Menu
A stone’s throw from picturesque Penzance harbour, Chapel House is a striking Georgian townhouse home to an uber elegant boutique hotel. This light, airy and chic property is just moments from the sea in a corner of Cornwall packed with hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Constructed in 1790 the building itself has had a fascinating history, Chapel House has been a family home, a shelter for WW2 evacuees, a lodging house, and from 1993 to 2011, the Penzance Arts Club. The property has been lovingly brought back to life following an extensive two-year redesign and renovation which carefully preserved original features and added thoughtful contemporary touches. The décor throughout evokes ocean and sky, with a palette of soft greys, greens and blues, enhanced by the natural light which floods the interiors. The Newlyn School of Art curates a gallery of artwork in the entrance hall and first-floor landing, allowing guests to enjoy beautiful modern art in the traditional Georgian surrounds. It’s a really special spot.
The six bedrooms enjoy views across to the sea. Three have large sea-facing windows with views over Penzance harbour and Mount’s Bay as far as Lizard Point, ideal for watching the fishing boats in the early morning light. Rooms are refreshingly simple and impeccably designed, with Smart TVs, iPads and coffee and tea making facilities available on demand, and high end bathrooms with waterfall showers, deep soaking baths from Cabuchon and indulgent products from Pure Nuff Stuff in Penzance.
Two suites are housed in a Georgian building across a courtyard garden which offers a wonderful sun-filled space to enjoy the views across Mounts Bay. Each of the suites has a ground floor bedroom, open tread walnut stairs lead up to open plan living on the first floor with show-stopping panoramic views across the harbour over to St Michael’s Mount, and south across to Lizard Point and Mousehole. The suites also benefit from a small but perfectly formed kitchen, meaning guests can book in for longer stays with self-catering potential.
Dining at The Chapel House is a relaxed affair, and you can choose whether to eat en famille with other guests or to take your meal on the terrace. Owner Susan Stuart is a gifted and thoughtful cook, creating delicious dinners for residents and non-residents alike, using local suppliers, seasonal produce and fresh ingredients.
Menus are simple and fresh, with dishes like Cornish Asparagus with freshly made hollandaise, Pan Fried Brill with Cornish Early potatoes and samphire, rounded off with Saffron Bread & Butter pudding. Brunch is served on Sundays as well as a traditional Sunday Roast.
On the lower ground floor of the main building, guests are invited, and the kitchen and dining area welcomes guests to relax and enjoy complimentary cake and coffee throughout the afternoon. The kitchen leads out onto a sea-facing terrace and a garden planted with ‘Cornwall Exotics’, the perfect location for a sundowner.
