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Parking and WiFi are provided at all of our properties. One travel cot and one highchair are also available at each property as a minimum.
As featured in The Telegraph and Women's Health, Shun Lee is an exceptional holiday home with unparalleled views over the turquoise St Ives Harbour – views that wrap around the bay and extend all the way to Godrevey Lighthouse. The garden gate opens directly onto the South West Coast Path, so beach-goers and foodies alike will relish having both Porthminster and Carbis Bay a short walk away.
Magnificent and expansive, this grand property has a fascinating past. Built in 1881, Shun Lee’s original owner and master mariner, William John Paynter, worked off the coast of China, becoming a captain at Jardine Matheson. Paynter took ownership of the new tea clipper, the "Shun Lee", in 1878, before retiring to St Ives to build a mansion named after his ship.
Sleeping 14 guests in seven bedrooms, that very home is now one of the "best big group houses for a UK staycation", according to Women's Health. The master bedroom - with its king size cabin bed, feature fireplace and uninterrupted ocean outlook - promises to soothe tired minds and weary limbs. Four further bedrooms take advantage of stunning views, while two more provide flexible sleeping arrangements and en-suite bathrooms respectively. Totalling four king rooms, three zip and links, five en-suites and two family bathrooms, find space and facilities in abundance.
The spacious lounge overlooks St Ives Bay. Dolphins and porpoises can sometimes be spotted leaping in the cove in front of the bay window, so bringing binoculars is a must. A separate TV room features a pool table, so children and those young at heart are always entertained. The jewel in Shun Lee’s crown is the cinema room on the lower ground floor, which benefits from a 108” 4K screen and projector for authentic movie nights.
A haven for high-end interiors, handpicked antiques complement elegant Victorian tiles and luxurious Designers Guild fabrics throughout. Whether in the high-spec kitchen or the sociable blue-hued dining space, every detail has been considered so that a large group can unwind in luxury.
For the first time in Shun Lee's history, guests are now invited to enjoy a magical New Year's Eve ringing in 2026. Allow our Concierge team to arrange a private chef and in-house wine sommelier, watch fireworks over the harbour from your front row spot on the terrace, or head into town where family-friendly events await. As well as its thriving art scene, spectacular foodie options and local shopping opportunities, St Ives is known for throwing one of the best New Year's Eve celebrations in the UK.
See how we can bring your dream holiday to life at Shun Lee with a luxury gourmet experience.
Every bedroom has its own unique style to make it special, from the ‘Captain’s room’ overlooking the water to the seashell hideaway on the top floor.
Sampling local seafood with a bespoke menu prepared by a private chef
Starting the day with a morning yoga session overlooking the water
Embarking on a gallery tour around the St Ives art trail
Cinema Room
Boasting the ultimate cinematic experience, the underground cinema room is fitted out with rows of indulgent sofas for family movie nights. Get lost in the latest blockbuster using the 108” screen, 4K ready projector and 7.1 surround sound.
Entertainment options consist of Blu-ray, SONOS, a full Sky TV package (including Sky Movies) and Humax Freeview.
You could even set up a gaming tournament on the Xbox One, which comes with EA access, allowing unlimited play of hundreds of games.
Kitchen
A tasteful coastal style echoes throughout the spacious kitchen, which is well equipped with plenty of laid back seating and built-in appliances. The double range cooker comes with a grill, a multi-function oven, a slow cook oven and a fan oven, as well as four hotplate burners, a wok burner and a multi-zone hot plate on top. There’s a large American style fridge-freezer, wine cooler and built-in dishwashers, which cater for feasting on a large scale. Perch around the kitchen island and use the De Longhi coffee machine to make the first drinks of the day.
A pantry and utility room lead off from the kitchen and are equipped with a washing machine, tumble dryer and plenty of storage space.
Dining Room
Gather everyone around the custom built dining table, comfortably seating up to 14, and turn an evening meal into an occasion that continues long into the night. With incredible ocean views and a SONOS music system, it won’t be difficult to create a memorable ambience.
Living Room
Flowing seamlessly into the surrounding seascape, this expansive social space is scattered with coastal greys, calming blues and sandy browns. Handmade driftwood chandeliers hang from the ceilings, while custom Designers Guild curtains mimic the sun melting into the horizon. Spacious enough to comfortably seat all guests, cosy up on the sofas and look out across the changing seascape whilst the gas fire warms the room and music plays through the SONOS speakers.
