Finest Retreats – The Watchtower at Western Watch

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to The Watchtower – I mean, the name sounds a bit dramatic, doesn’t it? But driving down Calartha Road through Lower Boscaswell, you start to get it. This converted lighthouse keeper’s cottage sits on this incredible clifftop perch that actually makes you catch your breath when you see the view for the first time. The whole Penwith coastline spreads out below, and on clear days (which, let’s be honest, aren’t guaranteed in Cornwall) you can see the Isles of Scilly glinting way out there.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to keep the character of the original building while making it properly luxurious. The rooms have these thick stone walls that keep everything wonderfully quiet – you know how some coastal places can be relentless with the wind noise, but here you just get this gentle sound of waves that’s actually quite soothing. The interiors feel authentically Cornish without being twee about it, if you know what I mean. Local slate, weathered wood, but with seriously good linens and a bathroom that wouldn’t look out of place in a London boutique hotel. There’s proper attention to detail here – heated towel rails that actually work, blackout curtains for those summer mornings when it’s light at 5 AM, and honestly the best shower pressure I’ve had in any UK hotel.

The location is what really sets this place apart though. You’re tucked away enough that you feel like you’ve discovered something secret, but St. Just is only a few minutes’ drive when you need supplies or a proper pub meal. The coastal path literally runs past the property, so serious walkers can head straight out to Land’s End or loop back toward Zennor without getting in the car. I actually met the owner during my stay – lovely woman who grew up in the area and really knows her stuff about the best hidden coves and which local restaurants are worth the trip. She mentioned that autumn and early spring are her favorite times here, fewer crowds but the light is incredible for photography. Parking isn’t an issue like it can be at some of the more popular coastal spots, and check-in was refreshingly straightforward – none of that awkward hovering around reception wondering if your room’s ready. The whole experience just felt… well, genuinely special rather than trying too hard to be special, if that makes sense.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $111. One-Bedroom House with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Mandy from United Kingdom – 28 September 2024 (10/10)

  Loved everything about the quirky accommodation, clean, tidy, and the breathtaking views were fantastic even when it wasn't so nice weather. A relaxing place is just what we needed. Great for walks and visiting other areas of Cornwall. Friendly local people.
  We will be visiting again.
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing to dislike.

• Becca from United Kingdom – 27 October 2023 (9/10)

  Lovely quirky place. Had everything I needed for a tranquil few days in half term with my dog, my books and my paints. So many lovely places a short distance away so very pleased to be able to walk, photograph lots of beaches then come back to a warm cosy house. The house is well-equipped although I found the lack of tv made it very quiet. I overcame this by using the radio app on my phone. Bed was super comfy!!
  
  What could be improved: The shower didn’t work when I arrived so I had to go without until day 2. It would have been handy if the switch had been mentioned in the welcome book. When it went on there was really not much power just a small trickle or water and not very warm. It was manageable though.

• Mary from United Kingdom – 14 June 2024 (9/10)

  Quirky, warm, unusual property. Easy access and parking. Great for coast path walking and local shop for necessities. Fantastic views from tower room.
  
  What could be improved: Knocking our heads on doorway into watch room!

• Northerngirl76 from United Kingdom – 6 October 2023 (7/10)

  What could be improved: No flexibility on an early check in. We arrived earlier than planned as we didn't know what traffic would be like. We arrived and the cleaner was busy sorting everything out as we expected. Cleaner said the property would be ready in an hour so we went for a walk and left her to it. Arrive an hour later. Cleaner gone. Property locked. We walked up the drive, ready to sleep as we were both exhausted. The owner stopped us and refused us entry. She made us sit on the drive to wait until 4pm, despite a long journey, the heat (heatwave week) and the property being ready and locked. A little while later, we knocked on to ask for some water and no reply. Not the most welcoming start.
  
  The property doesn't feel very private being so close to the owners' house. It isn't sectioned off in away to afford you privacy.
  
  The bedroom is not ideal as you can only stand up in the middle. We had a great week but I wouldn't book again sadly.

• Rabengelb from Germany – 24 October 2023 (10/10)

  Die Unterkunft hat einen großen Charme, war an alle Bedürfnisse ausgerichtet, passte hervorragend in die Cornische Natur und war schön eingerichtet und gemütlich. Nach langen teils regnerischen Wanderungen freuten wir uns wieder im Watchtower anzukommen.

• Marco from Netherlands – 25 September 2023 (7/10)

  Mooie idealistische plek met uitzicht op de zee.
  
  What could be improved: Boven waar je slaapt is niet ideaal, kon er niet rechtop staan, en bed was veel te klein voor 2 volwassenen

• Thomas from Germany – 31 August 2023 (7/10)

  Die Lage war gut😀
  Das Haus hat Potenzial.und Charme.
  Mit ein paar Veränderungen wäre es richtig schön.
  Im Dachboden einen Teppich verlegen.(durch den offenen Holzboden rieselt der Staub in den Wohnbereich)
  Im Aussichtsturm ein schönes großes Bett auf stellen.
  Rollos an die Fensterläden und Elektroheizung installieren.
  Wohnbereich neues Sofa und ein neuer Tisch mit vernünftigen Stühlen.
  Außenbereich Blechgarage entfernen.
  Schöne Gartenmöbel aufstellen.
  Sichtschutz zum Nachbarhaus wäre von Vorteil.
  Insgesamt ansprechender gestaltet.
  Dann wäre das Haus perfekt!
  
  What could be improved: 140m Bett für 2 Personen im Dachboden mit der schräge geht einfach nicht!
  
  Wir sind zwar 2 weltoffene 50er aber einen erholsamen Schlaf findet man in diesem Bett nicht!
  
  Matratze alt und durchgelegen!
  
  Sofa im Wohn und Ess Bereich durch gegessen und nicht sauber das ist ein no go.
  
  So stylisch wie Tischgruppe ist,
  schön sitzen kann man auf den Stühlen nicht vernünftig, geschweige den einen ausgedehnten Spieleabend verbringen.
  
  Bilder im Haus sind schön aber die Preisschilder an den Bilder muss man im Urlaub nicht haben.
  Hatte etwas von einem Kiosk oder einer Galerie.

• Marta from Italy – 28 April 2025 (10/10)

• Therese from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (9/10)

• Cc from United Kingdom – 4 April 2025 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities