Syncing documents with iCloud and keeping local copies

I don't think my iCloud sync is working as it should.

I can only access my documents by going to iCloud - there appears to be no local copy.

On both machines. if i look in my user folder, there is no Documents folder, but I can't create one there; if I try I am told that the name is already taken.

I can access my docuents by opening a new finder window and going to the sidebar and then to iCloud documents.

If I am offline, I can see the documents but can't open them.

How can I restore the Documents folder to my local devices and sync with iCloud.

In settings, Desktop and Documents sync is switched on; Desktop sync works fine, but Documents sync not at all.