Helford house rental - Afternoon in March on The Helford at Bishops Quay
Afternoon in March on The Helford at Bishops Quay
 
Helford house rental - Afternoon in March on The Helford at Bishops Quay

Afternoon in March on The Helford at Bishops Quay

BQ bass boat Mid March Morning on The Helford River.

BQ bass boat Mid March Morning on The Helford River.

June evening from the living room

June evening from the living room

Portraits, paintings, plenty of atmosphere

Portraits, paintings, plenty of atmosphere

A corner of the living room

A corner of the living room

Cheery kitchen for cooks

Cheery kitchen for cooks

The master bedroom with king size bed

The master bedroom with king size bed

Wonderful views from warm and comfortable beds

Wonderful views from warm and comfortable beds

Beds, boats, birds and books..

Beds, boats, birds and books..

Setting sun from big bedroom bay window

Setting sun from big bedroom bay window

Lovely old family furniture

Lovely old family furniture

Granny's dressing table

Granny's dressing table

Stormy skies, birds on the beach opposite.

Stormy skies, birds on the beach opposite.

Bass boat and fishing boat

Bass boat and fishing boat

Looking down on the lawn and patio by the creek

Looking down on the lawn and patio by the creek

Marigolds from the meadows

Marigolds from the meadows

A home full of nautical history on The Helford River

A home full of nautical history on The Helford River

A serene autumn sight

A serene autumn sight

Crabbing from the quay is fun

Crabbing from the quay is fun

The old house from the waterfront garden

The old house from the waterfront garden

Bishops Quay from the air

Bishops Quay from the air

As you arrive....

As you arrive....

The large extra bedroom suite has its own bathroom tv, balcony and river views.

The large extra bedroom suite has its own bathroom tv, balcony and river views.

A nearby beach walk at Gunwalloe on a dramatic day

A nearby beach walk at Gunwalloe on a dramatic day

  • Bedrooms3
  • Sleeps6
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 1 Half Bath
 

Photos and Description of the Helford vacation house rental
3/4 bedrooms, flexible arrangements, sleeps up to 6, house full of history.

Well away from the world, Bishops Quay; a romantic holiday house, stands on a centuries old privately owned quay. Hidden down a pretty, quarter mile lane, that winds past river meadows; only passing yachtsmen and boat users know it's here. See yourself sitting on the balcony, observing the river birds as they go about their day. Or later, you could be relaxing on the waterfront patio, with a glass of wine, the barbeque sizzling. The gradual reshaping of the tidal creek will relax and restore.

Children love to go crabbing from the quayside. We have lines and buckets, the river crabs love bacon.

An exceptional atmosphere; peace or activity, you choose. A successful holiday home for well over twenty years. News and photos regularly feature on our lively, easily accessible Bishops Quay facebook page.

A choice of boats are waiting for you; a motor bass boat 'EmmaSam', a wooden rowing dinghy 'KT' and a sailing dinghy 'Swallow'+ 2 canoes and 3 kayaks (two are single, the other a double). You can explore the Helford River during the four hours either side of high water. Inside Bishops Quay, each window has quiet river views of boats, gardens, fields and ancient oaks. This home from home is comfortably furnished with antiques, original art, and masses of reading. Logs for the open fire, from our fields supplied free and as frequently as needed.

When enjoying the boats and quay, we lend a full range of sizes in life jackets for you to select. There is a charge for the motor boat's fuel. From Nov - Easter. the sailing and rowing boats are put away and refitted. For winter parties the bass boat stays afloat off the jetty. We are happy to advise on boating trips with help to get you going.

There are excellent local pubs and restaurants locally, including two recently refurbished and extremely popular pubs within a couple of miles; 'The Ship Inn', in the nearest village of Mawgan in Meneage and 'The Prince of Wales' in Newtown St. Martin. The famous 'Trengilly Wartha Inn' is nearby, ten minutes or so drive. It would be possible to visit the 'The Shipwrights Arms' by boat, it is under excellent new management - they serve fish caught by Bonnie Grace, our son's vessel, landed at Bishops Quay. The Port Navas Yacht Club is also a good watering hole to motor down to by boat, they have recently reopened and welcome guests from BQ.

Our fresh fish is landed on the quay according to the tides. There is a pretty waterfront garden and terrace just for Bishops Quay guests. Wireless broadband is installed throughout, it is really fast. This is a property of great interest: unique, quiet, a very much loved holiday home. Happy guests return time after time.

Short breaks, reductions, flexible arrangements. Short breaks are available out of season (November until Easter) or very near to a time shown as un booked, always by arrangement. Prices for short breaks are calculated as: 3 nights = 70% of weekly rate, 4 nights = 75% of weekly rate, 5 nights = 80%, 6 nights 90% of the weekly rate. ' Dog Friendly' - Well behaved dogs are more than welcome.

Sometimes we can arrange ten day stays or other part weeks, please ring us to discuss your requirements. If you are considering a last minute booking, please ring us to discuss the price, we can often make a reduction for a very last minute decision. We advertise Special Offers on this site as and when they are available.

Also out of season (November until Easter) a reduction of £50 per week is offered to a couple booking the house, excluding short breaks.

Contact details and making a booking: To book or enquire about the house either email us or telephone 01326 221 297. We are quite happy to chat to you on the phone, respond to answer phone messages, from around 9am to 9pm. Any queries can then be quickly explained. We would be pleased to send you further information by post, a letter, brochure and photos, if you let us know your postal address.

Deposits are 1/3 of the total price with the balance due six weeks before you arrive. You can pay by cheque or bank transfer. Just let us know which method you would prefer. Last minute bookings are payable in full 5 days before by cheque, or on arrival in cash.

The large extra bedroom suite can be taken at the time of booking or later, just ask us about the use of this suite. Sometimes friends may ask to join you and this is an excellent way of using the 4th bedroom suite offered. It is pleasantly private for them. During peak weeks we give preference to bookings that include this room.

We will do everything we can to make your holiday easy and enjoyable.

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About Kate and Ben Kirby

Hello from Kate and Ben Kirby. We live alongside the holiday house and so are lucky enough to enjoy the place all year around. Ben and elder son Rowly are fishermen who work from the quay. All our family are grown now - luckily they have settled nearby and so we see them and our four grandchildren regularly. We have one dog, Boris, and thirty happy hens in our meadows. I have lived here for over forty years, Ben has spent his whole life here, firstly living in the house we now let, when it was his family home. We built ours (The Kiln, on the site of an old lime kiln here) when we married. We garden up in the meadows, walk the dog, I read, Ben listens to country music. We have good friends locally who we see for meals and get togethers. Life is busy but satisfying, we work hard and relax when we can, it is a very special life here on the Helford River.

Kate and Ben Kirby purchased this house in 1948
Why Kate and Ben Kirby chose Helford

Some houses are purpose built for holidays and so are great bases for a week's stay. Bishops Quay house is more of an experience, an enchantment, history, mood, beauty, all set to catch at your imagination, tempt you to fall in love with a place that so many come back to decade after decade. More rewarding and memorable to set off along the creek in a kayak, row away from the jetty, sail from the harbour, motor down river or quietly sit watching the tides and birds, no other house in sight. Dreamy evenings on the balcony, the garden patio, atmospheric slips in and out of the everyday; a magical moment when the bright kingfisher dives, the little white egret gawkily takes off, the heron squawks, the curlew call; all as familiar as back yard fowl to those staying at this most unique of destinations.

What makes this house unique

Off the beaten track, away from cars, all rooms facing the river, the only passing traffic being a quiet splash of oars, a gentle chugging put put of a motor boat, a stealthy sail change whispering across the creek. Rooms full of the intriguing past and the comfortable relaxing present. More to discover, revisit and to happily enjoy on every visit; a safe base to set out on adventures from and a warm welcome ready on your return.

26 Reviews of Property 984 in Helford, United Kingdom

Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
average rating of 5.0 based on 26 reviews
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
Wiltshire
5

Heaven on Earth

5 of 5
Submitted: July 6, 2009 Stayed: June 2009
There is probably nothing new to write about Bishops Quay. Everyone that has ever stayed there will know what I mean. It is difficult to describe it without seeming gushy or overly effusive but trust me - it is the most beautiful, peaceful, tranquil place you will ever visit and to spend some time there can unwind even the most hardened soul. If ever a holiday home is worth the money then this is it. Just go! Experience the magic for yourself and I guarantee it will linger in your head until you give in and book a return visit! If you crave adventure, noisy boozy nights out then this is not the place for you but if you want to unwind, relax and return to nature in a comfortable, warm, friendly house then go for it! Just don't tell too many people - we want to go back!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Families with Teenagers, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: This is great - Summer 2009 is proving to be a very happy one for guests. We are all enjoying the lovely sunny days here.
Helpful votes: 11/21
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
5

Heaven on the Helford

5 of 5
Submitted: June 13, 2012 Stayed: May 2012
As soon as I stepped out at Bishops Quay I knew I'd arrived at a very special place. The constantly shifting waters create new vistas throughout the day and one never tires of looking out over the water to the ancient oak woodlans which ring the estuary. Get out on the water as often as you can because that is the best way to explore and really experience the magic of this place, but beware of tides which can be quite tough to row against as we found out! The house has everything you'll need and has bags of character, the balconies and garden terrace became our favourite areas for sitting and just 'being'. Lovely Kate was super from start to finish, a joy to book with, makes great cakes and will spoil you if given half a chance - she made my birthday even more special with her generosity and thoughtfulness. I could go on, but suffice to say, I'll be going back, there's nowhere quite like it. Thank you Kate.
Helpful votes: 2/3
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
London
5

Superb, luxurious home in peaceful surroundings.

5 of 5
Submitted: June 1, 2011 Stayed: May 2011
We spent a week at this delightful property with our grandchildren,and Alfie the labradoodle, and had a very warm welcome, with delicious cakes and cream tea.
Kate our host had been very helpful with the booking, and had unpacked my supermarket delivery, and even recorded the Grand Prix for Graham as we would have missed it en route.This all makes the journey less stressful, and easier to relax.
The children loved the bunk beds,and the pretty bedding.The main bedroom bed was very comfortable with lovely luxurious bedding. We all loved the position, peace and quiet and the views from every window.The window seat in the main bedroom was a big hit, and we would often sit quietly in the window with a good book. There was a fabulous selection of books on offer for adults and children.There were also a good selection of games, and our knowledge of Cornwall was improved greatly by playing Cornwall monopoly.
The property was very clean and well maintained, with everything you could possibly require.
The use of the boats was great fun, and my grand daughter tried a go at kayaking. We all went on a boat trip down river, although hindered by strong winds on other days to go out again.
There are beautiful beaches around the area, although very few which allow dogs, which meant we were restricted to how long we could stay out, because we did not like to leave the dog for too long.
We found numerous good pubs and restaurants in the area,although we did feel they were overpriced(and we are used to London prices!)
However, this did not hinder our holiday.
We thought Helford on the river was gorgeous and went there two or three times.
In all we all had a wonderful holiday, the children loved the freedom to be able to go out on the quay and go crabbing. Our 6 year old grandson learnt to tell the time, by the tides, which is something he will never forget.
We will definitely go back, as long as it is not too booked up to accommodate us!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: We were, as always, pleased and touched to receive such a lovely review. We do not solicit online reviews because, after our guests have written in the Visitor's Book, thanked us in person and frequently written cards, letters and notes to us personally, as this family had already done, we think they may have done enough. However, as so often happens, this family have gone the extra mile and publicly written about BQ and their happy holiday. We were especially delighted when the little boy playfully tried to hide in a cupboard to avoid being taken home!
Helpful votes: 4/7
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
Bordeaux, France
5

