Helford River
As the sun rises overhead, an early morning at Polwheveral still sounds the same as it always has, with the lapping of water as the tide flows in and the ever-joyful songs of the birds above. This might just be one of the most tranquil places to spend a holiday in England, so savour the calm with breakfast out on the terrace, before plotting how to spend your days in paradise.
Secluded within the upper reaches of a creek along the Helford River stands this converted mill. Melyn Goth is set within acres of established private and shared grounds, with flower-filled gardens and a meadow extending right up to the water’s edge.
After a peaceful morning, adventure awaits. Launch your kayaks into the water at high tide and take to the river, exploring the waterways, and claiming secluded coves as your very own for the day. Or make the most of the water from the comfort of land. All set with a picnic basket in hand, head up the lane, over pastures and through woodland towards Scott’s Quay. Here you can settle into a bucolic day of wild swimming and lounging amid this much-treasured local spot.
Returning home with sand between your toes and salt upon your skin, cook up something delicious, then wait for the stars to come out. Polwheveral enjoys some of the lowest levels of light pollution in the country and here stargazers can make wishes aplenty. When the time for bed finally rolls around, a touch of french style awaits indoors with sumptuous beds to sink into. There, dreams filled with family fun in a countryside idyll will be had. Although, they might just have already come true.
Melyn Goth, ‘Old Mill’ in Cornish, is a three-bedroom apartment with an open-plan living area. Large groups or families travelling together can also book the garden apartment, Gwel-an-Dowr, downstairs. When booked together the properties sleep up to eight people and can be booked with a 10% discount – please contact us to create your booking.
The front door opens, from the quiet lane, into the top floor of the building. The hallway with coat hooks and shoe storage leads to
Double bed, chest of drawers, wardrobe and spectacular views of the creek.
A bath with overhead shower, WC and basin.
Two single beds, two bedside tables and views over the gardens.
With king size bed, chest of drawers and spectacular views of the creek.
Shower, WC and basin.
Two large sofas, dining table to seat 8, 50″Smart TV, iPod dock and wood-burner. Window seats and creek views.
Open plan with belfast sink, fridge freezer, dishwasher, oven, microwave, washing machine and beautiful views of the creek.
A private woodland area, with picnic table and lovely, elevated views of the creek.
You also have access to the large communal grounds with waterside seating, a fire bowl and views of the creek.
Polwheveral is an idyllic hamlet of just a few cottages situated among the upper reaches of the Helford River, sitting within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
Just fifteen minutes on foot from Melyn Goth and you will be at the award-winning and dog-friendly Trengilly Wartha Inn, serving hearty food and a great selection of local ales. A twenty-minute walk through country lanes takes you to Potager Garden – one of the Helford’s best secrets – where a vegetarian café is set within greenhouses and the wonderful gardens with games and hammocks are yours to enjoy.
The two village shops in Constantine are on hand for all the essentials, plus a little surprise. Constantine Stores is a treasure trove for wine and whisky lovers and well worth a visit. Explore the largest collection of spirits and wines in the South West, and find something perfect to savour while watching the sun set over the creek.
Without a doubt, the best way to explore this part of Cornwall is from the water. Plunge the kayaks in at high tide and set out to explore Frenchman’s Creek and the village of Helford, where the Shipwrights Arms awaits. Boats can be hired from Helford Passage, and a passenger ferry, for those of us who would rather not be at the helm, also runs from Helford Passage to take you across the river.
The blissful surroundings of the Helford River contrast with the rugged cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula, just a short drive away, and the North Coast of Cornwall, about a forty-minute drive away, where waves crash across dramatic scenery and surf schools provide a real burst of adrenaline for those who love the rush of the wild.
For food and drink, head to the harbourside town of Falmouth and sample delights from top chefs like Rick Stein. A haven for visitors, with independent shops and a picturesque outlook, this town is vibrant all year round. You’ll find plenty of places to dine out and unwind so you can discuss the day’s excitement – and plan those yet to come.
Anon
- July 2024
The setting is second to none, by the side of Polwheveral Creek. There is an excellent pub within walking distance.
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Pets: One well behaved dog welcome @ £30 per week, with the expressed permission of the owner. No dogs under 1 year of age. Please clean muddy paws and ensure that they are not allowed on any of the furniture/soft furnishings.
Nursery equipment: Please let us know if you require the use of a travel cot and high chair.
Boats and Kayaks: Can be hired by the hour, day, or week from Helford River Boats – 01326 250770 or Sailaway St Anthony – 01326 231357.
Children: Children of any age are welcome at Melyn Goth if you are booking Gwel-an-Dowr (the apartment on the ground floor) for the same week, as part of a family/group booking. Experience tells us that Melyn Goth is not suitable for small, mobile, energetic children if you are not booking Gwel-an-Dowr also, as running up and down in the sitting room of Melyn Goth may cause a disturbance to those visitors. The owner is happy to offer a 10% discount across both properties in this instance – please contact us to make your booking.
Garden: To access the main (shared) garden: exit the property on the first-floor level and then turn left, walk along the lane for 30m and enter the Mill grounds on the left-hand side. Here you have access to the large communal garden on the right hand side, with seating and fire pit by the edge of the creek.
To get to your private garden area turn right out of the front door, walk up the lane for 10 metres and the entrance to your private woodland area is up a couple of steps on the right.
'Thanks for helping me choose such a wonderful place for us to stay. Our friends and our dog loved our stay. The walk through the woods was very special and the sunsets and stars were lovely. It was just the break we needed. The cottage had all we needed.'
Anna and Timmy Grainger plus Boo-bear, Bailey and Chichi
