Whilst indulging myself in day-dreaming about my next luxury mini-break I came across the gorgeous Tide House in St Ives, Cornwall which dates back to 1540. ‘What? 1540?’ I hear my American friends exclaim. And yes, that’s 225 years before the War of Independence, 80 years before the Mayflower landed and in those days nothing west of the Mississippi was explored. But I digress.
Back to the Tide House and it’s rich history as the oldest hotel in St Ives, a smart coastal town at the south west tip of the British Isles. Cornwall is a bit of a posh get-away for the Brits, especially Londoners and can get as busy as Oxford Street during the summer months. However the scenery and Cornish coast line are breathtakingly beautiful and there are plenty of beaches, rock pools and old ruins to explore which make it popular with families. I’ve not been to The Tide House which claims to be both family-friendly and a romantic retreat but I adore the look and feel of the place and I could see myself there at any time of year. Plus their photos fit perfectly onto my ‘Coastal Living’ board on Pinterest for my future coastal retreat.
In 2011 Suzy and David Fairfield bought the hotel and spent 18 months restoring it into a home from home with friendly and informal service. Suzy’s skills as an interior designer come through in her choice of beautiful warm and tactile luxury furnishings and the coastal details and chalky colour palette are tasteful without being overwhelming. Each one of the six bedrooms is individually styled and Suzy’s artwork – she has a degree in illustration from Brighton College of Art – is on display in some of the rooms. I love the mix of materials and the combination of old and new and can tell just from looking at the photos that the couple is passionate about their place. They have achieved their vision of creating a home from home where people come to relax yet feel they are staying somewhere special.
LOCAL POINTS OF INTERST:
by Suzy and David Fairfield via Alastair Sawday’s
• St Ives has seven different great beaches to explore and enjoy
• St Ives is world famous for its connection with artists – some great galleries to see plus, of course, Tate St Ives
• Barbara Hepworth museum and sculpture garden is really worth a visit
• The Minack Theatre, Cornwall’s world famous open air theatre – a stunning place to see
• The iconic St Michael’s Mount – a stroll across the tidal causeway or a short boat hop from nearby Marazion
• Some of the best coastal walking in the UK, including the spectacular Hell’s Mouth to Godrevy and St Ives to Zennor
Sounds just like my cup of tea!
Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!
More information & photography | Tide House St Ives, Cornwall