DRIFTWOOD HOTEL

Stylish Cornish coastal retreat with shades of nautical New England

CORNWALL MEETS CAPE COD at Driftwood, a clapboard boutique hotel painted in fresh nautical blues on the south Cornish coast. Set on a breezy clifftop above its own private beach, it makes the perfect rustic hideaway.

Overlooking Gerrans Bay, Driftwood is like no other boutique hotel in Cornwall. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to kick off your shoes and blow away urban cobwebs with a bracing walk beside the waves, or soak up the seclusion as you kick back in a steamer chair and take in second-to-none sea views.

Driftwood’s seven acres of private gardens gradually layering down to the beach, sheltered terrace and weather boarded quarters with all the feel of a stylish yachties’ haven make it the next best thing to your own beach house.

Beach house vibe

Split between the main house and adjacent wings, bedrooms at Driftwood are simple, stylish and comfortable. Most overlook the sea, and that breezy New England beach vibe strikes again in the light and bright, fresh colours, crisp bedlinen and stylish furnishings – some appropriately crafted from driftwood.

Huge beds, flagstone floored bathrooms and plenty of L’Occitane body products complete the picture. Some rooms have French doors leading to their own decked terrace, and it’s worth paying extra for those fantastic sea views. You won’t find a minibar or tea-making tray – start the day instead with the real brew brought to your bedroom door.

Sit down to fresh, locally sourced fare in Driftwood’s light and airy restaurant, with its views across the bay. Hurricane lamps light the deck outside in warm weather – just the place for pre-dinner drinks and post-dinner chasers. On cooler nights you’ll find a welcoming fire in the cosy lounge – just the place to quaff a pint of local Cornish Knocker ale. 

Walk down the wooded path to Driftwood’s very own pebble beach – perfect for exhilarating walks and frisbee throwing.

Friendly, informal service and a nothing’s-too-much-trouble approach from owners Paul and Fiona Robinson gives Driftwood plenty of appeal for couples with kids, as well as those without. Either way, you’ll enjoy that laidback beach house chic.

Driftwood Hotel was reviewed by Room for Romance

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Expect plenty of freshly caught fish at Driftwood. Chef Chris Eden’s modern European dishes feature hand-dived scallops, red mullet, crab risotto and mackerel tartare. Meat eaters are not left out, with plenty of locally reared fare on offer, such as boudin of Lanihorn rabbit and lamb with rhubarb sauce.

If you can’t decide, go for the tasting menu and sample something of everything. The restaurant team will also pack you a delicious hamper – ideal for lunch on the beach. Afternoon tea and cakes are worth coming back for, too.

Breakfast
Excellent breakfasts are served until 9:30 on weekdays, 10:00 on Sundays. As well as home-made breads and cereals, you’ll find Cornish kippers or salmon and scrambled eggs.


Room service
Drinks and light snacks are available from lunchtime to around 10pm.



See & Do
Stroll along Driftwood’s private pebbly beach or lace up your walking boots and set off with one of the chef’s hampers along the famously scenic coastal paths. The Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan and the avant-garde Tate Gallery at St Ives are all within easy reach.

Go surfing at Newquay (look out for dolphins), book a fishing trip or – if you’d sooner keep your feet dry – play tennis or golf nearby.

Trendy St Mawes is five miles away and you’re just a mile from the quaint fishing village of Porscatho. If the weather keeps you indoors there’s a cosy TV room packed with books and DVDs, plus a games room and pool table.

Spa
Book an in-room massage or beauty treatment at reception.

Diary Dates
August
Pack your deck shoes for the Falmouth regatta.

October
For an excuse to quaff champagne and oysters head to the Falmouth Oyster festival.

GETTING THERE

Location
Rosevine, South Cornwall, TR2 5EW

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
Truro station – 13 miles; or St Austell – 16 miles.

Taxis
Around GBP 35 from either station.

Airport
Newquay – 28 miles. Ryanair flies to Newquay from London Stansted.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 175 - 240

Open/closed
Closed 7 December - 5 February.

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends during high season.

Children
Welcome. There is a children’s games room to keep little ones occupied, and early suppers are served. 

Pets
Sorry, your four-legged friends will have to stay at home.

Air conditioning
No.

Wedding license?
No.