Bright and beautiful apartment in the centre of Penzance, overlooking the harbour and St Michael's Mount (sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
* Brand new*
There’s something about the light, land and waters in this wild and weather-beaten part of Cornwall that draws artists from all over the world. Right near the tip of England’s tail, where the land reaches out like a claw into the Atlantic, Penzance is imbued with creative spirit — home to the Newlyn School of Artists through the 1900s, the port town has been a champion of Cornish art ever since, with a thriving art culture and gallery scene today.
Soak up inspiration yourself from this beautiful bell tower on boho Chapel Street. A spiral staircase leads up to this Grade II-listed apartment, carefully curated with iconic vintage Scandinavian furniture and filled with Cornish curiosities. There’s a library of books to guide you into the landscape, from histories and nature writings to Daphne du Maurier’s famous Cornish novels, and records to spin for every mood. Slow mornings can be spent reading on the window seat, watching the harbour bustle, perhaps wandering out to collect coffee and pastries from the local bakery. Then it’s time to explore the town and wider area: swimming in quiet coves, meandering along the coastal path and wondering about ancient stone circles. Whatever life is like back home, you’ll feel a million miles away from it here.
Getting here: drive, or train to Penzance then walk (15 mins).
“We have loved Penzance ever since we moved to West Cornwall 10 years ago. After renovating our own home and 3 holiday cottages, we were looking for a new project and found this wonderful flat. Originally a school in 1834, The Bell Tower became council offices before being converted into flats in the 1980s. It had been rather neglected over the last few years and needed a complete overhaul. We stripped everything back, uncovering the original wooden floors and ceilings, installing new plumbing and electrics. Although we live just 6 miles away, we love spending time here and are still pinching ourselves that we are among the custodians of one of Penzance’s most iconic buildings.” Owners, Chris and Christen
They love
“There’s nothing better than sitting in one of the window seats and reading a book or watching the comings and goings in the harbour.”
We love
The local artistry including gorgeous crockery by Leach Pottery (made from clay pits in St Agnes), and a print in the living room by Cornwall-based artist Lou Tonkin.
You may not love
A 3-night min stay. Access is via a granite spiral staircase. Phone reception can be patchy but WiFi is adequate for basic streaming. Adults only.
Sustainability.
Most of the furniture is vintage or second-hand. Eco cleaning products. Toiletries are locally-made, SLS and paraben-free.
Surrounds.
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Jubilee Pool © Benjamin Elliott via Unsplash -
St Ives © Angela Pham via Unsplash -
Penzance © Benjamin Elliott via Unsplash -
Pedn Vounder Beach © Dominik Pearce via Unsplash -
St Ives © Sarah Embee via Unsplash -
Prussia Cove © Graham Powell via Unsplash -
Minack Theatre © Benjamin Elliott via Unsplash
- You’re right on Chapel Street, where you can browse art galleries, second-hand book shops and boho boutiques.
- Take a dip in The Abbey Basin, a popular swimming spot just below the apartment. Or enjoy a swim and geothermal pool session at The Jubilee Pool, a stunning art deco lido by the sea.
- There are some excellent restaurants in town: the owners recommend the super-cool 45 Queen Street (small plates bursting with flavour, think steamed smokey lemon mussels or miso-glazed aubergine), along with Ministry of Flavour by British India, and the Barbican Bistro.
- Wander around Penlee House, home to an excellent curation of works by the Newlyn School as well as a local history museum.
- St Ives is an easy day trip — go by train or it’s 20 mins away by car. The Tate, Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and Leach Pottery are all fabulous.
- Swim or paddleboard around beautiful Prussia Cove, famed for being a smuggler’s hideout during the 18thC (20 mins’ drive).
- Walk the South West Coast Path from Penzance to Falmouth, stopping off at Praa Sands for a refreshing dip along the way. You can also drive there along the spectacular B3306 coastal road.
- Take or tour or watch a play at the open-air Minack Theatre, right on the cliff’s edge above Porthcurno’s idyllic white-sand beach (30 mins’ drive).
- West Penwith is home to several Bronze and Iron Age monuments, from stone circles to ancient village ruins.
Specifics.
- One-bed apartment in Penzance’s Bell Tower
- Kingsize bedroom
- Bathroom with shower over bath; local natural toiletries provided
- Fully-equipped kitchen including induction hob, microwave/oven and coffee machine; basics provided
- Large living room with huge arched windows and window seats; turntable and records, Smart TV, books and board games
- On-site parking space
- Sorry, no children
- Pets are allowed on request
- Walk to shops, pubs and restaurants (5 mins)
- Hire bikes locally
- The owners live close by and are available by phone
- Booking conditions: a 3-night minimum stay
- Remember to pack: beach towels, walking boots
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations
8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
To see our full terms and conditions relating to booking our hideaways please click here.
FAQs.
In: 3pm / Out: 10am
Yes, there’s a reserved parking space directly in front of the flat.
Longrock and Marazion are 2.5 and 3 miles away respectively.
Unfortunately not.
The flat is in the centre of town and has a range of shops within walking distance.
There are three historic pubs on Chapel Street within a five-minute walk.
The Harbour car park in Penzance (five-minute walk).
It’s a 10-minute walk from the station and Penzance is well-served by public transport, making it ideal for travelling by train.
Three nights off season, checking in any day but between April and October we operate a split week system in, checking in on Mondays or Fridays.
Still have a question?
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