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Shopping in St Ives
From books to jewellery to freshly made food, shopping in St Ives is a Cornish tradition thanks to the cobbled streets and independent shops that line them.
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Sneaky Peek is a charming and quirky cottage situated in a unique location, only a few minutes' walk to the harbour, Porthmeor and Porthgwidden beaches. The cottage is decorated in an attractive and characteristic style, and although centrally located, the property is private once inside and very convenient. Sneaky Peek also has a small sunny outside area, great for watching the world go by. This is also where you can catch a tiny 'sneaky peek' of the sea through the cottages.
Enjoy relaxing walks along the beaches and coastal paths and discover the eclectic mix of bars and restaurants in St Ives.
via front door from Bethesda Hill into:
electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge with ice box, storage cupboard for beach gear and body boards, stable door leading out to small courtyard. (Please note that there is no washing machine at this property).
three seater sofa, armchair, footstool, TV/DVD, Radio/CD player, decorative fireplace, dining table and chairs. Stairs up to first floor:
bunk beds with top bunk at an angle to the bottom bunk, TV/DVD.
shower, basin, WC. Fairly steep stairs from the landing to the second floor:
double bed, TV.
small courtyard with patio table and four chairs.
gas central heating, travel cot provided, please note that the bunk room is quite small but has plenty of storage, private parking available at St Ives Rugby Club, the top bunk is slightly shorter in length and has restricted head room so maybe suitable for children only, WiFi.
Sneaky Peek is a little gem - in a fantastic location (30 seconds walk to harbour) and with everything you need for a great holiday. It’s also much more spacious and comfortable inside than the photographs suggest - and the little bit of outside space is great to have too.
Mr Westwood June 2023
Just returned from a week at sneaky Peek and wow what amazing weather we had. Gorgeous decor, you can tell this house is well loved. Excellent location within easy walking distance to several beaches, we spent alot of time on porthgwidden, had a fantastic lunch at the beach cafe. All restaurants and shops are within minutes as is the harbour, you couldn't get a better location! Loved how everything was labeled in the property and they'd thought of everything, I was very impressed. A really lovely little house with a wonderful warm feel, we really did enjoy staying there.
Aspects were excellent as always, my last 3 cottages have been through them and my next one will be too. Everything is so well done even down to the incredibly detailed instructions on finding the properties and the parking. A fantastic company to deal with, I always recommend them to everyone!
Mrs Mcmurrugh June 2023
Steeped in history, Downalong is a timeless haven that captures the fishing heritage and thriving art community of this enchanting area of St Ives. With all that St Ives has to offer on your doorstep, spend endless days exploring the sandy shores, stunning coastal paths and bustling harbourside.
Downalong is a historic Cornish term for an area of harbourside fisherman's cottages 'down along the harbour'?
From books to jewellery to freshly made food, shopping in St Ives is a Cornish tradition thanks to the cobbled streets and independent shops that line them.
We know how important honest reviews are when it comes to booking your holiday. To help you choose the right property for you, we publish all reviews left by guests who have stayed here in the past, with the few exceptions stated in our Review Guidelines. Please bear in mind that some facilities referred to by past guests in reviews can be removed or changed at any time.
Sneaky Peek is a little gem - in a fantastic location (30 seconds walk to harbour) and with everything you need for a great holiday. It’s also much more spacious and comfortable inside than the photographs suggest - and the little bit of outside space is great to have too.
Mr Westwood Jun 2023
Just returned from a week at sneaky Peek and wow what amazing weather we had. Gorgeous decor, you can tell this house is well loved. Excellent location within easy walking distance to several beaches, we spent alot of time on porthgwidden, had a fantastic lunch at the beach cafe. All restaurants and shops are within minutes as is the harbour, you couldn't get a better location! Loved how everything was labeled in the property and they'd thought of everything, I was very impressed. A really lovely little house with a wonderful warm feel, we really did enjoy staying there.
Aspects were excellent as always, my last 3 cottages have been through them and my next one will be too. Everything is so well done even down to the incredibly detailed instructions on finding the properties and the parking. A fantastic company to deal with, I always recommend them to everyone!
Mrs Mcmurrugh Jun 2023
A wonderfully appointed property within easy reach of the harbour, beaches shops and restaurants. The owners had thought of everything, and the attention to detail made for a relaxing home from home. We particularly enjoyed the patio area with views of the harbour & also the companionship from Hector the cat. Thank you for a perfect week.
Miss Berg Aug 2022
This was our second time visiting Sneaky Peek and once again we absolutely loved it. Amazing location, super homely and just brilliant to be in the thick of things in St Ives! To be on the Harbour beach in 30 seconds from your door - what’s not to like….
Recent enhancements to the property made it even better than it was before and just make it the perfect pad for trip to St Ives!!
Thank you to the owners and to Aspects for another fantastic St Ives holiday.
