Are you searching for a blank canvas on which to start a new adventure in Cornwall? If so, our latest St Ives property could be just what you’re looking for!
This three-bedroom character cottage is right in the heart of the old fishing quarter in the area known as Downlong, and would make a wonderful home or a profitable holiday let on the Cornish coast.
Unlike many of the beautiful old properties in this part of town, Bosuns Whistle hasn’t been extensively modernised. In our eyes this makes it particularly attractive for those looking for a place to call home in the heart of St Ives, a bolthole for weekend escapes, or an investment property with potential to generate income and increase in value.
We can’t wait to take you ‘through the keyhole’, but first, ‘location, location, location’ (sorry!)
Downlong is the oldest part of St Ives, clustered between the harbour, the ‘Island’ and Porthmeor Beach
Historic, the area known as Downlong is a unique, beautiful and atmospheric collection of small streets at the extreme end of the mini-peninsula occupied by St Ives. This spit of land is surrounded on three sides by water, giving the town its reputation for the stunning natural quality of light – something which has attracted artists for many generations.
As well as artists, these streets were traditionally home to fishermen. Just a short stroll from the harbour, roads such as Carncrows Street where this cottage is situated would have been a hive of maritime industry back in the heyday of huge pilchard hauls.
St Ives in the summer: It’s not hard to see why holiday lets are popular here!
To find out more about the history of St Ives, why not read this article on non-fiction reads about this iconic Cornish coastal town?
These days Downlong is one of the most attractive places to stay on the Cornish coast, all year round. Visitors wander from beach to beach, discovering intriguing galleries, quirky bars and bustling restaurants while soaking up the atmosphere amongst narrow streets with names like Salubrious Place and Teetotal Street.
A character cottage… 
…in historic Downlong!
Therefore the new owners of Bosuns Whistle will inherit a piece of history, right in the heart of today’s action. The sweet cottage was once a ships carpenter’s home, and is located within easy striking distance of all St Ives has to offer, including five beautiful beaches.
The attractive frontage invites you into an entrance hall, where you’ll immediately be enveloped by a traditional sense of cottage cosiness. Exposed beams proliferate throughout this property, while bright white paintwork introduces light into every corner.
Even on the threshold, this cottage radiates character and warmth
Downstairs you’ll find a homely living room with a stone fireplace, currently used to house an electric fire. Three windows – one of which would make a lovely window seat – bring natural light into this large space, which incorporates a kitchenette and has space for a dining table. A handy pantry has been created under the stairs, in which you’ll find a fridge, microwave and storage.
Ripe for redecoration, this living space could become a wonderful retreat in all seasons. We can imagine sitting here with a glass of wine in hand, sheltering in comfort from a winter storm, or returning from the beach to wash off the sun cream before sundowners at a harbourside bar.
We love the exposed beams… 
Big windows let in plenty of light
Upstairs, on the first floor there’s a useful linen cupboard on the landing, next to a shower room with underfloor heating. On this floor you’ll also find a twin bedroom with generous proportions, with in-built book shelves and a wardrobe.
Cottage character, modern touches, and in-built storage
Up on the second floor landing, and you’re really amongst the salt-whipped rooftops of St Ives. Here you’ll find a single bedroom and a double, both partly built into the eaves and benefitting from Velux windows. Deep window sills, white walls and tidy in-built storage solutions help these rooms feel cosy yet uncluttered.
Up amongst the rooftops of St Ives, this bedroom could be a twin or a double
Once you’ve enjoyed a restful nights sleep amongst the eaves, simply roll out of the door and stroll to Porthgwidden Beach Cafe for breakfast, grab a coffee at Yallah on the harbour, or start your tour of the best galleries in St Ives. As the owner of this property you’ll have time to really get to know the place; it needn’t be a whistle-stop tour!
What Did We Miss?
- Bosuns Whistle is being sold inclusive of all furniture, fittings and contents.
- The cottage is on the route of the one-way traffic system through St Ives, and close to several car parks with long stay parking available.
- St Ives is a great place to live and visit in all seasons, a fact which is reflected in occupancy rates of holiday lets like this.
- Convenient electric heaters are installed throughout the property.
- You’ll be just moments away from The Sloop Inn, one of Cornwall’s oldest pubs!
With three bedrooms and a fantastic location in the heart of St Ives, Bosuns Whistle is on the market for £525,000. Find out more here.
As a St Ives estate agent with huge local experience within the team, we’re always ready to help you look for a new home. We’re also experts when it comes to making your property more attractive to buyers. Browse our current properties for sale here, or find out more about selling with us today.
