The Old Vicarage

The Old Vicarage Overview

First Impressions

Honestly, when I first pulled up to The Old Vicarage in Polperro, I wasn’t quite prepared for what I’d find. This five-star boutique hotel sits tucked away in one of Cornwall’s most enchanting fishing villages, and the building itself — a beautifully restored Victorian vicarage — feels like something out of a period drama. The luxury here isn’t the flashy kind you’d expect; it’s more understated elegance, which actually suits the setting perfectly. You know what struck me most? The way they’ve managed to preserve the character of this historic building while creating something that feels genuinely special.

The Village Setting

Polperro is one of those places that looks almost too picturesque to be real — narrow cobbled streets winding down to a tiny harbor, cottages that seem to tumble into each other, and fishing boats bobbing in the most impossibly blue water. The Old Vicarage sits just above all this charm, which means you get the village atmosphere without the tourist crowds right outside your door. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from the harbor, but the hotel feels like its own peaceful world. The fact that they offer free private parking is actually a godsend here — trust me, you don’t want to navigate these narrow village streets looking for a spot with your luggage.

The Room Experience

My room was what I’d call “country house luxury” — think antique furniture mixed with modern comforts, and windows that frame views of either the village rooftops or the surrounding countryside. The attention to detail is remarkable; fresh flowers, locally sourced toiletries, and linens that feel expensive without being ostentatious. What I really appreciated was how quiet everything was — you’d never guess you’re in the heart of a popular tourist village. The bathrooms are particularly well done, with deep soaking tubs that are perfect after a day of coastal walking.

Dining and Atmosphere

The restaurant here deserves special mention — it’s not just hotel dining, it’s genuinely excellent food that draws locals as well as guests. They focus on Cornish ingredients (the seafood is obviously fantastic), and the chef clearly knows what they’re doing. Breakfast is served in a sun-filled conservatory that overlooks the gardens, and honestly, it’s one of those meals where you find yourself lingering longer than planned. The service throughout the hotel strikes that perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive — they seem to anticipate what you need without hovering.

Why Guests Love It

I can see why couples rate this place so highly — there’s something inherently romantic about the whole setup. The combination of the historic setting, the village location, and the refined luxury creates an atmosphere that’s both intimate and sophisticated. You’re perfectly positioned to explore the South West Coast Path, visit nearby Fowey or Looe, or simply spend your days wandering Polperro’s galleries and cafes. But honestly, the hotel itself is compelling enough that you might find yourself content to just settle into the gardens with a book and a glass of wine, watching the light change over the village below.

Facilities