Welcome to The Boathouse!
These doors are bi-folding.
A quiet spot, perfect for watching little egrets, cormorants, herons or even kingfishers.
Bedroom 2 has stunning views of the estuary.
The kitchen is sleek and modern and the beamed ceilings are just stunning.
The kitchen overlooks the living area and is open airy and social.
The dining space has plenty of room for everyone plus guests!
A hideaway here on The Helford.
A serene neutral palette complements the unparalleled location of this fabulous former boathouse.
Slow mornings here are a must.
Bedroom 1 will have you feeling like you are in the treetops and can be made as king-size double or 2'6
You can't beat being by the water's edge.
The stylish bathroom.
The sparkling shower-room.
Winter views from the sitting-room.
Completely captivating from every angle.
Such an inspiring location.
Sublime escapism on the banks of the Helford river.
Hear the birdsong during dusk at The Boathouse. 
Photo credit, Chris Mather.
There are 11 steps to access The Boathouse.
Watch the tide ebb and flow.
There are 12 steps from the balcony area.
Looking across from the public quay.
Winter at The Boathouse.
Explore the magic of the oak lined Helford.
The Lizard lifeboat station is home to the second largest of the RNLI fleet and is free to visit. The crew are super friendly!
Kynance Cove is a must see when in Cornwall. It is one of the most photographed coves in the UK and is breathtaking.
Catch the water taxi over to the North side of The Helford.

Ref: CC5553 / HELSTON

The Boathouse

Managed by Classic Cottages

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Sheltering under a canopy of oak foliage, this former boathouse rests at the water's edge on the tranquil banks of the tidal Helford River. It has been lovingly yet sympathetically restored by the owners to an exceptionally high standard, using only Cornish trade and resources. Everything has been thoughtfully and carefully chosen, and the result is the epitome of escapism.

Approached by a single track road running around the property, you will need to ascend 11 steps to be rewarded by this beautiful abode. Entering inside you will be welcomed to a light and airy space, the Velux windows in the ceiling give glimpses of the towering oaks and foliage above creating an illusion that you are tucked away in the treetops, a true hideaway!

To the left you will find the sleeping quarters and to the right you will find the main reception rooms. The kitchen is spacious, and well-equipped with everything you will need for a comfortable stay. Descend a couple of steps into the dining and sitting-room where there is plenty of space for a delicious holiday supper with your loved ones. There is a fabulous and aesthetical seating area made outstandingly attractive by the stunning stonework and wood-burner, ideal for snuggling up at the end of a long day of exploring the creeks of the Helford and the ancient woodland that sweep the shores.

There are estuary views from every window, and you will be sharing the creek with resident birds who like to come out at low tide. This part of the river dries at low tide to reveal large areas of mud flat - an ideal feeding ground for numerous birds like herons, greenshanks, cormorants and even kingfishers. During Spring Tides (when the river will be at its highest at high tide and its lowest at low tide) due to the gravitational pull of the sun as it aligns with the moon twice a month, may mean that a few inches of the river may rise and cover the gravelled area outside of the Boathouse across to the wooden gate by the road. Occasionally there are King tides during a super moon, typically twice a year, when the tide will be even higher and may come up as far as the bottom step that leads to the front door. This occurrence will only be for a short time until the tide turns and surely exciting and fun to witness.

Outside there is a stunning balcony where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee amongst nature or perhaps an evening apéritif. Being at the waters edge you have direct access to the river should you choose to indulge in a swim but make sure to keep an eye on the tide times! There is a quay adjacent to The Boathouse which is available for public use and is a great spot for a picnic or just simply watching the world go by.

Features

  • Decorated for Christmas
  • Private parking
  • Sea/Estuary views
  • WiFi
  • Dogs welcome
  • Open fire/wood-burner
  • Linen and towels included
  • Balcony
  • Eco Cottage
From £566 for a shortbreak or From £809 for a week.

Located 2.6 miles SW of Helford

Customer reviews

Good or bad, we publish all the reviews left by the guests who have stayed at this property.

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Mr Scholes

We had a wonderfully relaxing stay, in a great location. The boathouse provides a good welcome in excellent accommodation, is equipped to a high standard and very comfortable. We would highly recommend.

Ms Harvey

This place is magical - we didn’t want to leave. Beautifully furnished, peaceful, with outstanding views and in very close proximity to wonderful walking and eateries.

Mr Pardey

This is a very well presented property in an idyllic location.

Mrs Hough

A beautiful cottage in a tranquil location. Everything in the cottage is top quality and the welcome pack with lovely scones, homemade Jam (delicious) and fresh flowers was lovely. The area is very peaceful with quite walks but also plenty of shops nearby especially the village shop and Gear Farm Pasty Company - Highly recommended

Mrs LEWIS

This property is a lovely location right beside a creek on the Helford River. We really enjoyed watching the tide come in and out and all the wild life. A pair of swans visited the property every day.
The property is beautiful laid out with every mod cons and furnished to a high standard.

