The picturesque creekside hamlet of Port Navas is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets. At the water’s edge, you’ll discover Shearwater, a quintessential two-bedroom cottage set upon the quayside. Shearwater has a way of transporting guests to a different place in time, where the pace of the modern world becomes one of carefree leisure and quiet tranquillity. Your stay at Shearwater will be set to a gentle soundtrack of water lapping on the quay, wind softly rustling through trees, and the sweet murmurings of wildlife.
The bench outside the property offers a perfect vantage point to observe the various residents of Port Navas. Watch as the neighbourhood kingfisher darts into the water, or spot the family of egrets pacing the shoreline at the turning of the tide. And you never know, you might even see a few locals out rowing – if you sit for long enough.
Within the cottage, you will find everything you need to ensure your stay is spent in comfort, including a wood burner to make for a real country escape. The joy of a holiday lie-in reaches new heights with views over the creek from the master bedroom. Although at daybreak you might just find yourself leaping out of bed, the draw of the creekside at sunrise simply too alluring to miss. A private quay and your own mooring provides a safe harbour after bucolic boat rides on the Helford, where you can haul up on sandy beaches along mystical creeks, or lay anchor in a sheltered cove to enjoy a picnic on the water.
This is where it all began for Cornish Holiday Cottages. The idyll of Shearwater made it the holiday home of our Grandmother and founder, Ruth Austen – and she certainly knew a thing or two about what makes a cottage truly special.
Particulars
Kitchen/Diner
Entrance to the cottage through a stable door. Fridge/freezer, integrated electric oven with hob and extractor fan, washing machine, slimline dishwasher and dining table with seating for four.
Sitting Room
With woodburner, sofa and two arm chairs, plus TV, DVD player and views of the creek.
Double Bedroom
With stunning views of the creek, king size bed (5ft), hand basin, chest of drawers and clothes hanging space.
Twin Bedroom
Twin single beds, bedside tables, lamps and wardrobe. View of back garden.
Bathroom
With a bath and shower over, WC, basin and heated towel rail.
Parking
There is parking for one medium sized car.
Garden
Just outside the kitchen door is a covered well, then 20 steps with hand rails leading up to the raised garden. A real suntrap with one grassy level and one higher, that is paved with a wooden bench and parasol.
Availability
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Location and Surrounding Area
The peace of Port Navas is renowned along the river, yet you’ll find the area reveals a wonderful vibrance and has so much to see and do. From exploring the beautiful subtropical gardens of Glendurgan and Trebah, to marvelling at the Seal Sanctuary at Gweek – the Helford holds many delights and surprises. Just across the river is Frenchman’s Creek, which remains as magical today as it was when immortalised by Daphne Du Maurier’s famous romantic tale.
A change of pace from the peace and quiet of genteel Port Navas is easily reached by car, with the dramatic, undulating coastline of the Lizard Peninsula waiting to be explored. The North Coast of Cornwall – famed for windswept cliffs and wide sandy beaches – is also only an hour’s drive away.
A stone’s throw from the cottage and just along the creek is the famed restaurant at Port Navas Yacht Club. You’ll want to book ahead to enjoy the atmosphere, as it’s very small – and always very popular.
Reviews
Anon
- October 2024
It's is situated in the most amazing location right on one of the creeks of the Helford. Stunning scenery incredible relaxing and a real community feel.
Hidden gem with the food at the sailing club delicious.
Claudia
- August 2024
Wonderful location, the cottage is beautifully furnished and has everything you need.
Anon
- June 2024
Really comfortable for two people, 4 sharing would be a bit tight. Not recommended for any one with mobility issues. Very well equipped
Response
We are delighted to hear you found Shearwater well-equipped and you had a happy holiday in Port Navas. The back garden is terraced and has 20 steps which we agree would pose difficult for anyone with mobility issues. Thank you again for taking the time to review Shearwater.
Joanna and Alan
- May 2024
Shearwater is a cosy, welcoming cottage in the delightful village of Port Navas. Shearwater has one of the best positions, with magical views over the creek from the sitting room and main bedroom.
This was our fourth stay in Port Navas with Cornish Holiday Cottages and it has definitely become our happy place. It is stunningly beautiful with the tidal estuary location, but off the beaten track. A real escape, but close enough to all the places you could want to visit.
An added bonus is the Port Navas yacht club restaurant, which serves delicious meals three evenings a week.
Although Shearwater is fairly small, the bathroom is particularly snug, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It represents excellent value for such a beautiful location and we would definitely return.
Response
I am so pleased Shearwater worked out well for you. It was the first holiday home my Grandmother stayed in, in Cornwall, and is still owned by the same family, so it holds a lot of memories for me too. All the best, Emily
Anon
- September 2023
The cottage was in a beautiful location. Lovely to be able to see Herons and Egrets from the window. The steep wooden stairs to the garden are not particularly dog friendly. The cottage had everything you needed for a weeks holiday.
Response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent stay at Shearwater. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful location and the opportunity to observe Herons and Egrets from the window. It truly is a unique setting and we are delighted that you appreciate it. We are sorry for any inconvenience you experienced with the wooden stairs in the garden. We take pride in ensuring that the website photography accurately represents the property and we regret that this did not meet your expectations. We are pleased that you found the cottage itself well-equipped for a week's holiday. We do hope that you will stay with us again in the future. Kind regards from all of us at Cornish Holiday Cottages.
Richard Dexter
- July 2023
although we enjoyed Shearwater the cottage bathroom desperately needs updating bearing in mind how expensive it is to rent now in Cornwall
Response
Many thanks for your feedback we will pass this back to the owner. You mention the stay being expensive however, bearing in mind Shearwater sleeps 4 people, the price per night per person is very reasonable. As there are only two of you staying, for your next visit please do call us so that we may be able to help you find accommodation that is more size-appropriate.
Anon
- April 2023
Lovely cottage right by the river. We loved SUPing and kayaking from the door. Lots of beaches and coves to explore. Bathroom a bit tight.
Response
Many thanks for finding the time to send us your glowing five-star review of Shearwater. We are delighted to read of your paddleboard and kayak adventures on the Helford River. It is a joy to know that you enjoyed your waterside cottage in Port Navas. Sending warm wishes from all of us at Cornish Holiday Cottages.
Anon
- February 2023
Well equipped with high grade linen and towels and spotlessly clean.
Response
Thank you for your kind five-star review of Shearwater. We are delighted to read that you found the property to be well-equipped and spotlessly clean. Sending best wishes from all of us at Cornish Holiday Coottages.
peter
- November 2022
simple professional service
Response
Many thanks for your glowing five-star review of Shearwater, we are delighted that you had a pleasant stay in Cornwall. kind regards from all of us at Cornish Holiday Cottages.
Anon
- November 2022
Lovely cottage, but car parking space is very narrow. Tiny garden up numerous steep steps unsuitable for older dog or person. Single track country lanes to access port Navas are difficult to drive along
Response
Many thanks for your review and feedback from your recent stay at Shearwater. We are sorry that your expectations were not met. We feel that our website reflects the approaching single-lane road via the aerial photography and the tiered garden through the property images. We mention in the description that there are 20 steps and that the parking is suitable for one medium car. Previous guests have selected to stay at Shearwater for its remote and tranquil location. We apologise that, on this occasion, you felt the property was unsuitable for your needs and we always encourage you to call us before or throughout your stay, to chat through any questions or queries. It is a joy to read that you felt the cottage was lovely. Sending kind regards from the team at Cornish Holiday Cottages
Anon
- May 2022
Stunning location. Lovely cottage.
Response
Many thanks for your five-star review of your stay at Shearwater. We're so pleased you enjoyed the property and its location. We look forward to welcoming you warmly back to Cornwall in the future. Best wishes from all of us at Cornish Holiday Cottages.
Tracey Stokes
- April 2022
Beautiful cosy cottage overlooking the river. Lovely welcome pack and we’ll equipped kitchen. Wonderful location for walking.
Response
Thank you for sending us such a glowing five-star review of your stay at Shearwater in Port Navas. We are pleased that you enjoyed your welcome pack and found the cottage to be well equipped and beautiful. We quite agree that the location really is wonderful and an ideal base for walking. Kind regards from all of us at Cornish Holiday Cottages.
Anon
- October 2021
The cottage is very comfortable, well-equipped and warm. Wonderful location on the creek, a great vantage point. Very quiet, scenic and restful location
Response
Many thanks for finding the time to ping us through this wonderful five-star review of your stay at Shearwater. We are so pleased to read that you had a comfortable stay and that you found the property to be warm and well-equipped. We quite agree that the location is beautifully scenic on the creek. Best wishes from all of us at Cornish Holiday Cottages.
Anon
- June 2021
Lovely cottage, perfect location
Response
Thank you for this kind five-star review of your stay at Shearwater. We're very pleased that you loved your Cornish cottage and its location. Sending warm regards from all of us at Cornish Holiday Cottages.
Anon
- June 2021
Pretty Cornish cottage overlooking tidal creek. Very clean and equipped with all the necessaries. Bathroom slightly limited. Access / parking a bit precarious. Only a couple of places locally to eat out but nice place to stay.
Jurgita
- April 2021
We loved the location of Shearwater. The cottage is very charming and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. As mentioned in the previous reviews the bathroom was a bit of a squeeze. In the kitchen, the fridge is also a bit on the small size, therefore, we did not manage to put all of our groceries in it. It is probably more sensible to do 2 grocery deliveries rather than 1 in a week. Other than that, we had an absolutely amazing time in Port Navas and on the Helford River!
Response
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback on your holiday at Shearwater. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay and really hope to welcome you back to Port Navas in the not too distant future.
Anon
- October 2020
Shearwater has been prepared for guests with plenty of extras that make it very comfortable. The pint of milk, tea, coffee and biscuits were very welcome. The cottage is in a very peaceful location. We especially loved the view from our bedroom window.
We were sad to leave!
Geoffrey Williamson.
- September 2020
Bathroom could be better and top of stairs are not very friendly.
Anon
- September 2020
As ever, Shearwater remains one of our favourite spots with it's lovely location in a fabulous tiny village on the creek.
The fact that this is our fourth visit probably says it all!
Notes
Arrival from 4pm.
Departure by 10am.
Beds made up for arrival.
Tea towels provided.
Bath towels provided. Please bring your own beach towels.
Heating inclusive.
Electricity inclusive.
Telephone, for incoming calls, (plus emergency 999 and 0800 outgoing).
Mobile signal – variable.
Complimentary Wi-Fi provided.
No smoking.
£200 security deposit – only chargeable for damages (which will be discussed with you in advance of processing the charge).
One basket of logs provided (October to April), further supplies may be purchased locally.
Parking for one car in an allocated bay just in front of the cottage/creek. Tidal. Launching for small dinghies etc at the head of the creek a hundred yards away. Use subject to signing a mooring agreement.
Trailer, it may be possible to store a trailer, (up on its end) fifty yards from the cottage.
Pets One well behaved dog welcome @ £30 each, with the expressed permission of the owner. No dogs under 1 year of age.
Towels One bath and hand towel, per person, provided. Please bring your own beach towels.
Port Navas Regatta: Port Navas Regatta will take place on Saturday 20th July from 3pm – 7pm with music, singing and food until 9.30pm. Access to the Quay Road and PNYC will be restricted during the Saturday and Sunday.
Memory Wall
Jemma, staying at Shearwater
View from the sitting room in Port Navas.
Jemma
The Stephens Family, staying at Shearwater
This view every morning from Shearwater cottage absolutely made our holiday. The most peaceful and tranquil setting, hard to believe it was the summer holidays, the Helford River and its creeks really are a hidden treasure of Cornwall!
The Stephens Family
Tim, staying at Shearwater
This picture was taken in the middle of the estuary one evening, when all you could hear were the birds and the water flowing past.
Tim
Linda, staying at Shearwater
The view from Shearwater.
Linda
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