Merchants Manor in Falmouth, England, unveils new residences

Modern guestroom with views over Falmouth Bay
781 434 Hamish Kilburn
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Bert & May and Helen Hughes have thoughtfully added two new apartments to Merchants Manor in Falmouth…

Merchants Manor Hotel & Spa in Falmouth has opened the doors to two luxury eco-friendly residences. Located in the grounds of the hotel and spa, the self-catered living spaces take inspiration from British design, with subtle reference to the Cornish coast.

The residences, called Landlubber and Lookout, were designed by acclaimed designers Bert and May in collaboration with award-winning interior designer Helen Hughes. Accommodating one to four people, each apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen living space, private terrace with jacuzzi hot tub and separate entrance. Guests are able to still enjoy all of the facilities in the main hotel including the outstanding Rastella restaurant, swimming pool, Technogym and luxurious Linen Room spa.

“Helen wanted to create individual identities for each apartment, ” said Lee Thornley, Founder of Bert & May, when speaking about the design. “We’ve used a variety of industrial materials including brass and wood as well as historic artisan tiles, when combined they all complement each other to offer a modern yet rustic feel.”

Each luxury residence provides an earthy feel with timber frames, organic shapes and quirky features all drawing inspiration from the fresh Cornish countryside. Floor to ceiling windows capture the picturesque views of Falmouth Bay and allow natural light to flood the interior spaces.

Helen Hughes added: “As part of an ongoing refurbishment aimed to establish Merchants Manor as a destination boutique hotel and spa I was delighted to work with my client again on this exciting new addition.

“Selecting individual palettes for both apartments from the beautiful Bert & May ranges was the starting point of the design process. Once defined the spaces were furnished with a stylish mix of vintage, new and found pieces that were upholstered in a vibrant mix of bold and colourful fabrics. Slight nods to the coastal location and shipping history of Falmouth complete the look.

“I’m delighted the apartments have been given a 5-star rating since completion, some of only a handful in Cornwall.”

The Lookout residence welcomes guests with its secluded 22-metre glazed terrace complete with Jacuzzi hot tub overlooking the breathtaking Falmouth coastline. In the bedrooms, nautical interiors reflect the idyllic sea views with a colour scheme that combines calming tones of cool blues against bright corals. Lookout’s bedrooms feature antique hooks that were recovered from the private quarters of Queen Mary when she sailed around India and Asia as part of a coronation tour with King George V. Quirky touches continue throughout the property and include a timeless wardrobe in the bedroom as well as antique mirrors attained at auction from the estate of a renowned artist in Helford.

Both bedrooms feature deep emerald headboards and hand furnishings, whilst illustration and prints from acclaimed local artist and print maker Lou Tonkin adorn the rustic wooden walls.  Landlubber also has two bathrooms – both with wet room showers.

Referencing the hotel’s Cornish sub-tropical garden, the Landlubber residence offers a green haven with its homely artisan tiles in the kitchen living space and reclaimed timber cladding. The open plan living and kitchen area provides plenty of space for guests to relax, whether it’s curling up on the sofa with a book or enjoying a home-cooked meal prepared by the hotel’s Chef Patron, Hylton Espey.

Commenting on the project, owner Nick Rudlin said: “We are delighted to unveil our new spaces to guests. Each residence is eco-friendly and designed to reflect the relaxed beachy surroundings of the Falmouth coast.  This has been supported by the AA who have awarded the spaces the highest accolade of 5 gold stars making them one of only a handful in all of Cornwall.

“The new homes are perfect for those looking for the best of both worlds, offering unparalleled luxury of a private holiday escape, with the ability to dip in to all the amazing amenities that a boutique hotel and restaurant has to offer.”

Suppliers list (furniture and interiors)

  • ROCKETT ST GEORGE
  • Loaf
  • Maison Du Monde
  • Trinity Marine
  • Cox & Cox Mail Order Ltd.
  • Holloways of Ludlow
  • Tinsmiths
  • Wayfair LLC,
  • Ferm Living
  • Dowsing & Reynolds
  • STYLE MATTERS

Hamish Kilburn / 01.06.2018

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