Jean Shrimpton's Cornish seaside hotel

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27 JANUARY 2004
Former top model and 60s fashion icon Jean Shrimpton was one of the first celebrities to try their hand in the hotel business, snapping up the Abbey in Penzance, Cornwall, more than 20 years ago.

Together with her husband Michael Cox, she lovingly restored the building - formerly a rest home for old ladies - and refurbished the rooms to a stylish upmarket standard, and it's now a very popular weekend and holiday retreat for those looking for an atmospheric place to stay on this part of the spectacular Cornish coast. Celebrity guests have included the likes of David Bowie and Nick Cave.

The hotel occupies a stone-sided house that was built in 1660 on the site of a demolished 12th-century abbey. Located on a narrow cobbled side street whose terraces overlook Penzance's busy harbour, it boasts a charming medieval walled garden that was part of the original abbey.

The bedrooms are furnished in a delightful English country-house style and a full traditional breakfast is included in the room rate.

One of the hotel' greatest attractions, apart from its privileged location and the warm welcome the owners extend to all visitors, is its acclaimed Abbey Restaurant, which boasts a Michelin star.

Housed in a former nightclub which Jean and her husband bought three years ago in order to expand their hotel, it allows guests to watch their food being prepared by celebrated chef Ben Tunnicliffe, thanks to a live videocam. The 30-seater restaurant, decorated in cool seaside tones, always features plenty of the famous local seafood on the menu. Booking is recommended.

For more information on these seaside gems, call 01736 366906 for the hotel and 01736 330680 for the restaurant.