Kestle Cottage is one of two small, terraced cottages that form one wing of a seventeenth century building. The second cottage is used by resident artists at Kestle Barton gallery, which is open throughout the main summer season. Kestle Barton Farmhouse forms the other wing of the building; there are three more holiday cottages that can be booked on the farmstead which you can view here, making Kestle Barton a great base for larger family and friend groups. You'll find homely design touches and hand-crafted features in this Helford holiday cottage, both new and original, adding to the charm.
Inside Kestle Cottage
After travelling along winding country lanes, you'll find a private wooded parking area for Kestle Cottage. The path from here leads through the garden, where you'll find this pretty Helford holiday cottage just at the end. Opening the door into the generous hallway, you are greeted with the comfort of a stylish holiday home with a décor of soft grey tones, natural wood and low beamed ceilings, creating a cosy and relaxing environment. On this floor there is an open plan living, dining and kitchen area complete with comfy sofas, dining table for four, window nook and a wonderful woodburner for added warmth on those cooler evenings. This space enjoys pretty garden views from neighbouring holiday cottage Kestle Barton Farmhouse. A WC can also be found just off the entrance hall.

Upstairs you'll find an airy king bedroom with ample storage space, and just down the hall a twin room with bunk beds. Both bedrooms have views over the farmstead and countryside, looking across the garden of the main farmhouse. Opposite the twin room is the family bathroom, renovated to a beautiful modern standard whilst still retaining the historic charm of a seventeenth-century cottage. As Kestle Cottage is situated in a wing of a larger building, the living area and bedroom windows overlook the pretty front garden of adjoining Kestle Barton Farmhouse whilst in turn, two of the farmhouse's windows look over the cottage's garden. Kestle Cottage dates back to the seventeenth century, and as such there are low ceilings particularly upstairs; if you have any questions about this please get in touch.
Outside and in the area
This Helford holiday cottage has a tranquil garden at the front and is mostly laid to lawn. A wooden fence along one boundary, and trees and shrubs on the other, ensure it's very sheltered — and it catches the sun for most of the day, making it a great place to relax with a drink in hand and to dine alfresco with a barbecue. It's a place where you can simply sit in peace, listening to beautiful bird song and soak up nature. If you fancy a change of scenery for your morning coffee, you can always pop over to the art gallery (open during the main summer season) where there is a beautiful sculpture garden, as well as changing displays. The whole of Kestle Barton has been lovingly and beautifully restored, and the superb architectural quality has been acknowledged with several awards over the years; you can read more about Kestle Barton here.
Things we love…
Kestle Cottage is just bursting with historic charm, from the low ceiling beams and exposed timbers to the Cornish slate roof-lines. The renovation has been carried out with great care and imagination, leading to a thoughtful blending of very old and very new that works brilliantly. Kestle Barton itself is a hidden gem and the tiny art gallery has fascinating exhibitions from acclaimed artists, and the garden, wildflower meadows, orchards and ponds are there for all visitors and guests to enjoy. Take advantage of being away from bright city lights and enjoy a spot of stargazing — you may even see a shooting star or two!

The surrounding area is one of Cornwall's most tucked-away secrets, with its sheltered woods and ancient pathways meandering down to secret creeks. Scenic, wooded footpaths beckon in both directions from Kestle Barton. In one direction is Frenchman's Creek (made famous by Daphne du Maurier) — and in the other direction, the tiny village of Helford with its memorable ancient pub and foot ferry to the other side of the river. The superb sailing waters of the Helford — as well as wooded valleys and creeks, impossibly charming fishing villages, stunning National Trust cliff-tops, pristine beaches and sweeping heathland — are all to be found within a fifteen-minute drive. After a day's adventure exploring, this cosy Helford holiday cottage offers a peaceful haven to rest and recharge.