I’ll never forget the drive down to St Ives – what should’ve been a straightforward jaunt from the motorway turned into a proper comedy of errors. We’d set off early, me behind the wheel of our trusty old estate car, kids in the back buzzing with excitement about pasties and beaches. But no, halfway through Devon, the sat-nav decided to throw a wobbly and directed us down some winding B-road that felt like it hadn’t seen tarmac since the war. Then, just as we hit Cornwall proper, a sheep decided to play chicken with us on a narrow lane near Zennor. I swerved, heart in my mouth, and ended up with a puncture from what I swear was a rogue flint. Twenty minutes later, jack up and spare on, we were back rolling, but by now I was frazzled, the other half shooting me looks that said, “This is why we should’ve taken the train.”

Still, as we crested the hill into St Ives, that first glimpse of the sea sparkling under the late afternoon sun melted away the stress. We were buzzing with anticipation – I’d been dreaming of this spot for months, scrolling estate agent pics late at night, imagining lazy mornings with coffee and waves crashing below. Pulling up outside this stunning detached house, my jaw proper dropped. It’s one of those places designed by an award-winning architect, you can tell – all sleek lines and effortless luxury, perched to make the most of those jaw-dropping sea views. From the driveway, you could already see the ocean stretching out forever, and I felt this silly grin spreading across my face.

Stepping inside was like entering a mate’s dream pad, but way posher. The smart home setup kicked in straight away – lights dimming softly, ceiling speakers humming a gentle playlist we’d pre-loaded. Every living area framed the sea like a living painting, and blimey, the space! It’s got this extraordinary 9m by 8m roof terrace that had us all whooping – luxury outdoor sofas and chairs begging for sundowners, with that incredible vista right there. We dumped the bags and made a beeline for it, kids racing ahead while I paused for a breath. The first and second floor bedrooms each have their own private terraces or massive balconies, all with frameless glass that keeps the wind out but lets the views flood in. Four of them overlook the sea directly – pure magic.

That evening, after a quick unpack amid the chaos of sandy shoes and forgotten chargers, we wandered down to Porthmeor Beach, just a short stroll away. The sun dipped low, surfers dotting the waves, and we grabbed fish and chips from a spot on the harbour. Back at the house, sprawled on the terrace as dusk fell, I had one of those moments – you know, where you look at your slightly sunburnt family, listen to the gulls, and think, “We’re doing alright, aren’t we?” The arrival mishaps faded into chuckles over dinner; turns out a bit of chaos makes the good bits shine brighter. Waking up to sea views from bed the next morning? That’s the stuff holidays are made of. If you’re after a proper treat in St Ives, find a place like this – it’ll have you hooked from the off.