Driftwood Hotel

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.

© Room for Romance