Curated Cornish Living | A Weekend At Packet House

In pursuit of a dreamy long-weekend escape to the coast, we meandered through wildflower-strewn Cornish hedgerows in golden late afternoon light towards the vibrant harbour town of Falmouth, where Packet House, a regency townhouse nestled on the south coast of Cornwall awaited us.

Wandering through a pretty row of terraces, we found our charming destination, perfectly positioned close to the waterfront and a stone’s throw from the town. With an elegant white façade with original sash windows, Packet House offered the grandest of welcomes.

The front garden was painted with blushing camellias and fragrant lavender in terracotta pots, whilst up the granite steps, the front door was topped with a Verdigris knocker, aged wonderfully by the salty sea air.

We stepped inside to uncover the quietly luxurious interiors, which had been sympathetically restored by the interior designer owner. Set over four floors and boasting far-reaching sea views, this Georgian homestay was built in the 1820’s for the famous Captain Clotworthy, master of several ships that sailed out of Falmouth harbour.

At each turn we found centuries of coastal living lingering within the walls, from exposed plasterwork, untouched floorboards, hand-painted panels and an original Cornish range. Packet House promised a considered balance of opulent yet lived-in spaces, inviting guests to retreat from reality and immerse themselves in the romance of the Cornish coast.

A spellbinding retreat for escapes with your kin, our darling townhouse welcomes six guests across three bedrooms, two sea view and one with charming views of the walled garden. For those travelling with canine companions, two dogs are most welcome. 

Following the wooden staircase to choose our bedroom, we opted for the master, where windows flawlessly frame glimpses of the bustling harbour below – the third deepest natural harbour in the world.

Topped with soft linens was a king-size bed, whilst a roll-top, cast-iron bathtub with unlacquered brass taps resided in the sun-kissed en suite bathroom. 

Downstairs we found the atmospheric, vaulted dining room and kitchen, reminiscent of Barbara Hepworth’s St Ives studio. Marrying the rustic and contemporary with a steel Lacanche range, vintage lighting, handmade cabinetry by a local joiner and perfectly patinated zinc work tops, this space would be a dream to create meals together. A generous welcome hamper brimming with treats had been kindly left on the table for us to enjoy, thoughtfully chosen with locally produced chocolate, granola, wine and much more to slowly savour as the weekend unfolded.

Contemporary Crittall doors led to a secluded courtyard, where flowering purple wisteria tumbled overhead, with an outdoor shower for post-swim rinses.

Beyond was the tiered, walled garden, complete with a sea view summerhouse designed for admiring the swaying sailboats in the distance. 

That evening we had a booking for the very recently opened 33 Old High Street, nestled an effortless stroll down the road. Admiring the boats on our way down, it wasn’t long before we stumbled upon the French-inspired bistro. Crimson red with lace café curtains, we were greeted with flickering candles and the soundtrack of cosy conversation.

Opting for the milk bun with miso butter, Padron peppers, thousand-layer potatoes, monkfish Char Siu and the exquisite Chicken Schnitty, it wasn’t long before we were satiated and ready to retire to bed – not before sharing a slice of the warm Morello cherry and apple pie with vanilla ice cream. 

Waking to a beyond magical Cornish sunrise in gorgeous peach shades, we admired the view of St Mawes and beyond from our cosy bed with piping cups of tea in hand - a magnificent morning wake-up, where the ocean below us sparkled like a veil of diamonds. 

Later that morning we indulged in an alfresco breakfast on the lawn, where sunlight poured into the garden and the harbour slowly stirred into life. 

We left Packet House to spend several of our Saturday hours wandering the bustling town and calm waterfront, pottering about in independent boutiques, antique shops and the occasional art gallery. When we were finished looking for vintage silverware in Retro Falmouth, we paid a visit to Sabzi Deli, where nourishing Middle Eastern-inspired dishes are crafted with local ingredients and the shelves are lined with goods to take home and pop in your pantry. We enjoyed warming flat whites and slices of Persian love cake whilst overlooking the harbour, taking home a selection of cinnamon tahini buns for an elevated Sunday breakfast in bed. 

*Delicious pastries and coffee kindly gifted by Sabzi Deli* 

Returning to our heavenly home from home, we gathered for the remainder of the afternoon in the formal front sitting room, striking a match before indulging in sweet Ricciarelli and coffee in front of the flickering fire. 

When the evening eventually arrived, we hopped in the car and drove to nearby Flushing, also accessible with a five-minute trip on the ferry from Falmouth. A tiny coastal village lost in time with colour-washed cottages and gently bobbing boats, we ventured to Harbour House, a beautifully renovated waterside pub where we snacked on plates of frickles with aioli and rosemary fries, enjoyed pints of locally brewed Verdant Lightbulb and the local atmosphere as dusk slowly settled in. 

Slow Sunday mornings are best spent admiring spring blooms in a National Trust Garden, so we made our way to Glendurgan, set a little further south in Mawnan Smith. Wandering through the exotic garden sweeping across three valleys, we discovered a captivating tapestry of spring blooms, before making our way through the ancient cherry laurel maze and then later venturing to the quaint hamlet of Durgan, where the secluded beach offers a stunning vantage point over the Helford River. 

Drifting back to our sanctuary by the sea, we whiled away the hours on our last day. Reading in the warm sunshine beneath the cascades of wisteria, setting the table for our early evening supper, and whipping up a lemony dessert for later in the spellbinding kitchen space. 

That evening, we had posset and sparkling wine for pudding on the deck chairs in the summerhouse, savouring this soul-stirring moment, accompanied by only the echo of gulls in the distance until the stars adorned the sky. 

On our final morning, we set our alarms for sunrise and wandered through the sleepy streets of Falmouth towards Gyllyngvase beach, where the sea was still beneath the pastel light of dawn. 

On the shoreline of Gylly, a small number of early bathers had already taken to the water. Further down the beach, we made our way to a private sunrise sauna session at Kiln, where wood-fired warmth, stunning sea views and icy sea dips awaited.

Inside the jet-black cabin set on golden sands with views to Pendennis Castle, we embraced this soul-soothing Nordic ritual, flitting between the sauna and the sea as a candy-coloured sunrise unfurled from the picture window. We finished our session with a slice of orange and one final plunge, before tracing the golden sands, collecting shells at the shore to remind us of our enchanting staycation, leaving the beach feeling rejuvenated. 

*Private sauna session kindly gifted by Kiln Sauna*

With our ethereal weekend by the sea drawing to a close, we reflected on every serene moment which proved there truly is nothing dreamier than experiencing the magic of a staycation in Cornwall. 

For those plotting a retreat to the coast, uncover the enchantment of oceanside living at Packet House, where endless escapism moments are waiting to be made…