Un merveilleux séjour

5 of 5
Submitted: March 30, 2011 Stayed: April 2010
Nous avons passé une très agréable semaine à Bishops Quay malgré le temps maussade d'une fin d'avril. Heureusement, une journée douce et ensoleillée nous a permis de déjeuner à l'extérieur et de profiter d'une vue magnifique, comme d'emprunter la barque et de remonter l'estuaire, expérience inoubliable tant à cause de la beauté du paysage que de la sérénité des lieux. Nous ne regrettons pas pour autant la pluie car nous avons ainsi goûté au confort de la maison et pu apprécier le charme et l'atmosphère familiale qui s'en dégagent.
A notre arrivée tardive, les lieux étaient extrêmement propres, les chambres douillettes préparées et nous attendaient les délicieux gâteaux de Kate.
L'endroit est vraiment idéal pour tous ceux qui aiment la nature, le calme et la tranquillité.
Kate et Ben sont des hôtes charmants, disponibles, tout en étant très discrets, avec qui nous avons eu plaisir à bavarder et que nous remercions encore de leur accueil.
Nous y reviendrons sans hésitation dès que nous en aurons la possibilité.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/5
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
Guest Comment Entered by Owner
-1

This Longest Day

Submitted: December 22, 2010 Stayed: June 2010
C+ P June 2010 A Home from home, a truly special place, hosted by such a warm and welcoming family. Not to mention the delicious eggs, and cakes made by a master baker. We feel privileged to have stayed. Thank you. It has even moved us to poetry for the first time in thirty years! (As well as just messing around in boats!)

Timeless.
Almost primeval.
Where ancient forests crowd thickly to the shore
And the oil dark river winds its way to the sea
Pulled inevitably out, the weight of it.
Its glassy stillness broken only by the flash of a fish.
The mudflats oozing as the water strips them bare
Revealing channels cutting deep into the river’s glacial past.
The shelducks quick to land, dabbling amongst the weed,
A bright green fluorescence dusting the mud beneath.
And high,
High overhead coasting a thermal, the buzzard
Wheels slowly, its dry squawk mixing with the wind
And the eerie hum of taut wire on a fishing boat.
The curlew cries, patrolling the waterline where the
Heron stands hunched in his grey cloak.
As the breeze breaks the surface of the water,
The sun catches the ripples quicksilver.
And so the tide turns,
Breathes in
As it has done and as it will do
Waiting for no man.
And the chalk white moon appears against bright blue sky,
A reminder of the constancy of the earth on
This longest day.
Helpful votes: 4/12
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
Oxfordshire
5

Bishop's Quay July 2010

Bishop's Quay July 2010
5 of 5
Submitted: August 26, 2010 Stayed: July 2010
This was our second visit to Bishop’s Quay and again we had a wonderful time. We found we had forgotten quite how luxurious the house is with endless towels, comfy beds, great cakes and wine awaiting us plus fresh flowers everywhere. Crabbing was wonderful this year and the children spent many happy hours on the quay catching and then racing them much to our dog Monty’s delight.

The setting is very relaxing and beautiful, as others have said, but we especially love having limitless access to boats, kayaks, sailing boats (Swallow is a joy for novice sailors) etc. This is such a bonus for all of us. A trip up the Helford in the motor boat for a barbecue in a remote cove, a gentle sail pottering on the river, a kayak trip to Tremayne quay are all priceless memories.

Kate and Ben are friendly but discrete too as appropriate. Monty certainly made a new friend in Ben so thank you Ben for your patience with him!

The children’s Grandma really enjoyed having her en suite room to herself this time and spent many happy hours reading from the well stocked bookshelves and watching the Test match on Sky.

So like many before us we heartily recommend a stay at Bishop’s Quay – you will not be disappointed.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Wow, thank you! What a splendid review.
Helpful votes: 6/15
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
Oxfordshire
5

Like staying in an old friends' home

Like staying in an old friends' home
5 of 5
Submitted: April 4, 2010 Stayed: March 2010
In truth, it’s tempting to keep BQ all to ourselves but I see from your booked calendar that that’s simply not possible.

