Words by Ysy Lees
Immerse yourself in the gilded grandeur of the Penventon Park Hotel and escape the ordinary.
Situated on the outskirts of Redruth, this luxurious Georgian mansion was originally designed and constructed by John Penberthy-Magor in the early 19th century and has been a portal to the past ever since. Dripping in glamour, the interior offers relics of a glitzy time gone by, blending sophistication with originality. What began as Penventon House, otherwise known as Parkanhal, used to be a hub of social activity with its large grounds playing host to wealthy and titled families who, many years ago, would come to the sophisticated and regal private home to indulge in music, marquee events and tea treats. While the property has had several owners since its construction in 1796, it wasn’t until 1969 that it fell into the hands of the Pascoe family, the current owners who created the Penventon Park Hotel as we now know it.
Its rich past echoes around the hotel today in the form of its sophisticated yet welcoming rooms. Whether you are seeking a solo excursion, a romantic escape to a suite, or a family stay in superior surroundings, there is a beautifully furnished room for every guest to relax in. Each bedroom was designed with specific inspiration in mind and the opulent Regency period of the once Georgian manor house is what infuses its captivating feature rooms. Think crisp white linen, soft cloud-like pillows and a hand-carved four-poster bed, discovered and renovated from an old manor house in south Devon that had fallen into disrepair. Single rooms are perfect for a short stopover in a slice of splendour while classic doubles captivate the essence of art and travel. Designed by Dynargh Design and styled with Osborne & Little Hardwick fabric, they incorporate Havergate Paisley Loganberry cushions and Fritz Fryer lighting for an elegant yet relaxing interior. Upgrade to the superior double or twin for an extra taste of luxury, inspired by the great gardens of Cornwall. These feature Cottage Tea Rose Floral fabrics, Jim Lawrence Plantation wall lights and a selection of botanical paintings by artist David Pascoe as well as direct outside access with your own patio or terrace.
Superior family rooms sleep up to four guests, offering those travelling together a botanical haven, paired with exquisite Noble Isle bath and body products, fluffy towels and highly praised Cosmopolitan mattresses. While each room in the hotel is thoughtfully decorated, the Penventon Suite offers another level of extravagance, perfect for those celebrating, wanting a well-deserved break, or simply looking to treat themselves for the sake of it. Unwind your senses by sinking into a deep sharing bath of bubbles surrounded by luxurious mood lighting before retiring to your king-sized turnpost bed, complete with a headboard upholstered in GP&J Baker fabrics and accompanying chaise lounge. Every room comes with complimentary Leisure Club access, bathrobes and 24-hour room service so you are well looked after at every hour of the day.
At the Penventon, the team doesn’t just allow dogs, but welcomes them with open arms; many staff members even bring their own to work with them. The hotel goes above and beyond to roll out the red carpet for your furry friend, starting with dog-friendly rooms that strike the balance between comfort and convenience. Inside you’ll find a complimentary doggy welcome basket, stuffed with all the essentials and luxuries you could think of from a sink-in bed, cosy fleece blanket, towels and food bowls. These rooms have their own patio overlooking a lawn area with semi-private seating so you can enjoy your morning coffee while your pooch stretches its legs. Spend the day exploring the wonders of Cornwall from the Penventon’s central location while your four-legged friend enjoys the scents and sights of luscious gardens, vibrant forests and picturesque beaches. Filled with a variety of walking trails and wildlife, Tehidy Woods is only a 15-minute drive away, while Portreath beach is popular among locals and dogs too, outside of seasonal restrictions.
After a day of scampering around the coast, peruse the Pooch Plates menu back at the Penventon to find a dish designed to delight your dog. Not only is the menu incredibly tasty but it is packed with healthy and nutritious options like white rice, baked chicken and pumpkin, or fibre-packed raw bowls of carrots, peppers, celery and apple. Dine with your pooch in one of the Penventon’s doggy dining areas or perhaps on the patio if the sun is shining. Fine dining isn’t limited to your dog; whether you are staying overnight or are simply dropping in during your time in the Duchy, the food and drink alone are worth a visit to the Penventon. While fresh seafood is available in abundance in many hotels, the Penventon not only offers local Cornish cuisine but takes inspiration from its rich history to create culinary delights. Savour iconic dishes around the world from this cosy corner of Cornwall; explore flavours from Andalusia with aromatic pil pil prawns, journey to the streets of Venice with a 60-year-old secret Italian recipe, or take a trip to the coast with the morning-catch seafood linguine.
Speaking to Jess Pascoe, family member and Marketing Executive, she reveals a few personal favourites: “I’m actually a vegetarian and my favourite dish on the menu is the oven-baked provençal pancake rolls, which are also vegan friendly. The sauce has this gorgeous buttery feel, loaded in flavour that cuts through the richness of the tomatoey provençal vegetables. I also like it as it’s not a dish I have seen on any other menu. I love Mrs P’s tiramisu, which is an authentic 60-year-old secret recipe. Paola Pascoe (lovingly known as Mrs P) is one of the founders of the Penventon and brought that recipe straight from Venice with her, where she was born and raised.” If you fancy something a little lighter, then an indulgent afternoon tea might hit the spot. Gorge on fresh-from-the-oven scones smothered in Mrs P’s homemade jam and dollops of silky-smooth Cornish clotted cream. Delectable cakes are crafted daily by the Penventon’s talented pâtissier, as are a selection of savoury finger-cut sandwiches accompanied by Cornish loose-leaf tea to balance out the sweetness. Dogs are also allowed in the bar area so you can dine and drink without having to leave your companion behind.
To elevate your culinary experience, the Penventon has undergone meticulous wine tastings to create a wine list perfectly paired with its dishes. Featuring gems like a Villa Blanche Chardonnay to complement the 12-hour braised pork porchetta, a Beaujolais Villages to enhance the lemon and thyme whole roasted poussin and a crisp Champagne to accentuate the fish and chips, the team’s passion for both food and wine is at the fore. This is also evident in its continually expanding wine list, which currently hosts 130 exquisite wines. The Copper Bar also caters to rum drinkers, cocktail lovers, whiskey connoisseurs and ale enthusiasts alike. With over 140 gins to choose from, this makes it the biggest gin bar in Cornwall. If there’s one guest review that summarises the Penventon, it has to be this: “I feel as though I have been wrapped in cashmere and spoon-fed brandy.” The hospitality and service on offer mean nothing is too much trouble for the hotel that guarantees an escape from the ordinary.