‍

We recently paid a visit to the Old Police Station, situated at the far end of Westgate Street, to meet owner Emma Jaynes, whose Dad, Ziggy Sawdust, has been renovating and transforming this old Victorian building into a cosy and welcoming retreat for visitors to Launceston.

Built in 1886 as the county police station, the building served the community for 90 years and was home to the local constabulary between 1967 and 1977. In the years after its time as a police station, the building has been a solicitors office, as well as the base for the Launceston branch of the Royal British Legion between 2013 and 2021.

In 2021, after moving back home to Cornwall, Emma and her family took on the large, empty Old Police Station building with big plans in mind, and were granted change-of-use permission to use as a residential property. As well as making it their family home, they have created two comfortable self-catering suites for those looking for a Cornish staycation, or who need somewhere to stay while working in Launceston. In June 2022, the rooms were ready to book.

As part of the renovation, the jail cells were made into cosy, modern rooms, and still feature a slice of character with the askew stone walls and the original cell doors. The barn at the back of the property is currently used as a store, but was once where the police horses and carriages were kept. Eventually, the barn will also be renovated. An old image of the police force, some time in the 1920s or 30s, which was donated by our Town Crier, whose grandfather is in the picture, can be seen on the back of the door in the (now) living room that leads to the cells, serving as a reminder of the building’s rich history.

The self-catering rooms make a perfect stay for history lovers, and a discounted rate is offered to locals. You can book through Airbnb or Booking.com. Emma is also happy to give tours to any local people who might be interested or have memories of the Old Police Station.

For more information about the Old Police Station, go to https://theoldpolicestationlaunceston.co.uk