The Painter’s Retreat

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve walked past Saint John’s Terrace probably a dozen times over the years, but I never really noticed The Painter’s Retreat until a friend dragged me there for afternoon tea last spring. Honestly, I’m kind of embarrassed it took me so long to discover this place – it’s tucked into one of those gorgeous Georgian terraces that Lower Boscaswell does so well, and once you’re inside, you immediately get why it’s called the Painter’s Retreat. The walls are lined with local artwork (some actually quite good, not just tourist stuff), and there’s this incredible light that floods through the tall windows, especially in the morning when the sun hits the terrace just right. The whole place feels like someone’s well-traveled aunt decided to open a hotel and actually knew what she was doing.

What really struck me about staying here – because obviously I had to book a proper visit after that tea – is how they’ve managed to keep the character of the old building while making everything actually work for modern travelers. I mean, the rooms aren’t huge, but they’re thoughtfully laid out, and the beds are properly comfortable (you know how hit-or-miss that can be in these heritage properties). The bathroom in my room had this beautiful clawfoot tub that looked original but had clearly been restored, and the water pressure was surprisingly decent. Parking can be a bit tricky on the terrace itself, but there’s usually space on the streets just behind if you don’t mind a two-minute walk. The staff – there’s this lovely woman at reception who seems to know everyone in town – actually gave me proper local recommendations, not just the obvious tourist spots. She pointed me toward this brilliant little café on Back Road West that I never would have found otherwise.

The thing that really sets this place apart, though, is the atmosphere. It’s got that 9.4 rating for a reason – everything just feels effortless and genuine. The breakfast room overlooks a small garden that’s absolutely gorgeous in the warmer months, and they do this excellent full Cornish breakfast with locally sourced everything (the black pudding is particularly good, if that’s your thing). I stayed on a Thursday night in October, so it was pretty quiet, but I get the sense it would still feel intimate even when busier. There’s something about the scale of the place – it’s not trying to be grand or impressive, just really, really good at what it does. If you’re the type who appreciates thoughtful details and genuine hospitality over flashy amenities, you’ll absolutely love it here. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the coast path or duck into St. Ives when the mood strikes, but without all the crowds and noise of staying right in the thick of things.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $219. Three-Bedroom House with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Joan from United States – 25 August 2024 (10/10)

  Most everything.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom door and no microwave.

• Kathryn from United Kingdom – 8 October 2023 (9/10)

  Loved the well fitted out kitchen and facilities. Loved the quirky style and Francesca's painting. Free car park was a real bonus. Would love to stay again for longer as location was wonderful. Also good for visiting the Minack Theatre and Sennen Cove.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Justine from United Kingdom – 28 August 2023 (9/10)

  The 200 hundred plus year old cottage is just lovely and what you would expect of its age – wonky, quirky, and so cosy, just loved it. Had all that we needed, and the host, Francesca, was just lovely. All was clean, and the location was wonderful with lovely walks and secluded beaches nearby. Close to all points of interests.

• Jodie from United Kingdom – 1 June 2023 (10/10)

  Lovely cottage in a perfect location for exploring Cornwall. It had a wonderful feel about the place and parking was right close by at the end of the lane.

• Magdalena from United Kingdom – 31 May 2023 (10/10)

  full of character, nicely decorated, comfortable, fantastic location
  
  What could be improved: bathroom door

• Bhaktabahadur from United Kingdom – 31 July 2023 (9/10)

  Very good about your Breakfast items.
  
  What could be improved: My views if possible doors could be change and second room may disturbing when we used the toilet.
  Try to sound proved otherwise very good.

• Anonymous from United Kingdom – 30 May 2025 (9/10)

  Really cosy, lovely living room with fire. Full of character. Very friendly host. Well equipped. Enjoyed the games and books. Could have stayed much longer. Lovely place to come home too and relax after a day out. Love the walk down to the tin mine and coast path.
  
  What could be improved: Doors to bathroom didn’t shut properly so privacy was difficult.

• Saskia from Germany – 18 August 2023 (8/10)

  Sehr gemütliches Cottage und sehr sympathische Wirtin mit guten Tipps
  
  What could be improved: –

• Linda from Netherlands – 2 August 2023 (7/10)

  Uitgebreide keuken. Winkel op de hoek.
  Makkelijk bereikbaar.
  
  What could be improved: 1 toilet aanwezig. En een redelijke hondengeur aanwezig. Wij hebben geen hond dus dat valt dan op.

• Kathleen from United Kingdom – 26 June 2023 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities