7 minute read
Fowey Hall Reimagined
Whatever the time of year, Fowey Hall’s spellbinding views across the Cornish harbour, beyond its sparkling estuary and out to seaward are utterly breathtaking.
Yet the sweeping sea views are just part of the charm of this Grade-II-listed British gem set on Cornwall’s south coast.
Fowey Hall has recently completed a multimillion-pound refurbishment, with a stunning renovation of its 36 bedrooms, children’s rooms, library and communal areas. Placing family at the core of its offerings, the hotel’s magnificent building has been sympathetically renovated and upgraded, with local artists and British craftspeople creating bespoke furniture, contemporary soft furnishings and luxurious touches imbued with the hotel’s history and rich character.
Simon Maguire, Managing Director of Luxury Family Hotels, says: “This has been a real labour of love and the results, we feel, speak for themselves. Fowey and all that Cornwall has to offer is very much at the heart of our hotel, and this major refurbishment tells the story of the hotel from past right through to the present”.
In this homely mix of tradition, luxury and family relaxation, grown-ups can enjoy the spa, sink into the hot tub or enjoy a candlelit dinner, stress-free, while younger VIPs can adventure in the gardens, hit the bespoke games room and indoor pool – a new outdoor pool will open in 2022 – and feast on a children’s afternoon high tea.
In the hotel’s historic lobby, a roaring open log fire creates a warm welcome for all guests, while the captivating Jamb globe chandelier is an eye-catching touch of decadence.
The hotel currently has 36 luxurious bedrooms –16 beautifully refurbished Mansion House bedrooms feature oak wooden floors painted in soft grey, vintage furniture, British-heritage-inspired fabrics, and handmade turned oak beds made by Cornwall’s own furniture and homeware designer, Head & Haft.
With an emphasis on material, artisanship, detail and narrative, Head & Haft’s pieces embody the essence of Fowey and are built to last. Completed with a bespoke matress, with Fowey as the first hotel in the world to feature The White Boutique Hotel Luxury Mattress.
For little VIPs luxurious pyjamas featuring our different hotel ‘mascots’, are available across the hotels, designed exclusively for Luxury Family Hotels by The White Company.
Guests will also find an ode to the caninefriendly ethos of the hotel, with charcoal prints of characterful dogs by Central Saint Martins' artist Justine Osbourne.
The bright two-storey Garden Wing is home to 11 bedrooms and one large family suite, which feature a contemporary style, complete with sumptuous bedding, freestanding baths, and designer furnishings, including rough edge elm coffee tables (certified as ‘grown in Britain’) and wardrobes lined with bespoke wallpaper designed by interior designers StudioJill and illustrated by north Cornwall artist Nicole Heidaripour.
With family at its heart, Fowey Hall prides itself on providing memorable stays for guests of all ages. Its refurbished children’s bedrooms feature playful styling, with bunk beds and desks crafted again by Head & Haft.
Hotel’s historic lobby
The hotel’s ever-popular Ofsted-registered Four Bears' Den provides an hour and a half’s free childcare each day for every booking, while children can also enjoy the playground, beautiful gardens or uncover a treasure trove of delights in the hotel’s fascinating library.
Opened by Britain’s Got Talent judge and children’s author David Walliams following its refurbishment, Fowey Hall’s library is home to more than 800 books and is thought to be the largest children’s library in any hotel in the UK. This honour is all the more fitting when guests discover the historic hotel is thought to be the inspiration for The Wind in the Willows’ Toad Hall, after author Kenneth Grahame stayed at the property when first visiting Fowey in 1899.
Fowey Hall’s library
It's designed to provide a peaceful enclave where inquisitive minds can relax – vintage photographs adorn the library walls alongside playful monochromatic prints. Antique furniture and British-made pieces, including a console table made from a reclaimed railway sleeper by &Bespoke, provide cosy nooks and places to curl up with a favourite tome.
Kids’ entertainment continues in Fowey Hall’s unique Games Room, which is kitted out with retro style arcade games, table tennis, a pool table, a cinema room, leather pommel horse seating and decorated with fun Marvel posters and prints.
Fowey Hall’s unique Games Room
In the main dining room, art by local artist Stephanie Tudor entitled Tideline takes centre stage and is made from found objects from nearby Readymoney beach.
The aim of the piece is to try and get children interested in and talking about what goes into our oceans and the ethos of sustainability. Not surprisingly, Fowey Hall’s culinary options also focus on local ingredients and provenance, with much of the menu centred around local suppliers.
Fowey Hall’s newly created Morning Room Bar, which overlooks the garden terrace, is the perfect place for a relaxing morning coffee or afternoon tipple. Reflecting the calming natural surroundings, the Garden Room features handpainted Degournay Eden wallpaper, elegant green marble tables and a walnut centrepiece table by Galvin Brothers.
Hand painted Degournay Eden wallpaper, elegant green marble tables and a walnut centrepiece table by Galvin Brothers in Fowey's new Morning RoomBar.
Building on 2020’s multimillion-pound refurbishment, Luxury Family Hotels has also embarked on some exciting new additions to Fowey Hall’s extensive offering.
Due for completion in spring 2022, the project includes 24 spectacular bedrooms, a grand outdoor swimming pool, and a complete re-landscaping of the grounds and driveway. The expansion provides even more opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment for all ages.
Bedroom with coastal views
The Garden Wing will be home to 19 of the new bedroom suites, with a further five bedrooms located atop the spa.
With balconies overlooking the stunning estuary and with unrivalled sea views, these bedrooms will set a new bar for coastal relaxation.
Bathroom
Tree art and prints along with the use of greenery throughout the hotel links the inside and outside, celebrating the beauty of the location.
The hotel is also building a new outside playground that continues the theme of sustainability and taps into Fowey Hall’s The Wind in the Willows' history. Exquisitely renovated, enriched with Cornish and British artisanship and afforded every conceivable home comfort and luxury for a discerning family stay, Fowey Hall’s multi-million pound renovation and dynamic additions for 2022 set a bright future for our beloved Cornish bolthole.
Local beaches to explore near Fowey Hall
From sandy stretches to half-moon bays and sheltered coves, Fowey’s local beaches provide everything you need for paddling, pottering, sandcastles and strolls.
Readymoney Cove
A picturesque stroll from the hotel, this small sandy bay is a Cornish gem and overlooked by St Catherine’s Castle
Readymoney Cove
Polkerris Beach
Polkerris Beach
One of Cornwall’s best family beaches; from sandcastles to first-rate watersports facilities, this charming sandy Cornish cove offers endless delights.
Par Sands
This sweeping, wide sandy beach just outside St Austell, is backed by dunes and perfect for bracing walks or a paddle.
Par Sands
Polridmouth Cove
Home to two unspoilt beaches and backed by woodlanddappled hillocks, Polridmouth is known to literary fans as Rebecca’s beach in Daphne du Maurier’s novel Rebecca.
Polridmouth Cove
Words | Chantal Borciani
