The Helford River is a romantic estuary, with thick dark scrub oak trees running right down to the water. Save for the hamlets of Durgan, Helford and Helford passage, between which there is a little boat ferry in the summer, houses are few and far between, more often inland up the side creeks than in the estuary itself. Sometime in the eighteenth century, an oysterman's cottage was built on the upper reaches of the river and then in 1832, Jonathan Mayne built a small sea wall and granite ramp, inscribed with his name and the date. Then, in the 1930's, Lorelei was built fifty yards above the beach, and has since been completely redesigned and rebuilt. The new house is quite large and in an exceptional position, opposite Frenchman's Creek, facing south across the river with barely a house in sight, and with views both up and down stream.
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The house is up a private drive, some mile and a quarter long, and passing a farm. All but the last poor section of road is tarmaced and this last section is not suitable for low slung cars. Much of the drive in is on a ridge beside a creek & with stunning views of the estuary and the surrounding countryside.
The garden, of about half an acre, runs down to the edge of the sea, where there are steps to the beach. This is not suitable for children under 4 years unless they are supervised at all times. There are lawns on all sides of the house, with camellias, a palm or two, other shrubs and large Cupressus macrocarpa trees along the drive to the north. It is attractive to wildlife, including rabbits, and care should be taken when using the garden. Beyond the garden, lies agricultural land on three sides.
The house is well situated to visit the attractions of Cornwall, and make use of the sailing, golf and other sports facilities of the area. It is also close to many of' the famous gardens of Cornwall and a good base from which to visit them. The Lizard is right on the doorstep, as are the towns of Helston and Falmouth. Truro is some fourteen miles away. The North coast is some thirty minutes drive. The local village is Constantine where the village shop has an astonishing array of whisky. But there are also lovely lanes to explore, the coastal path and many other local walks, there are beaches, and small creek and hamlets such as that of nearby Port Navas.
The house is friendly, comfortable, and well heated. It is loved for its space, position and views, as a comfortable retreat and for informal entertaining and gatherings.
The interior layout of Lorelei is around a central hall on the first and ground floor. The main entrance from the drive is over granite paving stones through a high oak door into the hall with views through double doors on to the slate floored loggia and the river and tree covered hills beyond. Off to the left is a circular timber stair to the gallery, which can be an extension of the entertaining and sitting area, and has views over the trees to the mouth of the Helford River and the Sea beyond. The stair way to the ground floor leads to a similar large hall, with a fine door leading to the terrace.
Lorelei has five large bedrooms and one bedroom has a four poster. There are three bathrooms one of which is en suite with shower room, one has an old fashioned renovated bath and one has three communal showers.
The large sitting room has fine proportions and a ceiling some 3.5 metres high over an oak planked floor, and forms part of the open plan kitchen. Three windows look west up the estuary, with not a house in sight, other windows look south across the estuary to Frenchman's creek and north across the drive to the fields beyond. The gallery, halls and circulation space form part of the pleasure and entertaining space of the interior although this has also been designed to provide comfortable privacy in front of the open fireplace. Most of the many windows are large double opening, french style, fitted with coloured blinds. To the left of the front door, there's also a combined utility room, cloakroom and W.C. Downstairs there is a washing machine and drier.
The whole ground floor, including the large hall and garden door has terracotta tiles throughout, with scatter rugs. The first floor is principally oak planked save for the master bedroom which is carpeted. The utility & master bathroom have cork tiles. Internal balcony or loggia is slate floored.
Much of the furniture reflects the idiosyncrasies of the owners but is essentially that for a family house, and is comfortable with varied sofas chairs and tables. The kitchen is practical and has basic equipment including large cooker with gas hob and electric oven, fridges and dishwasher. There is a freezer and a Utility room. There is a washing machine and drier downstairs. There is a remote controlled music centre. Flat screen satellite television with DVD. Internet access with broadband. Oil fired heating system. Drinking water is from a private and regularly tested borehole.
Private drive area and turning circle surrounded by pines. Doors to the garden on both principal and ground floor which latter gives to grassed terrace with stone steps leading away from it. Bring boots for country and beach walking. Wood for open fire are included in rent. A maximum of 2 dogs are allowed.
