Rock Cottage - Helford River
About the home
Rock Cottage is unique. It stands alone in a picturesque location by the tranquil waters of the Helford River with a superb panoramic ever-changing view. This well-appointed property holds a secret which unfolds when you step through the gateway and catch your first glimpse of the creek.
Wander down through either the woodland or garden to the peaceful and oak wooded foreshore, and here you will find our rowing dinghy waiting for you to explore the many creeks and its wide variety of wildlife and birds. If you wish, you are welcome to bring kayaks and canoes as the Mawgan Creek is just perfect for these and fishing is very popular too from either the jetty or out in the boat.
Our guests are always amazed to find there are no other properties or neighbours in sight, a truely unspoilt location with an exclusive view. Rock Cottage is privately owned and has been in the same family for over 56 years. It has a peaceful atmosphere with many homely comforts; our guests frequently return. Inside it is so easy to relax and unwind and watch the creek as it ebbs and flows bringing a few small boats and plenty of bird life, that time seems to standstill. For active guests, there are some great walks along the clifftops or through woodland, wonderful Helford valley gardens to visit, art galleries, tin mines and of course the local fishing coves. The area boasts some great sandy beaches, good pubs and fine restaurants to suit all tastes.
If you are looking for a family holiday where the children can have great fun boating or crab fishing, playing in the woodland or garden, or you want a romantic getaway for two and somewhere special to celebrate, then book Rock Cottage. Couples sometimes prefer the quiet weeks of the winter and early spring months as these are ideal for experiencing the Lizard landscapes, taking walks along the empty beaches or perhaps exploring some of the many Cornish sites. November and December, when the Christmas lights are on in the towns and villages, is also a lovely time and a Christmas or New Year holiday at Rock Cottage is always extra special.
If you are looking for a short break during February please get in touch.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 6, 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Gunwalloe Church Cove |
| Will consider: | Corporate lets Short breaks |
| Access: | Car advised Nearest amenities: 500m |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | May take pets - please enquire No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Internet access, DVD player, Boat available for guest use, Sea view |
|---|---|
| General: | Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 3 Bedrooms, 1 family bathroom |
| Furniture: | Single beds (4), Double beds (1), Cots (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 6 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided Highchair available |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Private fishing lake / river |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
The solid oak door leads into the hallway, kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom and the sitting room. The Kitchen has a large picture window where you will enjoy the wonderful view, and a walk-in pantry. It is fitted to high standards with a handmade beech table and chairs, new ceramic halogen hob, electric double oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. It is well equipped with crockery, glassware and kitchen essentials. Rock Cottage has full central heating by radiators throughout. From every room you will have an uninterrupted view of the garden and river.
The bathroom suite is white and has a deep bath with overhead electric shower, basin and toilet. It overlooks the garden and creek has opening windows, electric fan, a wall heater, illuminated mirror, as well as a large radiator and corner bathroom cabinet.
The beamed Sitting Room with its original cob walls, has two cushioned window seats and is fully carpeted and comfortably furnished. It has a three piece suite, oak sideboard, dining table with chairs and a nest of oak tables. There is a large copper canopied inglenook fitted with an electric log effect woodburner for extra warmth, a ships lantern as well as wall lighting. A good selection of books and walks relating to the local area and Cornish culture are supplied also many board games, puzzles, videos, cds and dvds. There is a flat screen television with Freeview and the latest micro Hi Fi System with iPod Docking. Rock Cottage has a BT Home Hub which provides free wireless and connected access to the internet for our guests.
An open-tread wooden staircase(with handrail) leads from the Sitting Room to the landing and two bedrooms. Both of these have superb views of the Helford River. High quality bed linen is supplied and upon arrival you will find your beds made up and everything in its place and ready for you to start enjoying your holiday. Bath, hand towels and adult size white towelling bathrobes are supplied.
The triple aspect Master Bedroom has a beautiful polished wooden floor with rugs and is furnished with a very comfortable 5 ft bed, oak dressing table with large mirror and matching chest of drawers, fitted wardrobe, oak bedside tables and pottery lamps. A hairdryer is supplied.
The adjacent small bedroom is designed for children only. It has a seaside theme, is ideal for two children and decorated with sailing and pirate ships with vibrant paintings from a local Falmouth artist adorning the walls. This room has a beautiful polished wooden floor with rug runner, two single 2'6" beds, oak chest of drawers and a bedside lamp. There is a selection of books for the children to read at bedtime. The immersion heater is off this bedroom. Once again, there is a creekside view.
A few paces from the front door, across a slate courtyard is the newly refurbished Third Bedroom. Originally part of another cottage, this spacious room provides privacy for a couple, teenagers or grandparents. Three large windows overlook the sunny patio, garden and Mawgan Creek. This room is furnished with a cream carpet, two very comfortable 3' beds, white Shaker style wardrobe, dressing table, large mirror and bedside cabinet with overhead reading lamps. There is also a flat screen TV/DVD player with built-in Freeview and a Radio/CD player. Many of our guests enjoy waking up to the glorious view from this bedroom and have told us what a great night's sleep they had in this very comfortable room.
Further details outdoors:
The private woodland and large terraced gardens at Rock Cottage, are secluded and have a vast array of birds and wild flowers. It is enclosed by a Cornish hedge and is steep in some parts. In the Spring the grass is a carpet of primroses with daffodils, bluebells, violets and wild orchids. It is a perfect place to relax, paint, enjoy a barbecue on the patio or simply nod off to sleep under the shade of the oak trees. Recliner chairs and a parasol are provided as well as a family size barbecue, large picnic table and an oak bench seated further down the garden. Many of our guests enjoy sitting here watching the boats on the water, or listening to the curlews and other water waders as the tide gently laps the shore.
Down the stone steps to where the old boathouse once stood, is a large wooden staging and the rocky foreshore. Here you will find 'Peggy' our 3.5M rowing dinghy, useful for exploring the meandering creeks. You will also catch sight of Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Shellducks, and Curlews as well as many other water birds. Younger members of the family love to dangle a line or two for river crabs from the jetty, play in the garden or just explore our woodland.
If you wish to bring a small boat, we will provide a suitable mud mooring, chart of the River, launching arrangements, and tide table at no extra cost. The slow tidal creek is just perfect for kayaking/canoeing and our guests are welcome to bring these with them. They can be launched and stored. Windsurfing (for the experienced), has also been enjoyed from the shores at Rock Cottage.
At dusk and especially on a still evening, it is fascinating to watch the fish as they create circles over the surface of the water. Fishing for Grey Mullet, Sea Bass, Sea Bream and many other types is very popular and quite a few suppers have been landed! For guests who also like to freshwater fish, we can provide you with details of the nearby course fishing lake which is well stocked with Carp, Tench, Roach etc.
From the moment our Guests arrive at Rock Cottage they start their holiday, and will find the Cottage warm and inviting, personally prepared with the beds made, all household linen and necessities in place, fresh flowers, many welcoming touches and everything in excellent order throughout. To save time, many of our guests order their groceries on line and arrange for their supplies to be delivered to the cottage. We are happy to help you with your arrangements as we want your holiday to be perfect in every way.
Many Engagements, Honeymoons, Wedding Anniversaries, Family Holidays, relaxing Short Breaks as well as traditional Christmas, New Year and Birthday Celebrations have been enjoyed at Rock Cottage. In fact, whatever the occasion, you are guaranteed a wonderful time.
Further details
There are no extra charges and rental includes:- Rowing Dinghy (available from Easter until the end of October), Lifejackets/Buoyancy Aids, Electricity, Central Heating Oil, Adult size White Towelling Bathrobes, Bath Sheets and Hand Towels, Bed Linen, Household Essentials, and a Cleaning Service with complete change of linen for holidays longer than one week. Mooring for a small boat. Wireless Broadband is available at no extra charge.There is convenient parking for up to 3 vehicles. A pay phone is provided and if you need to contact the owners, who live five minutes away, they can easily be reached by either email or a free 'phone call. A baby/child sitting service is available.
A deposit of one third of the total rent is required at the time of booking and the balance of rent is due six weeks before the start of the holiday. A refundable security deposit is required with the final rent. Methods of payment are given with the Rental Rates below.
To avoid possible disappointment, we are pleased to reserve dates well in advance for an initial deposit of £100 per week.
Normal changeover day is a Saturday but for Short Breaks (minimum 3 nights) and out of season, we are flexible and will accommodate your requirements wherever possible.
Conditions
When a provisional booking is made following an enquiry, the guest will receive our Booking Agreement together with Terms and Conditions.
Two well trained dogs may be accepted at Rock Cottage subject to our conditions. Please tell us when making an enquiry if you wish to bring a pet with you. There are some excellent walks from the doorstep to enjoy with your dog(s) and many places to visit where dogs are welcome. Dogs love the garden and woodland at Rock Cottage.
Photos
The West Country / Cornwall region


The Lizard Peninsula boasts a wealth of fabulous sandy and safe beaches for bathing and body boarding. The climate is very mild even in the winter months. It is the most southerly point in mainland England, has rare wildflowers, unique geology and is home to England's rarest breeding birds - the Cornish Chough. It has a remarkably beautiful coastline with many quaint old fishing harbours and tiny sheltered coves.
The warm local climate encourages the growth of sub-tropical vegetation, and a constant profusion of colour all year round. Primroses flower before Christmas, and camellias open in December whilst daffodils often decorate the hedgerows in January. This is followed by a display of bluebells and wild flowers.
