Discover the Lizard Peninsula

Award-winning property agents Rohrs & Rowe offer their take on the appeal of the Lizard Peninsula.

As the southerly most area of the British mainland, the Lizard Peninsula offers up some unique experiences that make it a very desirable place, not just to visit, but to lay down some roots too.

Firstly, framing this ancient landscape are a number of wonderful beaches. Starting on the west side there’s Loe Bar, a tract of sand that separates the sea from the largest expanse of fresh water in Cornwall, reputedly the last resting place of Excalibur! Definitely a place to visit with a picnic on a summer’s day. Working round you’ll encounter Dollar Cove (a favourite location for the recent TV series Poldark) and Gunwalloe Church Cove – ideal for swimming and body boarding or just kicking back and sunbathing. Not far after this is Poldhu, the ‘surfer’s beach’, complete with sand-side café. However, the jewel in the peninsula’s crown must be Kynance Cove, dubbed Britain’s best beach by many, and it’s not hard to understand why. A beach which is accessible at both low and high water, Kennack Sands lies on the east coast of the Lizard peninsula. There is a rocky outcrop that splits the beach almost in two (east and west) and low tide provides ample room for those classic beach games.

As you would expect, from a piece of land surrounded on three sides by the sea, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in water sports – from traditional surfing to paddle boarding as well as in-shore diving and canoeing. You can bring your own kit but all of these activities are well catered for by locally run businesses.

Unsurprisingly, it is also a treasure trove of places and activities. With its hard rocky coastline combined with its proximity to the entrance to the English Channel, the peninsula is an explorer’s and walker’s paradise. Stepping back from the more obvious destinations you’ll find the lesser known ‘best kept secrets’  – places such as Gillan Cove, concealed just inside the mouth of the Gillan Creek and backed by the woodland of the Helford; 

Tremayne Quay, built by Sir Richard Vyvyan in 1847, anticipating a visit from Queen Victoria. The planned visit never happened but the quay is now a Grade II listed structure. The sheltered coastal village of Porthallow, once a busy fishing village with a thriving pilchard fleet, is well worth a visit as is the local pub, the Five Pilchards! Just north of here is Nare Point, the site of an ex-MOD observatory, where panoramic views encompass St. Mawes castle across the bay. Two places that will find you going back to, time and again, are St. Anthony and Cadgwith, the latter for its charm and the fact that it’s a real working village that maintains a way of life almost completely forgotten elsewhere.

After all these activities you’ll need to replenish and refuel. Again, you won’t find the area wanting. The Mullion Cove Hotel welcomes diners with its extensive fish and seafood menus and has regularly received two rosettes from the AA for its exceptional food. Just along the coast is the Polurrian Hotel with its contemporary vibe, catering for those seeking a relaxed, child-friendly environment. Further round the coast is the Housel Bay Hotel mainlining on locally grown produce with its menus inspired by the seasons. And of course, there are traditional pubs and cafes dotted about the landscape, such as the Halzephron Inn at Gunwalloe, the inland bistro and wild campsite Fat Apples Cafe near Porthallow or the Shipwrights nudging the shoreline of the Helford river.

With their in-depth knowledge of the area, Rohrs & Rowe are in the ideal position to find your dream property here or to help you sell. In fact, their negotiator, Jason Fletcher, spent twelve years living on the Lizard and now resides at its gateway in Helston. The team at Rohrs & Rowe have a lot of experience selling in the area with some fantastic successes over the last couple of years. As testimony, we can highlight four properties that they have recently completed on.

The Barn in Manaccan, sold in early 2023, is a charming detached residence that sits within a beautiful private setting. This exceptional house has been built in the style of a barn and its design provides spacious accommodation. One of its unique features is a garden labyrinth! Also sold in early 2023 is Colvennor Farmhouse that offers up views across Mounts Bay. This former farmhouse has huge charm and many original features to enjoy. The drawing room is really lovely, featuring an impressive inglenook fireplace and views into the private rear garden. Two properties that sold back in 2021 are Tredower – an immaculately finished, non-listed four-bedroom former farmhouse which had recently been meticulously renovated throughout and Penmarth House in Coverack – a fabulous residence set in a commanding position, that affords it the most outstanding panoramic views across the harbour and bay.

Finally, if you find yourself ready to make the move then there are two properties that are waiting to be snapped up. Pengarrock Farm – a gorgeous former farmhouse in a stunning location, with a courtyard of beautiful stone barns provides three attractive holiday cottages. The property is unlisted and consists of a handsome farmhouse and an unspoilt courtyard of stone barns. All are set within delightful gardens and grounds just a short walk from the coast and the pretty hamlet of Porthallow. Alma House – a superbly renovated and impeccably presented four/five-bedroom semi-detached house, set in the heart of Mullion. It has been extensively updated with the current owners creating a very special primary residence, investment property or holiday home that offers stylish and comfortable accommodation throughout.

So, if you are looking to buy a home on the Lizard, we would highly recommend a visit. Or, if you have a home here and are considering selling, be sure to get in touch to see how Rohrs & Rowe’s expert local knowledge can help.

Rohrs & Rowe
01872 306360
info@rohrsandrowe.co.uk
www.rohrsandrowe.co.uk