NESTLED away in the cobbled streets of St Ives, just seconds away from the sea is Bolthole - a cottage which should really be prescribed on the NHS, writes RACHEL HICKMAN.

With its beamed ceilings and plain brown and cream decor, this cottage oozes traditional Cornish charm, which instantly de-stresses as you walk through the door.

Walking in on the cosy living room, boasting a freeview television, DVD player and stereo, stairs lead downstairs to a stone walled kitchen, equipped with every mod-con which could ever be needed.

While stairs from the snug lounge also lead upstairs to a bathroom and double bedroom, with more stairs leading up to the another double bedroom in the attic, which I excitedly found out had a sea view from the dormer window.

The warm cottage, with its beamed ceilings and IKEA decor has been well equipped for the longest of stays, having been lovingly decorated by its owners - even featuring locally made artwork.

Not that anyone would spend much time indoors with so much on offer in St Ives.

With the cottage located literally less than 30 seconds away from the main street and harbour, it is an ideal base for nipping back when caught in the rain!

Just like the cottage, the seaside town itself is bursting with traditional Cornish character - with stunning golden sands, tiny cobbled streets which wind alongside pretty fisherman's cottages and flower displays which are a blaze of colour all around the town.

And thankfully it hasn't gone down the tacky seaside route, which so many resorts have succumbed to. I only counted one typical seaside bucket and spade shop.

Instead it is a rather cosmopolitan and chic resort, with the main Fore Street boasting upmarket shops, selling locally made wares such as jewellery and glass.

And St Ives is also renowned for the number of artists based there - with what seemed to be a different gallery and art shop on every other corner.

Art lovers from around the world descend on the town just to visit Tate St Ives, - an offshoot of London's Tate Gallery, while also making time to see the Barbara Hepworth Museum and her sculpture garden.

But if museums and galleries are not your thing, then visitors will enjoy browsing the many shops offering quirky, locally made gifts ranging from solid chocolate cornish pasties to gorgeous handmade silver jewellery.

And eating out is certainly not a problem - as you are spoilt for choice with the many restaurants and cafes around the town, with many featuring delicious locally caught fish dishes and stunning views of the sea over the unspoilt harbour.

St Ives has something which will appeal to everyone, young or old, right through from January to December -and if they sold it in a bottle it would certainly be a bestseller.

We travelled to St Ives courtesy of Aspects Holidays -which offers over 200 holiday homes in St Ives, Carbis Bay and throughout West Cornwall.

For more information visit aspects-holidays.co.uk or call 01736 754242.