Art-Inspired Honeymoons in Cornwall

words Rebecca Matthews

EAST PENTHOUSE

It's difficult to imagine a prettier town than St Ives, with its huddle of fishermen's cottages, tiny artists' studios and cobbled streets flanked by sandy beaches - and this stunning apartment offers the perfect vantage point to appreciate its charm and beauty. 

Boasting an exceptional location on the brow of the hill that slips down to the little town, East Penthouse looks out across the blue sweep of St Ives Bay, from the sands of Gwithian and Godrevy lighthouse and around to the higgledy-piggledy cluster of buildings that juts out into the Atlantic. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony wrap around the luxury apartment, allowing its fortunate guests to bask in the staggering panoramas from dawn to dusk, when the lights of the town cast magical reflections across the water.

Contemporary design and extraordinary attention to detail is evident in every luxe corner of this stylish sanctuary. A soothing palette of cream, taupe and latte sets the serene mood; there's a super king-size bed piled with luxurious linen, a beautifully designed bespoke kitchen, and a sumptuous bathroom with a deep bath and spacious shower for two.

You'll also find all manner of mod cons, from the atmospheric lighting and Miele kitchen appliances to the Smart TV and sound system; there's even a bedside switch for the shower to ensure the water is suitably steamy when you hop in.

It would be easy to while away a blissful few days in this gorgeous spot: wake to the sound of the sea, eat al fresco on the balcony, watch the fishing boats bob across the water and the sun drift across the sky. If you can drag yourself away, there's plenty to do nearby. Take to St Ives' turquoise waters for a surf or stand-up paddleboarding session, or, for the less active, a sunny snooze on the sands. Catch the train at the little station below and enjoy the prettiest of rail journeys around the coast. Or simply explore this picture-perfect town, visit the galleries, wander the beaches and dine at one of the town's many top-notch restaurants: the acclaimed Porthminster Beach Cafe is just a short stroll from East Penthouse.

www.boutique-retreats.co.uk 

ABOUT ST IVES

This little town is big on culture. The rare quality of light makes St Ives a magnet for artists, and, having boasted its own school of artists since the 19th century, its rich artistic legacy spans the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Alfred Wallis through to Peter Lanyon, Terry Frost and pioneer potter Bernard Leach. Be sure to visit The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, The Leach Pottery and, of course, The Tate St Ives, which offers constantly changing exhibitions against the stunning seascapes of Porthmeor Beach. St Ives and its surrounding area has also inspired a host of writers: retrace the footsteps of Virginia Woolf, who spent her childhood holidays in the town, D.H. Lawrence, who lived near Zennor from 1916-1918, and Rosamunde Pilcher. Head to the town for St Ives Literature Festival in May or St Ives September Festival and its programme of music, poetry, theatre and art exhibitions.

KITTIWAKE

Enjoy sundowners before the rosy skies of sunset over Mount's Bay from a cosy summerhouse for two and watch the sunrise over Mousehole's little harbour from the comfort of a king-size bed cloaked in Egyptian cotton - Kittiwake offers a dreamy vantage point to enjoy this storybook village. 

The luxurious seaside bolthole also offers a charming mix of old and new: an original Cornish range, inglenook granite fireplace and original beams sit alongside a modern kitchen, eclectic furnishings and a Victorian-style bathroom complete with a slipper bath. 

Revel in a loved-up few days watching the fishing boats pootle across the bay, moseying around the winding streets and dining on fresh seafood. Heaven.

ABOUT MOUSEHOLE

Described by Dylan Thomas - who spent his honeymoon in the village in 1937 - as "the loveliest village in England", Mousehole is a favourite haunt of poets and painters. Located between the fishing port of Newlyn, famed for its colony of painters, the Newlyn School, and Lamorna, the home of the Lamorna Group of artists, it's not difficult to see why this charming corner of the coast proves an inspiration to this day. Be sure to visit Newlyn Art Gallery, Penlee House Gallery in Penzance and, just along the coast, the spectacular open-air Minack Theatre.

BARNACLES

The view from Barnacles' balcony - the Fowey estuary curling away into the distance, the Bodinnick Ferry slipping slowly across the river, the boats chugging by from sunrise to sunset - is utterly enchanting and the perfect spot for morning coffee through to post-dinner bubbles. 

Inside the waterfront apartment, the vibe is light, airy and oh-so snug; think nautical-inspired decor, melt-into-me sofas piled with plump cushions and a free-standing bath. 

Housed in a building that was formerly a chandlers, there are steps leading down to the little stretch of sand below, while Fowey's pretty jumble of shops, restaurants and historic buildings are just a short walk away.

ABOUT FOWEY

The picture-perfect village of Fowey offers breath-taking coastal views, winding, characterful streets - and a host of impressive literary connections. Famously a source of inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier, the writer spent a large part of her life in and around Fowey and set many of her books in this scenic corner of Cornwall, while Fowey Hall Hotel is thought to have been the inspiration for Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows after Kenneth Grahame's frequent visits to the stunning spot. Visit in May for Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature.

Copyright Wed Magazine 2016