Ship Ashore, Penzance

About this property

Once belonging to Roland ‘Roly’ Morrison, a famous local diver and Cornwall’s ‘last buccaneer’, this unique property is crammed with historic artefacts, some salvaged by Roly himself from various wrecks off the coast of Cornwall. Ship Ashore has perched in the same spot for more than 70 years and is one of the town’s most iconic buildings. A stay here offers guests a truly immersive way to experience Penzance’s fascinating history and special way of life, with extraordinary sea views over Mounts Bay to boot.

Once the decommissioned chassis of a 1940’s Western National Bus, this one-of-a-kind sea-side home lies hidden behind a door at the end of Abbey Slip. Meandering up the path that leads to the cabin, you’ll pass all sorts of interesting objects including boating memorabilia and an original 19th Century cannon which points towards Ross Bridge. Ship Ashore nestles into the most beautiful natural garden which is maintained by local gardeners who have a real understanding of the needs of seaside gardens, and have used plant varieties that thrive on this section of the Cornish coast. There are seating areas tucked into the gardens where you can take in the views over the bay, as well as pathways to wander along. A newly fitted contemporary shower room and cloakroom rest on the property’s very own outdoor ‘poop deck’, while inside the home has a galley kitchenette, living/dining area, bedroom and a second WC.

Wake up to views of the sun rising over St Michael’s Mount and cold-water swimmers braving the icy water of the basin below. Peek through salvaged portholes and you might spot seals basking beyond, or head outside to climb the ‘flying bridge’ and soak up the sunshine and scenes of ships heading into the dry dock. If you fancy a trip to the Isles of Scilly you can hop aboard the Scillonian III passenger ferry which docks right below your front door. It’s a 3ish hour journey but makes for an incredible way to see this part of the Cornish coast as well witness its marine life up-close.

There are many wonderful restaurants and historic pubs nearby, but a must-visit is The Admiral Benbow in Chapel Street which was formerly owned by Roland Morris. Here you’ll find many amazing artefacts which he himself restored, along with the help of local blacksmiths, tradesmen and friends. The pub became something of an extension to his museum which is found further along in Chapel Street and well worth a visit too.

Penzance burgeons with provenance (both seafaring and landlubber), with many wonderful landmark buildings like the Turks Head and Egyptian House to explore. Of course, not far away are the golden beaches of Mounts Bay, the fishing port of Newlyn, the unspoilt village of Mousehole, and the town of Marazion with its famous St Michael's Mount.

For guests looking to enjoy a car-free stay, Penzance train station is roughly 6 minutes' walk from the property. If you'd like to explore the area during your stay you'll be able to hop on board the Lands End Cruiser at the bus station (also just 6 minutes from your front door), and visit places like St Ives and Carbis Bay, Marazion, Sennen and Porthcurno. Ticket prices start at £2 per single. You'll find all the information and ways to book on the Adventures By Bus website

Access is via a door on Abbey Slip alongside the Basin and Dry Dock

Behind the door is a beautiful, established garden with two paths leading up to the property and along the way you’ll discover all sorts of fascinating boating memorabilia including a 19th Century cannon

In total there are 23 steps to access the property

Ship Ashore has electric heating

Porch

A covered porch to the side of the cabin is filled with artefacts, photographs and information documenting the history of Ship Ashore and Roly Morris. It’s a fascinating story that will immerse you in the provenance and character of this unique place

Entrance

Enter through the front door up three steps and into a small entrance hall where storm lighting, real ships' bells and an original ship’s wheel welcome you inside

Living Area

The lovely cosy living area is much like one you’d find on board a boat with upholstered bench seating, bookshelves, a folding table and large flat screen TV with Freeview

Discover various authentic vintage maritime objects, as well as a quirky original old ship’s captain’s drinks cabinet hiding glasses for your evening tipple

Dining Area

A ship’s table in the living area folds up and extends to create a place for eating

Kitchenette

Behind the bedroom with an electric oven and grill, electric two-ring hob, Airfryer, fridge (with ice box), kettle, toaster, vacuum cleaner, Krups coffee percolator for ground coffee

A selection of utensils, pots, pans, crockery, mugs and cutlery is provided

Bedroom

A delightfully light and bright room with twin beds, bedside tables, bedside lamps, cupboards for clothes and a mirror

Cloakroom

Inside the cabin off the entrance hall and furnished with an old ship’s sink, dressing table, WC, and mirror

Shower room

Outside next to the cabin this contemporary wet room is newly fitted and has a shower (with hand-held attachment) and heated towel rail

Outside cloakroom

Next to the shower room outside is a separate WC

Outside

The beautiful, established garden which is maintained by local experts with a real understanding of seaside gardens, features many amazing varieties of shrubs, flowering plants, succulents and trees that are native to the area. Seating is built into the undulating stone walls, and there are various furnished areas dotted around so you can pick a perch and watch the moods of the bay beyond. A flying bridge with its own crow’s nest is furnished with seating and a bistro table, so if you’d like to survey Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount as you sip your morning coffee or evening drink, this is the perfect place for it.

There is outside storage for wetsuits, surfboards and beach gear

Parking

At the bottom of the slipway near the Old Lifeboat House there is free parking which is available on a first come basis. This is also a good place to pull up temporarily for offloading luggage at the property. Harbour long stay car park on Wharf Road is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the cabin. More information about prices can be found here