Imagine a stunning UK seaside town frozen in time, but its timeless beauty is now pushing out its own residents! St Ives, Cornwall’s beloved gem, is facing a unique crisis where holiday lets and overtourism are making local life impossible. Can a town be too beautiful for its own good?
St Ives, a jewel on the Cornish coast, is frequently celebrated for its seemingly untouched beauty, often described as a town that has gracefully resisted the march of time for over a century. This picturesque destination, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and rich maritime heritage, presents a captivating blend of historical charm and natural splendor, drawing visitors from across the globe.
Its high street, famously lauded by The Telegraph as one of the UK’s finest, is a labyrinth of cobbled alleys, housing an array of quaint independent boutiques and artisan shops. Beyond the retail allure, St Ives boasts a thriving cultural sector, with world-class institutions like Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum attracting art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, solidifying its reputation as a cultural hub.
The town’s geographical position offers breathtaking vistas, with heather-clad cliffs providing dramatic views over the expansive Atlantic Ocean, while below, golden sands meet crystal-clear waves. St Ives transforms into a bustling hub during the summer months, brimming with energy and activity, yet it remarkably retains its unique allure and tranquil charm even through the quieter off-season, offering a different, more serene experience.
However, beneath this idyllic facade lies a growing undercurrent of discontent, particularly among its long-standing residents. While the town’s beauty and popularity are undeniable, the very success that draws millions of tourists each year is paradoxically creating significant challenges for the local community, especially during peak season when the town reaches its maximum capacity.
The primary point of contention revolves around the escalating issue of overtourism and its severe impact on the affordability of living within St Ives. An increasing number of properties are being converted into holiday lets and Airbnbs, drastically reducing the housing stock available for permanent residents and driving up property and rental prices to unsustainable levels.
This transformation has led to a poignant sense of displacement among those who have called St Ives home for generations. Commenting on local news articles, many readers have echoed sentiments of frustration, lamenting that the town, despite its historical appearance, has profoundly changed because genuine local life is gradually being priced out and replaced by transient tourist accommodation.
One resident articulated this shift, stating, “It has changed because no local people live in the town anymore. It’s all holiday lets, Airbnbs, and beige cushion shops,” highlighting a perceived loss of authentic community character. Another poignant observation described St Ives as a “theme park,” underscoring the commercialization and artificiality felt by some long-term inhabitants.
The economic pressures extend even to essential services, with reports indicating that some restaurants collectively fund campsites outside town to house serving staff from elsewhere, due to the sheer impossibility of finding affordable local accommodation. Without inherited wealth, establishing a life in these beautiful Cornish towns has become an insurmountable challenge for many, forcing families to consider leaving their cherished hometowns.
Thus, St Ives stands at a critical juncture, balancing its undeniable appeal as a tourist destination with the urgent need to preserve the viability and well-being of its local community. The question remains how this iconic Cornish seaside town can maintain its timeless charm without sacrificing the very essence of its resident population, ensuring a sustainable future for both its visitors and its locals.
