A Unique Place to Stay in Cornwall: Our Floathouse Amelie Review
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in Cornwall, a floating home on a quiet tidal river might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Floathouse Amelie, gently bobbing on the River Penryn near Falmouth, offers something special — a peaceful escape surrounded by water, wildlife and ever-changing light.
We booked the Floathouse because we wanted a calm escape; a stay close to nature where we could fully relax and unwind. We also wanted easy access to the facilities and attractions of a large town, making the floathouse perfect, making the Floathouse perfect, as she bobs gently just a short walk from buzzing Falmouth. Even better, Amelie sleeps up to six people
We spent three days at Floathouse Amelie in historic Penryn, on the outskirts of Falmouth. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking about booking your own stay.
Looking for more great ideas in Cornwall?
- Family Guide: Planning your stay in and around Falmouth
- Family Guide: 3-days visiting St Ives.
- Family-friendly hotel review: SeaSpace Aparthotel, Newquay.
Our honest review of 3 nights at Floathouse Amelie
- Stayed: 3 nights
- Price range: Varies by date from around £145 – £280 per night. There is usually a minimum booking time of 3 nights and 7 nights in summer.
- Best for: Families with older children who want to relax in style, but within easy reach of some of Cornwall’s best attractions.
- Would we stay again? In a heartbeat!
Why Floathouse Amelie is One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Cornwall
Cornwall is full of beautiful places to stay, from coastal cottages to boutique hotels, but few are quite as memorable as sleeping on the water itself.
Floathouse Amelie offers something genuinely different. Here, you’re part of the river landscape itself, gently rising and falling with the tide.
The huge windows, peaceful marina setting and thoughtfully designed interiors make it feel both luxurious and deeply connected to nature. For families looking for unique places to stay in Cornwall, it’s an experience that feels truly special.
Where is Floathouse Amelie?
Floathouse Amelie is a floating home on the banks of Penryn River, in the ancient harbour town of Penryn. The town itself, while fairly small, has several pubs, bars, shops and restaurants.
The Floathouse is close to Jubilee Wharf, a carbon neutral complex of homes, creative businesses and the wonderful Muddy Beach Cafe.
The hotel is located:
- Falmouth – Short train ride, 5 minute drive or 40 minute walk
- Glendurgan garden – 15 minute drive
- St Ives – 45 minute drive
- St Michael’s Mount – 40 minute drive
- Newquay – 45 minutes
Staying in Floathouse Amelie
Amelie’s Story: from derelict barge to glamorous eco-home
Floathouse Amelie is now a stylish, floating home on the banks of Penryn river, however this hasn’t always been her story. On the opposite side of the river, a fishing boat lists dangerously to one side. Her deck, now mere inches from the water, exposes a quietly decomposing hull slowly heading for a watery grave. That same fate had been destined for Amelie, before she was rescued from life as a retirement home for seaweed, by Robin and Jane.
Bought in 2011, ‘Amelie Poulain’ has been carefully and lovingly transformed, repurposing and carefully selecting materials to minimize impact. The result is a gorgeous, serene space which is perfect for a memorable family break.
Eco-credentials
Rainwater harvesting, a composting toilet, wood pellet boiler and plenty of cleverly reclaimed wood (the maple floorboards had a previous life as the floor of a school hall) help keep Amelie’s environmental impact low.
The Living Space
Despite being moored on a busy wharf, Amelie is a haven of calm. Huge floor to ceiling windows lend a cathedral-like air to the space, affording expansive views of the Penryn river and marina.
The upper deck contains a large open-plan room, with a fully equipped kitchen at one end and living room at the other. A cornflower blue, L-shaped squishy sofa fills the living space, positioned so the entire family can sit and watch the ever-changing play of light on the water. It is a beautiful, reflective space that invites a deep sense of calm.
For chilly evenings there is a wood-pellet-fired stove, although we found we didn’t need to use it in April.
Amelie does not have a TV, which allowed us to spend time together. We enjoyed playing games from the small games library, reading and just enjoying the space and each other’s company. During our stay, instead of watching television, we whiled away hours watching the changing tide, seabirds and the activity of the neighbouring boats.
Downstairs, but above the water line, three cabins comfortably sleep up to six guests. There is a large main bedroom, a bunkroom and a smaller double. The owners have thoughtfully left some toys and books which the children enjoyed.
