The Abbey Hotel - Penzance

In a previous life Jean Cox the owner of the delightful Abbey Hotel, Penzance was known all over the world as Jean Shrimpton - iconic face & fashion model of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Tired of the fashion world she decamped for a reclusive life in Cornwall where she met and married Michael Cox - together they opened the Abbey Hotel in 1982.

I have had the pleasure of staying in this very beautiful hotel many times over the years, each time I leave taking a very special memory. Its tranquillity is such that the late author ‘Mary Wesley’ (Camomile Lawn) stayed often. She said “if she was ever depressed just walking into the Abbey Hotel would instantly lift her spirits”.

The hotel still sits above the harbour and is painted an amazing cornflower blue set off by white Georgian gothic style windows. Inside is an eclectic mix of antique furniture, very comfortable beds, deep squashy sofas covered in Colefax & Fowler chintz all complemented by a background of strong decorating schemes. It’s really like staying in a gorgeous private country house than a hotel. My favourite room has be room1 which enjoys wonderful views over Penzance harbour and St. Michaels mount in the distance. The large traditional bathroom overlooks the tranquil subtropical walled garden. This hotel really is pure escapism from life - perfect to unwind and recharge your inner soul.

Having met Jean Cox on visits to the hotel I have to say she has certainly retained her special ethereal quality. Now in her late 60’s she has amazing bone structure and dramatic eyes. She freely admits that she has done nothing to stop the aging process - how refreshing to age gracefully instead of chasing lost youth. Her life will be newsworthy once again in a film starring Karen Gillan ‘We’ll Take Manhattan’, it charts her love affair with photographer David Bailey in the 1960’s - the film is due for release in the autumn.