmeor's Blue Flag beach is understandably one of west Cornwall's most popular sandy stretches, and this property which is just a short walk from Porthmeor, creates a terrific base for families and groups of friends to enjoy all that the beach, St Ives and the surrounding coastline have to offer.

Tastefully furnished and with ample space for relaxation, you'll have all you need to enjoy a truly comfortable stay. Two spacious bedrooms and a family bathroom are found on the first floor while the large master bedroom with its own en-suite can be found on the top floor. Downstairs, the home's living room is cosy and welcoming with a bay window letting in plenty of sunshine, while the big kitchen which lies open plan with the dining area, is amply equipped for whipping up home-made meals. A sliding door leads outside to a furnished terrace which can be pulled back to extend the inside space out, so on warm days you can enjoy breakfast or drinks outside in the fresh sea air.

One of the best things about this property's position is that although it's within a short distance of the heart of St Ives, it's also set in a quieter area a little further away from the bustle. The harbour is just a short 13-minute walk from the front door (or a 6-minute drive if you don't fancy the walk back up), and the town's best restaurants, galleries, shops and attractions are also at your fingertips.

Not only is Porthmeor Beach the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing and family fun, it's also one of west Cornwall's premier surfing beaches, enjoying consistent waves all year round. It's ideal for bodyboarding too so if you'd like to take to the water during your stay, there's a beach-based surf school with qualified instructors offering lessons as well as board and wetsuit hire available.

A top tip is that one of the area's favourite places to eat out is Porthmeor Beach Café. Resting right on the sand, and is the best place to watch the sun set over the water from its sea-facing terrace, while enjoying some delicious seafood or a crisp glass of wine of course!