Ruggedness of Cornwall

Cornwall offers a remoteness that almost equals the quietness and solitude found in the Scottish Highlands. The Lugger in Portloe is a boutique hotel trapped on the rugged beach of Portloe. The sea rushes into this small cove as high tide approaches and has all the signs of a smugglers cove. Looking out from the cottage we can see caves, dry at low tide and offer the perfect hiding place for smugglers and their 'bootie' not visible from the sea. At high tide the bootie would float away.


Steeped in history, The Lugger - Mail Review has for centuries been an inn. The landlord Black Dunston had a habit of smuggling french brandy into the cove, in 1890's hung for this misdemeanor. No free brandy here! The media love to find hot spots for relaxing and sophisticated breaks in the SW, and here is no exception read this excellent review from The Times .... The Lugger - Times Review


The sea is not far away and crashes against the rocks inducing sleep and dreams of French Mans Creek. Climbing the path above the village leads to views of Cornish headlands and is a wonderful reminder of how special this coastline is with it's creeks and rocky outcrops.


Weathering the storm
During the storms of November 2010, The Lugger was steeped in a deep flood as water cascaded down the hills into the village. During the night of 16 November, visitors were evacuated and the following day a massive plan was put in action to clear away the debris. The Lugger was flooded on two floors which included the kitchen, reception, lounge, restaurant and bar. The Kitchen was 6 feet deep in water. So there was nothing for it but to gut these floors... there was a spanner in the works - The Lugger was booked to host a wedding a month later so it was all hands on deck. Clearing the mud and sanitising took almost 3 days. A team of builders took on the challenge to have everything spick and span for the wedding on the 17 December. Staying at the Lugger meant they were 'on the job'. Richard Hartley and Russell Samsone said, 'We were all daunted by the task but were soon heartened when we witnessed the commitment with which the builders tackled their task. AND of course we were delighted when it was clear we would be ready to open on the 17th. FANTASTIC team work!' 


It is impressive to see the changes made to the interior of The Lugger now one of the most contemporary places to stay in Cornwall.


Experience

Three Ships at Portloe

The hotel is intimate with a log fire burning in the lounge, a great place to relax and plan the year ahead, snuggled up, all warm and cosy, anticipating the evening dinner. The food is expertly cooked, tasty and well presented with friendly and prompt service. It is mid winter and The Lugger encapsulates all the welcome wintery warmth inside while looking out at a raging ocean. People arrive after travelling down from the cities, excited at the thought of being in this remote spot for a few days and with them bringing life and a like minded appreciation. 


Cornwall Christmas Lights
The villages and towns of Cornwall during Christmas, exhibit strings of lights making pictures on cliffs, harbours and walls. the fishermen in the harbours decorate their boats. Mousehole is particularly well known for the splendour of it's festive lights.


A few highlights .....
Painter - Alfred Adams

The Lugger hangs a few images painted by Alfred Adams, a Cornish painter who is 100 years old. These paintings are vibrant and lively and reflect the quirkiness of the Cornish harbours, the colour and jauntiness of the fishing boats. Tregony Art Gallery is the only outlet for his paintings.


Alfred Adams an Artist at 100 years old




The King Harry Ferry 
The King Harry Ferry is an iconic part of Cornwall’s history. Established in 1888, it connects St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula with Feock. The Kingswear and Dartmouth Higher Ferry is modelled on this ferry. Ferries are a great way to travel around the coast of Britain, a way to see views not easily accessible.