It is very apparent that we shall be living with a heightened sense of cleanliness in a post Covid era. Stringent hygiene and cleanliness will need to be continued features of our lives.

In reviewing guest feedback for The Summer House on independent reviews: Booking.com, Trip Advisor, Google, we can see our focus on the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene has been recognised.  

The common words our guests have used in their reviews are: sparkling clean, spotless, consistently clean
And we have made people safe in these uncertain and nervous time with guests commenting:

"Appropriate covid precautions have been implemented and make you feel safe"
"Covid safe- plenty of hand sanitisers and social distancing measures- we never felt uncomfortable"
"We felt safe at all times with Covid safety measures in place"
"True hospitality professionals - particularly in these strange times of covid - hygiene and social distancing from other guests had been worked out meticulously" 

We score 9.9 for cleanliness over some 100+ reviews on Bookings.com, have scored consistently 5 stars on Trip advisor and Google reviews in 2020, 2021 and 2021 - all validating the hard work we have put into ensuring guests can relax and unwind in such uncertain and anxious times.

We equally have to thank all of our guests for respecting and supporting all the steps we have taken, to ensure the safety of our customers.

​

Sometimes rainy days happen in Cornwall! Below are some visits that are under cover and give you plenty to do. 

​Historic Houses 

Trereife House, Near Newlyn, Penzance - 5 to 10 minutes by car. 
A beautiful Manor House with stunning parterre garden designed by Lyn Le Grice. There is also an on site cafe serving home made snacks and refreshments. The house has guided tours. Tel 01736 362750 

Museums and historic artefacts
Penlee House Gallery and Museum, Penzance - 2 minutes walk from The Summer House.
This is the only Cornish public gallery specialising in displaying work from the artists Newlyn School (c.1880 to 1940), including Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Walter Langley, Harold Harvey and Laura Knight. Set in an elegant Victorian house and Park, Penlee museum also exhibits the area's archaeology and social history.  An excellent cafe and shop are also on site.
​
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum -10 to 15 minutes by car 
The Telegraph Station was once the largest telegraph station in the world. Extensive exhibition of how this station led the communication revolution. There are also sub tropical gardens and WW2 tunnels to explore. Tel 01736 810966

Wayside Museum and Trewey Mill, Zennor 15 -20 minutes by car 
A unique collection of over 5,000 artefacts established over 75 years; set within gardens and buildings of a 16th Century Millers cottage and watermill. The mill continues to produce flour today and brings to life how people have lived and worked in and around the ancient and beautiful landscape of Zennor . Tel 01736 796945 

Poldark Mine, Near Helston - 30 minutes by car 
Part of the Cornwall Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, that features guided tours through ancient tin mining workings, a museum of industrial heritage, mining equipment and Cornish social history. Tel 01326 573173

King Edward Mine Museum, Troon, Camborne - 40 minutes by car 
This museum has won several awards. There is a working mill and guides talk visitors through the tin making process, displaying the original historic equipment used in Edwardian times. Tel 01209 614681


Pendennis Castle, Near Falmouth  - 50 minutes by car 
Built by Henry VIII to help defend England against a possible attack by France and Spain, Pendennis Castle offers an interactive exhibition and tea room. 

The arts & galleries 

Open Studios, Cornwall 
An annual event "Open Studios" encompasses over 300 artist studios across Cornwall and many of those located in West Cornwall. This allows guests the opportunity to visit local artists' studios - and Kirsten's studio at The Summer House can be visited.

Penzance - on the door step  

The Exchange   (Shop and Cafe)  Public gallery 
In the centre of Penzance, The Exchange has a wide and varied exhibition programme, presenting contemporary work in all media by regional, national and international artists.
Time : Allow around 1 hour 

Penlee House    (Shop and Cafe) Public gallery 
Is a beautiful art gallery and museum set within sub- tropical gardens. The gallery is the perfect place to discover the works of the Newlyn School and Lamorna artists including Norman Garstins famous “The Rain It Raineth Every Day”   
Time: Allow 1 hour +
Open: Until 31st October Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
1st November to 31st March Monday to Saturday  10am to 4.30pm


The Lighthouse Gallery
A commercial gallery with a reputation for showing some of the finest paintings by contemporary artists inspired by Cornwall. Paintings, glass, sculpture and Ceramics
Open:Monday-Friday 10am to 5pm & Saturday 10am to 4pm

