Cornwall Living
The allure of the estuary
In conversation with Rohrs and Rowe, we ask what it is about the Camel Estuary that continues to draw buyers in search of their dream home.
Winding its way gently in land, the Camel Estuary is a walkers’ paradise, a wildlife haven, a must-visit for cyclists, and home to some of the most esteemed chefs and restaurateurs in Cornwall. No wonder then, that the area has become a beacon of promise to those seeking a tonic to an increasingly busy and stressful lifestyle, providing a sense of ocean-aired freedom that so many of us have found ourselves craving in the wake of events over the past two years. Especially in light of the pandemic that’s still very much fresh in our minds, more homeowners than ever have found themselves looking to their own four walls, examining their lifestyles and re-assessing what’s important. Perhaps nobody is more familiar with this trend than Martyn Rohrs and Matthew Rowe, founders of award-winning Cornish estate agents, Rohrs & Rowe, who sell some of the Camel Estuary area’s most exceptional and sought-after property. Before we get into those however, let’s dive a little deeper into what makes this stretch of Cornwall so alluring.
If days spent under the power of sail are your idea of zen, then the Camel Estuary is home to some of the finest sailing waters in the UK, particularly in Rock. Championing the philosophy and traditions of good seamanship, keen racing and a happy family atmosphere, Rock Sailing Club welcomes new members with open arms, providing the perfect environment to spend time with likeminded seagoers, a place to make life-long friends and share in the joy of time spent on the water. Perhaps, instead, you wish to take a guided tour of the waterways, sitting back as you watch the coastline ebb past? If so, there are a number of tour agencies providing trips designed to show you the very best of what the sheltered waters here have to offer, including wildlife spotting and even fishing, perfect for catching your supper before heading home and firing up the grill.
Alternatively, if you prefer solid ground beneath your feet, then the Camel Estuary provides some of the finest cycling you’ll find in Cornwall, namely the Camel Trail, which offers cyclists of all ages and abilities the chance to take an easy ride. There are plenty of places to enjoy lunch too, all with incredible views and spots from which to watch the local wildlife. Of course, for some, nothing beats a bucket and spade day on the beach, in which case, one of the famed ‘Seven Bays’, centred around the small village of St Merryn, will provide you with all the sun, sand and sea you could ask for.
Whichever way in which you choose to spend your days, the Cornish sea air is sure to sharpen your appetite, and where better to be than in the culinary capital of Cornwall, Padstow? Renowned for the collection of celebrity owned restaurants, including those of Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth, with Nathan Outlaw’s offering available further along the coast, there’s reason that foodies flock to Padstow every year! Drawing on the region’s abundance of fresh, seasonal produce, daily caught seafood and locally reared meats, the changing menus of the restaurants around the estuary are an allure in themselves.
But it isn’t just the landscape, coastline and lifestyle that draw buyers to the Camel Estuary. The stamp of property here is exceptional, as is evident in the list of available, coming soon and recently sold homes on the books of Rohrs and Rowe. Take Trevoseen, for example; a five/six-bedroom coastal home with outstanding sea views across the entirety of Trevone Bay (one of the aforementioned Seven Bays). Striking and exceptionally spacious, the house has been designed to maximise the stunning, uninterrupted sea views. Set out over three floors, the accommodation and living spaces provide ample room to spread out, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening out onto the terrace and providing the ocean views beyond. With beautifully set-out gardens, a broad sun terrace and an excellent, recently built summer house at the bottom of the garden that’s perfect for entertaining, Trevoseen is a prime example of the quality buyers have come to expect from property in the Padstow area.
Another contrasting yet excellent example, is Great Engollan Farm. This handsome, detached coastal farmhouse boasts five bedrooms in the main residence. Add to this a one-bedroom integral annexe called The Loft, as well as an additional one-bedroom separate cottage within the grounds called The Nook, and the flexible accommodation at Great Engollan lends itself to visitors, dependent family members, or even the potential for additional income via holiday lettings. With parking for numerous cars, a detached double garage, and being less than two miles from the nearest beach, Porthcothan Bay, Great Engollan provides the space and lifestyle that two years of lockdowns have left so many searching for.
Rohrs & Rowe have numerous other properties either on, or coming to the market in the Camel Estuary area over the course of the summer, so be sure to get in contact and register your details to find out more.
Rohrs & Rowe
