Stay at The Dolphins at Penlee
The first thing you notice about The Dolphins is the way people react as they enter the lounge and become transfixed by the magnificent view. At first the scene opposite is compelling and then it becomes compulsive to move closer and take in the views up river and out to sea. Day or night the view calls you endlessly and most vow to return for this reason alone.
You find yourself watching the various forms of river craft and activities from small rowing boats, through fishing vessels, sail boats, and clay carriers from afar as they ghost by at night. And when the occasional liner is brought in by pilot ships you wonder how such vessels can possibly squeeze through the neck of the estuary right under your nose. It is strangely hypnotic and a wonderful backdrop to a relaxing holiday spent walking, reading, painting, taking photographs, sailing, golfing, simply unwinding, visiting restaurants or whatever best occupies your time. But in fair weather and foul, summer or winter, it is the most relaxing place you could possibly encounter.
The building was a hotel run by the family of Shirley Eaton of James Bond 007 fame (the golden girl) until they embarked on a change and the property was finally converted to the current apartments through the initiative of one John Watson who was formerly a Bedfordshire farmer. As all the best hotels have done throughout the ages the initial owners were successful in obtaining possibly the most prestigious spot in the whole of Fowey. And of course you are right in the heart of Daphne du Maurier country, and a stone’s throw from various celebrities who are increasingly occupying the famous historic town. Local spots and stories inspired many of Daphne du Maurier’s novels, not least the local Readymoney Cove which is said to have inspired “Fishermen’s Creek”, and many others. And every year there is both a festival week to celebrate her works and revisit those places and stories connected with her. And last but not least the official Regatta week is held in August when traditionally the Red Arrows come within a whisker of where you stand on the balcony before performing amazing stunts at the neck of the estuary yards away. The town is also famous for many other writers, artists and poets all inspired by the wonderful surroundings, so if you need inspiration this is the place to come.
The lounge is part of the old hotel restaurant and as such is strikingly large and luxurious. From the entrance through to the edge of the balcony the distance is a very spacious thirty-seven feet.
Fowey is now the third most sought after place in the country to live. It is a living town and not one of those places that has been completely overrun by owners of second homes. As such the atmosphere is altogether better and the Council have carefully avoided over-commercialism. This in stark contrast to places such as Looe, Mevagissey and Polperro, which are quite lovely but come with their multitudinous fish and chip and souvenir shops and mud flats when the tide is out.
You wake to the call of gulls and oystercatchers and, if you are very fortunate, you may see the dolphins which gave the flat it's name playing opposite. Swans and cormorants follow their daily ritual flying past you and there is much to occupy serious ornithologists such as the Peregrine falcons just along in the vicinity of Lantic Bay. And the lovely atmosphere at night has already been adequately described elsewhere.
The Dolphins – simply magic – simply quality
Some Recent Guest Comments
- Just wanted to say a huge thank you for allowing us to stay in your gorgeous property in Fowey last week. We had a fabulous time!!
- A wonderful apartment, great views and a fantastic location. I couldn't believe how close we were to the beach! Thank you for a lovely holiday.
- Superb apartment! Fantastic views! Delightful walks on the headland and into the town.
- Well equipped flat.
- Wonderful view, well equipped flat, had a lovely time and weather was good.
- Lovely time. Great apartment, our third visit sums it all up. Looking forward to visit number 4!
- Great view, lovely weather, great apartment – to be recommended.
- Beautiful apartment, views stunning, weather challenging, will return.
- Amazing location – couldn’t be bettered – will definitely return and would recommend to friends.
- Superb holiday. Lovely apartment, views a bonus. Sorry to go, could stay much longer
- Very comfy, luxury furniture and brilliant view.
- 4th stay, with many more to come. Beautiful views and some cracking walks.
- Lovely, lovely, lovely…. Fowey is as wonderful as ever and the Dolphins provides the space and stunning view from which to enjoy it. Thank you.
- Great weather! Amazing walks, restaurants and extremely confortable accommodation.
- This must be the best apartment in Fowey. Amazing views, location and comfort. We will return.