Cornwall Contemporary 
At the top of Chapel Street this commercial gallery is a good size set over 3 floors, with frequently changing exhibitions of Paintings, ceramics and sculpture

Chapel Street 
Has a wealth of fascinating independent art and antique shops which are well worth an explore  

Newlyn (15 minutes walk from Penzance)

The Newlyn Art Gallery  (Shop and Cafe) - Public gallery
Between Penzance and Newlyn the Newlyn Arty Gallery has a wide and varied exhibition programme, presenting contemporary work in all media by regional, national and international artists.
17th October 2020 to 2nd January 2020 the high profile Grayson Perry- The Vanity of Small Differences exhibition can be seen

Jupiter Gallery
In the heart of Newlyn, this new gallery holds exhibitions set over two floors, from local established and emerging artists.

Artist exhibitions -throughout October and November

Coddiwomple
A new addition to Newlyn, this commercial gallery reflects the owners eclectic taste with collectables, mosaics, paintings and drawings.

Riverbank  Gallery
A commercial gallery, featuring work from local artists, including pottery, paintings and jewellery.

7, The Strand
A commercial gallery, with pottery and paintings.

Mousehole (45 minutes walk along the coast line or 10 minutes car / bus journey)

TG Gallery
A commercial gallery that specilises in art by modern and contemporary artists - its a real local gem. Pottery, paintings and sculpture with a strong Cornish influence with regular artists Jill Eiselle, John Piper & Michael Praed

The Little Picture Gallery
​A commercial gallery featuring typical Cornish scenes. 


Marazion (75 minutes sea shore walk / 10 mins car & bus)
The Summerhouse Gallery
A beautiful commercial gallery, show casing some of the very best Cornish Art. Established to the young and up and coming artists are represented -exhibiting paintings, sculpture, jewellery and glass.

Avalon Art
A small commercial gallery selling paintings, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture
Marazion has many independent art and local craft retail outlets, highly worth a visit)

St. Just (15 minutes by car / 24 minutes by bus)
Jackson Foundation Gallery Public gallery 
This is an impressive and unique gallery that displays work by highly acclaimed local artists, Kurt Jackson. With seasonal exhibitions of Kurt’s work there is always something new for the return visitor
Time: Allow 40 minutes +

Open: check before you go for opening days that are normally Wednesday to Saturday

The Makers' Emporium
A cooperative gallery with local art and crafts, rich in choice.

St.Just has a strong community artists and the independent retail feel of the town is one to visit and explore antique, craft and art shops

St. Ives (20 minutes by car or 35 minutes stunning scenery rail journey)

Tate St.Ives  (Shop and Cafe)
Tate St Ives is an inspirational art centre with exhibitions throughout the year representing local, national and international artists. 
Time: Allow 1 hour +
Open: Check web site for on the day opening hours 

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens
This centre offers a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists. Sculptures in bronze, stone and wood are on display in the museum and garden, along with painting, drawings and archive material
Time: Allow 1 hour
Open; Check web site for on the day opening hours 

Leach Pottery
Founded in 1920, this pottery centre is amongst the most respected and influential potteries in the world. Today it offers visitors a museum, gallery and retail area
Open
Until end of October Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm & Sunday 11am to 4pm
November to February Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

Brocantes, Collectables and Antique hunting 
Penzance - on the door step
Chapel Street has some great “brocante style” collectable, vintage and antique outlets to browse. Local pottery, nautical artefacts, books, historic, retro and nostalgic items can be found over some 8 outlets. You will find some amazing pieces at prices to suit all budgets.
Cash Your Clutter, Boathouse Antiques, Daphne’s Antiques, Rosevean Antiques, Treasure, Antiques Arcade Chapel Street, Stekfensters quirky retro, Curios Collectables and Antiques - Causeway Head, Kits Corner

Newlyn - 15 minutes walk 
Newlyn Place - collectables
Coddiwomple - A new addition to Newlyn, curious collectibles reflect the owners eclectic taste with some unique pieces of furniture and collectables.   

