Royal William Yard

Maritime history has made room for modern life at Royal William Yard on the Plymouth waterfront. The grand historic buildings of this former Royal Navy supply point have been the subject of a wholesale regeneration. Once a place where ships would dock to restock with vital supplies, it's been reimagined as a place of leisure. Restaurants, bars, galleries and apartments all inhabit the spaces left inside the elegant Grade 1-listed buildings here. It’s in the rafters of the yard’s brewhouse that you’ll find the quirky Royal William Yard apartment.

In tune with the transformation that’s happened outside, this loft apartment honours the original building by leaving vital parts exposed: limestone, granite and timbers. And it’s the exposed dark wood that lends the place a maritime feel that’s in keeping with the surroundings. A rope detail here, an old map there, and deep blues in some of the soft furnishings all add to that appeal. But all this is a subtle and rather grown-up way of balancing modern needs with the history and geography of the location.

Although the apartment can sleep up to four, making it suitable for families, it’s just as good for a couple who want a weekend by the waterside or even for a working break. A clever use of space means there are two bedrooms: one on the same level as the open-plan living space and bathroom, the other up a spiral staircase on a mezzanine in the eaves. This is strictly for adults (those stairs can be tricky), and there’s a desk and extra comfy seating up here too, making it perfect for working away.

A well-equipped kitchenette sits behind a huge and comfy sofa in the main living space, but in truth, unless you’re here for a week, you might not find time to use it. After all, you’re on holiday, and just outside the front door is a range of places to eat and drink. Royal William Yard is a great place to base yourself in Plymouth, which touts itself as ‘Britain’s Ocean City’. With that in mind, where could be better than this? You’re immersed in the city’s maritime history, with a beach a five-minute walk away at Devil’s Point Park and the Cremyll Foot Ferry the same distance in the other direction, ready to whisk you to Cornwall in just eight minutes. The Mayflower Steps and the National Maritime Aquarium are only two miles away and also reachable by a boat service direct from the Royal William Yard harbour. For those looking to stay active, there's a brand new, well-equipped 24/7 Block gym in the complex, plus a Halogi wood-fired outdoor sauna and SUP school next to the beach at Devil’s Point, plus Plymouth pavilions and countless other attractions on your doorstep.

And if you fancy a return trip to the South West, be sure to check out this stunning apartment's sister property on the other side of the Tamar in neighbouring Cornwall — Appletree Cabin — a dog-friendly cabin for couples near Newquay.