Up to 25% off Christmas and New Year breaks!

×

Barn Conversion, Helford, Cornwall

Mowhay Barn

In quiet countryside by Frenchman's Creek and near Helford village

Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms (+ cot) Friday arrival Sorry no dogs
The Retreat

An award-winning contemporary barn conversion that has been created for inspiring holidays with family or friends. The retreat sleeps six in comfort and has spacious kitchen and living spaces. Outside is a small sunny garden, and a covered area with table-tennis. You’ll be close to Frenchman’s Creek and numerous beaches.

Mowhay Barn is a stunning reverse-level contemporary barn conversion that has been created with inspiring holidays for families and friends in mind. Hundreds of years of history has been lovingly folded together with up-to-the minute contemporary features to create a living space that simply makes you feel good, from the moment you step in. And outside you can choose between relaxing in your own sunny garden, wandering through into the sculpture garden of next-door Kestle Barton art gallery, beyond to the meadows and orchards, or a little further down footpaths to beautiful Helford village or romantic Frenchman’s Creek. You are also close to the famous Helford River, its woods and creeks, and the beaches of the Lizard Peninsula and Falmouth Bay.Mowhay Barn is a part of the ancient farmstead of Kestle Barton, the whole of which has been lovingly restored. Here you will also find the Kestle Barton gallery, with its changing displays, workshops and imaginative sculpture garden. As well as Mowhay, there is also the original farm house and two further barns sleeping two, and eight — making this a great place to book separate accommodation with friends and family. You’ll find the Kestle Barton Farmhouse and the barns Avallen and Howthere on our website too…

The superb architectural quality or Kestle Barton has been acknowledged with several awards including the Conservation Category in the RIBA South West Town and Country Design Awards 2011, and the Green Apple Award 2011 for The Built Environment and Architectural Heritage.

Dining area at Mowhay Barn Conversion Kestle Barton Helford

Inside Mowhay Barn

Inside you find a large open-plan kitchen and dining area, opening high to a beamed ceiling. It is generously equipped with the things you’d expect like electric cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble-drier, dishwasher… but also original artworks by some of Cornwall’s best contemporary artists.

Opposite, and on the same level is the stunning living room, with generous sofas, high roof-beams, polished lime-plaster rendering, beautiful wide-planked oak flooring, and contemporary wood-burner.

Bravely contrasting with the heritage feel of this barn, the unashamedly modern staircase takes you downstairs…

… where you will find two double rooms, and a twin. Both doubles have very comfortable superking-sized beds, and one has a to-die-for en suite bathroom with double-ended bath and stroll-in shower. A generous family bathroom complete the accommodation. The downstairs walls tell the history of this building — with hints of an ancient granite doorway here, new heritage plasterwork there… and everywhere a lovely sense of style and space.

Double bed inside Mowhay Barn at Kestle Barton near Helford

The garden and gallery

Open the wooden gates from the car-parking area and step into your own large open storage barn. It’s great for bikes, surfboards and general holiday paraphernalia… and comes complete with a table-tennis table for extra fun when you run out of everything else to do.

Beyond this is your pretty garden. It gets the sun all afternoon, and has elegant furniture for al-fresco dining and stylish Adirondack relaxing garden chairs. Beyond is the sculpture garden of the Kestle Barton gallery (pictured below). During times the gallery is open you will also find your hosts here, so you can always find someone if you need them. You can also get good coffee and often nice baked things. Beyond that is a  wildflower meadow and orchard — also all here for you to enjoy.

Many of the artists showcased by Kestle Barton gallery have international reputations, and exhibitions change regularly throughout the summer.

Things we love…

We love the stunning combination of heritage architecture and contemporary design. Upside-down living in Mowhay Barn is great fun, and the upstairs makes a superb space for families and friends; big enough to find a quiet corner, but all connected together so a good space for socialising too.

The setting of Kestle Barton is unique. You are staying not only in a beautiful barn conversion, but also in the heart of an ancient farmstead that is now both a haven for escape, and a highly reputed centre for the arts. In turn. Kestle Barton is connected to the world by footpaths that lead to woodland and village, creek and pub.

Alastair Sawday has visited and inspected Mowhay Barn and he loves it too!

We have loved it!
A Cornish Christmas at Kestle Barton. Wonderful walks, fantastic food and endless games — it has been such a great way for us to spend time together as a family, we have loved it! The barn is beautiful and so well set up — there was everything we could possibly need to prepare our turkey Christmas dinner and all the other meals, working together in the lovely big kitchen and then eating together around the central table. The Christmas tree and chopped wood by the fire, bottle of wine and Cornish fairings were so welcoming.
Louise & family — Christmas 2022
Features

Retreat Features

  • Large private garden
  • Private parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Award-winning barn conversion
  • Contemporary woodburner and underfloor heating
  • Just a woodland walk from Helford Village
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: super king bed (can be made into twin beds upon request)
Bedroom two: super king bed (can be made into twin beds upon request)
Bedroom three: twin beds (75cm x 190cm beds)
All bed linen and bath towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Two large stylish sofas
TV/DVDs, and books
MP3 music player
Football table
Free WiFi
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Large dining area
Electric hob and oven
Dishwasher, microwave
Washing machine and tumble drier
Tea towels provided
BATHROOMS
Family bathroom with generous shower & bath en-suite in master bedroom
Bathroom towels provided
PETS
sorry, no dogs
ACCESSIBILITY
Internal steps with handrail
Stairs to second floor
Access to bedroom on groundfloor
Access to bedroom via stairs
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Please contact us for more accessibility information
OUTDOORS
Big utility barn for storing bikes etc
Table-tennis table
Private garden
Barbecue area
Garden dining furniture
Adirondack garden chairs
Shared wildflower meadow & orchard
Art galley next door
Footpath to Frenchman’s Creek in 5 mins
Footpath to Helford Village in 10-15 mins
HEATING
Underfloor heating throughout
Contemporary wood-burner in lounge
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot (no linen) and highchair on request
Stair gates and non-slip bathmats
PARKING
Private parking for three cars
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday standard changeover
Check in after 5pm
Check out before 10am
Location

THE HELFORD

In the heart of a breathtaking Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and by the banks of Frenchman’s Creek on the Helford river, lies this hidden gem. Kestle Barton is an award-winning, beautifully restored Cornish farmstead, offering  contemporary eco-friendly barn conversions. It nestles between farmland and trees, with the dramatic river nearby. Footpaths lead to local pubs and villages — and beaches, more fishing villages and the spectacular Lizard Peninsula are just a short drive away.

Travel times

  • Mowhay Barn is about 17 miles from the nearest mainline station at Camborne. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • A short stroll from Frenchman’s Creek, Mowhay Barn is situated near the picturesque village of Helford, just 25 minutes away from the market town of Helston. Driving time from London is five and a half hours in normal traffic while Exeter is around two and a half hours away. We’ll send you detailed route information before your departure.

Things we love

  • An utterly idyllic, secluded location - perfect for relaxing
  • The ideal retreat from which to explore the hidden beaches and villages of The Helford
  • Amazing farm shops, pubs and restaurants within a five mile radius
  • Easily spend a day discovering Falmouth or The Lizard
Guests Say
  • Liza, Barry & Evie – November 2022
  • Beautiful

    Another wonderful stay at Mowhay! Different here in autumn, but just as beautiful. Had a couple of really magical warm, sunny days. Thank you! We'll surely be back soon.

    The Huntings — October 2022
  • Fabulous week

    Wow — what another fabulous week. Lots of swimming, kayaking, eating drinking and about five miles of walking! Booked again next year. Thank you Mowhay and team.

    Jamie, Claire, Ian, Alison, Michel & Pat — October 2022
  • Brilliant!

    This is our...lost count — about fourth stay in Mowhay. Brilliant! Forever Cornwall is the best holiday agency in the UK. Sam and team are brilliant and very helpful.

    The Madni family — September 2022
  • Perfect

    This is our fifth time at KB but our first stay in Mowhay. It's been perfect. We are so sad to leave (as always), but back again next year. Thank you KB team for an amazing stay. House and gardens always lovely.

    The Edge family – August 2022
  • Fourth visit

    Our fourth visit to Kestle Barton. We've heard owls most nights, hummingbirds, wrens and baby robins. Shipwright's Arms is perfect for lunch or supper. It's a short stroll down the field and through the woods. Or, just sit in the garden and enjoy the silence at Kestle Barton!

    Rose & Simon — August 2022
  • Magical

    Our first time at this beautiful house and we've had a gorgeous time getting all we could from its perfect location. We knew things would be a little magical when, during a game of table tennis on the first night, a bat arced around us and disappeared into a hole beside the kitchen window! The walk through the woods to Helford is cool and relaxing, unless you also take to the rope swings halfway down, which are well up to take an enthusiastic adult. Frenchman's Creek is a tiny walk from the house. The gardens surrounding the house are lovely and visiting the art gallery was something we did a few times during our stay. Great exhibition too, and awesome that it had an audience participation element.

    Teresa, John, Beth, Sam & Izzy — August 2022
  • Wonderful

    Such a wonderful place. Our family greatly enjoyed wandering around the garden and exploring further afield — Helford, St Anthony in Meneage, Gunwalloe beach and Kynance Cove.

    The Huntings – July 2022
  • Lovely

    Another lovely stay, thank you Kestle Barton.

    Sally & Mark — June 2022
  • Never fails to restore us

    Our fifth year at the wonderful Kestle Barton - three in Howthere, one in Kestle Cottage and now in Mowhay. The place never fails to restore us. Always finding new places to visit and new places to swim. Lovely sunny afternoon at the Minack. Will book again next year...

    Claire, Jamie, Ali & Ian — October 2021
  • Wonderful place

    A return to this wonderful place Mowhay Barn, and our beloved Kestle Barton. Many years ago, my wife found Kestle Barton and we have been coming ever since. Great walks to Helford, Nare Point, St Anthony's and Manaccan. Heaven on earth! Well done Forever Cornwall team, we shall return this Christmas.

    Ash & Jo — September 2021
  • Fabulous location

    Such a lovely place in a fabulous location. We've loved every second...but especially the walk down to the Shipwright's Arms most evenings. As well as walking Frenchman's Creek we also did the guided kayak tour with Koru Kayaks which really helped bring the river to life. Also recommend the walk to Kynance Cove from Lizard Point.

    The Payne-Smiths — August 2021
  • Really nice

    Thank you for our stay! We have stayed nearby here before and been able to see the houses and wanted to stay here. The staff here are really nice and helped us a lot. They are always there to answer our questions.

    Eva — June 2021
  • Another lovely stay

    Another lovely stay in Mowhay Barn. Despite the awful year, it's been a joy to be here again. Thank you to all the staff who made our stay possible, especially the cleaners. We'll be back in the Autumn. This barn is very special, as is the wonderful location.

    The James — June 2021
  • Fabulous

    Had a fabulous week staying in Mowhay Barn. The barn is spacious and very comfortable. Lovely walks to Helford and around the headland. The garden at Trebah is a must and a fabulous day out. You can catch the ferry over to Helford Passage and walk up to the garden. The south west coastal path to Cadgwith and Kynance are worth doing with spectacular scenery.

    The Hayes — May 2021
  • Spoilt for choice

    Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mowhay and appreciated the welcome — flowers, wine and biscuits on arrival. Spoilt for choice of walks nearby. Would love to return one day.

    Ann, Phil, Jacqui & Pat — May 2021
  • Everything you need

    A really lovely place to stay — so quiet. The barn is fantastic, it has everything you need. The garden and wildflower meadow were great, the hedgerows sounded full of bird life just as it should be. The pub was great — good food and watching the boats come and go... what's not to like? The Holy Mackerel cafe is a must as well, the owners were so nice and the food was all homemade and very good. Lots of interesting places to visit, many little coves to see and enjoy. We have had a lovely time here and hope to come again.

    Jo & Keith — June 2019
  • Very relaxing break

    Another great week at Kestle Barton. Very relaxing with the added bonus of fantastic weather. Great walks with the dogs down to Helford, couldn't wish for more. Can't wait to come again.

    The Hurst family - March 2019
  • Loved the area

    We have had a super relaxing week here and loved the area. It was a pleasure to walk in all directions from the barn. This is only our second ever visit to Cornwall and we will certainly be back!

    The Parker family — October 2016
  • Peaceful and memorable

    Our first visit to this area of Cornwall and we have had a wonderful two weeks. What a setting to enjoy. Mowhay Barn is beautiful and we loved it all. The walks around Helford were peaceful and memorable.

    John & Marie — September 2016
  • Beautiful setting!

    Thank you for a lovely wedding weekend in Cornwall! Beautiful setting, lovely walks, pretty gardens, glorious sunshine, comfortable beds, what more could we have asked for.

    Unknown — September 2016
  • Forever Cornwall Mowhay Nov 16
    Sofia — August 2016
  • Beautiful house

    Thank you so much, we had such a lovely stay in your beautiful house. We know Cornwall well but it was our first visit to this area and won't be our last. We hope to be back before too long.

    Becky, Tom, Frankie & Theo — July 2016
  • A lovely week

    We had a lovely week with our three girls. The seal sanctuary at Gweek was a big hit with all of them. We took the ferry across the river Helford and then walked to Trebah Gardens — great cafe, beautiful gardens, awesome zip wire for the kids. A lovely house — we hope to come back.

    Catherine & Simon — April 2016
  • We keep coming back

    We've had a lovely relaxing week here. This is our third stay in Mowhay and I've lost count of how many times altogether we've stayed at Kestle Barton. We keep coming back for the peaceful area, the countryside, the walks along the creek and these lovely spacious and airy but warm barns.

    Sally & Mike — Jan 2016
  • Wonderful week

    Thank you for a wonderful week at Mowhay Barn! We loved Porthleven, the Seal Sanctuary and fish and chips at Gweek. Lovely walks and lots of fun times.

    Tessa, George & Teddy — October 2015
  • Even better than expected!

    Kestle Barton is even better than expected in every way!

    Nick, Sarah, Richard & Cath — September 2015
  • Wonderful place

    We are four friends from Newton, Massachusetts. Two of us have been to Helston before and have been eager to return. When we opened the door to Mowhay Barn and found this wonderful place we felt like clapping hands and dancing for joy. I was the one who found Kestle Barton on the internet months before and the pictures looked beautiful. Now sadly we have to return home, but we have fulfilled the longing to see Cornwall again and to drink, eat fish and chips and to walk the public footpaths along the Cornish coast.

    Ian, Steve, Rhoda & Barry — September 2015
  • Can't wait to come back!

    Absolutely loved it here, the beaches are absolutely amazing and we all had Church Cove as our favourite _ sand, waves, surfing, cliffs, spa treatment with seaweed! Can't wait to come back!

    Ade — July 2015
  • The most amazing time

    Thank you so much — had the most amazing time, it was so much fun. We love the beaches, especially Church Cove.

    Daisy — July 2015
  • IMG 1533
    Various guests — February 2015
  • So lovely

    We're here again because it was so lovely before. And our daffodils of spring time have turned to straw. And now we have blue cornflowers on the table, thank you Ryya. We have loved each other's company and we are still in love with Kestle Barton.

    Sylvia — June 2015
  • Perfect

    Thank you so much, it has been a joy, the blue bells and wild garlic and visiting Frenchman's Creek. The gallery and gardens are glorious and the cottage — perfect. We didn't want to leave.

    Ian, Natalie, Glynn & Noah — May 2015
  • Drawing of bearded man in visitor book of Mowhay Barn holiday cottage
  • An amazing time

    An amazing time for the whole family — so much to do, that one week became ten days over Christmas. So relaxing, with walks and fantastic pubs for refreshments along the way. Kestle Barton is our secret, tell no one!

    The Harpips — January 2015
  • Beautiful, peaceful place

    Memories from a great Cornish holiday. What a beautiful, peaceful place this is.

    The Wood family — May 2014
  • Brilliant

    It was completely brilliant!

    Naomi — October 2013
  • Stunning barn
    Watercolour painting of area around Mowhay Barn holiday cottage near Helford

    We were lucky enough to spend a whole week in and around this stunning barn. The roadside banks were a sea of primroses, campions and violets and the woods were completely awash with wild garlic. Our walk around Helford, Manaccan and the Lizard Peninsula have been break-taking - we will definitely return. It was a privilege to stay in this wonderful conversion — thank you.

    Unknown — 2013
  • Amazing

    Our stay was lovely. The facilities are amazing, and the location beautiful.

    Lindsay, Paul, Megan, Caitlan & Wilf — 2013
Availability & Pricing
Loading
Sorry, this calendar requires javascript in order to work.

Last Minute

Sorry, this search requires javascript in order to work.
6
Arrival/Departure date
14
Discount applied
Book with confidence

View our Terms and Conditions here, which includes our dog policy, cancellation policy, and more.

Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.

Video