4 Coastguard Cottage

4 Coastguard Cottage is a three-bedroom cottage sleeping two, part of the original row of coastguard houses on Helford Passage, built around 1850. Number 4 belonged to the ship's skipper - the Coastguard Service formed in 1822 to suppress smuggling on the Helford River.

Inside, the cottage has been renovated with whitewashed walls and clean lines, keeping the original character of the 1850s building. The layout runs across a large living area, a modern kitchen, a children's den, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Local artwork hangs on the walls and wifi runs throughout.

Outside, a suntrap terrace looks over the Helford River. On-site facilities shared with the Helford Passage properties include the heated outdoor pool (May to September), kayak and paddleboard hire, and access to the sandy beach and Ferryboat Inn below. Prices from GBP920/week, rising to GBP2,224 in peak season.

The foot ferry crosses to Helford village, where paths lead to Frenchman's Creek of Daphne du Maurier fame. Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens are a short drive inland, and Falmouth lies around 20 minutes by road for shops, restaurants, and the National Maritime Museum. The South West Coast Path runs directly from the door.

Best for: couples or small groups who want historic character, coast path access, and shared pool facilities. Less good for: larger groups (cottage sleeps two despite having three bedrooms) or guests who prefer entirely private grounds.