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Old Arch Cottage at The Digey, St Ives

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Old Arch Cottage at The Digey is a beautifully refurbished fisherman's cottage dating back to 1760 in the Downalong area of St Ives, Cornwall. This historic property sits less than one minute's walk from Porthmeor Beach and retains original features including exposed stone, inset pilchard smoking boxes and reclaimed ships' timbers used for ceiling beams and the fireplace. The cottage is deceptively spacious across two floors.

The cobbled Digey location places you in one of St Ives' most sought-after areas. The turquoise waters of St Ives Bay invite year-round surfing, paddle-boarding and swimming.

About Old Arch Cottage at The Digey

Old Arch Cottage at The Digey is a beautifully refurbished fisherman's cottage dating back to 1760 in the Downalong area of St Ives, Cornwall. This historic property sits less than one minute's walk from Porthmeor Beach and retains original features including exposed stone, inset pilchard smoking boxes and reclaimed ships' timbers used for ceiling beams and the fireplace. The cottage is deceptively spacious across two floors.

The cobbled Digey location places you in one of St Ives' most sought-after areas. The turquoise waters of St Ives Bay invite year-round surfing, paddle-boarding and swimming. Tate St Ives sits on Porthmeor beach alongside excellent eateries, shops and galleries.

The ground floor features an open plan lounge and dining area with Smart TV, large sofa and window seat overlooking The Digey. A separate contemporary kitchen includes gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher and Nespresso machine. Upstairs offers a master bedroom with king size bed and Smart TV, plus a children's bedroom with triple bunk bed. Two bathrooms include a ground floor shower room perfect for beach de-sanding.

Porthminster Beach lies 0.5 miles away (10 minutes). Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden sits 0.3 miles distant (6 minutes). Carbis Bay Beach is 1.5 miles (8 minutes). Coast path walking routes circle St Ives Bay.

Old Arch Cottage combines exceptional period features with contemporary comfort in an unbeatable beachside location. Perfect for families wanting authentic St Ives living steps from the sand.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Digey

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

St Ives, Cornwall

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Mainly clear

Updated: 23 Jul 2026, 3:25am

🌡️
16.00°C
Temperature
💨
10 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
95%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A luxury cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Digey sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

15m

(49 feet above sea level)

The Digey sits in a peaceful Cornwall setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a luxury escape.

🏔️
15m
Elevation
📍
St Ives
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to St Ives are typical Cornwall lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.2150917° N | Longitude: 5.4811149° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for St Ives (Friday, 31 July 2026):

4:36am

Sunrise

7:20pm

Golden Hour

8:20pm

Sunset

🌅
4:36am
Sunrise
🌇
8:20pm
Sunset
📸
7:20pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:20pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in St Ives, you have approximately 15.73 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Digey.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

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Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cornwall. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 23 Jul 2026 | Location: 50.2150917, -5.4811149

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at The Digey

Prime Downalong Location

Less than one minute's walk to Porthmeor Beach puts you right in the heart of St Ives' most desirable area with everything on your doorstep.

Original Period Features

Dating back to 1760 with exposed stone walls, inset pilchard smoking boxes and reclaimed ships' timber beams creating authentic Cornish character throughout.

Two Full Bathrooms

Ground floor shower room and first floor family bathroom mean no queuing after beach days, perfect for families with active children.

Open Courtyard Dining

Private outdoor space with dining set provides your own sunny spot for alfresco meals in the heart of historic St Ives.

High Speed Starlink WiFi

Around 100 Mbps internet keeps everyone connected, ideal for streaming, remote work or keeping teenagers happy during downtime.

Walking Distance Everything

Beaches, Tate Gallery, shops, restaurants and coastal paths all within minutes means you can leave the car parked all week.

Getting To The Digey

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Old Arch Cottage by car, take the A30 towards Penzance then follow signs for St Ives on the A3074. The cottage is located on the cobbled Digey in the Downalong area. Your private parking space is at St Ives Rugby Club, a 10-minute downhill walk from the property.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, St Ives railway station is approximately 0.8 miles from Old Arch Cottage. The scenic branch line from St Erth offers spectacular coastal views. From the station, it's a 15-minute walk or short taxi ride to the cottage.