Marazion - 75 minutes sea shore walk / 10 mins car & bus) 
Marazion Square Antiques and Collectibles

Crowlas - 10 minutes by car 
Shiver Me Timbers - extensive reclamation centre

Goldsithney (11 minutes by car / 25 minutes by bus)
J Antiques - restored french furniture 

St Buryan - 12 minutes by car
Boat House Antiques

St.Just -(15 minutes by car / 24 minutes by bus)
Cape Cornwall Arts and Antiques - some real nautical and sea faring treasures found here


Hayle - (17 minutes by car / 11 minutes by bus)
Foundry Antiques and Art Centre
Emily Nixon - Jewellery
Hayle Emporium

Breage (Near Helston)  (19 minutes by car / 33 minutes by bus)
 S&H Antiques - restored furniture

Camborne -(26 minutes by car / 19 minutes by train)
Mollys Team room and Antiques - a quirky walk back in time where vintage and antique piece inspiration comes to you over cream teas and cake choices










​

It has been a busy time at The Summer House and our guests have been keenly exploring the gems in the area. We thought that it would be great to share with you some of their recommendations and tips.

Out on the open waters

Dolphins and Seal watching with maritime sea tours. Quite a few of our guests have explored the Cornish coastline from the sea. Boat tours leave from Penzance harbour pier only 15 minutes walk from The Summer House. There are mixed tours ranging from 1 to 4 hour excursions and the stories of their trips have been fascinating.

Sea kayaking. Kayak and wet suit hire gives the opportunity to paddle around the beautiful St. Michaels Mount. Kayaks are brought to the beach for guests and you are ready to go.  

Surf Boarding and Paddle Boarding lessons - have been on a few itineraries. Lessons can be booked on a few local beaches here but Sennen has been very popular and is only a 20 minute car journey away from The Summer House. Paddle Boarding is also available at Long Rock beach only 10 minutes by car or 45 minutes walk from the us.  

Great Walks

There are so many walks to chose from, with the Coastal Path on Penzance's door step. But a couple guest walkers have highly recommended:

Mousehole to Lamorna Cove. About 5 miles, this circular walk brings you along the coastal path with stunning panoramic sea views and through nature reserve woods. The return back to Mousehole for a well deserved Newlyn Crab sandwich in the garden of 2 Fore Street lovely little bistro in the centre. Mousehole is just a 10 minutes bus or car journey or 1 hour walk from The Summer House

Sennen to Lands End. A great way to reach Lands End is to park up at Sennen Beach and then follow the coastal path to Lands End. Its about a 1.5/ 2 mile walk and the scenery is breathtaking. The return back to Sennen Beach for a bite to eat of coffee at the Surf Beach Bar with a great outdoor decking area overlooking the stunning beach there.

Some guest tips:

 The St. Just to St.Ives B3306 road is a gem for stunning coastline and sea views that sum up the area.

Book ahead - the good restaurants in the high season are filling up early and generally needing reservations 3 to 4 says in advance for evening meals. So early bookings are recommended.

Book ahead - many of our guests have had St. Michaels Mount on their must visit list, but a reminder, you will need to pre book this attraction.

Travelling to St. Ives - car parking is sometimes tricky so many guests have taken the advice and used the train from Penzance to St.Ives and have been amazed at the stunning views as the train track follows the coast line. Travel time is about the same door to door train or car.

Guest food recommendations:

So many choices but we have heard some great reviews and wanted to share those with you.

The Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn - fish at its best. Sophisticated food in a casual setting 

Mackeral Sky, Newlyn - no bookings taken for this superb tapas style fish cuisine. It is a great experience and many guests have ordered takeaway tapas and eaten them on Newlyn Beach watching the sun set.

Thai food in Penzance- the Sukothai has had some superb reviews. Its informal and is a bring your own bottle policy as its not licensed. Good friendly service and real value for money.

The Boat Shed, Penzance - some great guest feedback. Broad menu choices and particularly the quality of their steak dishes has been called out.

The Old Coastguard, Mousehole - superb food and beautiful sea views.

There are many more but these restaurants have come up as having consistently good guest feedback in July.

Many guests have taken The Summer House picnic lunch option and the hot spot picnic destinations have been Sennen Beach, Cape Cornwall, Zennor, Lamorna Cove. 
 
 

As a response to the Covid 19 pandemic, we all have a heightened awareness around infection control.

