Helford, South Cornwall

SETTING THE SCENE

The Helford River is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt rivers in Cornwall, with its deep sheltered valleys, ancient oak forests and hidden creeks that cut inland along this sheltered part of the South Cornwall coast. Helford Village is wonderfully tranquil, where has changed little over the years with colour washed thatched and slated cottages clustered around the tidal creek, leading south from the main river. The safety and seclusion of the Helford River has much to do with its situation within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Helford was renowned as a haven for pirates and has inspired many writers, notably Daphne du Maurier and her novel, Frenchman's Creek.

Today, the Helford River continues to offer wonderful boating and a second natural harbour from which to explore the coast, much of which is owned and protected by the National Trust. As well as having fine coastal walks and creek paths, the area also has a climate suitable for many subtropical plants as the nearby gardens of Glendurgan and Trebah Gardens show. The sailing facilities here are second to none; the Helford River, Falmouth Bay and Fal Estuary offer some of the finest day sailing waters in the UK with excellent yachting facilities including the Helford River Sailing Club - which is a real hub of activity for the local community - and many deep-water moorings in the river.

As well as the busy sailing club, the idyllic village of Helford provides a local shop as well as the thatched Shipwrights Arms with its wonderful waterside terraces. During the summer months there is a small passenger ferry to the north side of the river. There is an ancient Norman church and primary school in the nearby village of Manaccan. The charming market town of Helston lies about 10 miles away, providing a local hospital, schooling, supermarkets, a sports centre and a full range of shopping facilities. This is one of Cornwall's best loved and most picturesque villages, largely unspoilt, with activities for all ages along the sheltered creeks.

THE TOUR

Sitting pretty in the heart of Helford village with its charming chalky white facade, a delightful Grade II listed house in keeping with the local vernacular style lying tucked behind a private gated entrance. Inviting interiors are decorated in a neutral palette and feature natural, tactile materials throughout. With Delabole flagstones, wooden parquet flooring and natural carpets underfoot, exposed beams lie overhead and soft light fills the house.

A quaint entrance porch, brimming with wellies and waterproofs, creates a warm, familiar welcome that sets the tone for the charm and cosy ambience that is to come. Leading out to a series of light and calm living spaces, there is a large dining room and kitchen in one direction, and in the other, an open-plan sitting room / study featuring a whitewashed, exposed brick fireplace. Upstairs, four bedrooms (one with en-suite) and a family bathroom span the length of the house, with nearly all holding views across the creek and out to the Helford River.

STEP OUTSIDE

A sunny, enclosed terrace wraps around the front of the house and leads up to a private parking space - a true rarity in the village - and accompanying outbuildings. Amongst these there is a traditional stone utility/garden store and an outside WC/log store. Perched above, there is an old 'rustic' studio with glorious water views that has recently been granted planning permission (PA24/00545) to be fully refurbished - so plenty of room for family projects, hobbies and pursuits.

A flight of steps leads up to the rear garden, where there is a level sitting out terrace to be reinstated. Above this there are paths that weave between sloping areas of lawned garden, established trees, and dense shrub and plant borders, offering seclusion from the neighbouring properties and village below. Stretching up the hillside with elevated and far reaching water views, there is great potential for further landscaping, where one could introduce additional terraces to create areas to soak up rays and enjoy alfresco dining.

At the top there is a pedestrian entrance onto Orchard Lane, with the possibility of perhaps creating additional an parking area, subject to all necessary consents.

AGENT NOTE

Planning consent has been recently obtained to refurbish the studio, improve the landscaping, make internal alterations and to improve the gable elevation with traditional windows.

SERVICES

Mains water, electricity and drainage. Electric heating.

DISTANCES (all distances approximate)

Helston 11 miles, Falmouth 18 miles, Truro 24 miles

WHAT3WORDS LOCATION

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