Private parking at St Ives Rugby Club
St Ives station (0.8 miles)
Accessible via A3074 from A30

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Tate St Ives
Distance: 0.1 miles
TR26 1TG
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden
Distance: 0.3 miles
TR26 1AD
Porthminster Beach
Distance: 0.5 miles
TR26 2EA
South West Coast Path - Porthmeor to Carbis Bay
Distance: 0.1 miles
TR26 1JZ
St Ives to Zennor Coastal Walk
Distance: 0.2 miles
TR26 1JZ
Trewyn Subtropical Gardens
Distance: 0.2 miles
TR26 1QA
St Ives Town Centre
Distance: 0.2 miles
TR26 2DS
Tesco Superstore St Ives
Distance: 1.2 miles
TR26 2JA
St Ives Farmers Market
Distance: 0.3 miles
TR26 2DS
St Ives Bus Station
Distance: 0.3 miles
TR26 2DS
St Ives Railway Station
Distance: 0.8 miles
TR26 2NQ
St Ives Harbour
Distance: 0.2 miles
TR26 1LF
Tate St Ives
Distance: 0.1 miles
TR26 1TG
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden
Distance: 0.3 miles
TR26 1AD
Porthminster Beach
Distance: 0.5 miles
TR26 2EA
South West Coast Path - Porthmeor to Carbis Bay
Distance: 0.1 miles
TR26 1JZ
St Ives to Zennor Coastal Walk
Distance: 0.2 miles
TR26 1JZ
Trewyn Subtropical Gardens
Distance: 0.2 miles
TR26 1QA
St Ives Town Centre
Distance: 0.2 miles
TR26 2DS
Tesco Superstore St Ives
Distance: 1.2 miles
TR26 2JA
St Ives Farmers Market
Distance: 0.3 miles
TR26 2DS
St Ives Bus Station
Distance: 0.3 miles
TR26 2DS
St Ives Railway Station
Distance: 0.8 miles
TR26 2NQ
St Ives Harbour
Distance: 0.2 miles
TR26 1LF

Is The Digey Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Old Arch Cottage offers excellent facilities for children with a dedicated children's bedroom featuring a triple bunk bed and window seat with books. A cot and high chair are available on request. The ground floor shower room allows quick clean-ups after beach adventures. Porthmeor Beach sits less than one minute away for sandcastle building and rock pooling. The open courtyard provides safe outdoor space. Smart TVs in both the living room and master bedroom offer entertainment options.
Groups Will Love...
The open courtyard at Old Arch Cottage provides a private outdoor dining area exclusively for guests, perfect for family meals and special celebrations. The space includes a dining table with seating and catches the sunshine throughout the day. This outdoor room extends your living space in the heart of historic St Ives. Combined with the open plan lounge and dining area inside, the cottage offers flexible entertaining spaces for gatherings. The location less than one minute from Porthmeor Beach adds to the appeal.
Pet Friendly
Old Arch Cottage welcomes up to 2 pets for an additional fee. The cobbled Digey location and immediate access to Porthmeor Beach make this ideal for dog owners. Coastal path walks around St Ives Bay start from your doorstep. Dogs can enjoy year-round beach access on Porthmeor outside summer restrictions. Pets must not be left alone in the property, cannot use furniture and are not permitted upstairs. Storage space at the back accommodates leads and pet equipment.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Digey

The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TR26 1LG

Porthmeor Beach Cafe

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TR26 1JZ

The Rum & Crab Shack

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TR26 2EA

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Digey

How many people does Old Arch Cottage sleep?
Old Arch Cottage sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms. The master bedroom has a king size bed whilst the second bedroom features a triple bunk bed suitable only for children.
Is Old Arch Cottage pet friendly?
Yes, Old Arch Cottage welcomes up to 2 pets. Pets must not be left alone in the property, cannot use furniture and are not permitted in upstairs bedroom areas.
Where can I park at Old Arch Cottage?
A private parking space is provided at St Ives Rugby Club, a 10-minute downhill walk or 20 minutes uphill. A regular bus service operates from outside The Tate Gallery, about 30 seconds' walk from the cottage.
What kitchen facilities are available?
The separate contemporary kitchen includes a gas hob, electric single oven and grill, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer, Nespresso pod coffee machine, microwave, kettle and toaster. All glasses, cutlery, crockery, cookware and utensils are provided.
Is Old Arch Cottage suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the cottage welcomes children and offers a cot and high chair on request. The ground floor shower room is perfect for quick clean-ups after beach visits. The second bedroom with triple bunk bed is designed specifically for children.
How far is the beach from Old Arch Cottage?
Porthmeor Beach is less than one minute's walk from the cottage. Porthminster Beach is 0.5 miles away, approximately a 10-minute walk. The location is perfect for beach lovers wanting immediate sand access.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 10:00. This allows the housekeeping team to prepare the cottage to exceptional standards between guests.
Does the cottage have WiFi and TV?
Yes, high-speed Starlink WiFi provides around 100 Mbps throughout the property. A Smart flat screen TV is in the living room and another Smart TV is in the master bedroom for flexible entertainment.

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