Alba Beach House
St Ives, Cornwall, UK
A luxury pink cob cottage with a balcony overhanging the sands of Porthmeor Beach, Alba Beach House is the ultimate self-catering seaside retreat. Filled from top to bottom with that illustrious St Ives magic light, spend joyous days bathing in the swell before rinsing out salty hair, pouring a crisp glass of white and settling down to watch a chaos of colour explode across the sky before descending into night.
Introduction
Rustic and authentic, Alba Beach House is as true to its Cornish fisherman’s cottage roots today as it was in the mid 1800s. Awash with weathered nautical regalia and dotted with soft leather chairs which tempt long reclinations looking out to sea, this luxury self-catering home soothes and settles. Bleached summer mornings and wild storms with waves licking the walls of the cottage are the sans pareil of days spent here, but the peace of St Ives in the low orange glow of autumn or with a fresh spring breeze are an understated time to take up residence in this house by the sea.
Inside
Wanting to retain as much of the original cottage as possible, the owners of Alba Beach House have restored many of its founding features to their former glory; the floorboards have seen nearly 200 years of history while many of the window boards have been fashioned from the timber of long-lost ships. Treasures abound here, as one would expect from a house in what-was prime piracy territory, and from the original artwork to the tinker trays mounted to walls, this home feels just that; a well loved and welcoming place to rest and restore.
Outside
There’s no doubt that the property’s balcony, which hangs over the sugared shore of Porthmeor Beach, is one of the finest locations there is. To make it better? Freshly caught mussels picked up in town, marinated in garlic and cooked in cream, finished off with an ice bucket stacked with fizz while the rest of the world slips away. Outside there is plenty for all ages and interests; hair-raising coastal hikes, art galleries galore (Tate St Ives is just a short wander down the road) and of course, embracing the world class, cold water surfing that St Ives is so famous for.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £2,995 per week, £2,295 per short break - Alternative group optionsUp to 2 or up to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsAdorned in neutral tones, this characterful four bedroom cottage is perfect for a family seaside staycation. The first bedroom is accessed via the snug and is complete with a king-sized bed and free-standing bathtub with a view of the beach. Bedroom two shares a Jack-and-Jill shower room with the master bedroom and has a super king-sized bed. Bedrooms three and four are accessed via the main staircase in the living area. The third bedroom has a king-sized bed and window seats with panoramic sea views, while the final room has twin beds and shares the family bathroom with bedroom three.
View bedrooms - PetsTwo pets are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome, a cot and highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesAlba Beach House is accessed via a shared courtyard, there is parking for two cars in a communal gated garage and several pay-and-display carparks in St Ives. The reclaimed cottage kitchen overlooks the courtyard and includes a Rangemaster induction hob and double oven, washing machine with separate tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, microwave, kettle and toaster.
- Homestay includesWelcome hamper of local produce, luxury bed linen and towels, premium WiFi internet, kindling and firewood to get you started, cosy blankets, recipe books, board games...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenalin-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
St Ives
With tight clusters of slate roofs and brightly painted fisherman´s cottages lining narrow cobbled streets which lead to turquoise bays, St Ives is an unwaveringly spectacular sight, even on the greyest of days.
Getting there
- On the Map This self-catering cottage is located above the golden sands of Porthmeor Beach, in the heart of the vibrant coastal town of St Ives.
- By Car This coastal retreat is six miles from the main road into Cornwall the A30, a five and a half hour drive from London and three and a half hours from Bristol.
- By Train The local train station in St Ives is a 15 minute walk from Alba Beach House and has daily trains from both London Paddington and London Waterloo.
- By Air Newquay airport is around an hour’s drive away.
From the owner
“The views from the house constantly change and are equally captivating on a stormy day with great waves as on a calm day in the summer season.”
In about 1840, Mr Edward Harry demolished a bakehouse to make way for the development of ten fishermen's cottages around a central courtyard bearing his name. Two cottages flanked the beach and make up what is known as Alba Beach House today, as well as one of the cottages to the side of the courtyard. The house was converted from three cottages to two with interconnecting doors sometime in the 1960s with the addition of the balcony at around the same time.
