A new aparthotel outside Newquay in Cornwall seeks to bridge the gap between traditional seaside hotels and the disruptive AirBnB industry. SeaSpace perches on a cliff between Newquay’s airport and town centre, with 56 studios and open-plan apartments of various configurations. It’s the latest project by Ben Harper, founder of Another Place hotels and Watergate Bay, just up the coast. The South West Coast Path passes just outside the door.
Architects Kay Elliot led the adaptive reuse of the former Sands resort, carrying out an £11m renovation. The new complex opens into a lobby café and an in-house Italian-American restaurant called Tallo, led by chef Sam Sheperd. He has devised a menu of pastas and small, punchy plates with ingredients from local producers.
Interiors by Cornish studio Dynargh Design get their inspiration from 1920s Miami. A palette of minty green and tangerine prevails, with retro-look lighting and graphic patterns on the walls and linens. Rooms are equipped with minimalist furnishings in sunset hues and full-height windows onto the landscape. The 19m indoor ocean-view pool is a highlight, with its orange chequerboard motif.
‘We’ve given the space a totally new lease of life,’ says CEO Ben Harper. ‘We’re offering people a sense of freedom and choice, whether they’re here to work or play. We hope this place becomes known for its character, community, style and above all, the memorable experiences – for everyone who visits us.’
Outdoors, he’s included a sensory garden and five padel courts, plus an on-site surfing rental point.
SeaSpace prides itself on its affordability. Studios start at £100 a night, and family apartments from £160.
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