A sense of personality

Words by Jamie Crocker

Old-world charm meets modern luxury at one of Cornwall’s most enduring hotels.

More than just a place to stay while visiting Cornwall, the Penventon offers an escape from the everyday, it’s a place where Georgian glamour marries contemporary elegance, dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences that blend the richness of the past with the comfort of the present; where artisanal dining and theatrical drinks come together with genuine hospitality and hard to match service.

As the season turns to winter, the Penventon eases to a slower pace. It’s a time made for unhurried mornings, comforting flavours couched in indulgence. Glowing lights and warm interiors set the scene for what one guest perfectly described as feeling like being “spoon-fed brandy and wrapped in cashmere”.

Then December arrives and the hotel transforms into a festive escape… heavily laden trees, golden light compete with festive celebrations. The bar and lounge simmer with upbeat conversation, and the scent of festive spices drifts through the air. 

As an antidote to Cornwall’s wild winter coast, the Penventon offers a warm welcome – inviting you to slowly unwind and be completely looked after. Dining experiences look toward the flavours of the season, spiced drinks appear on the menu and as December arrives, festive favourites take centre stage.

When the weather calls for retreat, the Leisure Club and Spa Treatment Rooms offer escape, where guests can relax and recharge. And as the new year begins, the focus turns to sedate, restorative stays, from the ever-popular Cornish Winter Warmer to spa breaks and cosy weekend getaways. 

Family-owned for over 50 years, the Penventon celebrates its Georgian heritage with a contemporary twist. Rich golds, deep greens and warm reds create an atmosphere that feels both elegant and comforting, while European influences bring a sense of grandeur. From the hand-painted ceilings sporting Venetian chandeliers to the sculpted Copper Bar, every feature tells a story of craftsmanship.

Many of the professional team have been part of the Penventon family for years and their instinctive skills define the experience as much as the décor does. Nothing is too much trouble for them, they’re always ready to go that extra mile.

Looking ahead to 2026, they’re creating a dedicated area for dining with your dog. Thoughtfully designed with the same warmth and flair that define the hotel, it will offer a relaxed and characterful atmosphere made for unhurried dining with your pet. Overlooking a grassed patio area, it’s being carefully planned to ensure that guests travelling with dogs never have to compromise on the experience.

More guests are choosing to travel with their dogs these days and by creating somewhere comfortable and  welcoming for both guests and their dogs, they’re making travel feel much easier for everyone.

As more destinations embrace dog-friendly travel, bringing pets along has become an essential part of modern hospitality. Their dedication to this was recently recognised when they were named Cornwall Living’s Best Pet-Friendly Business – a reflection of the genuine care that defines every stay. Alongside the new dog-friendly dining area, they’re continuing to enhance their bedrooms for guests travelling with their pets. Several are being redesigned with Georgian-inspired details, hard flooring, and practical touches to make stays even more comfortable, while still maintaining dedicated non-dog rooms for guests who prefer them.

They’re also developing new wine-tasting rooms, a project that’s been in progress for over a year. With more than 170 wines already on the list and an expanding cellar that now includes rare allocations, fine vintages and beautifully approachable wines. These spaces will allow them to host intimate wine dinners and tasting experiences that celebrate the grape.

The Dining Galleries Restaurant offers guests a chance to savour good food done well, surrounded by atmosphere and a sense of theatre. The name itself honours the hotel’s heritage. Much of the artwork that lines the walls was painted by David Pascoe, one of the hotel’s original owners, whose passion for art still defines the interiors of the Penventon today. Inspired by the Cornish coast, the flowers of the world, and the architecture of Italy, his works bring colour and personality to every corner – pieces you won’t find anywhere else, giving the restaurant a distinctive sense of place. Guests can enjoy heritage dishes such as their famous pil-pil prawns, Mrs P’s 60-year-old Italian recipe, and the iconic plank steak first served at the hotel in 1969. 

For those planning a short break between December and March a weekend at the Penventon is a chance to escape the ordinary. From the moment you check in, your experience begins. You might head to your room to refresh, slip into the Leisure Club for a swim, or unwind with a treatment in the Spa Treatment Rooms before the evening ahead. The Copper Bar sets the scene perfectly – order the cocktail of the month, a curated gin or rum board, or explore a glass from the extensive wine list before dining. 

Whether you choose to spend your days exploring or simply settling in, there’s plenty to enjoy. Penventon’s location in the heart of Cornwall means some of the county’s best beaches, gardens and attractions are within easy reach (but staying in can be just as inviting).  And before you leave, there’s one final indulgence not to miss… the Afternoon Tea, complete with homemade treats, warm scones and Cornish clotted cream, which takes a festive turn throughout December. It’s the perfect way to end a weekend that’s full of flavour and character at every juncture. Their team is at the heart of everything they do. Nothing is ever too much trouble, whether it’s arranging something special for a celebration or simply ensuring every guest, human or canine, feels genuinely cared for. And if you’re visiting for an occasion, be sure to let them know; you might just find a little extra treat waiting for you.

In summation, a stay at the Penventon leaves you with the feeling that you’ve experienced something different with a desire to return at some future date. And while winter brings its own charm at the hotel, offering cosy corners and comforting flavours the staff hope departing guests will leave curious about what the other seasons hold. What will the gardens be like in spring, how will summer evenings feel on the patio? There is only one way to find out.

penventon.co.uk