Chapel House

Hotel review

With a dearth of charming places to stay in Penzance, it is delightful to discover Chapel House - a stylish boutique hotel tucked away from the main thoroughfare. With far-reaching views out to sea and across to St Michael’s Mount, it’s easy to see why this striking elevated building, dated 1790, was home to Admiral Samuel Hood Lindsay during the Napoleonic war. High ceilings and spotless white painted floorboards give the interior a sense of spaciousness and serenity. The attention to detail is notable and Susan Stuart, the owner, has gone the extra mile to make the place inviting and luxuriously comfortable with an informal, ’open house’ approach so guests feel at home. On arrival, there’s tea and homemade cake on offer. The rooms - all with sea views - are lofty and fabulous with vast bath tubs, walk in rain showers, generous beds, comfortable seating and atmospheric lighting. Local art decorates the walls. Breakfast is an event in itself and sets you up for the day, starting with homemade muesli with yoghurt, a choice of smoothie, freshly baked breads and pastries followed by a delicious cooked breakfast. At weekends there’s a supper club designed around seasonal and local ingredients. Susan also organises wellness group retreat breaks with a planned itinerary taking in a sea swim, beach workout, yoga, foraging, guided walk followed by an on-site sauna, massage and hot tub. A place where you would want a sojourn lasting more than two nights.

Laura Campbell Review published: 2024-09-20