The old net loft

The old net loft Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to The old net loft on Eden Terrace, you’d honestly never guess what awaits inside this unassuming building. I mean, the name gives you a hint — this place actually was a working net loft where local fishermen used to mend their nets. The conversion has kept that authentic Cornish character intact, and there’s something genuinely charming about staying somewhere with such deep roots in Penzance’s maritime history. It’s not your typical hotel setup, which is exactly what makes it special.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s the thing about Eden Terrace — you’re literally a two-minute walk from the harbor and maybe three minutes from Chapel Street, where all the best pubs and restaurants are tucked away. I’ve stayed in plenty of places in Penzance, and this spot hits that sweet spot where you’re close enough to everything but not dealing with the noise from the main drag. The couples who stay here seem to get it — there’s a reason they rate the location so highly. You can actually hear the gulls from your window, and on clear mornings, you catch glimpses of Mount’s Bay between the buildings.

The Space

What strikes you immediately is how they’ve preserved the building’s character while making it genuinely comfortable. The old wooden beams are still there, and you get these lovely high ceilings that remind you this was once a working space. It’s cozy without feeling cramped — actually, it feels more like staying in a friend’s well-appointed flat than a traditional hotel room. The windows let in tons of natural light during the day, and honestly, there’s something quite peaceful about the whole setup that makes you want to linger over your morning coffee.

Getting Around

You know what I love about this location? Everything you need is within walking distance, but it doesn’t feel touristy or crowded. The Scillonian ferry terminal is right there if you’re planning a day trip to the islands, and the train station is close enough that you don’t need to worry about taxis. If you’re driving, parking in Penzance can be a bit of a puzzle, but the local streets around Eden Terrace are manageable — just don’t expect anything fancy. The real advantage is being able to explore Penzance’s winding streets on foot, discovering those hidden galleries and cafes that make the town special.

Why Guests Love It

There’s something refreshingly unpretentious about The old net loft that seems to resonate with people, especially couples looking for a genuine Cornish experience. It’s not trying to be something it’s not — no fancy amenities or over-the-top service, just a comfortable, characterful place to stay in one of Cornwall’s most appealing towns. The high ratings speak for themselves, but what really comes through is how the location lets you experience Penzance like a local rather than just another tourist passing through. Sometimes the best places are the ones that simply get the basics right while giving you something authentic to remember.

The old net loft Accommodations

Reviews of The old net loft

• 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