We are very happy today to be sharing an exclusive interview with the owner of St Michaels Resort, Nigel Carpenter. Most people know Nigel as he’s Falmouth’s resident hotel magnate, known for his constant innovation in the industry, winner of multiple awards, the first hydrotherapy spa in Cornwall (named Cornwall’s Best Spa 2023) and the iconic development The Liner. Today we are meeting him to find out all about his latest developments, The Treehouse and The Captain’s House – 11 new luxury apartments in one of the most desirable locations in Falmouth. Without further ado, over to Nigel to find out all about it…
Hi Nigel, so tell us all about the new properties….
Both sets of apartments were part of a masterplan from 2014. I acquired the Falmouth Beach Hotel but also the old staff house and The Cottage which was a holiday let. It’s taken longer to come to fruition due to The Liner and the spa apartments. We got planning consent in 2014 then had to raise the money – we created 32 new hotel bedrooms, the health club, the new hydrothermal spa, a new entrance for the hotel and the spa lodges plus the lounge transformation – it’s been a long time coming! At the end of 2017 I sold The Liner development to Acorn Blue, but St Michaels Resort now manages over half of the Liner apartments as holiday lets for investors/owners
The Treehouse is adjacent to St Michael’s Spa Gardens and has a hidden gate for spa access! They sit in the arms of a historic Monterey Cedar tree, it’s a very magical position. The Captain’s Apartments are close to St Michael’s Reception and next door to St Michael’s Captains House, just 100 metres from the beach. We’ve gone for the highest specification and full luxury throughout – German engineered built to order kitchens, soft close doors and drawers, PEFC certified kitchens with Silestone 20mm Quartz in Miami Vena and Siemens appliances. Engineered oak flooring, underfloor heating and high spec soundproofing and insultation throughout. We have deluxe bathroom sanitaryware made by Vileroy and Bosch, designer tiles and drench showers with premium Hansgrohe ironmongery. Also, most apartments have Millboard timber decking south-facing balconies with premium glass balustrade – no expense has been spared as we want them to be the highest calibre possible.
We have to agree, the spec is rather special, and the quality is undeniable. Is there a guarantee at all?
Yes, they come with a 10-year guarantee and peace of mind warranty and are protected by a 10-year structural warranty by top provider ICW.
Can we just mention The Penthouse Apartment, it’s been the talk of the Heather & Lay office
It’s wonderful isn’t it? The deluxe, two-storey penthouse I believe must be one of the most exclusive apartments in the whole of Falmouth. It is quite literally, at the top of the tree with the most astounding views across Falmouth Bay, with extensive balconies to enjoy the view from. Light and airy, the Master Bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe and a generous ensuite but it’s the living area on the top floor which steals the show with panoramic views and statement double-height vaulted ceiling.
Who are the apartments designed for?
It’s not an age offer or a demographic, it’s an attitude. People who attitudinally appreciate this part of the world. Falmouth is so special. It’s a buzzing town – there’s the vibrancy of the university, the beauty of ocean living, great businesses, maritime businesses. I lived in Kenya for 6 years and was so proud of the country I lived in.. Then I came home and commuted from the Home Counties. I remember at that time thinking if I had £100 million what would I do? Where would I live? And I decided I would find the most beautiful part of the UK to live. And I truly think we found it here in Falmouth, Cornwall . I am now able to step back, as I’ve got the right management team in place.
Back in the day you would have the pub, the church, the workplace etc, that was how the community gathered together. But now we have the health club which provides the modern community space in the same way the workplace, church or pub once did. Being so close to all that St Michaels offers and only a two-minute walk to the sandy Gylly beach. At the hotel you will find artisan coffees and expertly crafted cocktails, personal training in the gym, relaxation in the Hydrotherapy Spa and indulgent massages. Not to mention the wild swimming in the ocean, yoga on the beach and a choice of restaurants, it is so much more than a property, it’s a completely transformative lifestyle.
Why did you create the new apartments?
I realised Falmouth had a lot of hotels but didn’t have a great provision of high-quality apartments at the beach . Padstow and St Ives have quality holiday lets but Falmouth didn’t have that. These apartments and The Liner have full residential consent
We have created a luxury resort, so that our customers can have their own private “sky villas” with their own personal space but with a bar, spa, restaurant and facilities right there on their doorstep. Their own personal kingdom but close to the resort facilities so they have their own luxury space. There is even a secret door from the treehouse to the spa garden so you can be in the hydropool within seconds!
Essentially, people can purchase a St Michaels lifestyle. I designed these apartments as though they were a cross between a home and a hotel suite. I always consider the details – where you might do your makeup, the dressing room position, the plug sockets, the storage etc. Bosch, German kitchens, Siemens appliances, glass balconies, millboard decking – the absolute best top faux wood, it continues to look like wood but never deteriorates.
Also, within 200 yards of your bedroom you can find paddleboarding, kayaking, dinner in our restaurants and barista-crafted coffee. Anybody purchasing an apartment receives a year’s free membership to the health club, spa, tennis courts and 10% discount in the restaurant and bar. They can renew their membership or if renting their property through us, we will throw it in for their guests. We also offer a turnkey management service to let your apartment and manage your investment, taking the hassle away from owners and delivering great financial returns. Not only that, you can still use your own apartment at agreed times of the year which gives you the best of both worlds – a holiday retreat and a smart investment.
The location is part of what you’re buying so whether it’s a holiday property or people making it their permanent home, it has everything that makes Falmouth special right on the doorstep.
Why did you choose to partner with Heather & Lay for the sales of the apartments?
Heather & Lay are the dominant brand for new builds and of course, you sell so much at The Liner. It made sense – I only work with the best!
What is next for the hotel?
We are just launching the newly refurbished tennis courts which is exciting. We are planning a clubhouse on the tennis courts, a toilet for kids, and bringing in a tennis coach, so we are currently building upon this offering.
We are planning more and more outside also, in the gardens and on the beach – more fitness offerings and keeping our relationship between St Michaels Hotel and the beach. We are also going to be hosting pop up events in the garden and from this month we are introducing outside eating downstairs as well.
We loved this, thank you so much Nigel for taking the time. St Michaels is renowned for creativity and constant improvement, and we are very excited to say the new apartments definitely deliver this in abundance. Stylish, sea-facing and designed with modern living in the most beautiful part of Cornwall (we may be a bit biased!), we highly recommend contacting us to arrange a viewing to see these exclusive apartments for yourself and snap up a slice of St Michael’s lifestyle. Prices start at £265,000, get in touch today to receive the details and see them in person.
Photograph by Paul Keppel Photography