TV Room
Bursting with entertainment, luxurious sofas nestle around a Smart TV with Sky and a Blu-ray player. Backed by a full sized pool table, this social space benefits from a SONOS sound bar, and an abundance of board games and DVDs.
Master Bedroom and En-suite
Cast your gaze over St Ives from the comfort of your king size cabin bed, saturated in rich dark wood and peppered with chests and luxurious furnishings. It’s easy to be fooled into thinking you’ve been transported aboard the Shun Lee in the 1800s.
The Olde Worlde design flows into the en-suite bathroom with dramatic tones running throughout the floor-to-ceiling marble. Indulge in the large walk-in shower, which also benefits from a view out to sea.
Bedroom Two and En-suite
Waking up in the sumptuous four poster, canopy king size bed will seem like a dream. With views across the calming blue of the sea, bedroom two is an unbelievably restful room. An en-suite shower room features a cascading rainfall showerhead.
Bedroom Three and En-suite
Calming creams and beachy browns adorn this king size bedroom, which benefits from a stylish en-suite with a rainfall shower head.
Bedroom Four
Sat beneath tall ceilings with exposed whitewashed beams, bedroom four can be made up as a sumptuous super king or family-friendly twins. Located in a quiet spot at the rear of the property, it utilises the magnificent bathroom next door.
Family Bathroom
Whilst three out of the four bedrooms on the first floor benefit from dedicated en-suite bathrooms, bedroom four has this impressive family bathroom all to itself. Adorned with art-deco mosaic tiles, this beautiful room comes with a freestanding bath and a spacious rainfall shower.
Bedroom Five and En-suite
A lovely boutique boudoir, elegant hand crafted furniture flows through this king size room. The window looks out across St Ives Harbour and there’s a spacious en-suite with a shower.
Bedroom Six
Awaken from a restful slumber and take in the elevated view over the ocean from this peaceful room. Additional sleeping flexibility means the super king bed can be set up as twins and the huge family bathroom is just across the hall.
Bedroom Seven
Another sea-facing room, bedroom seven is a heavenly hideaway set under whitewashed wooden beams. The plump super king zip and link bed can be transformed into twins, if required, and the family bathroom is just footsteps away.
A luxurious soak in the freestanding copper Bateau bathtub is the perfect way to soothe aching muscles after spending the day exploring the coast. With the addition of a walk-in shower, the family bathroom serves bedrooms six and seven.
Garden
An immaculate lawn and flowering shrubbery sit just below Shun Lee, providing plenty of space for children and dogs to explore. Steps lead straight onto the coastal path and provide a direct route down onto the beach and the Porthminster Beach Café.
With the centre of St Ives to the West and the stunning Carbis Bay to the East, Shun Lee really is in a prime location. An external shower and board rack are ideally place for returning from a day in the surf.
Terrace
The expansive patio wraps around the whole of Shun Lee and can be accessed from various areas around the property. A long outdoor table with two large umbrellas provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor dining. There’s also a gas barbeque for cooking up a storm with seafood delights fresh from the harbour.
Parking
There’s parking for four to five cars on the stone driveway and a pay at point electric car charger at the front of the property.
Sleeps
14
Changeover day
Friday for peak periods, flexibility at other times and for short breaks
Arrival and departure
Arrival from 4:30pm, departure by 10am
Dog-friendly
Yes (two maximum). £60 per week for the first dog, then £30 per week for the second dog. Read this property’s dog rules here.
Mobile reception
Click for information
Refundable security deposit
£1,000
Additional information
Please note that Shun Lee doesn't usually accept bookings for over two weeks in July and August, but please do contact our team if you’d like to discuss a longer stay.
There are steps around the internal and external areas of the property
Unfortunately, stairgates aren't compatible at this property
The electric car charger is operated on a 'pay at point' basis. You'll find specific instructions for use on the Guest Information Tablet when you arrive. Find nearby EV charging stations here.
If you’d like to check any specific information that isn't mentioned in our descriptions, please call us and speak to our Property Advisors or see our FAQs page.
Changeover day not right for you? Call 01208 895570 as outside of peak times, we can sometimes offer some flexibility.
