Primrose Cottage, Constantine, Cornwall

The subject of a meticulous renovation and extension by the current owners, this beautifully light three-bedroom modern home lies in the Cornish village of Constantine. The internal living space of just over 1,250 sq ft has been carefully designed to utilise every inch, pivoting around the central courtyard to optimise light and merge the interiors with the verdant gardens. The ever-popular Helford River, Helston, and Falmouth are all within seven miles of the house, with wooded creeks and rolling farmland on the doorstep.



The Tour



Set back from a quiet lane, the house sits in a secluded, leafy plot, architecturally defined by the silvery tones of the external timber cladding. A private driveway creates a generous provision of off-street parking, with the primary entrance set beneath a porte cochère, complete with a log store and practical service areas.



The material palette has been incredibly well considered. Micro cement runs underfoot through the light-filled hallway, which unfolds into the open-plan primary living areas. The bespoke kitchen of oak joinery lines one wall, beautifully handcrafted and lending well to everyday modern living.



Soft powder-coloured plaster walls and pitched ceilings create a dynamic yet warm feel at the heart of the home, where large picture windows bring an excellent quality of natural light, framing views to the garden. A log-burning stove forms a natural focal point, and a pair of glazed doors open the entire space to the terrace in warmer months, merging the interior and exterior spaces.



The three generously proportioned double bedrooms are a quiet retreat, adopting a consistent decorative approach with soft tones and tactile materials, and ample storage subtly built into the fabric of the walls. Glass doors open from one of the bedrooms to the decked terrace. The main bathroom, set centrally on plan, has both a large walk-in shower and a deep, welcoming bathtub, and there is also a second shower room and WC opposite.



Outside Space



Externally, the private gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to provide various split-level areas for eating, drinking and enjoying the sun throughout the day. Deep herbaceous borders bring colour and interest throughout the seasons, and specimen trees encourage a rich array of wildlife.



Set on a lower level, there is a useful cellar and utility space, with an independent entrance, power, a kitchenette and a WC. An additional shed provides further external storage for garden equipment.



The Area



The sought-after village of Constantine has a good provision of daily amenities, including a local pub, a school, a doctor’s surgery and a church. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Helford River and celebrated for its tranquil scenery. There is a passenger ferry, close to the famous Ferry Boat Inn, linking Helford Passage with Helford village, which enjoys a shop and a public house.



The area is renowned for its range of leisure activities available, particularly when it comes to swimming, boating and watersports. There are a number of sailing and yacht clubs in the vicinity, and a popular regatta schedule runs throughout the summer. Golfing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice; a popular option is the 18-hole course at the nearby Budock Vean Hotel, which also has excellent spa facilities.



The beautiful Helford River, with its sailing facilities and glorious sub-tropical gardens, is also nearby. The popular café, restaurant and bakery Flora, at the historic and unspoilt Trelowarren estate, is 20 minutes by car and The Black Swan and The Ship Inn are among local favourites for pubs nearby. The independent shops of Helston are also a 20-minute drive away, notably CAST Café and a 15th-century pub with an onsite brewery, The Blue Anchor.



There are a number of breathtaking coastal walks in the area, and the beautiful gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan are close by. The house is also exceptionally well located for easy access to The Lizard Heritage Coast. Dollar Cove, which takes its name from the silver dollars that still wash up from an ancient wreck and the charming 13th-century church, St Winwalloe, are also both within easy reach. Lizard Point, Britain’s most southerly, is a 35-minute drive away.



The cathedral city of Truro is approximately 30 minutes by car. It has a fantastic selection of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a museum and theatre. The university and port town of Falmouth is 25 minutes away, with an ever-growing arts and music community. It also has a host of artisan food stores, independent and antique shops abound, along with a new world music venue, arthouse cinema, waterside restaurants and pubs and the National Maritime Museum.



St Ives is within a 50-minute drive to the north-west, with its own Tate and the Anima Mundi Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery in the South West. It is also home to the wonderfully preserved Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Nearby is Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, host to a multitude of installations by international artists.



Council Tax Band: B