+ Full Description

SETTING THE SCENE

The North Helford area stretches along the north bank of the beautiful Helford River and separates the Helford River from Falmouth. The area is knitted together by the charming villages of Constantine, Port Navas and Helford Passage, together with wooded creeks, rolling farmland, not forgetting the wonderful gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan. Nearby Port Navas has its very own yacht club with restaurant and once home to the Duchy Oyster Farm, a historic stone quay sits opposite the house and plays host to the annual Port Navas Regatta.

The Helford River itself has deep-water moorings and active sailing club. There are two local waterside pubs; the thatched Shipwrights pub on the south side of the river and the Ferry Boat Inn on the north side. There is also the charming Port Navas Yacht Club which serves probably the best food on The Helford.. Much of the countryside surrounding the Helford Estuary is owned by the National Trust and is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, flush with an endless number of beautiful creek-side and coastal walks.

Constantine has its own primary school and provides a good range of shops and amenities, including the renowned Constantine Stores wine merchants, whilst the port and university town of Falmouth is close at hand with its sandy beaches and yacht marinas. Within one hour’s drive from Helland House is Newquay airport (with regular flights to London Gatwick) and in Truro, approximately half an hour’s drive, independent prep' and secondary schools and a mainline station with overnight 'sleeper' service to London Paddington.

HISTORY

With a story stretching back over 700 years, Helland House is a remarkable Grade II listed home steeped in Cornish history. First recorded in 1323, the property is believed to occupy the site of a former priory once linked to Glasney Abbey, which was dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII. Following the abbey’s destruction, monks are thought to have taken refuge at Helland.

The house is set behind a rare early medieval burial mound. At the front stands an exceptionally rare pre-Norman granite Celtic Cross, intricately carved on all four faces. Beside it, a stone topped with an egg-shaped finial is said to mark the burial place of a cardinal, a nod to their traditional pom-pom-topped hat.

Listed Grade II, the house’s protected status includes not only the elegant Georgian façade but also the front gateposts, burial mound, and an 18th-century goose house set into the boundary wall. The Cornish name “Henlann” hints at its origins: "hen" meaning old and "lann" meaning sacred enclosure or cemetery.

Since 1708, only four families have called Helland House home, each leaving a mark on its rich tapestry. The most recent custodians have brought new life to the house with thoughtful restoration, celebrating its heritage while introducing a joyful, design-led aesthetic that blends Cornish tradition with Danish flair.

THE TOUR

Behind its handsome Georgian façade, Helland House unfolds into a home rich in warmth, originality, and soul. Sympathetically restored and extended in 2012 with Marraum Architects, the house has been reimagined with care and style, combining period character and charm with a creative Danish flair. The ground floor includes two elegant reception rooms with original fireplaces and wooden floors, a generous open-plan kitchen centred around an Aga and island, plus a study, utility, boot room, and WC. A light-filled extension at the rear opens onto the garden, blending old and new with ease.

Upstairs, four well-proportioned bedrooms include a bright principal suite with a slipper bath and separate shower, alongside a second family bathroom. Throughout, original beams, ceiling finials, and bespoke joinery honour the home's Georgian heritage, while playful design flourishes add a touch of the unexpected. The Cottage - originally medieval - was fully renovated in 2012 with a new roof, flooring, and thoughtfully designed interiors. Now a smart, self-contained two-bedroom annexe with a spacious kitchen, cosy living room with wood burner, and modern bathrooms, it’s perfect for guests, extended family, flexible living or as a holiday or long term let.

The Garden Studio - a cleverly converted, characterful space with wood panelling, open-plan living, a wood burner, compact kitchen, and stylish shower room. A successful one-bedroom holiday let, it’s full of charm and smart design.

Helland House is a rare chance to own a truly historic, deeply characterful Cornish home with immense soul and lifestyle appeal.

STEP OUTSIDE

The south-facing setting of Helland House is as captivating as the house itself, with verdant grounds unfolding around a series of courtyards, walled lawns, and mature trees. Balancing history, creativity, and lifestyle, these picturesque spaces offer endless potential in a wonderfully unspoilt Cornish setting. Mornings bring sunlight to the principal bedroom, rear garden, and tranquil stone-flagged courtyard - a peaceful suntrap perfect for coffee, birdsong, and quiet reflection. As the day moves on, the sun arcs around to the front of the house, setting over the ancient Celtic Cross.

The grounds are rich with characterful outbuildings. Across a newly rebuilt covered walkway lies the granite studio, affectionately known as “The Bang Bang,” offering a cosy creative hideout. Nearby, a partially completed two-storey barn presents exciting scope for a studio, workshop, or further accommodation. The converted piggery, now a rustic garden room, makes a charming setting for relaxed dining and entertaining.

Opposite the house, across the gravelled drive, is a pretty paddock with a spring-fed pond at its foot, ideal for a small wildflower meadow, orchard, or further planting. A large timber garden shed completes the picture, ideal for storage, hobbies, or creative projects.

SERVICES 

Mains water and electricity, private drainage and oil fired central heating. Electric under-floor heating in studio. FTTP (Fibre To The Premises) broadband.

Please be aware we cannot confirm that all these services comply with current regulations

DISTANCES (all distances approximate)

Constantine 2.5 miles, Falmouth 3.55 miles, Truro (main line station) 11 miles, Newquay Airport 29 miles

WHAT3WORDS LOCATION

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