A Cornwall Staycation: The Fowey Hall Hotel
I’m currently sat in the drawing-room at Fowey Hall Hotel, admiring the morning light and incredibly charming interior that surrounds me. I truly feel at peace sat here, coffee in hand, and my laptop perched on the side table. It feels like a lifetime since I spent the night somewhere other than my own home, but I guess that’s to be expected when you’re living through a global pandemic. It’s also the first time in a very long time that I have also felt a surge of inspiration. It’s made me realise how important it is to continue to ‘experience’, even if it’s close to home. Everyone deserves a break.
How could I ever complain about a staycation in Cornwall? As my eyes glance up from my laptop I am welcomed by beams of light pouring through the windows of the Fowey Hall Hotel. It feels incredibly homely here – not like your usual hotel stay, but a peaceful home away from home with the luxury elements of a coastal getaway.
The Fowey Hall Hotel was built as a Victorian manor house, owned by local resident Charles Hanson. I guess that explains the homely feel and relaxed atmosphere. Chiara, the lovely Front of House Manager, took us on a tour of the grounds and explained that the hotel was built in 1890. She remembers this by looking up at the chimneys as they're marked with the year. The hotel is perched on the cliffs, overlooking the Fowey estuary. A truly picture-perfect view.
We spent the night in the Edward Bourne suite, located on the west wing of the building overlooking the gardens. The attention to detail in the hotel is second to none. There is something to appreciate in every corner, whether that be artwork, vintage items, books, or tall windows that allow every ounce of light in.
There are several areas to relax at the hotel. More often than not, hotels have one or two communal living areas, but the Fowey Hall Hotel has many rooms to explore. Either read in the library, enjoy a cream tea in the drawing-room, sip coffee in the morning room or devour cocktails in the night room.
Of course, my favourite room in the hotel has to be the library. I have a strong appreciation for books and could spend hours turning the pages of well-written literature. The Fowey Hall Hotel has the largest collection of children’s books in Cornwall. As I scanned across the shelves, I could not help but spot Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and the Wind in the Willows – my all-time favourites from my childhood. The hotel is well equipped for children, with not only a library but an arcade, theatre, and outhouses designed for a family-friendly getaway.
The restaurant menu is incredible - the menu offers a real eclectic mix of Cornish cuisine. Leah and I both chose the Thai beef to start, then the crab linguine and mac and cheese for the main dish. Their fresh seafood is caught locally, and the meat is sourced from the farms located in the area. The restaurant is open to non-hotel guests and is flexible with its offering.
After dinner, we made our way to the hotel bar. With just an hour and a half on the clock (due to the covid19 10 PM curfew) we decided to try a couple of different cocktails. Jamie and Jason, the wonderful bartenders, explained the different cocktail options from the menu. We opted for Cosmopolitans to start, a gin-based and berry for our second drink, and then a champagne cocktail and raspberry rhubarb to finish. Oh, and a couple of gin-based shots to really end the night. I can honestly say that the cocktails were the best I'd had in some time.
We woke in the morning to the sound of birds and sunlight beaming through our curtains. Breakfast was a real treat, with either pastries or an array of hot dishes to choose from. I couldn’t help but go for the American style pancakes, topped with strawberries and bacon. Leah had French toast which also looked incredible.
After breakfast, I was treated to a hot stone massage. It was the first massage that I have had since the start of lockdown, and I can honestly say that it was so needed! The therapist paid extreme attention to the knots in my back and worked on my lower back and arms too. The Fowey Hall Hotel spa is open to non-hotel guests and offers both beauty and spa treatments.
Fowey is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and reminds me of a smaller St Ives, with several independent cafes and shops. The bustling town is also home to many respected, quirky restaurants such as Appleton’s and Fitzroy. Explore winding lanes that eventually lead you to picture-perfect sandy coves, like the stunning Readymoney Beach.
The Fowey Hall Hotel has everything that you could want for a relaxing getaway by the sea. If you are a local but are concerned about holidaying outside of Cornwall, then I highly suggest booking a break at The Fowey Hall Hotel. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay.
*paid ad but all views are my own, we had an amazing stay!
