Cornwall
Rustic-industrial bohemian. Exposed beams, reclaimed timber, mismatched vintage furniture, original artwork everywhere. Feels like a very stylish friend's eclectic home rather than a hotel.
Book the Lookout or Mini Lookout for views of St Michael's Mount from the third floor
Why It Matters
Holds 1 Michelin Key (2025) along with all five Artist Residence properties. The group was born from a Brighton guesthouse revamp where local artists decorated rooms in exchange for board — that DNA runs through every corner of this place. It's one of the only hotels in West Cornwall where the design actually feels intentional rather than inherited from a generic refurb.
A revitalised 17th-century Georgian inn on Penzance's most characterful street, Artist Residence Cornwall is the second property in the Artist Residence group and, by many accounts, their most beloved. The place has 22 rooms plus a self-contained cottage, each one individually designed with reclaimed wood, upcycled furniture, copper roll-top baths and bold art. Downstairs, the Cornish Barn runs all day from breakfast through to last drinks, with a lounge fire, a garden terrace and a summer Shack bar that pops up on weekends.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Comfy Double
The hotel's core room type, spread across ground, first and second floors — so no two are identical. Expect vintage furniture, colourful prints, squashy armchairs and antiques. Sizes range from 16–18 sq m. Ensuite with shower; the ground-floor version has a shower over a bathtub. Some are dog-friendly.
King · 17 sqm
Comfy Double or Twin
A 14 sq m ground-floor room with wood-panelled walls and quirky photography prints. Can be configured as a king or twin (specify at booking). Comes with a Smeg mini fridge stocked with Cornish goodies and a Nespresso machine — a step up from the standard Comfy Double. Shower over bath in the ensuite.
King or Twin · 14 sqmComfy Luxe
First-floor rooms with a modern seaside theme — deckchair-striped king bed, mini fridge with Cornish goodies. The headline feature is a roll-top bath in the bedroom itself on some variants, with a separate ensuite shower room for more private bathing. Sizes run 15–18 sq m.
King · 17 sqmLoft
Pitched ceilings and exposed beams in a 20 sq m top-floor room that punches above its size thanks to great design: leatherbound seats, a soft king bed with a woollen blanket, colour-pop art prints, and a distressed wooden barn door that slides back to reveal the bathroom. Roll-top bath (one variant has it romantically placed in the bedroom) plus a rainfall shower. Windows look out to the street or garden.
King · 20 sqmSnug
The most compact option, tucked on the ground floor. Bright, eclectic furnishings and an ensuite with shower. Good for solo travellers or couples who won't spend much time in the room. No cot available in this category.
DoubleSuper Comfy Luxe
The step-up from Comfy Luxe and the sweet spot for most couples. Wood-panelled walls, super king-size beds, individually designed quirky decor and antique furnishings. Each room has a luxurious roll-top bathtub and a walk-in rainfall shower. At 26–30 sq m these feel noticeably more spacious than the lower categories.
Super King · 28 sqmThe Chapel Suite
The most theatrical room in the main house at 45 sq m. Barnwood doors in emerald and slate blue, tasselled chandeliers, rattan footstools, velvet sofas, mid-century and upcycled pieces, and head-turning artwork throughout. There's a freestanding brass bathtub in the lounge, a separate bathroom with rain shower, and views of Chapel Street from the upper floor. Babies (free cot) and up to two small dogs welcome.
Super King · 45 sqmThe Cottage
A self-contained 55 sq m three-bedroom cottage adjacent to the main building. Sleeps up to six guests (plus up to three dogs depending on size). Bedroom one has a king bed; bedroom two a king that converts to twins; bedroom three is a bunk room with two full-size singles. The open-plan living space has a statement log burner, dining table for six, copper roll-top bathtub and walk-in rainfall shower. Has its own private entrance — feels like a home rather than a hotel room.
Mixed (King + King/Twin + Bunk) · 55 sqmThe Lookout
The top-floor flagship. Exposed beams, reclaimed furniture, antiques and a terrace overlooking the Penzance rooftops with sea views toward Newlyn and Mousehole. The living space has a log-burning stove (partly fuelled by the hotel's old delivery pallets), small dining area and rustic kitchenette. Copper freestanding bathtub and separate rainfall shower in the statement bathroom. Sofa bed for one child available (£30/night). Up to two small dogs welcome.
Super KingThe Mini Lookout
Third-floor room in the eaves with views toward Marazion, St Michael's Mount and Newlyn. Exposed ceiling beams, velvet seating, eye-catching artwork and a striking bronze roll-top bathtub in the ensuite. Sleeps up to three: a king bed in the main room plus a cosy single room off the living area. Good option for a family of three. Not dog-friendly.
King · 40 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel's enclosed rear garden with trestle tables and a buzzy bar. In warmer months the Shack bar opens on weekends serving a street-food style menu with cocktails and frozen margaritas. Table tennis and ping pong also available in the garden.
The Scillonian III ferry departs from Penzance harbour, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Runs six days a week from spring to autumn. The hotel can help arrange early breakfast for early departures.
The hotel takes private bookings for celebrations, weddings and parties. Options range from intimate private spaces to full house takeovers.
The hotel hosts seasonal events in the garden including barbecues, lobster nights and live music, primarily spring through summer.
Table tennis and ping pong tables available in the festival garden.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Three separate staircases, no lift. Ground-floor rooms available with separate side entrance onto Vandervour Lane. Main entrance has three steps.
A fire-warmed lounge with cocktails, candles and a wood-burner — ideal for after a coastal walk.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel. Signal can occasionally be temperamental given the thick Cornish granite construction.
Roberts DAB radios in every room — a signature touch across all Artist Residence properties.
Minibars stocked with local and artisan snacks and drinks. Smeg mini fridges in some room categories.
Bramley bath and body products in every bathroom. Hand-made by a West Country apothecarist using all-natural ingredients.
Pod coffee machines using Grind coffee pods in rooms, with fresh milk in the fridge. Some entry-level rooms have a kettle/tea setup only.
Enclosed festival garden to the rear with trestle tables, bar, ping pong and, in summer, the Shack bar. Social hub in warmer months.
No parking on site. Nearest option is Harbour Long Stay Car Park (~5 min walk) which has EV charging. Greenmarket Car Park is 2 min walk but fills up. Drop-off in front of the hotel is possible.
No on-site pool. Nearest option is the Art Deco Jubilee Pool saltwater lido, a 5-minute walk down by the seafront.
Bedrooms serviced daily. Guests can opt out for privacy.
Gift vouchers available for stays, food and drink.
Luggage storage available — particularly useful for early arrivals before 3pm check-in.
Full Cornish Barn menu available for room service during restaurant opening hours.
BUILD YOUR ARTIST RESIDENCE CORNWALL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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