Connecting with the outdoors
Amelie’s two decks allow you to make the most of the fleeting Cornish sunshine, drinking in the view as rays of sunshine dance across the river.
During a spring storm, we discovered Amelie is the perfect spot to watch the elements rage, clouds racing across the sky and wind attacking the surface of the water. Whilst nearby boats pitched precariously from side to side in the fierce wind, we sat cosily inside watching the show.
Amelie has a small rowing boat for those in need of a little adventure.
The owners thoughtfully left crabbing nets, and we spent a memorable afternoon crabbing from the wooden deck. There were squeals of delight as the children pulled up nets of European green crabs, who spent a short time in a bucket before we released them to a quiet life back in the river.
Practical things to know: WiFi and staying safe with children
WiFi at Floathouse Amelie
Despite feeling wonderfully removed from the rush of everyday life, Floathouse Amelie does have good WiFi available.
Staying at the Floathouse with children
Floathouse Amelie is a wonderful place for families, but it’s worth knowing that, as with any stay right on the water, you’ll need to keep a close eye on younger children.
The house sits directly on the river and is surrounded by water, and inside there is an open staircase connecting the two levels. Our children absolutely loved the novelty of staying on a floating home and spent hours watching the tide, crabbing from the deck and exploring their cosy cabins.
It is a truly special place to stay, but is suited to families with older children and no mobility issues.
Travel to Penryn
By Train
The Floathouse is located a short walk from Penryn rail station. This is a local line, which connects connects to Truro, where you can easily travel onwards to London and elsewhere in the UK.
By Car
Take the M5 to Exeter, then the A30 and A39 past Truro. Finally follow the B3292 to Penryn.
Parking
A parking space in neighbouring Exchequer Quay is included with your booking.
Exploring The Local Area
Penryn itself is worth exploring, particularly the wonderful Muddy Beach Cafe which is right next door. We firmly recommend stopping by for brunch. It’s also open several evenings each week.
Explore Further
In and around Falmouth
These are some of our favourite activities in Falmouth:
- National Maritime Museum Cornwall (NMMC) – Fantastic family friendly museum in Falmouth.
- Castle Beach and Gyllyngvase Beach – Great for rockpools and seaglass hunting
- Gyllyngvase Beach – Blue-flag beach with a café, toilets & SUP (paddleboarding) on the South West Coast Path.
- Swanpool Beach – Shingle beach with watersports, coasteering and a nature reserve Toilets and car parking
- Falmouth town centre – Friendly and attractive centre with lots of independent shops and plenty of places to eat and drink.
Excellent days out near Falmouth
Some of our favourite places to visit near Falmouth within an hour’s drive include:
- GlendurganGarden (National Trust) (15 mins)– Incredible sub-tropical gardens with a hedge maze, rope swings and access to a tiny but gorgeous stony beach.
- Chapel Porth Beach, near St Agnes (30 mins)– One of our favourite Cornwall beaches. Visit at low-tide to access the beach. Walk along the coastal path to visit Wheal Coates.
- St Michael’s Mount (40mins) – Visit at low tide to explore this fascinating tidal island and home.
- The Eden Project (50mins) – Huge tropical domes and outdoor gardens.
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan (45 mins) – Incredible gardens full of surprises and an incredible story.
- Kynance Cove and Lizard Point (50 mins) – Breathtaking beach and a fabulous coastal walk to Lizard Point.
Final thoughts: Would we book the Floathouse again?
If you’re searching for unique places to stay in Cornwall, Floathouse Amelie is one of the most memorable we’ve experienced. It offers the perfect balance between peaceful escape and easy access to some of Cornwall’s best attractions.
Our lasting memory will be the moment when the sun appeared, transforming the moody river into an iridescent silvery-gold vision. For a few precious moments, the fleeting, faint semicircle of a rainbow was perfectly reflected in the Penryn river’s surface. Pure magic.
FAQ about Floathouse Amelie
Is Floathouse Amelie suitable for families?
Yes, Floathouse Amelie sleeps up to six people and works well for families with slightly older children. Because it sits directly on the water and has an open staircase, younger children will need close supervision.
Where is Floathouse Amelie located?
Floathouse Amelie is moored on the River Penryn in the historic harbour town of Penryn, close to Falmouth in Cornwall.
Can you get to Floathouse Amelie by Train
Yes. There is a small train station in Penryn which connects to Truro station for onward travel.
