A former boss at Vidal Sassoon is aiming to breathe new life into the Chelsea House Hotel in Falmouth which was once home to a Packet Ship captain.

Nigel Sillis and his partner Sharon Retson are carrying out a complete refurbishment of the hotel in Emslie Road after buying the business through Miller Commercial Chartered Surveyors.

Nigel, whose career included heading up Vidal Sassoon’s UK business and overseeing Harrods' Urban Retreat Salon in London in 2005, is using his creative talents to redesign the entire interior of the hotel while staying true to the building's history.

Sharon said: “We’re completely updating the business in terms of technology, services and accommodation. The refurbishment, while it’s pretty comprehensive, is mainly redesign and we look forward to welcoming our first guests in early summer.”

It’s a complete change of career for the couple, who’ve sold two properties and moved from Northamptonshire to invest in the nine bedroom guest house, which enjoys views over Falmouth Bay. They are relishing the opportunity to use their service skills to provide guests with an experience that will make them want to return time and time again.

The deal to purchase the hotel was negotiated by Paul Collins from Miller Commercial’s business transfer Team from a guide price of £750,000.