Restoring an icon

After a year in the hands of the Cornwall Hotel Collection, Falmouth’s landmark seaside hotel has reawakened to reclaim her Victorian heritage.

This May marked 160 years since The Falmouth first opened its doors, and one year since the Cornwall Hotel Collection took it under its expert wing alongside The Greenbank and The Alverton. As one of the town’s most iconic Victorian landmarks, a thoughtful programme of renovations is now breathing new life into this ‘Grande Dame’ by the sea.

“Falmouth deserves its eponymous hotel to shine brightly as a beacon of pride for the town,” explains Managing Director, Ben Young. “We believe that The Falmouth should properly reflect the town’s vibrant spirit and rich heritage. Through careful restoration and strategic enhancements, this iconic establishment will continue to celebrate Falmouth’s unique identity while offering outstanding hospitality.”

The 1865 Lounge, named in honour of the hotel’s founding year, has undergone a dramatic reimagining. Soft textures, a coastal palette, large-scale artwork, and timber flooring have replaced tired interiors, creating a calm, characterful space that sets the tone for what’s to come. Now a welcoming retreat with warmth, richness and intent, guests can relax with a drink, admire the details and even bring their well-behaved dog.

The transformation of the adjoining bar and lounge allows the panoramic views of the tropical gardens and expansive coastline to truly shine – the perfect space for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea. What’s more, the hotel’s spa, pool, sauna, and gym are now bright and inviting spaces, alongside the elegant exterior repaint and a newly surfaced car park.

Next in line is the Castle View restaurant, which is currently undergoing a redesign to mirror the new, more refined aesthetic. It’s a slow and respectful process – one rooted in restoring beauty, not erasing history. Matt Hulme of Dynargh Design explains: “The inspiration behind the new interiors stems from the rich heritage and architectural elegance of the building itself. With its storied past and an abundance of original features, the hotel offers a remarkable canvas. This isn’t about transformation, but refinement.”

Standing in its seafront location, welcoming locals and visitors alike to explore the progress, The Falmouth’s new chapter is unfolding gracefully. Having achieved so much in 12 months, and with grand plans in place for the future, it’s clear this historic hotel is in safe hands, reclaiming its place as one of Cornwall’s most treasured hotels.

THE FALMOUTH
Castle Beach, Falmouth TR11 4NZ
01326 312671
www.falmouthhotel.co.uk