Last updated on April 16, 2026
St Ives is one of the UK’s most special beach destinations with a charming town centre, buzzy art scene, and turquoise waters that have you questioning what country you’re in.
Its popularity means there are plentiful accommodation options, from boutique hotels to camping to self-catering apartments.
On our recent visit, we were invited by Aspects Holidays to review their property,13 St Margarets. The modern penthouse apartment with a sweeping view over St Ives Bay is just along the coast in Carbis Bay, a quieter spot , but still with easy access to St Ives.
Here’s what we thought…
The essentials
Name: 13 St Margarets
Location: Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Sleeps: 6 (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)
Price: £667 – £1853 per week
How to book: We booked via Aspects Holidays
The accommodation in a nutshell
A bright, contemporary penthouse apartment with panoramic sea views over St Ives Bay. Just a short walk to Carbis Bay Beach and a few minutes’ drive from St Ives, it’s a comfortable base for families wanting space, convenience and a view to fall in love with.
What we loved most
- The sweeping ocean view from the living room and main bedroom – it had us daydreaming about moving to Cornwall.
- Cosy place to retreat to – it has a warm, homely feel that made it easy to relax straight away. Warm lighting and plentiful blankets add to the comfort.
- The concertina doors that open onto the balcony – perfect for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine with the sea breeze drifting in.
- A welcome basket of local goodies, including fresh apple juice, shortbread and fudge.
- The thoughtful guide from the owners, packed with personal recommendations for local places to eat and visit.
- Fully equipped kitchen and handy washer/dryer – ideal for families or longer stays.
- The spacious layout gave us plenty of room to spread out.
- Private parking (a rarity around here!) and an easy drive into St Ives. Or you can even catch the train.
- Close to the epic Carbis Bay Beach, the famous Becks Fish and Chips, and a large supermarket for supplies.
Good to know
The two bedrooms that face the main road do get some traffic noise, especially during busy times, but it wasn’t enough to disturb the kids who were sleeping there. The master bedroom, on the sea-facing side, is perfectly quiet.
As is usual with self-catering apartments, toiletries aren’t provided, so remember to bring your own shampoo, shower gel etc.
The apartment is in a new-build block, which inherently lacks charm from the outside – but the owners have done a nice job of making the inside cosy with lots of texture and soft furnishings. However, if your heart is set on traditional charm, you might like to explore some of Aspects cottages or farmhouses.
The details
The apartment is on the top floor of a modern block, with a lift from the private parking area. Inside, everything’s on one level. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area is bright and cosy, with large bi-fold doors that frame the ocean view. We loved curling up on the sofa and watching the waves roll across St Ives Bay. There’s also an outdoor terrace for the warmer months.
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need – including a wine cooler, dishwasher and washer/dryer – and the dining table seats six.
There are three bedrooms: the main bedroom has a four-poster bed, French doors to the balcony terrace and that incredible sea view. Another has a king bed and en-suite shower room, and the third can be set up as twins or a king via zip-and-link beds. There’s also a family bathroom with a bath and overhead shower.
Underfloor heating keeps things cosy in cooler months (we were there at the end of October), and the décor is modern yet warm, with soft colours and quality furnishings that make it feel more homely than most new builds. Everything was spotless on arrival.
What’s the location like?
Carbis Bay is a quiet, scenic base just outside St Ives, and 13 St Margarets makes exploring the area easy. The beach is a 15-minute walk downhill (a bit longer on the way back up!) and St Ives is less than a 10-minute drive away.
If you prefer to avoid parking in town, hop on the Carbis Bay branch line – one of the UK’s prettiest train rides – which takes you right into the heart of St Ives in minutes. The South West Coast Path is also nearby for walks with spectacular views towards either St Ives or Porthkidney Beach.
Things to do nearby
- Spend a day on Carbis Bay Beach, famous for its turquoise water and soft white sand. You could try one of the restaurants at the Carbis Bay Estate.
- Head into St Ives for its galleries, cafés and beaches. See our full St Ives guide.
- Walk the South West Coast Path towards Godrevy Lighthouse or into St Ives for unforgettable views.
- Visit the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden.
- Take a day trip to St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole, or Penzance.
- Grab classic fish and chips from Becks nearby or try one of St Ives’ many excellent restaurants.
Where to eat nearby
Carbis Bay has a handful of good options within walking distance or a short drive, and St Ives’ food scene is right on your doorstep.
- Becks Fish and Chips – an institution and great for a takeaway dinner by the sea. Be aware that the lines can get long at peak time, but tend to move fairly quickly (I waited 15 mins on a Friday night).
- Porthgwidden Beach Café – for lunch with unbeatable ocean views.
- Talay Thai Kitchen or Onzo Pizzeria in St Ives – both family-friendly favourites.
- The Gannet Inn – elegant dining in a nearby hotel, perfect for a date night.
- And for a treat, head to Carbis Bay Estate for cocktails or dinner with a touch of luxury.
Our verdict
13 St Margarets is a cosy, modern coastal apartment with a view you’ll never tire of. While it doesn’t have the charm of a fisherman’s cottage, it makes up for it with space, comfort, style and those epic sea views.
For more St Ives tips, see my guide to things to do in St Ives with kids (or without).
Disclosure: We were hosted by Aspects Holidays for a 3-night stay at 13 St Margarets.