Cornwall LivingIssue #128
Destination Porthleven
Luxury property agents, Rohrs & Rowe, explore the unique appeal of this popular harbour town.
Porthleven is a port of many guises. In the summer, visitors flock to take seats at the watering holes on its three landward sides, basking in the sun and seeking catharsis in its glassy, sheltered waters. Then, as autumn comes around, powerful swells begin to roll in from Mount’s Bay and explode on the breakwater, engulfing in its entirety the iconic clocktower and putting into perspective the overwhelming power of the sea.
In short, whatever the time of year, it’s an amazing place to be, especially since recent years of investment and local entrepreneurship have seen the cobbled harbourside transformed into a bustling hub of leisure. Full-time businesses have established themselves to provide locals and visitors alike with an enticing blend of food and drink, from fine dining to street food, and even
a local brewery. Galleries display the work of local artists across a spectrum of mediums, all inspired by the Cornish land and seascapes, while independent retailers offer explorers everything they could need, from hard-wearing coastal couture, to keepsakes for their mantle back home. There is also now a regular calendar of events and festivals celebrating all of those things that make Cornwall so popular, and for visitors unable to resist the allure of the ocean, local guides offer on-the-water experiences, including paddleboard hire and even fishing charters.
In short, it has put itself firmly on the map of ‘must-visits’ for those seeking to enjoy the best of Cornwall. More than that, it has cemented itself as one of the county’s most sought-after destinations for those seeking a life by the sea, with many of those holidaying here finding themselves increasingly reluctant to leave. Perhaps this is why Martyn and Matthew, founders of multi award-winning property agency, Rohrs and Rowe, have seen exceptional demand for some of Porthleven’s most esteemed luxury homes.
Trenwheal Barn is one such. Sold by Rohrs and Rowe in summer this year, this impressive home is set in picturesque countryside on the outskirts of the village. With views over the village and the ocean beyond, this beautiful converted barn with four bedrooms (including a master and guest room with en suites) feels at once contemporary, yet still traditionally cosy. On the outside, landscaped gardens feature a broad patio to one side with ample parking, an area with built-in seating, a fire pit, and even a hot tub. Stepping inside and the interiors exude a genuine feeling of warmth, while offering the modern family a generous, open-plan space in which to spread out. Its reverse-level accommodation is designed to capitalise on the views. The first-floor living, kitchen and dining area features impressive vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and trusses; a full-width balcony invites you outside in the summer, while a central woodburner keeps things cosy in
the winter.
“Our clients purchased the property as a stop-gap in 2020,” says Matthew, “after searching for a residence in Cornwall – the county being among those in the UK least affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our large-scale marketing campaign was a great success, resulting in multiple bids from several competing buyers. Our clients were absolutely delighted with the results, as we achieved an excellent price
for them.”
Pendower is another fine example. Situated in an elevated position on what Porthleven locals refer to as ‘Breageside’, just like Trenwheal Barn, this spacious Edwardian residence enjoys enviable views over Mount’s Bay, but whereas the former enjoys a secluded spot in the countryside, the latter lies just a 500-yard jaunt from the harbour and all it has to offer. Built to be the home of the village schoolmaster, the property has been sympathetically updated to meticulous, contemporary standards, whilst retaining its prominent sense of history via a number of beautiful original period features. Outside, a lovely garden with enclosed rear terrace connects wonderfully with the kitchen making it ideal for entertaining, and at the far end, it even features an annexe,
perfect for use as a home office, studio, or additional accommodation.
“This time, the home in question had been on the market with another national agency, but had failed to sell,” says Matthew. “When we took on the instruction, we created a much higher-quality, more extensive marketing campaign that quickly generated a great deal of interest. Again, we received multiple competitive offers”
These sales are proof of Porthleven’s growing popularity as a high-quality lifestyle destination and also the strength of the demand for its property. They are testament to the personalised approach to estate agency on which Matthew and Martyn have built their reputation over their six years of being in business. Specialising in Cornwall’s unique and characterful properties, they are experiencing exceptional demand for homes in the Porthleven area and as such are in need of more properties in order to satisfy the market demands. So, if you have a home in the area and are considering selling, why not get in touch to see how they could help?
Rohrs & Rowe