VAT is included within the rental prices for this property
There are four excellent beaches within St Ives: Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour Beach and Porthgwidden, as well as a couple of secluded dog-friendly coves. A short drive will bring you to the renowned Carbis Bay, which is fantastic for surfing and watersports. Ocean Sports Centre offers lessons and equipment hire and you can try your hand at anything from surfing to kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding and Hawaiian canoeing. Porthkidney Beach is another golden sandy stretch and there are miles of Hayle beaches leading to Godrevey Lighthouse.
A moderate coastal walk from Hayle to St Ives begins at Britain’s oldest swing bridge, taking in the Hayle Estuary and merging with part of the ancient St Michael’s Way Pilgrim Trail from Lelant to Marazion. A gentler route around Godrevy Lighthouse will lead you in Virginia Woolf’s footsteps – the lighthouse was a pinnacle symbol in her novel ‘To the Lighthouse’. Cyclists can choose between the Cornish Way and the First and Last trails, and golfers will love the West Cornwall Golf Club. Several sea fishing trips also leave from the harbour daily.
Head to the Porthminster Beach Café or the Beachcomber Café for relaxed dining and waterside views. In the heart of St Ives, try Cellar Bistro for an atmospheric evening meal and cocktails, or The Searoom for tapas in stylish surroundings. A bit further afield, The Gurnard’s Head at Zennor is set in a wonderfully rugged location and serves a delicious Sunday lunch. Carbis Bay is another foodie hub, with La Casista and The Bean Inn both highly recommended. The wine tour at Polgoon Vineyard in Penzance is a great sunny day activity.
Young budding artists can brush up on their skills at the St Ives School of Painting, which offers a range of classes and workshops for children. Paradise Park in nearby Hayle is every child’s dream, with over 650 birds and animals to see. Geevor Tin Mine offers a fascinating insight into Cornwall’s mining heritage, offering a fun and educational day out for the family. Thrill-seekers can head to Flambards Theme Park for an adrenaline rush on their rides, an approximate 35 minute drive away.
St Ives is home to the world-famous Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Widen your knowledge of art history with an educational ramble around the museums, soaking up the information. The captivating light quality has lured artists from all over the globe, and reams of art galleries line the cobbled streets. Perched on rugged cliffs high above the ocean, the breathtaking Minack Theatre makes a fantastic day trip and is about a 45 minute drive away.
Take the pressure off and surrender to a day of pampering in St Ives. Overlooking turquoise waters, the St Ives Harbour Hotel Spa has four treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and gym. They specialise in a range of indulgent treatments, from HarSPA massages to ESPA facials. The C Bay Spa at Carbis Bay Hotel is another fabulous option, with candlelit treatment rooms, a fire-heated relaxation lounge and sea-view balcony.
From the moment of booking one of our luxury holiday homes, our bespoke concierge service is provided at no additional cost.
With extensive insider knowledge and local expertise, our team can arrange anything from private chefs to one-to-one surf tuition and in-house spa therapists. We’re also on hand to help plan special occasions and events, whether you’d like a locally sourced cake or pre-arranged flower deliveries.
Our team can also remove the hassle from planning those smaller practical details. We have a bank of trusted local contacts, so we can organise everything to ensure you have a stress-free holiday, from babysitters to taxi reservations and extra housekeeping.
Whatever you decide, our concierge team will be on hand to fill your getaway with creativity, relaxation and adventure.
See what previous guests have to say from our guestbooks, direct messages and online reviews. We also visit every property - and even stay in many of them too - so whether it's about the house or the local area, our team of experts can provide personal insights to help find the perfect property for you.
Shun Lee was simply beautiful and incredibly spacious - a brilliant place to spend a birthday celebration with our extended family. We loved walking from the garden along the coast path to the beach and thoroughly enjoyed the private chef Concierge Service.
This is our second year staying at Shun Lee, it's the perfect base for walking the South West Coast Path. We just love it here - we can't wait to return!
We absolutely loved our stay here - despite the rain, we surfed, rode horses and ate fish and chips - heaven!
This is the third time I've stayed in a Perfect Stays property in the past 18 months and every time it's been perfect! The properties are always exactly as described, spotless and well equipped. The views at Shun Lee exceed expectations and the concierge recommendations are always great.
