This spacious Helford holiday home is an award-winning contemporary barn conversion set in an ancient Cornish farmstead. Avallen sleeps up to eight, has ample parking, a large garden opening out to an orchard and wildflower meadow, and enjoys close proximity to Helford village and Frenchman’s Creek. This dog-friendly retreat has all you need for a restorative stay.
Short breaks are available from October – March excluding school holidays (Friday or Monday arrivals only, 3 night minimum). If your desired dates are not bookable online please contact the team here.
If you’re seeking a spacious Helford holiday home with a wow-factor, in an unspoilt location near the coast, then Avallen Barn is for you. This is a very special barn in a very special place, with its own large garden opening out to an orchard and wildflower meadows, and a footpath leading in one direction to Helford village, and in the other…to Frenchman’s Creek! An extraordinary amount of care has been taken in the modern restoration of the barn, with original doors and windows having been cleverly incorporated into the new design, and the old hand-cut roofing tiles having been beautifully re-laid.
Avallen is part of a small group of adjoining barns at Kestle Barton, situated above the spectacular Helford River. All of the buildings have been lovingly restored or imaginatively converted to the highest sustainability standards — one is a small, discreet art gallery showcasing a range of exhibitions throughout the summer season.
Inside
After travelling through picturesque hamlets, and along typically winding and wooded Cornish lanes, you will arrive at the farmstead. Passing through the original two-inch-thick barn door and past the hallway, you step into the heart of Avallen — a very large open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling French doors. Here, the enthusiastic cook can indulge culinary passion, taking advantage of the well equipped kitchen with its array of appliances. The long pine dining table is ready and waiting for hosting delicious feasts and family dinners – or perhaps dine al fresco on the patio during those long summer evenings. There’s yards of sofa to relax on in the living room area and a Smart TV for cosy movie nights. Whilst all rooms have individually controlled underfloor heating, fuelled by carbon-neutral wood-chips grown in local woodlands, you’ll also find a woodburner here for extra warmth in this spacious Helford holiday home.
Beyond the living area is the principal bedroom — a generously sized room with a super king bed (which can be made into twin on request), sofa and writing desk — the perfect place to do a spot of journaling. This room also benefits from a fabulous ensuite with large walk in shower and luxurious double ended bath for ultimate relaxation. There are two further bedrooms on the ground floor, both located at the other end of the barn — one super king (can be made into twin on request) which enjoys delightful views into the secluded garden, and a twin bedroom (can be made into super king on request). The family bathroom can also be found here, with a wet-room style shower and separate bathtub.
Dotted throughout the barn you’ll find striking contemporary artwork on the lime-rendered walls in this spacious Helford holiday home. Upstairs, you’ll find a cool hang-out space kitted out with a sofa, football table, books and games. Beyond this is a wonderfully spacious super king bedroom (can be made into twin upon request). This loft-style bedroom boasts its own woodburner, Juliette balcony, plush sofa and large TV.
Outside
Avallen enjoys a large, secluded garden which is laid to lawn, as well as a patio area — just perfect for a barbecue and dining alfresco. Beyond the garden is a small kitchen-garden managed by the adjoining art gallery, and beyond that is the art gallery’s own beautiful garden, often containing sculptures. You can access the meadows and orchard from here, which you can roam freely (both are shared by other guest and gallery visitors).
This spacious Helford holiday home is ideal for exploring the beautiful surrounding area — a landscape of sheltered and wooded ancient pathways meandering down to secret creeks. The farmstead is situated equally between Frenchman’s Creek and the tiny village of Helford with its famous ancient pub. Superb sailing waters, wooded valleys and creeks, impossibly charming fishing villages, stunning National Trust cliff-tops, pristine beaches and sweeping heathland are all to be found within a fifteen minute drive.
Things we love
Where to start? We love the flexible sleeping arrangements this spacious Helford holiday home offers with all bedrooms set up as zip-and-link, a practical feature for larger groups. As well as Avallen, there are four other properties at the Kestle Barton farmstead, making it an ideal place to book separate accommodation for friends and family. Check out neighbouring contemporary barn Mowhay which sleeps up to six.
The setting of Kestle Barton is also truly enchanting…an absolute world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, catch up on much-needed quality time with family and friends, and soak up the creative and inspirational atmosphere. The farm itself continues its ancient role with beef cattle, orchards and a walnut nuttery, allowing you to truly reconnect with nature. After waking up to the delightful sound of bird song, enjoy and a day filled with coast or creekside adventures, then retire to the modern comforts of Avallen Barn for a relaxing soak in the tub…the blissful atmosphere of this spacious Helford holiday home will have you wanting to return time and time again.