
Guest testimonials
Wildwood Holt was the perfect place to bring us all together from far and wide (London, Amsterdam, and Tokyo). Such a beautiful house, and we all slept so well. The kids loved exploring the garden, and we befriended the local cats. Thanks so much for your hospitality. We hope we can stay again someday.
Thank you for making us feel so welcome in your beautiful home, so peaceful and comfortable. Leaving feeling rested and re-energised.
Thank you for a wonderful stay in your adorable home. Such a comfortable and homely place to spend a holiday. We can´t imagine anywhere more tranquil. We truly appreciated the thoughtful touches and helpful suggestions.
After a long drive from Norfolk, we found Wildwood Holt by following your excellent directions. We went to St Michael´s Mount, Land´s End, and also to St Ives. Lots of visits, then home again. Thanks!
We enjoyed the beautiful location with easy access to the coast. Our dogs took several of your recommended walks and especially enjoyed the walk to Tremayne Quay. Thank you for all of your lovely local recommendations.
A beautiful home with a restful atmosphere! Welcoming and tasteful furnishings and a well-appointed kitchen. Thanks so much for letting us stay in your charming home, we´ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
We had a wonderful stay at Wildwood Holt. The property was beautiful and well equipped. The owners are the most perfect hosts, thank you for providing us with a much needed break!
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
Wildwood Holt
St Martin, Helford, Cornwall, UK
Wildwood Holt sits at the heart of a deep Cornish valley near the Helford River on the Lizard Peninsula. Enveloped in birdsong with its own babbling brook, enchanting secret gardens and a carefully curated interior scheme, this wilderness escape ensures a truly restorative stay. From Swallows and Amazons woodland exploration to days spent sand between toes and eves sea shanty singing, you're assured an authentic Cornish retreat at Wildwood. Read more...
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Introduction
Set amidst an impressive private estate near Cornwall's illustrious Helford River, this luxury self-catering cottage was designed to celebrate the romantic woodland setting in which it hides. Peeking out from the propped-up-by-trees porch covered in clambering vines, there's no escaping holiday mode at Wildwood Holt. Accessed via a footbridge over a babbling brook, with fragrant rose bushes, delicate cosmos and climbing clematises at every turn, here is a home where all of the senses can be satiated. Pretty, charming and all-encompassing, there's idyllic, and then there's Wildwood Holt.
Inside
Exposed wooden beams foraged from the neighbouring woodland crisscross every bedroom, stairway and nook, while crooked branches hanging from thick garden twine dry bunches of wild flowers and sweet-scented herbs. Much of the furniture inside the cottage, including the kitchen bench and children's cabin bed, has been handmade by the owners and their family, and this crafted with love essence ensures a soulful retreat for those who stay. Soft whites, muted florals and sun-bleached wood channels the atmosphere of elaborate garden rooms, where all attention is focused on the swaying greenery outside the hand-carved oak windows.
Outside
Oriental magnolia, vibrant azaleas and twisting rhododendra flow through Wildwood Holt's potager garden which, even on the freshest of spring mornings, invites al fresco coffees and games of Pooh sticks over the footbridge. A rustic pergola, smothered in creeping ivy and topped with glowing festoon lights, encourages long summer suppers which linger well into the night and the lush lawn calls for afternoon siestas atop blankets, South-Cornwall style. Tempting as it is to stay within this stolen slice of Eden, the azure waters of the Helford River and golden sands of Kynance Cove await sandy adventures, Kingfisher spotting and rope swinging galore.
There are four first floor bedrooms at Wildwood Holt, three doubles (one with an en suite shower room) and one twin bedroom. The family bathroom includes a freestanding rolltop bath and walk-in shower and there is a separate WC on the ground floor.


Bedroom one
First floor double bedroom
The master bedroom includes a super king-size bed, views into the neighbouring valley and an en suite shower room.

Bedroom two
First floor double bedroom
This bedroom enjoys a king-size bed handmade by the owners' son, views into the garden and shares the family bathroom with bedrooms three and four.

Bedroom three
First floor double bedroom
Bedroom three includes a French-style king-size bed and shares the family bathroom.

Bedroom four
First floor twin bedroom
The twin bedroom is perfect for children, and includes a sleigh bed and cabin bed. This bedroom also shares the family bathroom.

Family bathroom
First floor family bathroom
The family bathroom includes a freestanding rolltop bathtub, rainfall shower and WC.
- PricingFrom £2,995 per week, £2,395 per short break for up to 8 guests
Alternative group sizes of up to 4 or up to 6 guests are available during selected periods at a reflective rate - PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
- PracticalitiesThere is parking at Wildwood Holt for three cars at the end of a country lane by the footbridge. The kitchen includes an electric Aga, electric oven and hob, toaster, microwave, coffee grinder, dishwasher and an American style fridge-freezer. There is a separate utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. Parents are advised to supervise children in the surrounding woodland and around the stream
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Crusty loaf of fresh bread
- Local milk
- Eggs from the owner's chickens
- Dairy butter
- Local bacon
- Homemade cakes or cream tea
- Local fruit jam and preserves
- Local apple juice
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Freshly cut flowers
- Luxury soaps from The White Company
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Locally made bath salts and diffusers
- A generous supply of firewood
- Kindling and firelighters to get you started
- A selection of breakfast and herbal teas
- Ground coffee
- