An Skiber is a delightful barn conversion sleeping six and set in a beautiful and secluded private garden, right on the edge of the pretty village of Constantine, and close to the coast and beaches. The property is reverse level — the kitchen, dining area and living room are open-plan have direct access to a south facing roof-top sun terrace.
An Skiber (which just means ‘The Barn’ in the Cornish language) features ‘reverse level’ living and is cleverly laid out so that the sun-trap garden is easy to access whether you are upstairs or down. Two of the bedrooms open out into patio areas, the living area opens onto a relaxing roof terrace, and you can pop out of the kitchen to the top of the garden. You will be moments away from the secluded creeks and beaches of Helford and Falmouth — and the dramatic Lizard Peninsular and sweeping Mount’s Bay are easily accessible. You’ll approach An Skiber through a tunnel of trees on the outskirts of the village of Constantine.
The barn forms a part of what was once a farmstead, and is tucked into the side of a sheltered and intimate valley. You enter the top floor (once the hayloft) and step immediately into a generously proportioned and welcoming kitchen, with natural slate floor, central preparation ‘island’ and big American-style fridge and freezer — and a to-die-for Aga (don’t worry, for the uninitiated or less adventurous there is a standard cooker too!).
Inside An Skiber
The sociable kitchen is a place for good conversation and even better food… it blends into a dining area set for 6, and forms one end of the good sized open-plan living space. At the other end are sofas and comfy chairs, a large TV and DVD player, and a lovely contemporary wood-burner for cosy nights in the spring or autumn after garden visits or reviving coastal-path walks. From every window there are picture-perfect views of the garden which surrounds the barn… and step though the French doors from the living space and out onto your very own roof terrace. It’s the perfect place for a cappuccino, a Pimms, some birdwatching… a snooze, you choose.
Past the handy utility room and upstairs loo, and down the stairs past walls as solid as history… Original paintings adorn the walls as you go. Here you find three very nice bedrooms; two doubles (one of which is en suite) and one twin. Two of these open directly into the garden giving a delightful sense of connection between the outside and inside spaces. You also have a nice family bathroom with bath and shower… and direct access to the outside dining area and garden.
The Garden
This stretch of Cornwall’s coast is famed for its stunning sub-tropical gardens — indeed Trebah, Glendurgan, Carwinnion and Potager are literally only minutes away (you have to visit at least two of them). Here, the mild year-round climate and sheltered south-facing valleys allow plants to thrive that you’d associate with the Mediterranean, Chile, South Africa and Australasia. And the garden here, as well as the adjoining private gardens that the owner has nurtured, are no exception. The spring starts early and brings dashes of colour with azalea, rhododendron and camellia… and summer brings out the Chilean fire bush, gunnera and soothing ferns.
All around are mature trees – oak, sycamore and willow. The barn is situated so that there is always a sunny spot (those 15th century Cornish farmers were clearly thinking ahead when they laid the first granite blocks!). Mere paces from your garden, and past the grove of tree-ferns, lie your woods – about six acres in all. The owner uses them infrequently and you have free access for adventures. The woods are magical at all times, but breathtaking when the bluebells are in bloom. With a bit of a scramble you can access lanes and footpaths direct from the woods, leading to Polweveral creek and the Helford.
Notes
…for garden enthusiasts: The owner’s cottage is situated on the far side of the wide driveway and has further extensive gardens which are fascinating. For garden enthusiasts we can usually arrange private visits with the owner or gardener, just let us know in plenty of time before your stay.
The owner hosts garden tours at An Skiber throughout the year which are accessible to the general public. If you require further information regarding the dates of these tours please get in touch.
…about children and safety: There are one or two places in the garden where terraces drop (approximately 0.5 metres) without barriers. At the foot of the garden there is an intermittent stream which is unlikely to be flowing in summer time but can have water in it at any time of high rainfall. There is also a substantial stream ‘down in the woods’. For these reasons visitors are advised to accompany small children at all times in the garden and to exercise due care near water at all times.