Mr Shipperd

Loved the setting of The Boathouse & it was very well designed. Ordered food from Jade for our 1st night which was exceptional & good value for money. We will certainly be booking again in the future.

Mrs. Caine

After the roads become narrower and narrower, after the village of Mawgan, after one bridge and just before another lies the Boathouse cottage. You could spend all day in this unique and very clean cottage watching the superb views and the swans, enjoying the comfort, the quiet , the superior fittings and equipment but then you'd be missing out on the wonderful surrounding area and its offers. We had a great time and are very much looking forward to be back.

Ms Dyer

Sheer comfort and tranquillity.

Mrs Lawton

The location is lovely and when the water comes in it looks beautiful.
Watching the wildlife is amazing with so many different birds come to visit and feed.
We had 2 swans come every day for some bread.
Well thought out Boat house nicely decorated and very clean.
Though parking is a little awkward for medium to larger cars.
Slight damp smell in bathroom near the kitchen. But certainly didn’t ruin our stay, as expected as near the creek.

Mrs Lambert

A lovely, clean, comfortable property in a beautiful location. Great for getting out on the creek at high water and watching the wildlife from the balcony at low water.

Mrs Townsend

A beautiful property, comfortable & equipped to a very high standard. We were blessed with lovely weather so was able to enjoy the outside balcony our only suggestion would be to have some cushions/ seat pads as the metal patio set was chilly to sit on. We can't fault the inside of the property at all but the noise from the road was more than we expected & did impact the tranquility of our surroundings.
Thank you for the scones & jam they were delicious & very much appreciated

Mrs Shepherd

An absolute stunner of a property. Everything about The Boathouse is top notch, from the setting to the furnishings and kitchen facilities. A very comfortable bed, high powered showers added to the feeling of luxury. We will definitely return in the future.

Mrs Corneille

Beautiful location and comfortable, well equipped accommodation, I would highly recommend.
The housekeeper, Jade, offers a meal service which is delicious. We ordered fish pie with vegetables for arrival it was so good we ordered a lasagne and salad for later in the week, equally delicious.

Mrs Blake

We have just returned from a weeks stay (end of November 2024) at The Boathouse, which is absolutely beautiful and we had an amazing time and definitely did not want to leave. We already live in Cornwall near the sea, as short drive away…. but, it was so lovely to have a change of scenery. It was fabulous to be able to sit and watch the river/creek and the resident Swans, Ducks and Birds. We would suggest, that you take a pair of binoculars to get a closer look, as there is not a pair in situ. The Boathouse has been tastefully developed with the Owners/Trades people, having a “keen eye and attention to detail”. All appliances are top notch and the furnishings and beds are of excellent quality. The rain shower was powerful, just what you need with plenty of hot water. The Classic Cottages Team gave a courtesy call mid week to check we were warm enough - which it certainly was with the cosy Woodburner and Central Heating. We had excellent communication prior to our stay with the Housekeeper of the Boathouse who was extremely helpful (a real STAR) and left a few treats for us to enjoy - Thank you. We would love to live there permanently; and hopefully will re-book and have another break at The Boathouse and do so soon, as we love it so much. We have stayed at a number of Cottages over the past few years and this has been one of the best…. But do not tell anyone… as it is a very special place. Thank you xx.

PS: 10 mins walk up the hill (turn left out of the Boathouse Gate) you will find The Gear Farm Pasty Shop and locally grown Veg - the pasties were amazing… (I am Cornish and occasionally make my own pasties… so a bit particular… I must say these were brilliant - a “proper Cornish Pasty”…. Enjoy

Mrs Hough

Fantastic cottage so comfortable and well equipped in a lovely location. The view of the river was wonderful. Would definitely recommend.

Mrs Nicholson

Beautiful peaceful new restoration. Access on to the water either side of high tide on kayaks or paddleboard is a joy. Swans come to be fed at supper time. Amazing pasty company and organic veg stall minutes up the road. Mawgan stores also carries amazing stock range.

Hired boats to go fishing from St Anthony. Lovely people and a great day.

A forgotten corner of Cornwall. Didn't feel crowded at peak season. It was a restorative pleasure to stay.

Ms Barltrop

Wonderful stay.
Very cosy.
Comfortable beds.
Good quality bedding and towels
Warm bathrooms
Good night lights
Would definitely go back

Mr Moller

This is a beautiful conversation of a boathouse in a gorgeous setting. A well equipped kitchen, good showers and comfortable beds make for a great stay. There is also a very efficient wood burner for colder evenings (like our current June weather!). We had a great stay - and thank you for the scones cream and delicious home made strawberry jam! Much appreciated!

Dr Devonish

A spacious, quality conversion of an attractive and charismatic building in a beautiful setting, with views to match. Well-placed for exploring this part of Cornwall.

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