Self-catering used to be the poor relation of seaside holidays, conjuring up images of leaving home in a car piled high with just about everything bar the proverbial kitchen sink. But in the current economic climate, coupled with the weak pound making it increasingly painful to holiday in the Euro zone, more people are opting to holiday on home territory

With its spectacular natural coastline, stunning countryside and artistic heritage, to say nothing of the cream, Cornwall is an obvious choice for a break on the British coast. And in St Ives, often described as the jewel in the Cornish crown, a £1.5 million development has taken self-catering to lofty new heights.

New lease of life

Opened in 2008, Sail Lofts have breathed a new lease of life into a group of 18th and 19th century buildings originally used as drying lofts for nets and sails and surrounding a courtyard used for processing pilchards, once the mainstay of the local economy. Today the complex is made up of 12 airy and beautifully appointed contemporary apartments a pebble's throw from Porthmeor Beach.

For families, groups of friends or couples looking for a holiday hideaway surrounded by creature comforts Sail Lofts offers a fantastic self-catering experience.

St Ives local shops First stop were the local shops, dominated by individual small shops and locally owned businesses and making a pleasant change from lookalike town centres. Foodies won't be able to resist scrummy hand-made Cornish chocolate from the French-style shop Chocolat or the restaurants and pubs vying for attention with their imaginative gastro menus.

Alternatively, you can opt for feel-good sprouting seeds and other natural goodies from Living Food of St Ives.

Eating out

When it comes to eating out, or in, the ubiquitous Cornish pasty can be found at every turn and in every guise, including traditional beef, lamb, cheese and chive, vegetable and vegan at places like Pengenna Pasties. One of the best restaurants in town is Alba, in the former lifeboat house on the harbour front.

Line-caught fish and local produce feature on the menu and a local forager provides the restaurant with peppery wild watercress and edible seaweeds. For the best harbour views call in advance and book table 5, 6 or 7 upstairs.

For something less formal try Blas Burgerworks, a world away from your average burger flipping joint. Home of gourmet burgers made from naturally reared free-range meat, the restaurant has a strong ecological ethos from furniture made from reclaimed materials or sustainable sources to its recycling policies.

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Self-catering in St Ives

New lease of life

Eating out