Mr Bax Aug 2022
Had a fabulous week in Sneaky Peak and I’d highly recommend… great location and a lovely little cottage so I’ll stay again ??
Mrs Sammons Jun 2022
A lovely cottage in a great location. Outside space and beautifully decorated. Downside no Smart TV which is pretty standard in most holiday lets nowadays. Would definitely stay again.
Mrs Houghton Jun 2022
Reply from Aspects Holidays
We are glad that you liked this lovely property and the fantastic, convenient location right in the heart of St Ives. Although a smart TV is standard in most of our own homes these days, that is not always the case in rental properties. If you are returning to Cornwall and this is an important thing for you, make sure that you check out the website description, as we will always clearly state if a TV is a smart TV in the description. Please feel free to check with the bookings team also, who are always happy to answer any questions. Tanya, Customer Services
Lovely property. Recommended. We were 2 adults and 2 children (aged 13 and 16). We filled it nicely. Decor is beach themed with attention to detail. Comfy beds and sofa. Appliances easy to use. Outside shower for wets suits and sandy feet is a fab idea. Right in the heart so convenient for shops and beaches. Not for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues as it has steep narrow stairs. Will stay again.
Mrs Dean Jun 2022
Reply from Aspects Holidays
It is a lovely, cosy little place and the location is spot on for all the family to enjoy St Ives, so we are glad that this property worked so well for your family, and you enjoyed your time there. Unfortunately, most of the traditional fisherman's cottages in the area will not suit those in a wheelchair and there will be factors to consider for others with more limited mobility who do not use a wheelchair. Our website descriptions often give details and show photos to highlight some of the things to consider at different properties, but it is always best to call the team before booking. We are always happy to help answer any queries and help to ensure that everyone picks the best property to suit all their party. Thanks for your helpful comments and we hope to see you back again soon. Tanya, Customer Services
Sneaky Peek was a wonderful space for our family holiday. Our kids loved the bunk room and we loved the upstairs bedroom which was big and bright. The flat was cozy and inviting, and we met the local black cat who popped by to say hello! The flat was well located and beautifully decorated.
Mrs Marwah May 2022
Another perfect half term week. Comfort, cosy, lovely atmosphere and has everything you need to have a wonderful time.
Miss Rabuszko Nov 2021
Perfectly cozy for a small family & amazing location with everything on ur doorstep to the harbour, beaches, shops & restaurants.
Miss Hollingworth Oct 2021
Amazing cottage in the best location of St Ives! We loved the decor and hope to visit again. Thank you.
Ms Tuson Sep 2021
Sneaky Peek is a lovely, well-appointed, and comfortable cottage just a few minutes walk from beautiful Porthgwidden beach and the harbour. The 'sunset beach' at Porthmeor is also very close by. We have had a really lovely holiday there.
A few practical things to note: if you come by car, you will need to park it quite a long way away up a very steep hill at the St Ives rugby club, so factor into your holiday planning that you won't want to go up and down the hill very often to get it. There is no washing machine at the property. One of the children's beds is quite short - so probably only suitable for a child of up to about 12 (our 9-year-old twins loved it).
Mr Howard Jul 2021
Excellent location and very comfortable for the 2 of us and couldn't ask for anything more
Mr Jones Jul 2021
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful cottage. Very well equipped beautifully clean and fantastic location. The owners have clearly gone to a great deal of trouble to make it a really lovely home from home and we were absolutely delighted with our holiday, can’t wait to go back! Thank you very much
Mrs Booth Jun 2021
Lovely holiday home. Great location, extremely comfortable & very well equipped. Fab decor, quirky & in keeping with st Ives. We loved sitting in the courtyard catching the sea glimpses & watching the world go by. Would definitely book again.
Mrs Black May 2021
It was honestly the best place we have ever stayed and we have stayed in many St Ives properties. The attention to detail with the decoration and furnishings was so well thought out. The location was wonderful, so close to the harbour yet nice and quiet. You could tell the owner actually cared. We can’t wait to stay again.
Mr Royle Nov 2020
We genuinely both absolutely loved everything and were blown away. We were so looking forward to staying here and the expectations were completely exceeded. Thankyou for giving us the perfect foundations to a wonderful week!
Miss Rabuszko Nov 2020
Gorgeous property so close to harbour , beaches , shops .Loved every minute there.
Mrs Berrisford Oct 2020
This was our second stay at Sneaky Peek. A very cosy cottage and the location could not be better. Would thoroughly recommend!
