Tathra Beach Cottage

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Tathra Beach Cottage? It’s got this perfect perch on Barnoon Hill that honestly makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something the tourist buses haven’t figured out yet. I mean, you’re literally a stone’s throw from Porthmeor Beach – and when I say stone’s throw, I actually mean it, not that estate agent version where you need binoculars to see water.

The cottage itself has that lived-in charm that’s becoming harder to find in St Ives these days. It’s not trying to be some Instagram-perfect showcase (though you’ll definitely end up taking photos anyway). The rooms feel properly comfortable, like someone actually thought about how you’d use the space rather than just cramming in furniture. What really gets me is the attention to small things – decent shower pressure, windows that actually open properly, and thank god, blackout curtains that work. You’d be surprised how many places overlook that last bit, especially when you’ve got those summer mornings where it’s bright as daylight at 5 AM.

Being on Barnoon Hill means you’re in this sweet spot where you can walk down to the Tate St Ives in about three minutes, but you’re far enough up the hill to escape most of the summer madness down by the harbor. The parking situation – which, let’s be honest, is usually a nightmare in St Ives – is actually manageable here. Well, sort of. It’s still St Ives, so don’t expect to roll up at 2 PM in August and find a spot right outside, but the cottage gives you options that most places simply can’t.

I love that you can hear the sea from most of the rooms, but it’s not that overwhelming crash-bang-wallop you get right on the seafront. It’s more of a gentle soundtrack that honestly helps you sleep better than any white noise machine. During the day, you’ve got this brilliant view stretching across the bay – on clear mornings you can see right across to Godrevy Lighthouse, which never gets old.

The whole area comes alive differently depending on when you visit. Summer’s obviously mental (but brilliantly so), while spring and autumn give you this more contemplative version of St Ives where you can actually move around without bumping into someone every five seconds. Winter’s properly atmospheric too – those dramatic skies and moody seas that remind you why artists have been flocking here for decades.

What really seals it for me is how the cottage manages to feel both part of St Ives’ artistic heritage and completely unpretentious at the same time. You’re not paying for some curated “authentic Cornish experience” – you’re just staying somewhere genuinely nice that happens to be in one of the most beautiful spots on the coast. The 8.6 rating makes perfect sense when you factor in location, comfort, and that indefinable feeling that you’ve found somewhere special without having to sell a kidney to afford it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $338. Holiday Home with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Daniel from United Kingdom – 25 November 2024 (9/10)

  The location was fantastic right in the heart of all the action. The property itself was good it had all the facilities we required to make our stay comfortable. The furniture was all comfortable especially the beds. The showers were nice and hot and powerful. Barnoon car park is a short walk up the hill away so easy to park and walk down with bags etc.
  
  What could be improved: The property is split over 4 levels which wasn’t a problem for us but those with mobility issues may wish to consider this and the corridors are narrow. The stairs down the to the kitchen you have to mind your head going down.

• Amanda from United Kingdom – 14 September 2024 (9/10)

  Very comfortable and clean
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Catherine from United Kingdom – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely cottage in central location.

• Paul from United Kingdom – 2 November 2024 (8/10)

  Great location, right in centre of St Ives. Pretty cottage, well furnished on all four floors. Able to park outside to unload was useful and not far from car park.
  
  What could be improved: Decor a little tired in places and slightly damp but nothing too serious. Lounge a bit dusty – not noticeably but I can always tell cause have a dust allergy!

• David from United Kingdom – 6 April 2024 (8/10)

  Really lovely cottage
  
  What could be improved: With a pub next door deliveries and collection of recycling were early in the morning. Just before 6ish so it does disturb you as very noisy.

• Alexdinescu from Romania – 6 February 2025 (7/10)

  the location was great, just a minute away from all the restaurants and the pier.
  the house was clean
  
  What could be improved: for heating, the boiler was at the last floor; this made the last floor ( a bedroom ) extremely hot compared to the ground floor ( or even worse the lower ground floor which was really cold );
  there was an old house smell at the lower ground floor, which was persisting up to the first floor;
  
  while we were rightfully told that we cannot park in front of the house, a car got parked in front of the house entrance in two of the 3 days, blocking the entrance, especially when carrying any luggage. The car owner even confronted us saying we should not touch his car when he found his back wiper raised.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities