The Rosevine

Owned by the same company as the excellent Old Quay House in Fowey, this family-friendly Cornish country house by the sea combines the comforts of a luxury hotel with the freedom of having your own studio or apartment. Set in 2 acres of gardens above the sandy cove of Porthcurnick, the hotel is in a brilliant location for walks along the South West Coast Path as well as for the best bucket- and-spade beach days.There are also water sports galore at Portscatho, a 10-minute walk away, and you can easily hop on a ferry to Falmouth from nearby St Mawes.There is a miniature football pitch and climbing frame, while the upper lawn is scattered with wicker furniture, ideal for sea-gazing or cloud-spotting – indeed on a warm day, with the sea a cobalt blue, you can kid yourself you are in the Med; and when the weather is bad, there is an indoor heated pool, a grown-ups-only lounge and a well-equipped playroom. The hotel’s decor is subtle and understated, with soft heritage greys, huge comfy sofas, an open fire and a mix of Lloyd Loom, antique and upcycled furniture, while the shutters in the dining room, looking out over the gardens to the sea, give a French château feel.The apartments are comfy, most have sea views and balconies or terraces, and there is enough space for family time without everyone tripping over each other.You can self-cater or use the restaurant, where the menu features local seasonal produce and also plenty of classics (burgers, steaks, etc) to appeal to less adventurous eaters. Basically it’s a brilliant attempt to address the practicalities of family holidays without compromising on luxury or style. Long may it continue!