WHY?

It might not have the beaches of its more famous Cornish counterpart but you can still enjoy waterside living in this lovely little town in Cambridgeshire. The River Great Ouse runs through the historic town and is a big part of life here, and there are plenty of independent shops and a market. It’s an excellent place to commute into Cambridge, especially now the new stretch of A14 has opened.

EAT

The best views in St Ives are from the River Terrace Cafe, which juts out over the river so you can watch the boats and water birds go by. The Taproom is near the river too and is the place to head for a cocktail and post-work bite to eat or a relaxed lunch. There are two Italians – Amore and Di Rita’s, sweet treats at Tom’s Cakes and plenty of pubs to choose from.

SHOP

There’s a nice selection of indies here including J Wadsworth Wines, La Muse fashion boutique, Cobwebs Furniture Company, Cadge Menswear, Cloud Nine Gems, VK Gallery (for contemporary art), Shades of White bridal boutique, Townrow (a small department store), Janet Church Interiors, as well as a couple of florists and a deli.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

National Trust’s Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows is a wonderful place for a waterside walk or you can mess about on the river by joining a boat trip with the Electric River Boat Company. Johnsons of Old Hurst is a fun place to head with the family (there’s a farm shop, farm, play area and zoological gardens with a tropical house and crocodiles!

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE

£382,724. Last year the majority of houses sold were terraced for £233,867. Detached properties sold for an average of £418,149, while semi-detached properties cost £277,317. Looking for local estate agents? Try Ellis Winters & Co, Thomas Morris, WellingtonWise, and Leaders.

HOT PROPERTY

SCHOOLS

You’re an easy commute to all the best independent schools in Cambridge as well as the pastorally excellent Whitehall School in Somersham, Kimbolton School, and King’s Ely

BEST KEPT SECRET

The historic market town organises a not-to-be-missed Festival each year including a stunning illuminated boat event, where locals compete on who can create the best light-up boat.

COMMUTE

To get to London from St Ives you need to take the train from nearby Huntingdon (10 mins drive). Direct fast trains from here take about an hour and ten and go into King’s Cross.

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