Reviews of Property: Romantic waterfront house set on the beautiful Helford River

It's always a relief when a holiday cottage is as nice as the brochure suggests - and Bishops Quay is!

It is beautifully situated on the river. John and I loved the big sky and amazing view which we could fully appreciate in the evening with a glass of wine when the children were in bed! My favourite evening was when we had a barbecue in the pretty garden and the children paddled and threw stones in the river. Another lovely evening was spent crabbing from the quay. We even managed to persuade our two year old daughter to wear a life jacket so that she could enjoy the fun too! ( I think Ben and Kate have life jackets for most ages.) Obviously we never let our two year old out of our sight and insisted she wear a life jacket on the quay but I didn't feel as stressed about her safety as I thought I might.

Finley loved watching the fishing boats landing their nets on the quay, although his favourite activity was using the canoes provided to go kayaking on the river with John. We also used the rowing boat as well and have promised Finley that we will try the motor boat when we return next year.

The property itself is very comfortable, clean and homely. There are board games for the whole family and DVD's if you wish, although we didn't watch the television the whole week we were there. Kate also very kindly left her grandson's train set for Finley to play with. And that kind of sums the owners up; incredibly thoughtful without being intrusive. Kate left two delicious cakes, fresh eggs and a bottle wine for our arrival - what a welcome!

I have already recommended this property to friends not only because it is very comfortable but also because it is a great base to explore this part of Cornwall from. We particularly enjoyed days out at Trebar Gardens; The Shipwreck and Heritage Centre at Charlestown and two days on the beach at Kynance Cove. Yet what, perhaps, made this holiday especially relaxing was that we didn't feel the need to dash off here and there but instead enjoyed going for walks, playing in the cottage and mucking about on the river. It really was as idyllic as it sounds!

This property is a must for anyone seeking a high quality secluded cottage in a busy holiday area.
We knew it was an excellent choice as we arrived in the early evening just before Easter the sun was setting over the boats bobbing on the river. Total silence and a cottage looking exactly as the pictures on the internet.

Two hungry teenagers and an elderly labrador could not believe their eyes when, on entering the kitchen, they saw home made cakes, chocolate easter gifts and a bowl of dog biscuits. The adults were not forgotten either, fresh flowers in every room and wine in the fridge.

This property is ideal for families with older children as Ben & Kate provide a selection of canoes and boats, complete with life jackets, which can be used by guests to explore the river.

As is normal in the UK, the weather was mixed but BQ was so comfortable that wet days passed quickly. Teenagers do not worry about rain if they are out in canoes and parents are left to enjoy the absolute silence and a good book.

If you want a relaxing holiday, look no further , this is an excellent property with an interesting history and charming owners who are not intrusive.

I can thoroughly recomend Bishops Quay and will return.

Fantastic location, idyllic even, on a creek. Gorgeous views. The house is lovely, welcome very warm without being intrusive and all sorts of goodies are provided - wine, homemade biscuits, eggs from Kate's chickens. A charming little touch - Mamma Mia DVD, recently released when we visited, was lying gift wrapped just next to the TV. Very thoughtful.

The property is clean, well maintained and has all sorts of interesting pictures, ornaments and a wonderful selection of books all over the house - Cornwall, shipwrecks, walks, history, wide range of fiction, art books, photos.

Lovely warm bathroom, masses of hot water and towels, bath better than shower. Gorgeous little designer soaps for you in bathroom, loo and kitchen. Kitchen has everything you need, well stocked and laid out. Firewood and coal provided for open fire in living room.

Temperature a bit chilly in the bedroom (we only used one) - but we were there in early December and maybe we didn't check out how to work the central heating properly - Kate would have advised.

There are a couple of small boats available for use by the folk renting the house, maybe one rowing boat and one with outboard - at a more clement time of year we would have definitely tried this - exploring the creek by water would have been wonderful.

The owners family fish commercially, with small sea going fishing boats leaving from the private quay at various times, depending on the tide. This adds to the charm and interest of the place.

We have recommended this property to our friends.

There are good walks from the house, or a short drive away. We spend most time walking, followed by a visit to a pub - there are some good ones in the villages on the Lizard and within 5 miles of the property.

The owner is a charming person, who is really concerned that people renting the house enjoy themselves and have everything they need - all this without being intrusive.

Well behaved dogs welcome - ours was with us and he had a great time.

I hope that I've done this place justice - we feel so pleased to have found it (and Kate and Ben) and have now had two short winter holidays there.

A totally deserved and appropriate characterization of the setting and sensations that BQ imbues which coupled with the Kirby’s thoughtful expressions and kindnesses makes it an experience unmatched over a lifetime of travel.

Can there be any vista that surpasses the awakening outlook from the bedroom window over the Helford to the hills beyond – a sense of total serenity with no evidence of humanity in sight – truly, a world away.

We’ve now lost count of the number of visits to BQ. Not only do we always return, but we always want to when we’re away.

it's easy.
For once the descriptions in the overview are true and even better.

So read them :-)

There were flowers everywhere. The Sweet William greet you as you drive in and then scented roses surround the property. The freesia and stocks left for us inside were beautiful. There were delicious home made cake and buiscuits, wine, beer in the fridge, and even dog treats waiting for us on our arrival.
Kate is a warm and friendly person, who makes you feel as if you have known her for years, she also seems to anticipate everything that you could need.
We loved the rooms, which were very comfortable and full of character, and were mesmerised by the fantastic view from the balcony and lounge. Although we explored the local coves in the morning, most afternoons we bbq'd in the pretty little garden that runs alongside the river. Just to sit and watch the river and the wildlife was so peaceful. Occasionally the fishermen came in to the quay with their catch which was fascinating to watch.
We wished that we could have stayed on for another week, I would have loved a chance to have got stuck in to the many good books that were on offer. Our dog, JJ, well behaved but not keen on other dogs,settled very quickly into the new routine, and the resident spaniels were tactfully given alternative space to enjoy.
Thank you
Annie, Nip & JJ

From the moment you step inside, you just know how much you're going to enjoy this beautiful riverside retreat. Fabulous flowers everywhere, books that you actually want to read, the comfiest beds you can imagine - attention to detail is Kate's forte - and it makes for a perfect place to stay. Lots of lovely places nearby to visit but mostly we just wanted to stay 'at home' watching birds and basking in peace and tranquility.
If you get the opportunity to try Kate's homemade baking or the delicious eggs from her 'ladies' you really must do so. Like us, you'll want to return. Thank you Kate and Ben, see you soon!

Bishops Quay is the perfect romantic, relaxing location for a holiday. From the time of arrival to departure, Kate & Ben, are the perfect hosts giving you privacy yet always friendly and helpful, they make you feel as if you are part of their family. Whether touring by car or walking its an ideal base to return to. Various types of boating are available and swimming is possible from the Quay. The accommodation is second to none as are Kate's cakes! We would challenge anyone to find fault with Bishops Quay and although we had a gap of 5 years it was our third visit but by no means our last.