The Cornwall, St Austell – Review

Only 8 months old The Cornwall is the latest luxury offering from St Austell, it`s an ideal lodging for those seeking a weekend retreat close to the amazing Eden project. This majestic manor house surrounded by lush grounds and bordering chalet style outhouses has been attracting a lot of attention since its royal opening and rightly so.

We arrived late and hungry from our train journey to a warm reception in a gorgeously stylish foyer. I loved the brave origami style lanterns, the dove grey voile skimming a spiral staircase, gold-flecked wallpaper and modern prints lining the wall. Despite our late hour the staff rustled up a plate of deep filled sandwiches and showed us to our brand spanking new bedroom. It was impressive. Osborne and little wallpaper (which featured throughout the hotel) set the tone, their exotic birds made a dramatic appearance dancing across the bedroom walls beside a king size bed draped in silks and satins. In keeping with the latest trends our luxurious deep bath sat just behind the bed itself with heated towels and organic soaps at the ready.

Waking and stepping out onto a star lit timber balcony with views over the lush hotel grounds all the anxieties of the working week seemed far behind. The next morning we breakfasted on smoked salmon and the butteriest of scrambled eggs before heading out to a much-needed trek in the surrounding woodland. St Austell is the perfect place to get on your bike, attempt some horse riding and take in some fresh air. If the great outdoors isn`t your scene then don`t despair, the hotel also has its own gym and a show-stopping spa. The crystal clear pool looks out on the breathtaking grounds, it`s easy to spend hours dipping in and out of the cool water, warming up in the steam room or sauna and lying out on a deck chair.

Having attempted some exercise we were ready for the delicious three-course dinner that followed. We dined on spicy crab cakes and creamy linguine, tucked into tender lamb and creamy mash before polishing off a rich dark chocolate pudding. And I discovered wonderful new drink: Cornish champagne, a golden bottle of bubbly from Camel. Highly recommend!

I was sorry to leave The Cornwall so soon, the fantastic staff, the food, the great atmosphere, the lovely interiors and breath taking scenery. A real little Eden in its own right.