The old net loft

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Old Net Loft? The name actually makes sense when you see it – this converted Victorian building on Eden Terrace really does feel like it has maritime stories to tell. It’s tucked into this quiet residential street that’s maybe a seven-minute walk from Penzance’s harbor front, which honestly is the perfect distance. Close enough that you can hear the gulls and catch whiffs of salt air, but far enough that you’re not dealing with the summer crowds stumbling past your window at midnight.

The thing about Eden Terrace is it’s one of those streets that feels properly Cornish without trying too hard. You’ve got these substantial Victorian houses that weren’t built for tourists – they were built for ship captains and merchants who actually lived here. The Old Net Loft sits comfortably among them, and when I checked in (which was refreshingly straightforward, by the way), the owner mentioned they’d kept as much of the original character as possible. You can tell – there are these beautiful high ceilings and windows that actually open properly, not those awful modern ones that crack open an inch. The rooms have this sort of understated elegance that feels authentic rather than decorated by committee.

I mean, let’s be honest about the practical stuff too. Parking can be a bit of a puzzle on Eden Terrace itself – it’s resident permits mostly – but there’s decent street parking on the surrounding roads, and it’s not the nightmare you’d expect in a Cornish seaside town. The building’s well-insulated, so road noise isn’t really an issue, though you will hear the occasional delivery truck in the morning. What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to maintain that historic character while actually making everything work properly – the shower pressure’s excellent, the heating responds when you adjust it, and there’s proper thick towels instead of those thin scratchy things you get in some boutique places. It’s the kind of attention to detail that suggests someone who actually cares about the guest experience rather than just maximizing profit margins. Plus, you’re genuinely well-positioned here – the Jubilee Pool is an easy walk, the Newlyn galleries are just down the coast, and if you fancy a proper Cornish pasty, you can hit up the bakeries on Causewayhead without getting caught up in the tourist crush around the harbor.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $162. Two-Bedroom House with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Jan from United Kingdom – 4 June 2025 (9/10)

  The cottage is authentically decorated which gives a sense of really being immersed in the village of Newlyn. A spacious and welcoming living area. The fact that there are 2 bathrooms was an advantage for the 2 couples staying there. I booked on behalf of my 2 sons and their partners who stayed for a family celebration. They particularly liked the comfort of the beds and the fact that the cottage is within easy walking distance of everything Newlyn has to offer. The welcome biscuits and milk in the fridge was an additional bonus. Peter, the neighbours cat was also a highlight of their stay!
  
  What could be improved: Only the difficulty in finding a parking space! However, this was made clear at the outset so did not come as a surprise and did not detract from the overall experience.

• Maxine from United Kingdom – 27 September 2024 (8/10)

  the location and the quirkiness and comfort of the cottage
  
  What could be improved: only one tiny thing, it would have been handy if the shower in the upstairs bathroom had a wall fixing to make showering easier.

• Nicholas from United Kingdom – 20 September 2024 (9/10)

  It was a characterful, well appointed, well decorated and clean and comfortable property very near the harbour and local pubs and bus stops and car park.
  
  What could be improved: The Booking.com advert suggests a sea view. That is not the case from any part of the property. It is not ideal for those with mobility problems. Access is along a dark and uneven passageway (a light comes on as you get to the property). The stairs within the
  property are steep and start on the threshold of the
  bedrooms which combined with the placing of the bannisters was difficult for my friend who has arthritis and varifocal glasses.

• Warren from United Kingdom – 1 September 2024 (8/10)

  Nice location, clean it feels like home.
  
  What could be improved: Car Parking

• Michael from United Kingdom – 22 July 2024 (8/10)

  The cottage was immaculately clean and well presented. We appreciated the personal touches of fresh flowers and the kind gesture of the biscuits , the property was beautifully decorated and boosted everything we needed towels plates cookery , and loads of extras tea / coffee etc. We would book to stay again and recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful stay with easy walks or bus rides into Penzance.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Clive from United Kingdom – 1 July 2024 (8/10)

  Location was perfect for what we wanted. Easy to get a bus into Penzance etc. Facilities were suitable for our stay. Building is a revamped 200 year old fishing cottage so didn't expect modern deco etc, it would have spoiled the experience. Will recommend.
  
  What could be improved: Not complaint, just observations I have some movement issues and found the stairs difficult, Would not recommend for people with walking stick etc but this is to be expected given the type of building it is. Access to main bathroom is through a bedroom. OK for us as a close family but may not be suitable for friends.

• Pauline from Australia – 9 June 2024 (9/10)

  I loved the way the cottage was immaculately clean. The decor was eclectic,perfect for the cottage it was comfortable and almost everything had been considered for the traveller, from fresh flowers and cookies
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately parking was an issue, although a pay n display carpark was out front, it’s a matter of first in first served. We did manage to get a park eventually..We were also hoping to do a bit of laundry after travelling for 2 weeks and there was a washing machine but also a polite notice not to use it

• Hannah from United Kingdom – 28 May 2024 (8/10)

  An absolutely beautiful, immaculately clean cottage full of character. So many wonderful personal touches from the hosts including a welcome note with loads of local information, milk in the fridge, scones with cream and jam and pretty vases of fresh flowers. We absolutely loved our stay. Excellent location for all the things we wanted to do and such a beautiful home.

• Polina from United Kingdom – 2 November 2023 (8/10)

  The property was very comfortable, pretty, clean, in a great location and had everything we needed.
  
  What could be improved: The entrance to the double bedroom was half on the landing and half over the stairwell. I was a bit nervous we'd forget about and take a tumble. Maybe not ideal for smaller children.

• Ann from United Kingdom – 20 September 2023 (9/10)

  Its rustic features the mix of old and new. It is very comfortable and would be ideal for a longer stay.
  
  What could be improved: parking can be an issue, although this is not a fault of the property.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities