Where was the pot of gold?

With the weather as it is we've been lucky enough to spot a fair few rainbows in the past week, the problem is the camera hasn't always been to hand, but here are a few we did catch...

Christmassy Cornwall...

We’re beginning to feel very festive here at The Sail Lofts, our Christmas tree has just arrived and Dave is hunting around the garage looking for the lights. In fact St Ives in general has a very festive feel to the air, the town’s lights have been switched on and many of the local pubs have added mulled wine and mulled cider to their menu’s – some recent guests inform us that the mulled cider is deliciously potent!

Cornwall is a great place to buy unique gifts and recently I went to Trereife House for its annual Christmas Fayre, there was so much on offer from local handmade jewelery to quirky clocks made from slate and yummy Cornish food to glasses made from recycled bottles. I certainly picked up some great stocking fillers that I hope will wow my family and friends.

In the lead up to the festive period there are a number of Christmas Fayres in Cornwall but there’s also lots to do with the family if you’re tired of all that Christmas shopping.

Last weekend my husband and I visited the Eden Project up in St Austell. Eden is currently celebrating its Time of Gifts season and features a host of festive themed treats in the lead-up to Christmas. The ice skating rink is back for another season and is looking stunning. This year they have ‘chilly penguins’ to help young children on the ice, these penguins act as a skating aid and really do help the little ones confidence on the ice.

There really is so much going on in Cornwall over the festive season and if you’re visiting us and you need any recommendations whatsoever on Christmas markets or attractions that are really getting into the festive spirit please don’t hesitate to ask.

Kelly.

hello to the new and good bye to the...

The last few months has seen the artwork at The Sail Lofts change, we've unfortunately said good bye to most of the powerful paintings of Andrew Garner who has had work on display at The Sail Lofts since we launched in 2008 - thank you Andy, its been a pleasure working with you (hopefully still see you in the water!).

However, as things change we've been able to welcome a whole host of new artists to The Sail Lofts, from the abstract paintings of Marie Keeling to the emotional seascapes of Jenny Hirst, Chris Hankey and Erin Ward.

The last three artists' works have been loaned to The Sail Lofts by the lovely Porthminster Gallery in St Ives. David, Dee and Claire are all very knowledgeable and have patiently spent Friday afternoons choosing and deliberating over the best paintings for each apartment - and the results are marvelous!

All the artwork at The Sail Lofts is available for purchase, so if you are staying with us, or like the look of a piece on our website please do let us know and we will be happy to help.

Below is a selection of some of the new artwork...

Sun and Surf for our Guests

Does this tempt you? If so we still have some availability for September (and 20% off the first 2 weeks) where we are hoping for surf just as good as this (if not better ;-)) and lots more sun...

St Ives Lifeboat Day

Tomorrow (August 11th) is the RNLI St Ives Lifeboat Day starting at 10am. It is a fun family day in aid of the RNLI and takes place in and around the lifeboat station on the harbour front.

There will be lots of stalls, a barbeque and perhaps the most anticipated is the live display from the lifeboat crew and RNAS Culdrose Search and Rescue helicopter.

Later on there will be live music and a raffle outside The Sloop Inn.

The RNLI do a sterling job in looking after the UKs water users on the beach and out at sea, so please do come down and support the day if you are in the area.

My favourite time of year...

No not July, or August or even June or May... its September. For me it sums Cornwall up, heres why:


1) St Ives September Festival - if you haven't been, try it... Music, arts, celebrations and all round fun - its a bit like a celebration of the end of the season for locals and those in the know.


2) Amazing sunsets - I don't know why it is, but September seems to have the most amazing sunsets, much mellower than earlier in the summer.


3) Surf - it goes without saying for many, but September is THE month for surfing in Cornwall - warm water, powerful swells and offshore winds.

4) Calming - as the children head back to school and the masses think summer has ended the county quietens down, the traffic eases and life becomes a bit more relaxed again. The locals come out to play and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

5) Greenaway Pro - In memory of a popular local surfer, a surf competition with much more soul than normal surf comps. The Guildhall normally hosts live music in the evenings to add to a weekend of fun.


The list could go on and on but for now this has put happy thoughts in my mind just thinking about it. Luckily for you though we still have some availability for this popular month, but be quick as last year we were fully booked!

Mid stay cleans

As part of our desire to continuously improve we have added a new service for all our guests as a result of feedback. If you would like to have your apartment cleaned during your stay, be it a freshen up or the full service with a new Welcome Hamper, fresh linen and towels we are now able to offer this.

Our flexible housekeeping team will come in on the day of your choice, and do as much or as little as you need, all you have to do is arrange it with the team in the office and they'll do the rest.

It certainly can help when you have a change of guests, perhaps some friends down to stay, or if those sandy footprints get too much!

The cleans start from as little as £15/day, if you have already booked with us please call 01736 799175 to arrange.