Kestle Barton is an award-winning, beautifully restored Cornish farmstead, offering a range of contemporary eco-friendly barn conversions. It nestles between trees and farmland on the sheltered eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, with the dramatic river nearby. The area is quiet and wooded with ancient pathways meandering down to secret creeks, and the local village of Helford. This hidden gem is situated by Frenchman’s Creek in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which was made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s book and the film of the same name.
Kestle Barton: Rural Centre for Contemporary Arts
As well as being home to five stunning holiday cottages, Kestle Barton boasts a fantastic art gallery, which showcases a season of four exhibitions each year, from late March/early April to late October. This small space is highly regarded and all of the free exhibitions and projects are by artists who are based in or strongly connected to the area, including some internationally known and celebrated artists whose work has particular resonance in Cornwall.
The first show of the 2018 season is William Arnold’s Suburban Herbarium; a botanical homage and natural complement to Kestle Barton’s own wild flower meadows and orchards. A collection of photographs made in odd moments as William escaped from the routine of a teaching job will be on show between 24th March – 29th April. There will be a public opening of the exhibition on 24th March from 2pm – 5pm with an Artist’s Talk at 3pm. All are welcome to attend.
Kestle Barton Art Gallery is open from 10:30am – 5pm Tuesday – Sunday, and closed Mondays but open Bank Holidays. Admission is free and light refreshments are available.