The door opened wide onto a large hallway bathed in the afternoon Cornish light. But, all I could see was two beaming faces “We’ve been expecting you, coffee?” says Vanessa Clark as husband Simon directed us to a large welcoming lounge with an open fireplace, a 19th century apothecary’s cabinet to die for and spellbinding wallpaper denoting a designer eye for unusual and eclectic décor. We had arrived at Highcliffe Contemporary B&B.
By the time, Vanessa came back with two perfect cups of coffee, “we are coffee aficionados” she said in way of explanation, Simon had opened a cute map of Falmouth and its surroundings and we were being introduced to what this Cornish fishing port-cum-arty resort has to offer to visitors. Gyllyngvase Beach just down the road from Highcliffe and Pendennis Castle along the beach road. The sea-front promenade 10 minutes away with St Mawes across the harbour where ferries of different sizes like Russian dolls ply back and forth, as passengers hop from quite sizable islands to tiny little ones.
Falmouth won the Sunday Times 2017 public vote for “Best Place to Live in the UK” and has plenty to offer. Unlike other coastal towns, Falmouth has good rail and road infrastructure. Through the centuries the town has played an important role as a central hub for communications. In the 18th century, Falmouth was the most cosmopolitan port in England with passengers landing from all over the globe. The town may have changed a lot but its backdrop is breathtakingly beautiful as ever….though also very hilly.
“Let’s get you acclimatised” jokes Simon as we climb up to the Penthouse Suite. Room 7 is spacious, stylishly decorated in soothing colours but, the main focus is the panoramic view of the harbour and town from the three seater sofa in the lounge area. Each room is individually decorated, making the most of the individual space, even the single room with its black and white ink-drawn cows wallpaper is attractive and full of light.
The attention to detail extends to the breakfast table. Cereals and a buffet, locally sourced with home-made jams and compotes accompanied by hot breakfast specials which change every day and of course tea or the locally torrefied coffee which so impressed me on arrival. An excellent start of the day, ready to tackle a full program of visits.
Poldark inspired trip
Fans of the hit BBC series Poldark will be familiar with the peaceful woodland and hilly meadows surrounding the Poldark Mine at Wendron, a mere 12 miles away from Highcliffe B&B or the Rosland area with its secluded beaches. At the start of the second TV series, we see Ross Poldark galloping across Porthluney beach situated east of St Mawes. Instantaneously recognisable for its dramatic backdrop of Caerhays Castle. In series 3, the beach is the spot where Drake, Morwenna and Geoffrey Charles walked and explored the caves.
And, after a long day exploring beaches and walking in the Cornish hills what better place to come back to than Highcliffe, an exceptional B&B where every guest is made to feel special.
Tell me more about Highcliffe Contemporary B&B
Highcliffe Contemporary B&B was awarded Muddy Stilettos Awards 2016 for the Best Boutique Stay in Cornwall
Book direct call 01326 31446 – Email: info@highcliffefalmouth.com
22 Melvill Road Falmouth TR 11 4AR
Room prices vary -low season November to March – High season April to September
Double rooms £ 99 in high season £75 in low season
Penthouse £165 in high season and £115 in low season
single from £50
The Fal Mussel Card gives Visitors unlimited hop-on-hop-off travel on ferries, rural buses and trains £7.33 per day
New ‘Experience Poldark’ App
Download Visit Cornwall new free “Experience Poldark” app from the App store, it is packed full of ideas, gossip and fun information to offer a fully immersive Poldark experience.
Getting there
By train: Falmouth is on the GWR historic Maritime Line from Truro
By air: Cornwall Airport is situated at Newquay
