The History of St Ives and the Downalong Area

The Downalong area of St. Ives - best described at the oldest and arguably most picturesque area of the town, has kept holidaymakers and visitors coming back time and time again to explore the maze of tiny streets and sample the wealth of local history. Rising to worldwide prominence through the artist movement in the mid 20th century, the area has always been the subject of fascinating activities. In this blog post we will explore just a few and provide an insight into the history of the area.

The history of St. Ives, and indeed the Downalong area of the town, traces its roots back to the middle ages. Establishing itself as the main fishing and trading port in the area, the town grew from the harbour into nearby cottages and small streets where fishermen lived.The labyrinth of small, narrow and often crowded lanes gave the town its character as it developed - with small cottages situated amongst shopkeepers and traders - grocers, butchers, bakers and market sellers would all vie for space. Much the same applies today; the tourist trade bringing a new life and a different atmosphere to this part of time.

There was a time when St. Ives boasted a large fleet of fishing vessels, with mackerels and pilchards, as well as the shipping of mineral ore, the main economy of the area. The workers would inhabit the Downalong area of the town, often with many people crammed into small spaces and tiny cottages which have since been developed or extended. It was initially a prosperous industry, with thousands of people in employment before the fishing market started to change and dwindle in the mid 20th century.

By then however there was a new focus to this part of town. Gaining attention from a small group of forward thinking artists, St. Ives became a summer haven for many well known painters and sculptors of the day - from Barbara Hepworth to Patrick Heron, Terry Frost and Peter Lanyon. Their work put West Cornwall on the map to a new breed of artists and visitors to the area - and with their work being displayed internationally this gave the opportunity for St. Ives to also develop a new kind of tourist. As the tourist trade developed, helped in part by the art, the Downalong area changed yet again from a hive of artistic activity to the beautiful and classic holiday accommodation we now know today.

The transition of this part of town over the years has retained many of the features that original inhabitants of the area could recognise. Tastefully decorated cottages and apartments attract people from all over the world to sample the atmosphere of St. Ives - with an ever increasing range of attractions, restaurants, cafés and shops to accompany the stunning local beaches.

To learn more, why not book one of our luxury cornish cottage holidays to St. Ives and see this part of town for yourself. Contact Cornish Secrets today on 01736 798745

Shedworking: A Guide to Making Your Shed your Office

There is a trend rising in popularity among freelancers, homeworkers and those who own their own business to make a purpose built shed for their office. There are seemingly a number of benefits to this - and as well as the clear sense of freedom it provides it can also be a great money, time and space saver.

The decision to build your office in a shed follows the same principles of many space saving, ergonomically designed Scandinavian properties. In fact, Scandinavia is where a lot of this philosophy comes from - and it reflects the aesthetic direction....cosy fires, wooden lodges, rugs, sofas and custom furniture is the norm in these offices. One of the major perks is that it can be completely yours, and completely personalized to your needs.

Last week was Anywhere Working week - and if getting out the traditional office and expanding to a more creative space sounds like your cup of tea, bespoke sheds might just be a solution. There are numerous benefits; being in a personalized space you enjoy is a key element of productivity and if you are working in the same space every day, it needs to be a well designed and enjoyable one. Designing your own sounds a perfect option to have fundamental control out of how you spend your day and how you achieve the tasks you need to do.

The Bunkie - http://bunkie.co/

There are of course a number of considerations to be taken on board - namely logistical ones such as ease of access, location to facilities and how practical broadband and other connections can be obtained in the area you're hoping to work. However, some of designs on Shedworking and Cabin Porn are really quite inspirational and should be enough to overcome any challenges that comes your way!

Here at Cornish Secrets we are really keen on alternative stays, alternative ways of living and quirky and authentic Cornish cottages which subscribe to this philosophy. See what you think!

5 Most Interesting Alternative Housing Designs

Living in an eco-friendly way, by sustainable means and in the most cost effective manner possible is something which has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Spurred on by economic recession and people shying away from the ‘rat race’ and returning to the roots, alternative housing design looks to be here to stay. Cornish Secrets rather likes this idea – so here’s a collection of 5 of the most interesting housing designs to catch our eye recently.

Tree Houses

There is no shortage of log cabins built in trees for use in recreation and in the garden…but living in one is a completely different matter. Some of the highest are suspended over 100 feet in the air – and many are full scale houses in the truest sense.

Shipping Containers

Another favourite since the advent of these mass produced containers  - convert them into liveable spaces. Endlessly customisable, with clever design and some moving parts, these modest boxes become quite a useable space as a home.

Earth Berm’s

It’s not just New Zealand and you don’t have to have furry feet – many people have used Earth Berms to make the most of the natural warmth, insulation and protection the ground brings.

Free Spirit Spheres

Okay, so these sort of things are exactly housing as such, but these suspended balls would make fantastic, warm, cosy retreats in the countryside. A tree house for kids.

Escape Pod

Created from a geodesic dome structure affording wonderful views and feelings of spaciousness, Escape Podz are an amazingly unique and exciting approach to your accommodation needs.

What’s more, Cornish Secrets are proud to present their Escape Pod in St. Ives – providing an exclusive personal space to relax and enjoy the break taking North Cornish coastline.

To enquire about the escape pod and any other alternative stays we offer – visit our contact us page or give us a ring on 01736 798745

Welcome To The Secret Journal

The smell of spring is in the air and as the frost thaws, Cornish Secrets start their new blog!

We will be posting a variety of content on here - from exciting stuff we've discovered to news from our authentic Cornish cottages or alternative stays...as the season builds there will always be interesting content to share!

If you are thinking of booking one of our wonderful luxury Cornish cottages for a stay down this way this season, we'd be delighted to help. Do get in touch via the contact us page.