This part of Cornwall is an absolute delight for those who enjoy the outdoors. Quite often seals, dolphins and basking sharks are regularly seen in the waters around the Lizard, and at Falmouth sightseeing boat trips are available.
The Helston / Helford River area
The village of Mawgan is a 10 minute stroll from Rock Cottage. Here there is a 12C Church, The Ship Inn with an excellent restaurant and a well-stocked Spar Shop selling locally grown vegetables, fresh bread, dairy, fresh meat and so much more. Towards St Martin is the organic Gear Farm Pasty company selling delicious pizzas from the wood-fired oven, pasties, and fish. The Trelowarren Estate is closeby and hosts the New Yard Restaurant. When it comes to beaches, we are spoilt for choice and Kynance Cove is a hit everytime!
Rock Cottage is situated at the head of the Mawgan Creek of the Helford River which runs from Gweek down to Mawnan Shear where it widens out into Falmouth Bay. The river, which is really a tidal creek with oak wooded hills and pasturelands, is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt stretches of water in the country. The narrow lane to the cottage takes you over an ancient stone bridge where swans and ducks feed and the kingfishers dart across the creek.
Here are just a few of the places close to Rock Cottage. All are very easily accessible and within 20 minutes drive.
Church Cove, Gunwalloe - Famous small church on the beach. Sandy beach, good bathing, grassy areas behind beach excellent for picnics.
Poldhu Cove - Sandy bay sheltered by high cliffs. Good surfing when wind and tide are right, rocky pools, magnificent cliff walks (National Trust), wild flowers.
Kynance Cove - Very famous beauty spot. Spectacular cliff descent on foot from car park at top (National Trust). Variety of coves, serpentine rocks rising high out of the sea. Excellent cafe. White-sand, turquoise water and multi-coloured islands.
The Lizard Lighthouse - Most southerly point. Magnificent view of rock-strewn sea from lighthouse or cliffs.
Cadgwith - Beautiful little fishing cove, shingle beach with some sand below high cliffs. Rocky prominence above deep pools; excellent for diving and swimming. Many flat shelves on rocks popular for picnics and sunbathing.
There is a continuous cliffside walk right round the Lizard Peninsula, affording magnificent views of some of Cornwall's most spectacular and rugged scenery, much of it is owned by the National Trust.
Visitors can play golf either at Mullion, which has a wonderful view of the sea, or Helston (short course). Horse riding is available at either Mullion or Constantine.
Many artists and craftsmen work in this area. There is a small exhibition centre/gallery at Trelowarren, and Mullion. The Tate and the Barbara Hepworth Museum in St Ives, are worthy of a visit too as well as the Penlee Gallery in Penzance.
There are a number of fine restaurants within the locality: The New Yard Bistro at Trelowarren in Mawgan, Halzephron Inn at Gunwalloe, South Cafe at Manaccan, Kota at Porthleven and for a special evening out, the Nansloe Manor Restaurant on the outskirts of Helston. The nearest pub is The Ship Inn, Mawgan. The Lizard area has a fine selection of restaurants and public houses.
This part of Cornwall has a diverse range of both National and privately owned Gardens: Trevarno in Helston, Bonython, Trebah, Glendurgan, Trewithen, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Eden Project and many more.
Other attractions closeby include Flambards in Helston, The National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, Poldark Mine, Roskillys Farm, Future World at Goonhilly. For the water sports enthusiast, boat hire, windsurfing, sailing and diving facilities are all available on the Lizard.
The ancient market town of Helston is famous for its Flora Day which is held in early May when about one thousand dancers take to the streets and all the shops are decorated with bluebells and gorse. It was once a port before it was cut off from the sea by Loe Bar in the 13th century. According to some sources, Helston, with a population then of about 200, was a small port which exported tin and copper.
The Town has a mixture of Georgian and Victorian architecture and there are a fine array of public houses, one of which dates back to the 15th century and still brews its own ale. Helston offers all the necessary shops as well as a very interesting Museum to visit on a rainy day and only a 10 minute drive from Rock Cottage.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
|
|||||||||||
| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Newquay: 59 km |
| Railway: | Truro: 23 km |
| Ferry: | Falmouth: 19.5 km |
Fly to Newquay Airport which is only one hour drive away from Rock Cottage.
Please go to www.newquaycornwallairport.com for details of flights and further information.
There is a choice of car hire available at Newquay Airport: a regional Hertz office or www.newquay-carhire.co.uk and www.cornwallcarehire.co.uk
For the nearest railway station, we suggest either Truro (30 minutes drive) or Redruth Station (20 minutes).
