Summary:
Mariners Mirror is situated on the water’s edge with access from the private terrace into the sea!
It is perfect for those who love wild swimming and paddle boarding, as well as those wishing to stay on terra firma and watch the world go by.
It is a 2 minute climb up the stone steps, through the iconic Barracks Ope and out onto the Old High Street (or 4 minutes if you want to avoid the steps!).
From here you can experience Falmouth’s best independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
The Space:
This is a waterfront, two-storey apartment with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It sits directly on the quayside with private terrace, enjoying the most breath-taking views across the river and harbour.
The property has level access with its own private front door, accessed from the courtyard.
The property has been recently renovated and redecorated in a modern coastal style. On the ground floor there is a separate kitchen and a lounge-dining room with patio doors leading onto a small private terrace. This is a lovely area to enjoy the views, and morning sunshine and there are steps that descend down to expose a little beach when the tide is out and also gives access to launch a paddle board or kayak. We do welcome guests of all ages, but be aware that there is a long drop from the terrace to the sea (at high tide) or to the beach (low tide) with only a rope cordoning off the terrace. Use of the terrace, will need to be at your own discretion and risk.
The first floor has a bedroom with a king-sized bed and a twin bedroom with two single zip beds. The twin room beds can be zipped to form a king bed on request. Both bedrooms enjoy the spectacular marine views. There is a recently refitted shower room with a walk-in glazed shower.
There is the huge benefit of undercover secure parking for a car and a small boat. Please note that the parking space is very narrow and we would advise only one car is parked in the space. We successfully park a VW campervan in the space so it can take cars of most sizes.
Guest Access:
Guests can access the whole property and will enjoy shared used of the two slipways and private beach that is part of the Packet Quays development.
Head up the stone steps, through the iconic Barracks Ope and out onto the Old High Street. From here you can explore all of Falmouth’s many delights with ease.
The Neighborhood:
Mariners Mirror resides in an elevated position within prestigious and historic waterside development of Packet Quays. An exclusive waterfront development, originally built in the 17th century as home to the famous Falmouth Packet ships, carrying the Royal Mail from Falmouth across the globe. For over 150 years, between 1688 and 1850, Falmouth Packet ships filled the harbour, landing at Greenbank, Custom House Quay and here at Admiral's Quay.
The Packet Quays is a stylish maritime location conveniently just three minutes’ walk from Falmouth town centre, the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and ferries to St Mawes, Truro and Flushing. It boasts a private quay, with 2 slipways to swim or paddle board almost from your front door.
Wander up the old Barracks Ope steps or sloping path to reach Falmouth’s Old High Street and be welcomed by an eclectic mix of boutiques, independent shops, hidden courtyards and opeways that give glimpses of the sea. The Steps can be avoided if desired! You can come and go at your pleasure from the packet quays entrance.
Bustling with life, the creative town of Falmouth has been home to an arts school for over a hundred years, so culture abounds here. From The Poly, a unique arts centre with film screenings and exhibitions, to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, and plenty of other independent galleries in between, your appetite for the artistic will certainly be satisfied.
Your car can be left securely in its parking space, as there is so much to explore on foot. The Blue-flag Gyllyngvase is the most popular beach in town, a 20 minute stroll away through town. Gyllyngvase benefits from RNLI lifeguards during the summer and a brilliant café and restaurant. Castle Beach and Swanpool Beach sit either side of Gyllyngvase.
For seclusion, head over to the Helford River, where smugglers coves and quiet beaches are managed by the National Trust nestle within verdant, treelined riverbanks.
Helford River, either take a boat or a short drive over to the renowned ancient woodland and creeks that are simply brimming with nature. Perfect for a complete day out with the subtropical gardens housing rare exotic plants.
Visit the 16th century St Mawes Castle, an artillery fortress and the historic Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII. The acclaimed National Maritime Museum, just 15 minutes’ walk, will immerse you in the colourful history of Falmouth and beyond. Both Tudor Castles of Pendennis and St Mawes are governed and maintained by the English Heritage.
A vibrant food scene, along with an abundance of calendar events throughout the year, make Falmouth a top cultural destination, as well as a wonderfully scenic one. From the International Sea Shanty Festival to the renowned restaurants, bars and cafés, there are adventures to be found in every sense and direction. Falmouth’s Oyster Festival, Beer Festival and Falmouth week are also not to be missed.
Getting Around:
From the Pier a short walk down the high street there are regular ferry services that provide scenic trips across the harbour to the picturesque villages of Flushing and St Mawes and beyond. Or alternatively you could travel up the Fal river to Truro and enjoy a day in the city exploring the cathedral. There are also boats for hire, sea taxis, sailing tuition, sea safaris, fishing trips with scenic coastal walks or simply relax and watch the ever changing sites of the harbour from Mariner Mirror.
Other Things to Note:
No parking on Packet Quays courtyard.
This is a non smoking home.
If you need parking for additional cars, there is free parking all the way along the road leading up to the high street, Stratton Terrace-Dunstanville Terrace.
In addition there are several car parks you could use, I would recommend 'Town Quarry long stay carpark' which to my knowledge is around £8.50 a day, with weekly tickets available using mobile phone payment.
