Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms (+ cot)
If you have ever imagined finding the perfect rambling farmhouse down a twisting country lane in Cornwall, then you’ve found it. Beautiful Kestle Barton Farmhouse has been sensitively resorted to retain and enhance its historic character, whilst creating spacious and cosy accommodation for eight, in two double and two twin rooms. Drag yourself away from the sunny garden, and footpaths lead left and right… just minutes away are picturesque Helford village or hidden Frenchman’s Creek. Here, you are never far from the famous Helford River, its woods and creeks, and the beaches of the Lizard Peninsular and Falmouth Bay.
Kestle Barton Farmhouse is at the heart of the ancient farmstead of Kestle Barton, the whole of which has been lovingly restored. Here you will also find the Kestle Barton gallery, with its changing displays, workshops and imaginative garden. As well as the Farmhouse, there is Kestle Cottage and three barns here that have each been converted into stunning contemporary retreats sleeping two, four, six or eight — making this a great place to book separate accommodation with friends and family. You’ll find Kestle Cottage and the barns Avallen, Mowhay and Howthere on our website too…
The superb architectural quality of Kestle Barton has been acknowledged with several awards including the Conservation Category in the RIBA South West Town and Country Design Awards 2011, and the Green Apple Award 2011 for The Built Environment and Architectural Heritage.
Across the daisy and buttercup-strewn lawn and through the entrance porch of warm local stone — roof held high on hand-hewn granite plinths that may once have held up a hayrick — you will step into a welcoming interior that invites exploration, conversation, and happy memory-making.
There are two living areas inside; first the generous and sunny family living and dining room, with its huge inglenook fireplace housing a contemporary wood-burner, sofas and armchairs, a big flat-screen TV, lovely scrubbed-pine dining table with benches, chairs and a window-seat where you will enjoy meals with family and friends. Secondly you have the snug, a great escape from (or for) kids and teenagers, with its two 3-seat sofas, and a further large TV/DVD.
Beyond the living areas find the original farmhouse kitchen, with 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, with granite work-tops, convection hob, electric over, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and so on. By the window is an additional breakfast seating area to seat six.
There is also a massive utility room, with washing machine, tumble-drier, 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) you’ll find four bedrooms, two double and two twins. All have original pine floor boards, comfy beds and carefully-chosen furnishings — some have original fireplaces, others window-seats or Georgian wooden panelling. There are also two bathrooms – one with a lovely big double-ended bath to linger in, the other with a big walk-in shower.
To the front of Kestle Barton Farmhouse is a large lawned garden, with elegant garden table and chairs for eight. It’s south-facing, and a lovely place to relax. Behind the farmhouse, and accessed though a side gate or direct from the kitchen, is a further large garden with barbecue area, surrounded by mature ash, beech, alder and sycamore trees.
Opposite Kestle Barton Farmhouse, across the old farmyard you will find the delightful (and free) Kestle Barton gallery. When open, you will also usually be able to find your hosts here, so you can always find someone if you need them. You can also get good coffee and often nice baked treats here too. Beyond the gallery the beautiful and imaginative 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.
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. We love the kitchen. Find 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! Come in the autumn or early spring to light a fire and hunker down, farmer-style after a cliff-top or creek-side ramble…
The setting, too, is very special. You will have reached this tiny hamlet via wiggly Cornish lane, but your first venture out should be by footpath… down to the village for a creekside pint, a family lunch, or just a loaf of freshly-baked artisan bread…