We have stayed in many, many holiday homes – both in the UK, and overseas. I can honestly say that yours is without doubt the loveliest, the best equipped, and the most homely; it felt like staying in a friend’s or family member’s home, who had given us the key and told us to help ourselves. You have thought of everything; so many towels, fresh flowers everywhere, fresh eggs from your own hens, shelves groaning with books (and even the book I’ve been meaning to read for 10 years sitting there on the shelf), drawers and cupboards full of kitchen equipment, masses of saucepans, glasses, plates, cutlery – makes my kitchen seem very sparse by comparison. Superglue to mend your reading glasses? In the kitchen drawer, of course! What was nicest of all was that it felt like home – but with a much, much better view! It can’t be fun sharing your home every week with a different set of neighbours – but you were both so welcoming and helpful and you made us feel as if we were your first guests ever!

Thank you also for being so generous with the boats – which we loved! We’re somewhat land locked here in Oxfordshire and having the water outside all of the windows was a real treat.

Finally, the cakes; how will I face my children again after eating your delicious chocolate cake and the flapjack.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Super review, thanks so much.
Helpful votes: 5/11
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
London
5

Nature at its best.

5 of 5
Submitted: April 3, 2010 Stayed: March 2010
Beautiful location, very peaceful and relaxing. Mrs K bakes wonderful cakes and you will, hopefully, get the opportunity to sample her baking. Even the dogs were well catered for. There was a bowl of water and biscuits waiting for them when we arrived. We all appreciated the goodies. Lovely house and we were sad to leave, we hope to return very soon. Thanks Mr & Mrs K for making our stay more like visiting friends. The small touches made a huge difference.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 3/9
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
Norway
5

B Q Trial period ,-)

5 of 5
Submitted: March 6, 2010 Stayed: February 2010
Our first stay here in BQ. Came over from Norway for a four days "test" period before finalising our arrangement for a long (sabbatical) winter stay. It didn't take long to be convinced that this was the right choice! The house and the place has a very special atmosphere. Kate and Ben had arranged for a warm and friendly welcome. Fresh spring flowers in all rooms, eggs from Kate's hens and a lot of other goodies and all small, but important details had been taken care of! We have enjoyed four very relaxing days and even the weather has been nice and sunny most of the time. We feel privileged to have 20 weeks to look forward to here in BQ with our two Labrador dogs from late October this year. We can only say sorry to all of you who had planned a B Q stay in that period. Thank you K&B and see you again in October 2010!
Recommended for:  Pet-friendly
Owner's Response: It is good indeed to know that Bishops Quay is somewhere that this warm and friendly couple already feel so suited to. After much research they have chosen Bishops Quay house for their sabbatical away from their busy working lives in Norway. Many people have mentioned on leaving here that BQ is more of a home than a house just used for holidays - this is because for over sixty years it has belonged to the same family. In the Autumn it will be home to O+M until after Easter 2011. Having them here will settle us all in to a different way of life which we certainly expect to enjoy.
Helpful votes: 3/6
business
Helford River, Waterfront, dog friendly, avail High Summer from 29/6 - 26/7
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p984
+44 (0)1326-221 297
Helford Lizard Peninsula
London
5

Great for young families and accomodating for dogs

5 of 5
Submitted: February 15, 2010 Stayed: February 2010
We are a family of 4 with a dog and are from the USA. Kids are young and enjoyed watching the boats coming and going.

As a geologist, I was fascinated to watch the coming and going of the tide (tide-dominated estuaries are really interesting) and I was surprised to see the extent of the tidal range and the way the small rivers were keeping the channels open in the mud flats—fascinating. It was also fun to be next to a working quay and watch the fish and crab being landed at all times—I wish I had offered to buy some of the catch because it looked amazingly fresh and tasty.

We had a lovely time staying at the house and seeing a part of the world we knew nothing about. We often stay at rented accommodation and I would argue your home is among one of the best we have stayed from a comfort, scenery and value for money point of view. The extra touches of cakes, cookies, and other hospitality really make a big difference too. We would love your cookie recipe! We also appreciate you going the extra mile with the kids books, games and loan of dinosaurs.

The Gear Farm shop is very close and we were able to buy local produce and fresh pasties which were great.

Thanks for a great holiday!
Recommended for:  Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/3