Does anyone know a place / hotel like this one I imagined?

[Handsnotwands]

It’s like a deep memory that gives me A Feeling but is more likely based on books I read as a child than reality.

It’s a hotel by the coast, a rambling probably Victorian place, big windows, possibly a verandah. Surrounded by gardens, leading down to the beach. bonus points for a monkey puzzle tree but big firs would do. Hidden garden bits would be the cherry on the cake.

Doesn’t need to be fancy. But comfortable. Child friendly but not with “kid stuff” going on.

Genteel and old fashioned but accommodating.

It’s a bit like the one in the Witches but with more mystery 😂

We need a break. I’ve had 4 days off in total since Christmas. The kids have had the shittest lockdown and “school
Holiday”. They’ve never been to a hotel, they really want to go to one, they’re 10 and 8. Easy kids, easily pleased, they like being outdoors and a good pub lunch. I need to chill out. They need some time with me. I want to take them away for a couple of days in October half term. Somewhere comfy and easy.

Here you go:

www.foweyhallhotel.co.uk

What a great thread!

Some of the hotels websites however; the pictures are a bit coy? You have to really peer and squint! Is it not the done thing to show the beautiful buildings properly?

catbat interesting ! I always thought evil under the sun was in Mesopotamia - Devon standing in for the desert ?!

I had a very reasonably priced short break at the Grand Hotel in Swanage a few years ago. It's a big Victorian hotel on the cliff. Nice garden with a little path down to the beach.





@HeronLanyon you're right. I was probably misled by the memory of the glassed-in veranda which felt very victorian hotel-ish. And possibly by the memory of the superlative food (have been to both the old coastguard and the GH, the food was just to die for!!).

The Nare (Roseland Peninsula) suits your description far better than the Headland.

www.narehotel.co.uk/

Also Talland Bay Hotel www.tallandbayhotel.co.uk/

Don’t expect the Headland to be anything like the Witches. It’s just a regular spa hotel in the middle of Newquay. Not spooky in the slightest!

Fowey Hall (mentioned upthread) is lovely.

I live in Cornwall so if you want any other recommendations, shout.

Or there’s the Carlyon Bay. My in-laws always stay here when they visit us.

It is indeed a big rambling hotel with gardens going down to the beach. The gardens aren’t as special as the Talland or the Nare, they are more big lawns than gardens. But there and indoor and outdoor pools and it’s close to Charlestown, Eden and Heligan.

Always choose south coast in Cornwall rather than North if you want to be warm. We don’t get the biting wind down here and face directly into the sun ☀️.

Link carlyonbay.com/the-hotel/gallery/

@LaurieFairyCake

It's not this one as I'm sure the one I saw is on the south coast near Bournemouth

This is burgh island - and it does have a monkey puzzle

I was going to suggest Burgh Island. I've been to the island (DCs would love the sea tractor across the causeway!) but haven't stayed at the hotel.

Old Park Hotel in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight used to rock all those boxes. I say "used to" because we haven't stayed there in about 15y, so I can't be sure it still has that vibe. But it was lovely.

Knoll House in Studland was similar, but it has changed since we last stayed there (also about 15y) and looks far more modern boutique and less family focused.

We used to love staying at these two hotels when our dc were young, but once our eldest was in KS1 and we no longer had the freedom to take holiday in termtime, we could not afford peak prices.

The Imperial hotel in Torquay sounds fairly similar! We stayed in March, really liked it, gorgeous sea views

Try Scarborough - it was a Victorian resort and there are a few hotels still in business, although some now belong to chains.

A couple are next to parks rather than have their own gardens. The Grand has evening entertainment and you walk through the park at the front of the hotel to get tot he beach.

2 bays in Scarborough, the south is a traditional seaside, candy floss, slot machines, donkey rides. The North bay is quieter and the park (Peasholm) does a model ship battle -- it's suspended at the moment but might be back later in the year.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotels-g190744-Scarborough_Scarborough_District_North_Yorkshire_England-Hotels.html

There is a hotel at Portmerion, next to the river. I believe that you may be able to stay in one of the quirky buildings there too

If you fancy a trip to Ireland - Parknasilla is beautiful.

It’s probably too out of the way for you but the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa kind of fits the picture to me!

Came on here to suggest the Grand Hotel in Swanage, but see @Fifthtimelucky has beaten me to it! We stayed there a few times when I was a child and, as long ago as that now was, I definitely remember it having the ‘feel’ you’ve described. Very characterful and atmospheric - not spooky as such but slightly faded Victorian grandeur. And definitely cheaper than some that have been suggested.

Your description reminds me of a few properties from fiction.

The main house in the 1970's serial, The Cedar Tree.
The house in The Camomile Lawn.
The house at Picton in The English Patient.

Sorry, not much help.

@fairydustandpixies

http://www.camelotcastle.com/

Here???

Now that is a treat. I have stayed there and remember it well.

The brown and cream walls. The thick block radiators - perfect when coming in from the rain. The huge reception area and....Ted The Painter lurking around, a bit like John Cleese but more helpful.

And those paintings....Salvador Dali-esque. Amazing experience.

I suppose it has changed now?

If prepared to go overseas, then Reid's in Madeira

www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/portugal/madeira/belmond-reids-palace/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrIGk7bPQ6wIVibPtCh24HQDZEAAYASAAEgJG9PD_BwE

Polurrian on the Lizard has the gardens and the beach. I haven't been for nearly 30 years, but remember it being magical. The restaurant was what got me into cooking, which has taken me all over the world working.

Watergate Bay Hotel as previously suggested might also fit the bill, I've been many times and always enjoyed it. It's a bit more Boden and wellies than the faded genteel feel you asked for, but still good.

@Wigeon

Fowey Hall Hotel ticks pretty much all your boxes! Went to a wedding there, and stayed there 2 nights - was absolutely lovely.

I was coming on to say that one. Saw it on hotel inspector. Looks beautiful

Oh I feel like I know this hotel too, from a book.
This isn't exactly it, but www.gliffaeshotel.com/
Is lovely, probably too pricey with the kids though!

I was thinking Old Park near Ventnor too, although unfortunately it's no longer a hotel I dont think.

I'm going to recommend Star Castle in Scilly Isles. star-castle.co.uk/

Can't remember the name, but at the bottom of Carbis Bay, just outside St. Ives, there is a lovely hotel with gardens going down to the beach. It is right at the bottom of the road going down to the sea and has a lovely beach