Grandad's 80th. Plus children and grandchildren for three days, and close friends for the remainder. What a house to celebrate in, with guests overwhelmed by the position and views from the house. Quality of fittings, appliances, design and furnishings, all exemplary. Young kids loved the cinema room. A special celebration enhanced by the above, with lovely memories for all.
Had a wonderful holiday in this magnificent home. Thank you.
Such a beautiful house. We had a fabulous week in your wonderful home. A perfect location and so well equipped. Three generations have had a ball!
We are a family of 12 (three generations) and we all had a wonderful time here at Shun Lee. What a beautiful house - located in the ideal spot. Didn't want to leave. Thank you for the thoughtful welcome pack - that came in really handy. Thanks Perfect Stays for such a great experience - would not hesitate to recommend the company and this house.
A fabulous house that accomodated 13 people (three families). The house is fully equipped with everything. It is beautifully accessorised and located between St Ives and Carbis Bay beaches. Thank you Perfect Stays. We'll be back.
Thank you, Shun Lee, for providing the perfect setting for our family gathering. From storm watching, to strolls along the beach – this beautiful home gave us comfort, joy and a space to reconnect. We hope to return!
Our stay at Shun Lee was without a doubt one of the best holidays my family of 12 have experienced. From start to finish, we were assisted by a team of friendly people who made our stay easy so that we could get on with our wonderful holiday. The history of this beautiful house is intriguing enough but for our large family, there was lots of room and facilities to enjoy precious time together. With its magnificent panoramic views, it was like living in a luxury hotel whilst being left alone to take it all in. Thank you Perfect Stays.
From booking this amazing house to returning home we couldn't fault the service from Perfect Stays, the housekeeping team and the concierge. The house was more than we ever expected and the views were breathtaking. So convenient to walk to the nearby beaches and the grandchildren loved the train from St Ives to Carbis Bay. We had the most delicious meal cooked by one of your recommended chefs and the service was excellent. Thank you, Perfect Stays, for making my 60th birthday and Ruby wedding anniversary so memorable. We'd highly recommend it and we're hoping to return in 2026.
Fantastic experience from booking through to check out. Perfect Stays was very efficient and helpful throughout the booking process and before check in. Check in was easy and straight forward. We had a wonderful break in Shun Lee. Beautiful house, great amenities and a fabulous view, all within a short walk from St Ives and the nearest Tesco for a serious shop! Have already booked again for next year!
A perfect venue for our annual gathering of five couples. A number of the rooms enjoy stunning sea views. The house is very well equipped and the layout is ideal for socialising with a large kitchen and dining room. The property is a 15-minute walk into St Ives and therefore the cars were barely used. Perfect Stays were always available to help when needed both before and then during our stay. The fact this was our third visit says it all.
A stunning house in the most fantastic position overlooking the sea. The kitchen was well appointed and the cinema room was a hit with the grandchildren. Breathtaking views from so many of the rooms, we’d return without a moment’s hesitation.
Lovely property, fantastic position and views. Great for large groups, able to walk into St Ives easily. Amazing space and very relaxing.
We had an amazing week at Shun Lee with family and friends to celebrate my 60th birthday. The house is perfect for entertaining and well set up for large groups. There were several different social areas to cater for all interests and the cinema room was especially popular. The location is also great, you can walk into St Ives and Carbis Bay, and the views are amazing. We took full advantage of the Concierge Service provided and we had a fantastic dinner prepared for us by Flavour and Wine, who also delivered a brilliant evening of wine tasting too - both of which I highly recommend. This was the second time we've booked with Perfect Stays, and we'll definitely be using them again.
We had a wonderful week at Shun Lee. It's a fantastic house - so warm, comfortable and welcoming, with stunning views from every room and so close to St Ives' beaches and restaurants. Thank you, it's been perfect.
We had an enjoyable week with the bonus of amazing weather! We recommend visiting The Yellow Canary for coffee, St Ives Bakery for break, and The Makers for black forest gateau. And everyday we walked to Carbis Bay, around the headland, to Porthkidney Beach.
We had a fabulous multi-generational holiday to celebrate my 50th birthday. The house is so beautiful and very well equipped. The sea views are also stunning - it has been a special and memorable holiday was, indeed, a perfect stay!