Miss Neville Sep 2020
We have had the best 2 weeks staying in Sneaky Peek , after wandering road the cobbled streets last year whilst on holiday looking for our 2020 holiday let we came across this beautiful cottage on Bethesda Hill with the sneaky view of the harbour and we knew that was the one , the owners have thought of everything you need , the decor is amazing and the cottage is so cosy and fully equipped , I would definitely recommend staying here , but I have to say our visit from Harvey the St ives cat was the icing on the cake . We stayed from 25:7:20 - 8:8:20
Mr Fearn Aug 2020
We loved staying at cosy Sneaky Peek. It's perfect situated in Downalong St. Ives, it takes just a minute to harbour and beaches and a few lovely cafes. The cottage provides everything you need. It's so well and lovely furnished, it really makes you feeling home. We've been there in october and found it a quiet place, though central on the Island. We'd definetely recommend Sneaky Peek and book again. Thank you!
Mrs Schwarz Oct 2019
Stayed at Sneaky Peek for 5 days. The cottage was lovely and we had a great time. Everything you would need is there and we couldn't find any faults with the accommodation, the decor is very nice and you can see the owners have put a lot of thought in the choice of furnishing. Bed and settee were very comfortable ( I had some excellent sleeps). For cat lover's Harvey was always willing to come in curl up and fall asleep. We would certainly recommend Sneaky Peek to our friends, Nigel & Jenny.
Mr Robbins Oct 2019
The location is excellent and Sneaky Peek is a perfect size for our family of 3. We’ll be back next year! Plus our son loves Harvey the cat who visits each day. Parking is a bit far away but that encouraged us to leave the car in the car park during our stay and just stick in St Ives as opposed to venturing out anywhere else.
Mrs Savickas Sep 2019
The cottage is in an excellent location, whether going to the fantastic beaches within a few minutes walk, a mooch around the shops, dinner at the many restaurants or out for a more enegertic coastal walk.
We area family of 3 and the cottage was ideal in terms of size and is extremely well equipped from hairdryer to windbreak.
The furnishings are fitting for a quaint fisherman's cottage and with the stable door open there were many passers-by taking a 'sneaky peek'!
Mrs Hayes Sep 2019
Excellent accommodation in a fantastic location made this a lovely holiday. First time in St Ives, not disappointed at all, in fact we fell in love with the place! All the restaurants and cafes were excellent with excellent service. Sneaky Peek played a massive part in us feeling totally at home, hopefully be returning very soon!
Mr Cooper Jun 2019
Sneaky Peek is a little gem! So perfectly situated to enjoy all of St Ives. Close to the harbour, beaches, shops and restaurants. Had lovely food and cocktails in the HUBBOX and enjoyed the cottage whilst attending the Food Festival. Very clean and well equipped cottage so thank you for a lovely stay.
Mrs Williams May 2019
We had a lovely Easter week at Sneaky Peek. Its a cosy, homely and well appointed cottage in a great location set between the Harbour and Porthgwidden beaches. The galley kitchen has everything you need and the lounge is particularly comfortable. The cottage is decorated with a 'seaside' theme which the children will like. A 50m walk down the cobbles of Bethesda Hill will take you to the Wharf with plenty of shops, restaurants and of course the Sloop pub. I would definitely recommend this property.
Mr Cashin Apr 2019
We said we’d be back soon and we were! Still in love with this place the only trouble is the holiday went too fast. Aspects you are just as good as this cottage your service is superb. Thank you all again for a wonderful stay in St Ives and we’ll see you again soon.
Mr Bairstow Feb 2019
We love Sneaky Peek! As soon as we stepped foot through the door we were welcomed by such a warm, calm and relaxing feel to the cottage. Best place to stay in St Ives by far. We'll be back soon!
Mr Bairstow Nov 2018
Cottage is in a great location, so close to beaches, shops, car parks. It has everything you need for a home away from home break in St Ives. Children’s bunk bed was a hit for my 6 year old daughter and she loved the TV in her room and the large wardrobe space for all her clothes. Would definitely return.
Mrs Wheatstone Apr 2018
A fantastically equipped cottage with everything you need. Perfect location and size for a small family.
Ms Devanny Apr 2018
Sneaky Peak is a lovely, quirky cottage in an amazing location - just steps (literally) from the harbour! We couldn't have picked a better place to stay.
Miss Neville Sep 2017
Best property I've stayed in. Location is central yet tucked away and the house is so carefully thought out it was simply wonderful. I would quite happily live there permanently!
Ms Catton - Newell Aug 2017
Lovely cottage in a great location! Very clean and excellent use of space! Had everything you would need and the shower was great. Would definitely book again with Aspects.
Miss Bennett Aug 2017
Beautiful cottage in stunning location. Please be aware though that the very tiny outside area is shared with next door property.
Ms Brown Jul 2017
Reply from Aspects Holidays
Thank you for your feedback; we were very sorry to hear about the outside area, and have since spoken to the owners of the property. They have assured us that the outside area is for Sneaky Peek alone, but the neighbours were being a bit cheeky, using it when they shouldn't. The owners were following up on this, and we will monitor this very closely. You should expect it to not be shared with anyone, so we are very sorry if that had not been the case during your time here. Thank you for letting us know. Tanya, Customer services.