Highlights

Spacious sea-view two-bed luxury self-catering apartment

Water's-edge location in historic part of Plymouth

Free WiFi, Apple Mac, iPod dock, Sky TV all at your disposal

Pocket-sprung mattresses with memory foam

Sleeps four with room for two extra children

Well-equipped galley kitchen and utility room

Gaggia espresso machine (and fresh coffee and organic milk)

Only ten minutes by taxi from Plymouth Station

Smith tip

Local lore has it that much of the victualling depot of Royal William Yard was actually built by former prisoners from the Napoleonic wars, which is why this apartment is called the Napoleon Apartment. Although so suited is this bunk-up to dirty weekends away the last thing guests are likely to be heard muttering here is ‘Not tonight, Josephine.’

More photos

Staying Cool Devon

Devon, United Kingdom[view map]

Style: Slick loft living, Georgian heritage
Setting: Waterside Devonshire dockyard

Staying Cool’s stylish self-catering apartment in the newly regenerated Royal William Yard is perched right on a peninsula a few minutes from Plymouth Hoe. A former naval depot stylishly converted by Urban Splash into a striking complex of apartments and studios, it’s a world away from any image of sailor-filled bars in the bustling city centre. The sprawling open-plan two-bedroom holiday home itself is in Brewhouse, slap bang on the water’s edge – little wonder all you can see from these huge Georgian warehouse windows are boats in the harbour and a vast stretch of sparkling sea. The original architecture has been perfectly preserved, and dark-grey stone walls and polished oak floors are a striking backdrop to Staying Cool’s signature witty contemporary interior design.

Need to know

Rates

£1,100–£2,000 a week depending on the season. SHORT BREAKS: Three nights including Saturday £600–£1,200; excluding Saturday £495–£750 (not available in peak season).

Sleeps

4 (plus 2 children if needed).

Ideal for

Party-spirited pals, couples after R&R, a family of up to five, business visitors to Plymouth.

Minimum hire

There's a minimum of three nights.

Booking process

Smith deposit taken when you book.

Property style

Sea-view sprawling studio. All of the Yard's buildings are Grade I-listed dating from 1828 – the highest-calibre collection of military buildings of this kind in Europe.

Grounds

You’re right on the water, and while there aren’t any leafy gardens as such, there is plenty of promenading space amid Urban Splash’s redevelopment of this naval dockyard.

Also

The apartment is non-smoking; break the rules and a £100 cleaning charge will be added to your room bill. You have plenty of outdoor promenading space below to indulge any cigarette cravings.

In the know

Eating and drinking

The coffee cognoscenti will savour the Gaggia espresso machine with fresh coffee; there's also hot choc, tea, organic milk, and even fresh oranges for the juicer. There is a café downstairs that offers sandwiches and snacks, but this is only open until 6pm. You can pre-order the following food 'kits': Fit and Fruity (serves two £12): muesli, yoghurts, fresh fruit and juice. Fit and Fruity Extra (serves two £16): all the above plus a loaf of bread, butter and preserves. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels (serves two £15). Full English (serves two to three £29): all the ingredients for a a great British fry up for you to cook. Midnight Munchies: Burts ready salted crisps, Smokehouse nuts, selection of divine chocolate bars and biscuits.

Housekeeping

The apartment is only cleaned between bookings and after a week on longer stays, but an extra clean or tidy-up can be requested and arranged for an extra charge of £35.

Entertainment

Make full use of splendid large-screened Apple Mac thanks to free WiFi; there is also a Bose iPod dock and Sky TV and DVD player.

Packing tips

There are a few books and magazines so no worries if you forget those. You may want to bring your own hamper of fine foods and fine wines as local offerings are a little meager.

For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here

Also worth knowing

Children: A travel cot is available for babies, and a cot bed for older children, with plenty of space to put them. There is a selection of board games too.

Smith card offer

A hamper of locally sourced treats for a boozy cream tea

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member