Courtyard

The patio outside our front door isn't ours, but it's a great place to sit in the sunshine. Being sheltered it's one of the best sun-traps in St Ives, plus once the happy families have left for the beach in summer it's a peaceful haven away from the bustle of town.

We eat breakfast there when we can & a text around means there's always at least one of the neighbours free to join us for tea or coffee, biscuits & a chat. We serve any takers through the kitchen window.

One of our neighbours, Sam, is head gardener  so he directs our caretaker, but on occasions we all muck in for a bit of sweeping or deadheading. Sam is also in charge of the secret herb garden.

There's a compost bin tucked away for residents' use but after 2 years of lots of use we've yet to scatter any compost on the flower beds.