Words by Rosie Cattrell
The Cornwall Hotel Collection is well-versed in dream excursions, each one lined with a little luxury.
Daydreams of leisurely moments spent on Cornish shores are no recent revelation. Sweeping expanses of thriving countryside edged with wild, heather-flecked moorland bestow a feeling of freedom to those seeking a reprieve from life further afield. Cliff-strewn outskirts fringed with sandy beaches, each dipping into the crystal-blue shock of endless Cornish seas, invite a sense of sea-misted adventure. Dotted with characterful towns, age-old fishing villages and brimming with a unique community, it’s easy to see why Cornwall has remained such a popular holiday destination over the last couple of centuries.
Now with three historic Cornish icons under its expert gaze, the Cornwall Hotel Collection has always understood and worked to preserve the individual stories of each one, whether the hotel that almost seems set adrift on the River Fal, the Victorian landmark born from a love for seaside sojourns, or the hillside oasis hidden within a cathedral city. As Ben Young, Managing Director shares: “We’re incredibly proud of the heritage that stands at the centre of each of our hotels, and it’s always been so important to us to be able to highlight this and share a little of the magic that’s been so carefully preserved amongst luxurious interiors, contemporary touches and truly exceptional service here in Cornwall.”
One such Cornish hotel, neatly nestled away in the heart of the Duchy’s cathedral city, is The Alverton. Shrouded from the hustle and bustle of Truro itself by ancient trees and fairytale grounds, the original grade II-listed architecture dates back to 1830, when it stood as the proud family home of the Tweedys. Over the years it passed hands until in 1883, a group of nuns named The Order of the Epiphany set down their roots for over a century, building a chapel now known as The Great Hall. Designed and completed by the same architects responsible for Truro’s breath taking cathedral, it’s safe to say that this particular development offered a perfectly unique addition to what is now a luxury hotel.
Wandering in under a stone archway past old oak doors, it’s easy to see why The Alverton is a sought-after venue for events and weddings in all seasons, not to mention the endless flow of guests seeking a tranquil escape, with Truro and the rest of Cornwall at their fingertips. Clad in ivy and emitting a wonderful old-world charm, a stroll through the grounds that surround the stunning architecture is all too tempting at any time of year.
From the lavish rooms and suites of the main house to the crisp and contemporary luxury of The Courtyard, dotted with charming details like roll-top tubs and original features, waking to birdsong after a peaceful night’s sleep is common practice here. A renowned culinary offering calls guests and locals alike to the restaurant and terrace to sample carefully curated menus, not forgetting elegant afternoon teas and expertly crafted cocktails.
Just a twenty-minute drive away, on the edge of the River Fal, sits another of the Collection’s gems. With roots delving as far back as 1640, The Greenbank Hotel has been a central part of Falmouth’s community for hundreds of years and remains so today. In 1907, The Greenbank welcomed none other than Florence Nightingale, and visitors can find her name handwritten in the guest book currently on display in reception. This small artefact later led to the naming of the hotel’s most beautiful room, The Florence Suite.
1907 was a popular year for famous visitors, as The Greenbank would also host Kenneth Grahame that summer. During his time here, surrounded by the coastal setting and inspiring riverside vistas, he began to write a series of letters to his son, which would later form the stories for his most well-known piece of literature and an English classic – The Wind in the Willows. To this day, it’s easy to see where Grahame took his inspiration for his enchanting children’s fable. Wandering in through the beautifully preserved entrance, you’re immediately struck by the glinting panoramic views of the River Fal, best enjoyed from the aptly named Water’s Edge restaurant over breakfast while the sun rises over the water. Just imagine the likes of Ratty and Badger larking about in one of the many charming boats that gently bob in the harbour, or resting on the banks below rolling hills on the other side of the river.
An exquisite culinary offering, headed up by Head Chef Bobby Southworth, is just one of the elements that draw visitors to the shores of The Greenbank. As with all the hotels in the Cornwall Hotel Collection, the menus at the Water’s Edge are seasonally led, each relying on the very best local ingredients fished, farmed and foraged here in Cornwall. From the elegant decadence of a flawless afternoon tea, to an indulgent three-course lunch or dinner, each moment is perfectly paired with a mesmerising harbour vista.
Many of The Greenbank’s inviting rooms also enjoy this panoramic view of the water, the tide drifting in and out to lull you into a restful night’s sleep in the cosiest of beds. Ocean-inspired interiors weave their way throughout the hotel, while The Florence and The Lookout Suites invite leisurely dips in roll-top tubs, lounges in which to relax together, and expansive windows that frame an uninterrupted snapshot of Cornish paradise to wake to in the sanctuary of your bed.
The latest addition to the Collection can be found perched on Falmouth’s historic seafront on the other side of the town, standing proudly in its postcard-perfect seaside location. Having first opened in 1865 as the Great Western Railway expanded into Cornwall, The Falmouth Hotel has remained a local landmark ever since. Its striking Victorian architecture draws onlookers back to leisurely days spent promenading along the ocean’s edge or drifting around the manicured grounds that surround the hotel.
While The Greenbank offers the quiet tranquillity of calm, sheltered waters, The Falmouth boasts the astonishing expanse of the open ocean right on its doorstep. With Pendennis Castle in view, and Castle Beach just across the road, sea salt mists the air from the perfect vantage point of the hotel. Whether crystal clear and enticingly turquoise in the summer months or wonderfully wild and dramatic when winter comes around, the views of the sea from one of Falmouth’s most iconic hotels are truly unmissable.
Now entering a brand-new era after the Victorian leisure spot was acquired in May of this year, plans are already underway to bring this sleeping beauty back to life. “We are honoured to welcome The Falmouth Hotel into the family,” explains Chairman of the Board of Directors, Roger French. “Our roots in Cornwall go back generations, and we understand the responsibility that comes with stewarding such iconic establishments. The Falmouth holds a special place in the hearts of many, and we are committed to ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.”
With endless original features throughout the hotel as well as the luxury of an indoor pool, hot tub and newly opened sauna, not to mention 71 beautiful rooms (many of which are complete with a view out to sea), endless potential lies at the feet of the Cornwall Hotel Collection, who are working hard to make this already bright diamond truly shine.
A fresh foodie offering can be found in the Castle View restaurant, overseen by the Collection’s Executive Chef, Nick Hodges. The likes of stone-baked pizzas, fresh seafood dishes, Sunday lunches and afternoon teas can all be enjoyed with a seaside view to delight all as sailboats drift on by, while the calming experience of the pool and spa awaits those seeking a moment of peace.
With exclusive offers and discounts available all year round, bookings made directly via the hotel websites will secure the very best rates, and signing up to each newsletter will ensure you never miss the perfect opportunity to experience the Cornish escape of your daydreams.
