Helston, Cornwall
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.
A very comfortable,enjoyable stay in a very well appointed house in a beautiful location. Would highly recommend.
This is a very beautiful property in a wonderful location. There is also a beautifully kept and quite spacious garden. We had 4 adults and 4 young children and all of us fit in comfortably. Porlhu beach is about 12 minutes away by car, which is honestly one of the best beaches in Cornwall and there are lots of others not far. Porthleven is also close. Helford is close too. Gweek itself is a nice little village with a really good shop, cafe and pub, there is also fish and chips on the green on Wednesday nights with a brass band. It seemed like all of the locals were in attendance. We had a great time, lovely place.
The house was great, very private and the hosts were always on hand for any issues, but I’m pleased to say there were no issues at all! The property is very spacious and secure, our dog loved it there. We got very lucky with the weather and the beaches were wonderful. Thank you for a great stay.
We enjoyed our stay very much. The house is spacious, comfortable, very well equipped, and has a nice view down to the river from the front-facing rooms. Olga (owner) was very easy to deal with and very attentive if anything was needed. Great local shop; we also enjoyed the mobile fish & chip van, the Gweek silver band and the Gweek players. Long walks from Gweek are a bit limited, but there are great clifftop walks, and beaches, within easy reach. Overall a great stay.
Two teens, a dog and Five adults stayed for a week at this beautiful period farmhouse. We were looking for a quiet place to relax but close to beaches and places of interest that Cornwall has to offer. This was the perfect setting for us, in Gweek just a stones throw from the Helford river. There is a local shop and pub with plenty to offer or you can go to the nearest Superstore that is not far by car. The property itself was full of period charm and art-and had plenty of places for us all to stretch out and either socialise or find solitude. The gardens are great and suited our pet dog well. The only thing that could possibly be added is perhaps a microwave? Also there is room for perhaps another small seat or footstool in the lounge. The owners were very helpful with any questions/ issues we had. We would certainly recommend this house and would stay again. Rachel and Family
We had a fabulous week at Olga's house. Great location, beautiful house, couldn't have asked for more. The village stores down the road is superb and everything else was perfect. The location is ideal as you're never more than a few minutes drive from beaches or nearby attractions. Safe to say, we'll be back as it's the best house/location we've had in the area in many years. Thanks Olga!
Lovely old house in a lovely location with great beaches all nearby. Lots of facilities in the village, great pub and well stocked shop.- even a brass band and a fish and chip/pizza van. Short walk to the village is a little scary as no footpath. Brilliant host with lots of local information - not all beaches nearby allow dogs but we found a few which did. Paddle boarding in Porthleven was a highlight as was beautiful Kynance Cove. When the sun shines you cant beat Cornwall !
We loved the house, it's the best we've stayed in. Olga met us when we arrived and was just lovely, very friendly and helpful. The house was very clean, very spacious, and very well equipped. The views facing the river were amazing. We had fun exploring the area, we recommend the Boatyard Cafe, The Black Swan, and croquet on the lawn in the evenings. We would love to stay again, can't recommend it highly enough! Thank you Olga.
A hidden gem. The house is amazing, everything you need for a relaxing holiday with thoughtful touches throughout. Location is fantastic, a short drive from idyllic beaches. Hosts were so helpful and welcoming. Can't wait to go back for a longer stay.
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