The cottage has changed hands on very few occasions. One famous resident of the Court was Alfred Wallace, well known for his nautical paintings. He is commemorated with a plaque at the front of the Court. Prior to us buying the house, it had remained in the ownership of one family for over 60 years. When you visit the house it is easy to see why, with unrivalled views of Porthmeor beach and a balcony overhanging the beach itself. My favourite time of day at the house is sunset, it is beautiful most evenings from the balcony and enjoying all the sea-facing windows.
It is our slice of heaven by the sea and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Paula and Iain
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in St Ives with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
Porthmeor Beach Cafe, St Ives
Whether it’s a hearty Cornish breakfast to start the day or sunset drinks overlooking the vast Atlantic ocean, Porthmeor Beach Café is a must when visiting St Ives. Located a stone’s throw from Alba Beach House front door.
To See
The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
Cuddle up under the stars at the Minack Theatre and be thoroughly captivated by spell-binding performances. Carved into the granite cliffs of Porthcurno, this world-famous theatre is sure to leave a powerful impression.
To Do
South West Coast Path
Pick up the South West Coast Path from the cottage´s front door, and explore the beautifully unique terrain of this corner of the country. Head in the direction of Zennor, over the soaring cliffs and reward yourself with a drink at the Tinner´s Arms on arrival.
To Do
The Tate, St Ives
One of four iconic galleries located throughout the UK, the Tate St Ives opened its doors to art enthusiasts in 1993. Today it showcases an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art by creatives with links to the area.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Alba Beach House gave us a memorable family break. The location is fantastic and we loved snuggling down to the sound of the waves. The restaurant recommendations were good, and all of the folk we encountered were pleasant. We can recommend the deck chairs for hire at the harbour as excellent value for money.
We had an incredible stay at Alba Beach House. We were a multi-generation family looking to fulfil a number of needs and this property exceeded them all on every level. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the property and Unique Homestays to anyone looking for a luxury UK break. We’ve been renting holidays in the UK for 40 years between us all and this by far the best in terms of location, which is always the most important thing for us. We had a wonderful stay, thank you!
We had a fantastic stay, thank you. The house was perfect and the whole process was very smooth. We enjoyed many of the recommendations in the house book and loved exploring St Ives.
The property was immaculate and exceptionally well decorated. The location was unbeatable! Right on the beach and central to St Ives and all the restaurants. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here, thank you.
Thank you for another great stay, we really enjoyed our time here, so much so, that we have booked again for next year! This will be our third stay at Alba Beach House and we are already looking forward to it!
We asked for a mid-stay linen change as we were having different guests and everything was accommodated without hassle. The property was excellent hence the second year running we have rented it and the service from Unique Homestays was slick and hassle-free.
We had an amazing stay in a truly fantastic property. The views were mesmerising and heading to the beach first thing every morning was so special. We will remember these gorgeous memories for years to come.
The location on the beach is as you would say, unique! Such a special feeling when you wake up in the morning and look out over the crashing waves whether in the dead of winter or peak summer season. Everything you need to enjoy some quality time out - good spaces and plenty of nooks to read in, well-equipped kitchen, comfy beds and good size bathrooms all with that view. Easy parking is a bonus! An absolutely beautiful house, we only wish we could have stayed longer!
Alba Beach House exceeded all expectations in terms of decor and location. We had a sublime and restful week, so much so that I have re-booked for next year which I never normally do! Sitting on the balcony and watching the waves is heavenly and the view from each window is second to none. We loved the shabby-chic vibe and the proximity to the beach is simply perfect. Thank you.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Alba Beach House and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Characterful cottage on the beach
House Beautiful
August 2023The best beach villas
The Times
February 2023Anchored in a bygone age
Country Living
July 2022A rustic Cornish cottage
Living Etc.
September 2021Christmas Staycations
The Telegraph
December 2020Luxury Pink Cob Cottage
House Beautiful
November 202025 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024
Collections > Surf Retreats > UK > Cornwall > St Ives > Alba Beach House
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
