The Millhouse

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Millhouse? It’s tucked away in Par in this really charming spot where you wouldn’t expect to find something this polished. I mean, Par isn’t exactly on everyone’s Cornwall bucket list – it’s more of a working village than a postcard destination – but that’s actually what makes this place special. The hotel sits quietly away from the tourist chaos you get in St. Austell or the Eden Project crowds (which, honestly, are only about ten minutes away if you do want to join the madness).

The building itself has this lovely old character that they’ve managed to update without making it feel sanitized, if that makes sense. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – none of that overly scripted welcome routine some places do. The staff genuinely seem to know the area well, which comes in handy because Par’s got some hidden gems that aren’t obvious to visitors. They pointed me toward the coastal path that leads toward Charlestown, and I probably would’ve missed that completely otherwise. The rooms are what you’d hope for from a solid 4-star – comfortable beds, decent shower pressure, and windows that actually open properly (small thing, but you notice when places get that wrong). Parking was easy enough, though the car park isn’t huge so I’d imagine it fills up during peak summer months.

What really won me over was how the place feels genuinely rooted in Cornwall without trying too hard. The restaurant sources quite a bit locally – their fish was clearly fresh off the boats, not frozen and shipped in from wherever. Breakfast had proper Cornish fare alongside the usual hotel offerings, and the coffee was actually good, which honestly can’t be said for every place around here. The location grows on you too. Sure, you’re not waking up to dramatic cliff views, but you’re perfectly positioned for day trips. The train station’s practically walkable if you want to hop over to Fowey or further up the coast, and if you’ve got a car, you can be at some of Cornwall’s best beaches – Polkerris, Readymoney Cove – in under fifteen minutes. Plus, and this is key during summer, you can escape back to Par when the popular spots get overwhelming. It’s like having a quiet base camp while still being in the thick of everything that makes this part of Cornwall worth visiting. The 8.5 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Cornwall, but it does what it does really well.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $148. Holiday Home with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• David from United Kingdom – 10 May 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely farm stay far from the crowd.

• Jonas from Switzerland – 2 May 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities