Notes from the host
Helford Farmhouse
At the head of the Helford River, in the peaceful village of Gweek, lies this Grade 2 listed Georgian farmhouse. This elegant home-from-home has character inside and out, with abundant space and glorious gardens which look out over the meandering waters. Sleeping seven, this is the ideal retreat for exploring the spectacular Lizard Peninsula and serene Helford River estuary.
The Area
Gweek village is a hidden gem on the Helford, a thriving community with a lively local pub, The Black Swan, The Boatyard Café in the heart of the boatyard — both just minutes away by foot — and a well-stocked village shop and post office. Your trip isn’t complete without visiting the famous Cornish Seal Sanctuary in the village, which rescues and rehabilitates scores of seal pups every year, as well as being home to some permanent seal residents. On summer Wednesday evenings, there are fish and chips on the village green, with a brass band, and pizza nights on Fridays.
Gweek is in the perfect location for those who want to explore both the Lizard Peninsula, with its rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, and the Helford River, with its gentle waters and hidden creeks. You’re in prime position at the head of the Helford — at high tide you can get out on a kayak or paddleboard to explore the creeks from here. Numerous beaches are only a short drive away – not least Poldhu, Polurrian, the famed Kynance Cove, Rinsey and Praa Sands.
Gweek is only 10 minutes from Helston, where you can find all local amenities, and 20 minute from Falmouth and Porthleven, with wonderful waterfronts, restaurants, galleries and museums. The cathedral city of Truro is 30 minutes away.
The Property
As you make your way through Gweek, you can’t miss the Helford Farmhouse, set back from the road in the centre of the village. Through the garden gate, you approach the wisteria-clad house up a gravel path flanked by manicured lawns. The wide blue door opens into a large hallway, with antique oak floors, high ceilings and a winding staircase leading to bedrooms above. To your left is the living room, a cosy space with a wood burner framed by a large stone fireplace, where you can curl up on the stylish blue sofas in front of the TV or browse the shelves brimming with books. In the bay window, you will find a desk for penning postcards or catching up on a few emails. Wide sash windows offer stunning views stretching down the garden towards the river.
The kitchen is flooded with light from two windows which look over a sheltered courtyard fringed with roses. The comfy window seat is the perfect place to keep the cook company with a glass of wine. The space has a lovely farmhouse feel, with chestnut worktops, a double Belfast sink, central island and the Rayburn — perfect for slow cooking on lazy days at home (a hot plate and convection oven is also provided). Next door, the sunny dining room seats eight with sweeping river views. Also off the kitchen is a boot room with washing machine and a bathroom with walk-in shower. Completing the downstairs is a lovely garden room at the front of the house — perfect for boardgames in the evening or a morning yoga session.
Heading up the stairs, you have big views of the gardens and rolling fields beyond through a beautiful arched window. The Principal Bedroom and Bedroom Two, both with king beds, have wonderful views of boats on the Helford. Bedroom Three is a twin with built-in wardrobe and faces the garden, and Bedroom Four is a single with trundle bed underneath which looks out over the estuary. Also upstairs is a WC and a family bathroom with a shower and decadent roll top bath.
With gardens both to the front and the back, you’ll be able to find a sunny spot at any time of the day. Enjoy a morning coffee as the sun rises over the boats in front of the house; in the evening, fire up the barbecue for dinners al fresco or relax on the enclosed patio. Beyond, the large sloping lawn is surrounded by mature shrubs and trees, including roses, apple trees and an ancient magnolia tree.
Parking
There is a shared off-road parking lot in the adjoining paddock where guests may keep two cars.
