The Alverton Truro, Cornwall
WHERE AND WHY
The winding drive through majestic gardens brought us to this breathtaking 19th-century Grade Ii-listed building. It dates back to the 1830s when it was the grand home for Cornish banker and keen gardener William Tweedy, his wife and 13 children. Today it’s Truro city’s only four-star hotel and the perfect base for a relaxing break in the Cornish capital.
Our room in The Courtyard, just a short walk from the main hotel, was one of 15 housed in this renovated complex and furnished with a corner sofa bed and eye-catching freestanding rolltop bath. Flagstone flooring and exposed brickwork added to the aura of rural splendour.
ON THE MENU
On our arrival afternoon tea was beckoning as we walked through oak doors into the brasserie. It was a delicious welcome of super-fresh finger sandwiches, almond crumble and homebaked scones that should be eaten like the locals – jam first then spoon lashings of Cornish clotted cream on top, all accompanied by loose leaf tea in delicate china (£18).
Dinner in the hotel’s Aa-rosette award-winning restaurant which has a sun-trap terrace overlooking the gardens, lived up to expectations. We chose the fish of the day, pollock cooked with Dublin Bay prawns, asparagus and tomatoes (£26). A flavourful dish that went down well with the house white.
During our two-night stay, stand-out sweets for us were hazelnut chocolate truffle cake with salted caramel and malted milk ice cream, and strawberries with crushed meringue and lemon semifreddo, white chocolate and lemon curd (from £8).
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
It’s just a 10-minute stroll to the ancient cathedral city and its endearing streets and alleyways that lead to a pathway along the Truro river to parkland. Or get in the car to take in wonderful fishing villages along the gorgeous coastline, such as pretty Port Isaac of Doc Martin fame, an hour’s drive away.
Charlestown, on the edge of St Austell, is 30 minutes away. The UNESCO world heritage site and its unspoilt Georgian harbour is a favourite location for films and TV series like Poldark and Hornblower.
Close to Charlestown is the Eden Project, home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest.
WAKE-UP CALL
Doubles from £139 a night with breakfast. Dogs are welcome. thealverton.co.uk