Activities near Helston
Tennis in town
Watersports
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
Cycling holidays
Guestbook for Rock Cottage - Helford River
Another fabulous holiday at Rock Cottage - losing count now of the number of times we have stayed. We never get bored as there is plenty to see and lots to do even in the winter months when we love to curl up in the cosy 'home from home' Sitting Room with a good book and just relax, and forget about the workplace. However, the view from the window is just fantastic and keeps us mesmorised for ages - you won't find another like it! See you again soon Rock Cottage. Marina and Geoff
We have had a wonderful week here at Rock Cottage. It feels like two holidays for one with the difference the high and low tides bring. We had fun finding the shore crawling with crabs and worms when the tide was low and delight with rowing peggy on a high tide. It was beautiful to see the sunrise and then the clouds of mist rising in the early morning to later clear and leave a calm body of water. The bird table has brought robins, blue tits, nuthatch, jackdaw, dunnock and of course the pheasants. Thank you Robin and Linda for your warm and very helpful welcome and for the lovely flowers. We wish we could stay much longer! Jeremy, Judith, Michael & Rachael.
We've had such a wonderful time here. Will return in the summer. Lizzie and Nick
Absolutely stunningly gorgeously wonderful time - fantastic nature, view incredible and Rock Cottage is a home from home. Thank you so much for making our stay so lovely and welcoming. Jenny & Guy
Thank you very much to Linda & Robin. We have had a wonderful time at Rock Cottage and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the creek in Peggy. Amazing view and all just fantastic. Will definitely come back again. Naing & Thuzar
Thank you for allowing us to share this beautiful place. Even though we had the photos from your website, it didn't prepare us for the breaktaking view of the creek Fantastic cottage too! Peggy did us proud - we explored endlessly in the river. The weather has been extremely kind. We will see you again. Kay, Paul & Jemma
A lovely place to celebrate our Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Can highly recommend Blue Haze restaurant at Porthleven for that special meal. Hope to be back. Moya & Michael
Fantastic cottage in a beautiful setting. We have had a wonderful holiday and the weather has been warm and sunny. This is a lovely part of cornwall, many places to visit, not enough time to see everything. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your wonderful cottage and for the thoughtful extras. Susan & John
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 6 | ||||||
| Period | From![]() | To![]() | Weekly![]() | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Midweek booking available | 15 Feb 12 | 22 Feb 12 | £ 710 | 125 | 125 | Flexible |
| Short Break possible | 27 Feb 12 | 3 Mar 12 | £ 475 | 110 | 110 | 5 Nights |
| Spring time | 3 Mar 12 | 10 Mar 12 | £ 630 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 21 Apr 12 | 27 Apr 12 | £ 750 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 12 May 12 | 18 May 12 | £ 795 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| Summer Holidays | 30 Jun 12 | 7 Jul 12 | £ 1500 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 7 Jul 12 | 13 Jul 12 | £ 1500 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 1 Sep 12 | 8 Sep 12 | £ 1030 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 8 Sep 12 | 14 Sep 12 | £ 1030 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 29 Sep 12 | 6 Oct 12 | £ 775 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 6 Oct 12 | 13 Oct 12 | £ 720 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 13 Oct 12 | 20 Oct 12 | £ 895 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| Autumn Half Term | 20 Oct 12 | 3 Nov 12 | £ 1015 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Short Breaks Possible | 3 Nov 12 | 22 Dec 12 | £ 630 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Christmas & New Year | 22 Dec 12 | 5 Jan 13 | £ 1045 | - | - | 1 Week |
The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Payment is accepted by Internet Banking, PayPal, personal cheques drawn on a UK bank account or cash of course. Overseas customers may pay also through International Banking (handling charges will apply). Just tell us which method you wish to use and we will provide the relevant information.
Our rental rates are fully inclusive - there are no extra charges, VAT or booking fees.
Advance Bookings
If you wish to book well in advance, and have a particular date in mind, we will be pleased to accept your reservation for an initial deposit of only £100 per week (instead of the usual one third).
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
| Key: | 11 | 12 | Booked | 11 | 12 | Available | 11 | 12 | Unknown | 11 | 12 | Arrival/Departure dates |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | ||
| Feb 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Apr 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| May 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Jun 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| Jul 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Aug 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Sep 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| Oct 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Availability notes:
Short Breaks at Rock Cottage during February are available as follows:
3 nights starting on Wednesday 8th February at £330
Midweek booking available from Wednesday 15th February up to Thursday 23rd February at £710 per week or £125 per night minimum 3 nights.
Monday 27th February to Saturday 3rd March (5 nights) or stay from Monday 27th February to Monday 5th March £630 per week
Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 3 years listed You are contacting Linda Dandy
Payment accepted
Languages spoken ![]() The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2008. This cottage has so far received 0 reviews. ![]() |
Holiday apartments in England (11679)

Enlarge





































