Trelowen (meaning ‘Happy Home’ in Cornish) is a beautifully appointed, spacious one bedroom self-contained ground floor apartment sleeping up to four in an Edwardian country house in the creekside village of Port Navas on the Helford River.
Built in 1903, the property has high ceilings throughout and an exceptionally light and airy living room with a wide bay window overlooking a terrace and beyond that, 2 acres of sub-tropical gardens for you to enjoy.
A peaceful hidden gem in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Port Navas is just 7 miles south west of the popular maritime port of Falmouth with its wealth of artisan shops and restaurants. And to the south west of the village is the rugged, granite Lizard Peninsular – a treasure trove of picture postcard harbours, spectacular unspoilt coves pounded by the waves of the Celtic Sea and Lizard Point; the most southerly place in England.
Inside
Trelowen is the perfect base for couples of all ages looking to get away from it all – but with the luxury and ease of modern amenities at your fingertips.
The apartment has its own entrance through a stable door leading directly (and with sloping step-free access) to the side of the house next to the apartment’s designated off-road parking space – extremely handy for unloading the car.
The generous bedroom has a kingsize (5ft) traditional Victorian-style bed frame with a luxurious, deep, British-made pocket sprung mattress with extra topper, plump pillows, cosy duvet and 100% cotton bedlinen. Every care has been taken for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Next to the bedroom is the contemporary bathroom in calming tones of slate and grey. With underfloor heating, motion sensor mirror lighting, electric toothbrush/razor point, a large overhead shower and separate moveable shower arm over a modern bath with central waterfall taps it is an oasis of calm – a great place to relax after a day spent exploring the area. The bathroom also houses a washer-dryer and laundry equipment.
The galley kitchen has everything a cook on holiday could need. From a four ring induction hob, Neff oven, simple to use microwave, quiet extractor hood, dishwasher, ample fridge-freezer space, floor level heating and plenty of room for groceries the kitchen is a great place to cook. Plus there is a classic Nespresso coffee machine and most things you would expect to find in your own kitchen at home.
The living room enjoys day-long sunshine streaming in through the large sash bay windows. The oak and glass dining table seats up to four and at night is cocooned by the full length curtains into a cosy alcove. The apartment has gas central heating and for extra atmosphere it also has a slate fireplace filled with firefly fairylights.
The double sofabed is available for use as an extra bed if required.
There is so much to see and do in the area, but for those times when you just want to relax in the apartment there is a 4K Ultra HD smart television, art materials, a selection of board games, a small library of books and fast fibre broadband throughout.
Outside
Unusually for a holiday apartment, Trelowen enjoys the use of 2 acres of spectacular sub-tropical gardens shared with the five other apartments in the building.
In front of the bay window there is a gravelled terrace – perfect if you don’t wish to venture too far to dine al fresco – and as it faces south west it captures the sun the whole day. The apartment has a bistro patio set for two so you can choose your perfect dining spot.
Down the central steps (or along the path for those wishing to avoid steps) a formal lawned area overlooks the historically significant Japanese Garden. Surrounding this there is an avenue of tree ferns, a giant magnolia, winding paths through the trees, a majestic dinosaur of a tree felled by a previous storm and secret hidden glades – perfect places for a picnic – or to enjoy a sneaky glass of fizz.
The garden is maintained organically without pesticides or herbicides and with a focus on providing a natural habitat for the many species of wildlife found there (stay very still and you may see one of our visiting deer amongst the trees). It may not look as manicured as the neighbouring heritage gardens at Trebah and Glendurgan but that is part of its charm; it’s a truly wonderful spot to be.
To the side of the apartment underneath the kitchen window there is an outside tap – handy for rinsing off wetsuits and muddy boots.