We want to detail some of the steps we have implemented at The Summer House. We hope that these measures will reassure you that our guests' safety and well-being is our priority.

We are fortunate in that we are a boutique, five-bedroomed but spacious property. We therefore have a small number of guests at any one time making social distancing easy without compromising our guests comfort. In addition we have taken an additional step to reduce the number of rooms available each evening and set a minimum stay length for all new reservations in 2020. This allows us to "rest rooms" between guest departures and stays as much as possible and reduce the number of  new guests entering The Summer House 

Below are just some of the measures we have implemented:

There are hand sanitisers for all of our guests to use upon entry to the building and entry to the breakfast room.
Your room key will have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitised when we give it to you.
Every hour we will sanitise all public areas door handles, bannisters and general surfaces.
Your room will have been carefully cleaned and sanitised awaiting your arrival using all government guidelines of practice, cleaning products and laundry washing temperatures.
Kirsten and Trevor will keep a safe and social distance

To reduce the risk of cross contamination and reduce needless wastage we shall:
Serve your items upon your request from the all-day pantry.
Manage breakfast service social distancing by having no more than 3 tables in our breakfast area &  ensuring they are greater than 2 metres apart.
Offer a simple continental breakfast service in the comfort of the private walled garden. 
Ensure all breakfast items are served to you at your table.
Have a strict practice of washing our hands on each occasion that we touch any customer    used items (crockery, cutlery, glassware etc).
Ensure all toiletries are individual to individual guest's use. 
Prior to guests arrival a reminder email will be sent asking that, in the instance that a guest or household member is showing symptoms of the Corona virus, they should not travel and we shall rebook their stay for a later date.
Only essential non-guest visitors will be allowed into The Summer House and each will be asked to abide by high hygiene practices.
With the luxury of two staircases, we have an up and down allocated staircase to ensure social distancing contact is maintained and controlled.
Ask you to request any tourist brochures from our held stock, so you can have a personal copy. 
Offer a simple home-made supper menu for all our guests by prior order, to assist in dining choices during your stay.

The above are just some of a significant steps we shall be taking to ensure your safety and well-being.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Summer House, Penzance

Best regards Trevor and Kirsten 
             
              

We take the well-being and safety of all of our guests very seriously.  As a consequence of the Coronavirus outbreak, we ask that you contact us to confirm countries you have visited within the last month in line with current recommendations.  We are taking every precaution to reduce the risk of infection, including; daily, deep-cleaning of all areas and surfaces with antibacterial disinfectants, and providing our guests with complimentary hand-sanitiser on arrival.

We are available to discuss any concerns you may have and we will continue to work closely with local government departments to help protect the health of our guests over the coming weeks and months.  Please either email us: thesummerhousepz@aol.com or telephone: 01736 363744 
​Best wishes,
Kirsten and Trevor.

The Summer House, Penzance is delighted to have been selected to join the select Sawday's UK Collection.

The Hotel Inspector gave The Summer House a thumbs up with a great review in December. 
"I instantly felt at ease and relaxed. I could have persuaded myself I was on holiday after sitting in the drawing room for 10 minutes, I did not want to leave (especially after reading the breakfast menu)
The Summer House is full of beautiful paintings and pieces of furniture that are both functional and comfy, a perfect spot for a couple wanting a sophisticated weekend break"

What the inspector thought The Summer House guests will love:

1. The location..... a sprint from the sea and a short walk from the town centre

2. The food....interesting choices for breakfast and a 24 hour snack larder

3. The art work....Kirsten's paintings throughout The Summer House

We are thrilled to have had this feedback and joining such an exclusive set of boutique hotels.

We are pleased that The Summer House has been recognised as a Plastic Free Champion business.

This acknowledges our commitment to our environmental policy of lower plastic use. We use and refill our eco-friendly luxury toiletries, provide chilled water and milk in glass bottles, biscuit jars and no plastic packed jams and butters. We are committed to buying local and minimising wasteful and unnecessary packaging from our suppliers.

Our environmental policy covers many areas focusing on energy use reduction, sustainable sourcing and recycling.

We feel privileged to live in Cornwall with clean air, breathtaking scenery and stunning beaches and coastlines. At The Summer House we believe in doing everything possible in keeping it that way. We are very proud to have achieved Plastic Free Penzance Champion status.