First impressions

A striking 17th-century house down a side street from the seafront and painted bright blue. You can’t miss it.

Why it’s special

It’s owned by Jean Shrimpton (“The Shrimp”), one of the first supermodels, whose excellent taste is reflected in lovely antiques, original oil paintings and superb rugs. She now leases the house to a young couple but her stamp remains. Comfy, quirky, cosy and fun.

Hitting the sack

Only six rooms and two apartments. Our room, the Penthouse, had a big living room with a view of St Michael’s Mount, a 6ft wide bed, vast sofas and a complete wall of 400 books. There was a TV and board games but no phone. Room 1 has a canopied bed and an oak-panelled bath.

Sampling the fare

The bar is very jolly, decorated in bright red and with a plasma TV so that you can watch in the kitchen. The restaurant, which overlooks the bobbing yachts in the bay, is surprisingly modern, decorated in cream and black, and has a Michelin star. The fillet steak (£19.50) was excellent, as was the banana tart with chocolate ice-cream (£4.75). The wine list is pricey but house wines are reasonable and good.

Access all areas

Sorry, no access for guests in a wheelchair.

Added attractions

There’s a lovely walled garden where you can sit with a drink or play croquet. And you can hop in a taxi to visit St Michael’s Mount. Take a ferry or walk across at low tide.

Bottom line

B&B doubles from £120.

Need to know

The Abbey, Abbey St, Penzance, Cornwall (01736 351163, www.theabbeyonline.com).

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