Sensitively restored and bursting with historic charm and character, this large dog-friendly Helford cottage sleeps up to eight. With a private garden and ample space it makes a great base to explore Helford River with its woods and creeks, as well as local beaches and bays.
Short breaks are available from October – March excluding school holidays (Friday or Monday arrivals only, 3 night minimum). If your desired dates are not bookable online please contact the team here.
Kestle Barton Farmhouse is at the heart of the ancient farmstead of Kestle Barton, the whole of which has been lovingly and sensitively restored. Here you will also find the Kestle Barton art gallery, with its changing displays throughout the season, workshops and imaginative sculpture garden. As well as the Farmhouse, there are four more properties converted into holiday retreats sleeping two, four, six and eight — making this a great place to book separate accommodation with friends and family.
Inside
Kestle Barton Farmhouse is set back from a large daisy and buttercup-strewn lawn — with its sturdy local brick walls and an entrance porch featuring hand-hewn granite plinths that may once have held up a hayrick — it’s as if the house has been plucked straight out of a fairytale. There are two entrances – the easiest one to use is located at the rear of the cottage, through the large, historic door which opens directly into the heart of the house — the original farmhouse kitchen. It’s bursting with charm and character, from the granite worktops to the ancient flag-stoned floor, Cornish ‘range’, ‘cloam oven’ and gigantic walk-in larder. Don’t worry — alongside these fascinating original features you have a wonderfully equipped contemporary kitchen including convection hob, electric oven, fridge-freezer and dishwasher. By the window overlooking the front garden is an additional breakfast seating area for six.
There are two living areas inside this large dog-friendly Helford cottage; first, the generous living and dining room, with its huge inglenook fireplace housing a contemporary woodburner, comfy sofas and armchairs, as well as flat-screen Smart TV. The lovely scrubbed-pine dining table with benches, chairs and a window-seat is perfect for hosting large feasts and dinners with family and friends. Secondly, there is the snug — a great escape from (or for) kids and teenagers or those wanting their own space, with its two 3-seat sofas and a further large Smart TV. You’ll find a generously sized utility room downstairs with washing machine, tumble-drier, WC and space to hang and dry (note the ceiling with original lime-wash and hooks!).
Up the front stairs (yes, there are back stairs too which can be accessed from the kitchen) you’ll find four bedrooms — two kings and two twins. All have original pine floorboards, cosy beds and carefully-chosen furnishings — some have original fireplaces, others window-seats or Georgian wooden panelling. There are also two bathrooms — one with a magnificent double-ended bath to relax in and the other with a large walk-in shower.
Outside
To the front of this large dog-friendly Helford cottage is a lawned garden, with elegant garden furniture. It’s south-facing making it a gorgeous sun-trap – just next door is the lovely Kestle Cottage which sleeps four. Behind the Farmhouse and accessed through the side gate or direct from the kitchen, is a further larger and more private garden with barbecue area. It’s a tranquil space just perfect for relaxation, surrounded by mature ash, beech, alder and sycamore trees. Hear the sound of birdsong first thing in the morning, or an owl hooting at night!
Opposite Kestle Barton Farmhouse, across the old farmyard, you will find the delightful Kestle Barton art gallery. When open, you will usually be able to find your hosts here, who are always happy to have a chat. You can also get good coffee and often nice baked treats here too. Beyond the gallery the beautiful and imaginative sculpture garden, wildflower meadow and orchard are all here for you to enjoy. Many of the artists showcased by Kestle Barton gallery have international reputations, and exhibitions change regularly throughout the summer.
Things we love
Stepping into Kestle Barton Farmhouse feels like stepping into the pages of Country Living. And the wonderful thing is, it’s the real thing — a grand Cornish farmhouse, meticulously restored and just bursting with historic charm. We love the kitchen with the old cloam oven, where bread would have been baked by first lighting a gorse fire inside the oven to heat it. Enjoy having not one staircase but two – just another quirky feature in this historic farmhouse! Stay in the autumn or early spring to light a fire and hunker down, farmer-style after a clifftop stomp or creekside ramble.
This large dog friendly Helford cottage is nestled deep in the picturesque Cornish countryside – the ideal place to really escape from the busy demands of everyday life. Helford Village can be easily reached via a footpath straight from Kestle Barton, so you still have easy access to local shops and eateries, including the village’s fantastic ancient pub. In the other direction, the footpath leads straight to the famous Frenchman’s Creek…this area is filled with secret creeks and coves just waiting to be explored. The beautiful Lizard Peninsula is also easily accessible for exploring further afield. Kestle Barton Farmhouse is certainly a unique and unforgettable retreat.
