The Summer House
Charming B&B where luxury and convenience combine to make one of Penzance’s best waterside stays
Cornwall Terrace, Penzance TR18 4HL
Around the hotel
- Areas under stairs are closed in or adult height to avoid collision
- Art can be removed from guests' rooms upon request
- Audible alarm system throughout
- Clear walkways/corridors throughout
- Dimmable lighting
- Free of loose rugs
- Handrails easy-to-grip
- Hotel entrance equipped with automatic door
- Windows that open
Babies and young children
- Some rooms with baths
- Staff can access fridges for guests
Bathroom
- Bathroom has lever handle locks
- Bathroom washbasins reachable from toilet
- Empty surfaces adjoining washbasin in bathrooms
- Standalone showers
Bedrooms
- Additional pillows provided upon request
- Bed mattress firm
- Level surface in bathroom
- Synthetic bedding
- Windows have safety locks
Dining
- Access routes of at least 800mm wide in restaurants
- Dairy free, gluten free, nut free, fish and shellfish allergies can all be catered for
- Dairy free, gluten free, nut free, fish and shellfish allergies can all be catered for if informed in advance
- Large print menus
- Restaurant menus available online in advance
Experience
- Lots of natural light
Hotel Policy
- Doors can be unlocked from outside in emergencies
- Emergency evacuation procedures for guests with disabilities
- Familiarisation tour
- Fire extinguishers in public areas
- Hotel can refrigerate medication for guests
Housekeeping
- Hypoallergenic detergent used
Outside the hotel
- Drop off area with dropped kerb
- Hotel entrance at least 800mm wide
- Level car park
- Mats or non-slip surfaces at entrance
- On-site car park
- Well lit car parking area
- Well lit entrance
Reception
- Seating and tables near reception
Staff
- Additional assistance can be arranged in advance
- Staff made aware of guests who may require additional assistance
- Staff trained in welcoming guests with disabilities
Around the hotel
- Free of loose rugs
Babies and young children
- Some rooms with baths
- Staff can access fridges for guests
Bedrooms
- Guarantee booking connecting rooms
- Safe
- Windows have safety locks
Dining
- Children's menu
Experience
- Family-friendly attractions nearby
- Family-friendly sports facilities nearby
- Games available to borrow
- IP TVs
Hotel Policy
- No smoking throughout the hotel building
Transport
- Bikes available to hire or borrow from hotel
Design
- Maximises use of natural light
- Sustainably sourced and/or eco-friendly building materials and practices
Dining
- Food waste reduction programme
- Some organic food
- Vegan menu choices
Energy/ Emissions
- Green energy supplier used
- Low energy consumption lighting
- Offsets carbon footprint
Experience
- Space reserved for nature
Hotel Policy
- Complimentary toiletries cruelty free
- Complimentary toiletries vegan
- Food and drink ethically/sustainably sourced wherever possible
- Food and drink locally sourced wherever possible
- Goods and services locally sourced wherever possible
- Low flow toilets
- No plastic bottles
- Publicises and encourages use of local businesses
- Seasonal menu choices
- Self-sustaining water system
- Single-use plastic free
- Supports pro-environmental initiatives or organisations
Housekeeping
- Option to forego towels being laundered daily
Religious/cultural
- Vegetarian menu choices
Transport
- Bikes available to hire or borrow from hotel
- Bikes available to hire or borrow nearby
- Hotel within walking distance of public transport
- Hybrid car service
Waste
- All glass recycled
- All paper recycled
- All recyclable plastics recycled
- Alternative to PVC room key cards
- Complimentary toiletries in recycled/recyclable plastic packaging
- Toiletry refills
Amenities
- Golf course nearby
- Jogging map
Around the hotel
- Windows that open
Babies and young children
- Staff can access fridges for guests
Bedrooms
- Bathrobes and slippers provided
Dining
- Dairy free, gluten free, nut free, fish and shellfish allergies can all be catered for if informed in advance
- Some organic food
- Vegan menu choices
Experience
- Lots of natural light
- Space reserved for nature
- Walking maps for local area available on reception
Hotel Policy
- Bed linen made from natural materials
- Complimentary toiletries not tested on animals
- Food and drink ethically/sustainably sourced wherever possible
- Food and drink locally sourced wherever possible
- Goods and services locally sourced wherever possible
- Hotel has corporate social responsibility policy or similar
- Hotel supports local organisations and/or charities
- Inclusion and diversity statement
- No plastic bottles
- No smoking throughout the hotel building
- Publicises and encourages use of local businesses
- Seasonal menu choices
- Single-use plastic free
- Supports pro-environmental initiatives or organisations
- Training and development opportunities for hotel employees
Religious/cultural
- Vegetarian menu choices
Transport
- Bikes available to hire or borrow from hotel
Perched just moments away from Penzance Beach and the promenade, The Summer House is an elegant guest house set in a charming Grade II property. Five individually designed boutique rooms form the heart of the B&B, each with plenty of natural light and views of the breathtaking Cornwall scenery and the verdant walled garden. The delightfully spacious rooms are spread across two wings of the house. All have en suite bathrooms and the expected amenities: vegan-friendly toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, Bluetooth radio etc., as well as a modern design aesthetic throughout with light soft linens, indulgent waterfall showers, and stylish finishing touches like art inspired by the local scenery (painted by one of your hosts) and grand wood framed mirrors. Emphasis is given to the relaxed and personable atmosphere within the hotel, lovingly served by the owners Kirsten and Trevor, for an unforgettable holiday experience on the Cornish coast.
While Penzance already leads the way towards becoming a plastic-free community, the Summer House goes a few extra steps, aspiring to be as sustainable as possible. In practice, this means avoiding single-use plastics, utilising refillable eco-friendly toiletries, providing milk and water in glass bottles, avoiding plastic packed jams and butter, and championing a pre-order breakfast system that helps to reduce food waste and cut down on packaging.
Breakfasts comprise cold cuts, juices, cereals, freshly baked croissants and cooked breakfasts, with ingredients sourced primarily from local suppliers, and best enjoyed in the tranquil garden. In the evenings, a creative menu of continental dishes, and cheese and charcuterie platters are available to pre-order. And there’s a wine list selected by Cornwall’s excellent Polgoon Vineyard. Picnic lunches are available (for a trip to the beach, perhaps?), and a 24-hour pantry with drinks, cakes and cookies is at your disposal throughout your stay.
This focus on sustainability goes beyond the kitchen, with a thoughtful approach to cleaning and laundry – using only environmentally safe products and delivering laundry back to guests in paper bags.
Perfectly located in the middle of Mounts Bay, The Summer House is surrounded by some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches and cliffs. Guests enjoy easy access to the sea and water sports and are well placed to catch the ferry to the Scilly Isles. Closer still is St Michael’s Mount, the Minack Theatre and the South West Coastal Walk.
Inside the house, window seats set against tall sash windows and thoughtful decor complement an elegant drawing-room. And outside, the idyllic garden provides a quiet sanctuary perfect for an evening glass of wine.