ROTTERDAM HOUSE, PENZANCE

This charming terraced house is located in the heart of Penzance’s historic Chapel Street and offers homely comfort in an ideal location from which to explore Penzance and West Cornwall. It's a lovely house to settle into, unwind and explore with so much within easy reach. A few minutes walk to the sea, local bakeries, a great selection of restaurants and cafes, local shops, Jubilee Pool, walks to local fishing towns and so much more, Penzance has it all! You’ll need time here to get to know the town and beyond. 

Entering from Chapel Street there is a little porch to kick off your shoes and leave your coats, or clean sandy paws as Rotterdam House is dog friendly. Entering into the living room to the front of the house you are welcomed in, it really is a home-from-home. From the porch you enter the living room and the stairs to the first floor separate the living room and the open plan dining room and kitchen to the back. The rooms on the ground floor lead you through the house until you reach the lovely sunroom to the back of the house, off the kitchen, where you are welcomed out to the lovely little courtyard garden via the French doors.

There are three generous bedrooms on the first floor. The master room boasts an en-suite bathroom and there is also a family shower room. The third bedroom can be a king or a twin room and there is an additional WC on the ground floor. Comfort is at its heart and the space and light will surprise you. Perfect for families or couples there is space for everyone here, to relax and enjoy your own or to be with each other.

HISTORY

Rotterdam House was built in the late 18th Century as part of a row of 3 houses. They were constructed from bricks which came from the ballast used in ships that came to Penzance from Rotterdam. Bricks were considered to be of higher status than granite at that time. Two brothers within the family who built the row went on to have such a serious dispute that the central house was split down the middle, to form two separate houses. Rotterdam House is one of those two houses.

The far right house of the row was home to Maria Branwell, mother of the Bronte sisters. From the rear bedrooms of Rotterdam House you can see the small "Penny School" where Maria went to school for a penny a week.

LOCATION

Located in the famous Chapel Street, right in the heart of the oldest part of Penzance, Rotterdam House is a short stroll to the harbour and seafront. The best local shops, galleries, bars, pubs and restaurants are right on your doorstep. The oldest pub in Penzance, The Turks Head, dating from 1233, is 100 metres down the street. Have a drink or a meal here and you’ll be stepping back in history, enjoying the same public house as pirates and smugglers did 750 years ago.

Penzance is the gateway to the Land’s End peninsula and in the far west of Cornwall nothing is far away. The fishing harbour of Newlyn is 20 minutes’ walk along the seafront promenade, and the quaint village of Mousehole is only a 10 minutes’ drive away. Marazion, with the famous St. Michael’s Mount, is easy to walk or drive to. St. Ives is easily reached using the scenic rail line from Penzance station. Sennen Cove, The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, and The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site on the north coast, are all an easy drive away. Many film locations of Winston Graham’s Poldark books are in the area and part of the German TV Rosamunde Pilcher series was filmed right outside the door in Chapel Street.

LIVING

COOKING & EATING

SLEEPING

There are three bedrooms on the first floor, sleeping up to six people comfortably.

MASTER BEDROOM: Looking out to the garden at the back of the house, there is a king-size bed, wardrobe, bedside tables with lamps and an en-suite bathroom with a shower over the bath.

SECOND BEDROOM: Has a double bed, bedside tables with lamps, a builtin wardrobe with a curtain and a small sink in one corner.

THIRD BEDROOM: The king size bed can be divided into two singles if you prefer. There is a wardrobe, extra hanging and storage in a built-in area with a curtain, a chest of drawers and a sink in one corner.

BATHING

The shower room is on the first floor at the top of the stairs. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and there is a WC on the ground floor.

FAMILY SHOWER ROOM: Has a shower, WC and basin

OUTSIDE

USEFUL TO KNOW...

PARKING: You can pull up outside the front door to unload and there are several car parks close by. Where available there are free spaces along Chapel Street with time limits during the day and free parking overnight. You can also park for free all day and night on the Promenade, between the Jubilee Pool and Alexandra Road.

WI-FI: Very Fast wifi (Up to 71MB) broadband means you can stay connected.

HEATING: Central heating throughout will keep you warm in the cooler months. 

PETS: One well-behaved dog is welcome at £35 per week/short break.

Far West Cornwall is doggie heaven! There’s plenty of beaches and coast paths for exploring. Please make sure they stay out of bedrooms and off the furniture and that you rub down muddy/sandy feet before they come in.

LINEN & TOWELS: You'll have bedding & towels but please bring your own beach towels.

UTILITY: In the garden shed is a washing machine for guests use.

ACCESSIBILITY: Four steps lead up to the front door which opens into the living space. The three bedrooms as well as the bath and shower room are all on the first floor. If in doubt or if you have any questions do get in touch before booking.

This property is not wheelchair friendly and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. If this applies, please contact our booking office to discuss the properties potential suitability prior to confirming.

WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING...

“We absolutely loved our stay in Rotterdam House. It is a gorgeous house, in one of the prettiest streets in Penzance. It's great place to explore from - the Newlyn Filmhouse, Mackerel Sky, 45 Queen Street, the Honey Pot, the Penlee Gallery, St Ives, Marazion and St Michael's Mount were all super. The weather was glorious. We all felt very restored by the end of our trip. Thank you”

Sara – November 2024 

“The property is located in Chapel Street, one of the most historic and picturesque streets in the centre of Penzance. It is located at the 'quiet' end and therefore quite peaceful yet within walking distance of some great restaurants, pubs and shops as well as Penzance promenade and the unique Jubilee open air swimming pool. We really enjoyed our stay, thank you!”

John – October 2024 

“Great location. Walkable. Comfortable. Would recommend”

Jay – September 2024 

“Loved staying in Chapel Street, great location for easy access to shops and waterfront. Beautiful clean linens and towels, great for a family of 5. Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday.”

Maria – August 2024 

“The Cornish Way were excellent and helped pre and during the stay. Accommodation was excellent, central and had every requirement you needed. Will definitely book again. Thank you!”

Stefano – May 2024