Michelle, staying at Riviera
Just returned from a lovely week staying in Riviera. Fantastic time in St Ives where we were lucky enough to see seals in the harbour.
Michelle
Falmouth
Although just steps away from the vibrant high street of Falmouth town and high up in the waterside Packet Quays development, Riviera is nestled amidst a milieu of harbour haven. Offering a distinctly tranquil hideaway for those looking to reconnect with the ocean and soak in the charm of South Cornwall so aptly called the “Cornish Riviera”.
You would expect a sea view from the balcony, but Riviera allows you to marvel at the ocean from every single window, and with open access to the development’s private quay, you’re only ever a stone’s throw from a dip or a paddle. Why not have a picnic in the public Winchester Gardens right outside the communal hall door.
From your ‘top deck’ vantage point on sunny days, you can watch the comings and goings of the bustling harbour and Falmouth ferries below, while the arched picture window seat provides the perfect safe place to study the stars at night during winter months.
Wake up to the glistening water views from each bedroom, and pad barefoot into the open living space to treasure the sight of the Carrick Roads estuary across to the Roseland Peninsula. Indulge in brunch at the breakfast bar watching the active harbour life or sip on your morning coffee on the bijou, decked balcony which looks across to the coastal village of Flushing, while planning your day to visit Cornwall’s many attractions.
This spacious self-catering waterside retreat in Falmouth exudes a clean coastal charm and is decorated throughout with nautical palettes, Cornwall-inspired art and locally made feature furniture, this is a coastal retreat that doesn’t shy away from making a statement. Bright and uplifting, Riviera has been carefully designed with ample mod cons, to accommodate up to six guests, with highly comfortable beds that assure restful slumbers.
Kitchen
Well-equipped for all cooking tastes with ample mod cons and a sea view from the kitchen sink window. NEFF electric oven and grill, four ring gas hob, dishwasher, fridge and auto defrost freezer. Toaster, kettle, built-in microwave and Nespresso (original) coffee pod machine and separate milk frother. A wonderful two-seater breakfast bar gifts guests a place to sip on morning coffee while looking out to the ocean.
Open plan living room
Stunning light and airy space, beautifully framed by an arched, picture window and idyllic views over Falmouth Harbour. Seating for six with two three-seater sofas surrounding a locally-made, custom wooden coffee table. Smart TV and large window seat for indoor sun-soaking. Extendable dining table with garden and sea views, and room for up to 8 people. The dining area opens out to the balcony via tri-fold doors.
Balcony
Boasting views towards neighbouring village Flushing. Bijou decked outside space, with a bistro table and four chairs. An electric retractable awning provides shade if required.
Utility room
Housing Bosch washing machine, tumble dryer, iron, ironing board, clothes drying rack and hairdryer.
Bedroom one
With wonderful sea views to Flushing, a king-size bed with option for two zip and link single (2’ 6”) beds, bedside tables with touch lamps, dressing table with stool and hanging space and shelving for clothes.
Guest Bathroom
Accessible bath with shower over, WC, basin and heated towel rail.
Bedroom two
Seaview room with double bed, bedside tables with touch lamps and some hanging and shelving for clothes.
Ensuite Bedroom
Super-king zip and link beds, (please let us know at least two weeks in advance of your arrival if you would like this room made up as a twin), bedside tables, lamps, dressing table and built in wardrobe for clothes storage.
Ensuite Bathroom
Walk-in rain shower, WC, basin and heated towel rail.
Entrance
There are 32 steps leading from the communal hallway to the second-floor apartment with automatic night lighting, on arrival at the front door you will be welcomed by local Cornwall-inspired artwork.
Secure Parking
For one medium-sized vehicle in an allocated extra-long 6.1m (20’) space. Height restriction is 1.92m (6’ 3”) to enter the top floor which holds the private parking spot for Riviera. Width of space is 2.1m (6’ 9”), with a solid wall on one side. There is ample space to safely store paddle boarding equipment and surfboards and bicycles behind your car. Remember to take off any top box before you travel up to the top floor of the car park, where you will find Parking for Riviera directly in front of you, with blue signage. Behind the parking spot is a locked entrance/exit you can use to provide a shorter approach up (less steps) to Riviera.
Riviera sits high amidst the prestigious waterside development of Packet Quays. An exclusive waterfront development, originally built in the 17th century as home to the famous Falmouth Packet ships, carrying mail from Europe and the Caribbean. The Packet Quays is a stylish maritime location conveniently just three minutes’ walk from Falmouth town centre, the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and ferries to St Mawes and Flushing. It boasts a private quay if you want to swim or paddle board almost from your front door.
Wander up the steps or sloping path to reach Falmouth’s Old High Street and be welcomed by an eclectic mix of boutiques, independent shops, hidden courtyards and steep opeways that give glimpses of the sea. Be drawn in by the sweet smell of freshly baked goods at Stones Bakery, barista prepared Beacon coffee and distracted by the curated collection of clothes at Parade and tempted by the promise of a rustic meal at the Boathouse or sample local ingredients at the gastropub The Star and Garter.
Walking further into town you’ll discover an array of artisan coffee shops and eateries. From the Prince of Wales Pier, regular ferry services provide the opportunity to venture over the water to explore the picturesque village of Flushing or St Mawes, or up the Fal River to Cornwall’s capital, Truro. An array of boat tours will take you to find marine life, go fishing and all kinds of water sports or even hire your own boat.
If you’re looking to soak up some of Cornwall’s cultural heritage, use the guest binoculars to spot two castles from the arched lounge window – the 16th century St Mawes Castle an artillery fortress and the historic Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII – a visit will transport you back to wartime Cornwall. The acclaimed National Maritime Museum, just 15 minutes’ walk, will immerse you in the colourful history of Falmouth and beyond.
Falmouth’s famous Blue Flag beach Gyllyngvase is a 25 minute walking distance from Riviera, as is Castle Beach – so be sure to pack your swimming attire to make the most of the clear waters of South Cornwall.
Lesley Poulton
- June 2024
The apartment was amazing the views were wonderful everything you could have wanted in a apartment was there and was absolutely spotlessly clean
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Arrival from 4pm.
Departure by 10am.
Beds made up for arrival.
Tea towels included.
One bath and hand towel, per person, provided. Please bring your own beach towels.
Heating and electricity inclusive.
No telephone.
Mobile signal – good. USB charging ports in every bedroom and living room.
Complimentary Fibre Wi-Fi provided.
No Smoking.
£200 security deposit – only chargeable for damages (which will be discussed with you in advance of processing the charge).
Pets: unfortunately, this holiday home is unable to welcome dogs.
Secure Parking: Please note that the parking spaces within the Packet Quays are restricted to medium sized cars. Maximum height of 1.92 m (6’3”) to approach to the top floor of parking and the allocated spot has a maximum width of 2.1 m (6’9”). Very wide or high sided vehicles may not fit in the space. If you have a car of this size, then you will have to park elsewhere in Falmouth. There is free parking on nearby streets, although this can mean having to walk a few minutes to the apartment, depending on the time of year. On the plus side, Riviera has an extra-long parking space over 6.1 m (20’), so items can be stored behind your car.
Access: From the High Street, there are 41 steps leading directly down to Riviera or less if you take the sloping garden route. From the communal entrance, there are 32 steps leading up to the second-floor apartment. From Riviera to your parking bay there are a further 19 steps down to a secure door which opens directly onto your parking space. For this reason, we would suggest Riviera is not suitable for those with restricted mobility or children under 5 years.