Mawnan Smith
UPDATE: Hotel Meudon is under new ownership, and reopened on May 17, 2021 following extensive refurbishment.
Although it incorporates two old coastguard cottages, much of this country house dates from the Victorian era. Its name, however, is possibly derived from the old Cornish for ‘Fort of the Youths’ or similar – the traces of an Iron Age round are to be found in a nearby field. Alternatively, because the nearby farmhouse housed French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars, their home of Meudon, in the departement of Hauts-de-Seine near Paris, was applied here. However, the former is by far the most likely explanation.
Today, though, it is an established family-run hotel which offers a total of 29 bedrooms, including suites and ‘executive’ rooms. 3-star rated, it also boasts its own valley garden which drops gently down to its private beach, Bream Cove, which overlooks Falmouth Bay.
The village of Mawnan Smith is less than a mile away and easily reached on foot, as indeed are the gardens of Glendurgan, Trebah and Carwinion. Moreover, those who enjoy walking will find no shortage of paths – both coastal and countryside – to enjoy nearby. Alternatively, there are several notable attractions in nearby Falmouth, including the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Pendennis Castle.
Those who prefer self-catering accommodation might also be interested in the hotel’s ‘Garden Cottage’ which has two bedrooms (one double and one twin).
The Meudon’s conservatory restaurant specialises in seafood and champions local produce.
The hotel has recently featured on the Channel 5 series The Hotel Inspector with Alex Polizzi, and also on Four in a Bed.
The Meudon is very dog-friendly, with a number of rooms able to accommodate those staying with their four-pawed travelling companions (advance notice is required). Dogs are welcome to enjoy the hotel’s grounds on leads, and make the most of Bream Cove at the foot of its valley garden.
Meudon Hotel Reviews and Availability
The Meudon Hotel, Maenporth Road, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall. TR11 5HT.
Property images courtesy of Meudon Hotel