Excellent, professional, and helpful service provided by Perfects Stays. Shun Lee is a magnificent house, in a perfect position with a short walk to both St Ives and Carbis Bay. Another fabulous stay at Shun Lee and totally amazing as ever!
We booked this for a special family birthday. The property, interior and views were absolutely amazing. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their stay and we would definitely book again.
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Shun Lee. A fantastic property, very well equipped, with stunning sea views across to St Ives in one direction and Hayle in the other. A fabulous time was spent dining in the spacious Orangery, followed by film entertainment in the comfortable Cinema room, what more could we ask! Out and about, just a 10 minute walk into St Ives and only a 20 minute walk to Carbis Bay... and we received excellent support throughout from Perfect Stays. Thank you.
Had a fantastic family holiday at this absolutely stunning house. It is well equipped and was spotlessly clean. The views from the windows and terrace are beautiful. Good location for the beach and walk into St Ives although uphill on the return journey. Would not hesitate to recommend booking through Perfect Stays.
We had a wonderful stay at the beautiful Shun Lee. We cannot wait to return again in the future. Fantastic stay and stunning location.
What a place to share time and love with family. We love Shun Lee! We had an amazing, special time in this stunning house. Great memories and a magical ocean view (the most beautiful view in St Ives!) Thank you!
A fabulous week in a stunning house with views and a location that can't be bettered. Fabulous weather; walks to Zennor, St Agnes and Perranuthnoe; dinners in the Ugly Butterfly and Gurnards Head; Paddleboarding on Porthminster beach with a seal for company - so many highlights and memories that will last forever.
Shun Lee was a simply beautiful house, the decor and detail was second to none. The views from the house were stunning, loved being able to walk into St. Ives and Carbis Bay.
A tranquil home with stunning views. Spacious and impeccably decorated and furnished. Love it!
Stunning home, amazing walks and dips in the sea. The sunrises, fresh air and space - thank you for this glorious escape from real life. We will be back!
A wonderful stay at Shun Lee. As beautiful as the photos on the website. It was extremely comfortable and well serviced. A very comprehensive visitors manual was also provided. Would love to come back!
Shun Lee is a magnificent property situated at one of the best locations in St Ives, close to Porthminster Beach. Tastefully decorated and furnished to a level that would be difficult to surpass, and the panoramic views are glorious.
The bedrooms, bathrooms and en-suites are superb, as are the kitchen and living spaces - the cinema provides a comfortable and memorable viewing experience.Once you have stayed here, anything else would be a compromise.
We had a wonderful stay at Shun Lee. It is in such an amazing setting and the view was outstanding. The house was very comfortable, clean and very well equipped.
Thanks to all at Perfect Stays, your care made it a delight to book through you and we will definitely consider using you again when looking for a holiday home.
Fantastic house - beautifully decorated. Love St Ives. Thank you for everything.
Perfect house for a large family get-together. What fantastic weather too! Thank you.
We had a marvellous time! Beautifully decorated home and wonderful kitchen to cook in!
Amazing house with views to die for. Fab stay for a 50th birthday weekend. Thank you!
Oh wow! Shun Lee was awesome. Thanks to much to the amazing team and concierge service. A dreamy break.
What a superb house, we really enjoyed our stay. The house was very well presented and prepared for our arrival. The team did a great job. Thank you.
Great place. Well organised.
WOW! What an amazing place. We spent a fantastic week in February 2020 at Shun Lee to celebrate a significant birthday with another family.
The house had been designed and furnished to a really high standard and with a fantastic eye for detail. It is simply beautiful and a huge amount of thought has been put into the kit - especially in the kitchen. Sharp knives, plenty of cutlery and crockery and even a pastry brush - which was handy for the beef wellington!
The light in the house and the views were incredible despite the best efforts of Storm Dennis and the February weather. We will be back! Thank you.
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To make a general enquiry about this property, please complete this form. If you’re ready to book now, please go to the availability tab, select your dates and click "book online".
We’ve personally visited every house – and even stay in many of them too – so whether it’s about the house, the local area or a special surprise you’d like help planning, our team of property experts can provide personal insights and answer any questions to help you find and plan the perfect stay.
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We understand that some holidays aren’t complete without a four-legged friend by your side. Here are a few reminders for bringing your dogs with you to Shun Lee:
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