Chy Morvah
Cornwall
The Penwith peninsula takes centre stage at this beautiful property in St Ives – the seaside hub that has inspired generations of artists for its working harbour, historic fishing communities, white-sand beaches, and surrounding Cornish landscape. The setting couldn’t be more idyllic; just a skip away from the town’s cobbled streets and within walking distance of four great beaches: Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour, and Porthgwidden. It’s also a short drive to St Michael’s Mount – the tidal island crowned by a medieval church and castle. The National Trust has owned most of the island since 1954 and while they ensure its preservation and conservation, it’s been the cherished home of the St Aubyn family since the 17th century.
Chy Morvah, St Ives
Take a tour of Chy Morvah and discover our country house and surrounding countryside, full of wild coastlines, breathtakingly beautiful beaches and exceptional sites.
Time to let a little Kernow into your soul.
Chy Morvah
| • Open March to October and during the festive season • 39 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 54 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • Full-board (including cream tea on arrival) • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • High chair • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Lounge • Garden • Heated outdoor pool (open May to September*) • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point |  |
Then & now at Chy Morvah
Meaning ‘house by the sea,’ records show that Chy Morvah had already opened as a private hotel by 1949. The St Ives Town Guide of that year describes it as ‘delightfully situated in its own grounds overlooking St Ives Bay’ and having ‘hot and cold running water to all bedrooms’. The adjoining building, Lanyons, was once the home and studio of Peter Lanyon – the acclaimed St Ives-born painter renowned for landscapes that leaned heavily towards the abstract (part of the St Ives School, he was one of the most important artists to emerge in post-war Britain). This building later became a school known as St Christopher’s and there are still signs of the classrooms in the car park (you may notice the distinct ridge in the tarmac). It has been part of our HF Holidays line-up since 1986.
Nowadays, there’s 39 well-appointed guest rooms in three categories (Classic, Premium, and Superior) spread across the Chy Morvah building and Lanyons House – many with bay windows and sea views. It also has a main lounge overlooking St Ives Bay, a ballroom for evening activities, a licensed bar, and a sea-facing dining room for a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Elsewhere, there’s a handy boot and drying room, a small terrace, manicured gardens, books and games to borrow during your stay, and a Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and easy-to-follow information for self-guided walks. The heated outdoor pool (open May to September*) is perfect for cooling off after days spent exploring what is arguably one of the UK’s most stunning coastlines.
*Please note, pool opening hours are: 07:00am – 09:00am and 16:00pm – 18:30pm
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Chy Morvah has 39 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The guest rooms that make the most of the sea views are easily the best.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Chy Morvah
House calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Discover Cornwall
Places to visit
Whether you’re enjoying a guided or self-guided walking holiday, there’s always the opportunity to linger for longer. Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of Chy Morvah.
St. Ives Harbour
While it may no longer crammed full of fishing boats and traders, the working harbour is still the beating heart of the town. Harbour Beach is right on the doorstep, but the sandy gems of Porthminster, Porthmeor, and Porthgwidden are just an easy walk away.
Barbara Hepworth Gallery & Sculpture Garden
Just a short walk away, this Tate-run museum and garden sets the scene for a fascinating insight into one of Britain’s most important 20th century artists. Highlights include impressive sculptures in bronze, stone, and wood, along with paintings, drawings, and archive material.
Eden Project
An epic domed structure just an hour’s drive away, this dramatic global garden is home to cutting-edge architecture, outdoor gardens, plant-based exhibits, art installations, and play areas – all housed in tropical biomes set in a crater the size of 30 football pitches.
St Michael's Mount
A 20-minute drive away, this tidal island crowned by a medieval church and castle lies off the coast of Marazion. Mostly owned by the National Trust since 1954, it has been the cherished home of the St. Aubyn family since the 17th century.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Located on Falmouth Harbour, this award-winning museum celebrates Cornwall’s maritime heritage through interactive exhibits, talks, lectures, boatbuilding workshops, and more. The National Small Boat Collection is one of the star attractions.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Set on the Helford Estuary in the village of Gweek, this incredible charity rescues and grey seal pups from around the Cornish coastline – and then returns them to the wild. You’ll get to enjoy the underwater viewing areas and even stay for feeding time.
Geevor Tin Mine
As the last mine to work the UNESCO-listed St. Just Mining District, this award-winning heritage attraction is home to the largest number of undersea tin and copper mines in the world. The museum and visitor centre opens year-round from Sunday to Thursday.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Just an hour’s drive away, this 200-acre wonderland offers plenty of thrills for plant lovers. Rediscovered by the Eden Project’s co-founder Tim Smit, this Victorian country house garden is filled with traditional and rare breeds and plenty of peaceful spaces.
Minack Theatre
Carved into the granite cliff overlooking the Porthcurno Bay, this famous open-air theatre first premiered Shakespeare’s The Tempest in 1932. Visiting hours vary depending on the performance schedule and advance bookings are highly recommended.
Getting to Chy Morvah
Getting here
Address
Chy Morvah
Bishops Road
St. Ives
Cornwall TR26 2DB
What3words reference: flipper.pulled.shepherdess
Tel: +44 (0)1736 796314
By train
The nearest station is St. Ives.
St. Erth might be more convenient as it’s on the main line.
Check National Rail for train times and route planning.
By taxi
St. Ives station is only half a mile away, but it’s a steep uphill walk.
St. Erth is four miles away and the journey takes just over 10 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Ace Cars directly.
Ace Cars
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ace Cars*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1736 797799
Email: acecars2@aol.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Chy Morvah.
*Ace Cars is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By car
Head to Cornwall via the A30 then take the A3074 signposted to St. Ives. At the next two small roundabouts, go straight across the first and take a right at the second towards Lelant. Pass through Lelant and Carbis Bay on the same road.
As you approach St. Ives keep left at the fork, which heads slightly uphill, following signs to visitor parking and the leisure centre. Follow the road and turn left up the steep hill. Almost immediately the road turns left again, but instead of following the road, turn off and head directly up the hill on Porthminster Terrace.
Chy Morvah is at the top of the hill. To reach the car park you’ll need to drive left past the front of Chy Morvah and turn immediately right behind the back of the building. The car park is on the right 15 yards along Bishop's Road.
By air
The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport.
First take the train to London Paddington station from where you’ll find direct trains to St. Erth, and a short train journey to St. Ives.
A morning arrival into Heathrow would be best as you’ll need around 6.5 hours to complete the journey.
The airports at Bristol and Newquay are also nearby, but there aren’t as many flight options.
Check National Rail for routes and train times.
