Follow the coast south from Falmouth, leaving behind the bustle of the town and just before you come to the Helford River, you’ll find Hotel Meudon.

Revamped and revitalised under new ownership in 2021, this previously family owned hotel has kept so many of the things that the loyal (but ageing) clientele returned for year after year whilst gently bringing things up to date. Much of the nicest original mid-century furniture has been retained and given a new lease of life, as well as other modern vintage touches throughout the hotel, creating a stylish retreat.

All rooms have been updated and redesigned, with new bathrooms, Cornish toiletries, and glass balconies offering inviting places to relax to maximise the Cornish sunlight.

The 29 rooms include Garden View, Sea View, Garden view suites with balcony/terrace, large sea view suites, as well as an Inland Facing Suite with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The drawing room and Freddie’s cocktail bar can be found in the older main building, which dates back to the 1800s with the main hotel from the mid-1970s.

The restaurant, complete with inside grapevine serves up inventive and delicious food showcasing the very best Cornwall has to offer (head chef David Waters really is spoilt for choice down here) including lunch (small bites), dinner and afternoon tea, all of which are served to residents and non-residents alike.

The jewel in Hotel Meudon’s crown is that it is set in eight acres of subtropical gardens, at the bottom of which you will find a secluded beach, Bream Cove. Grab your coffee and treats from the Bream Box at the bottom of the garden as you pass the gate by the South West Coast Path; the beach is perfect for wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just a lovely place to while away an afternoon with a book. That’s if you don’t get distracted by a lounger in the garden, or even on one of the many Ercol chairs in the conservatory like ‘bridge’ reading room. Yoga tuition is available, as it is a bijou selection of well executed treatments including massages and manicure/pedicures in the Sanctuary Suite.

Dog-friendly (including gardens and beach) as well as welcoming to families, the hotel also has accessible rooms and a self-catering cottage in what was once the Head Gardener’s residence, sleeping four plus a cot.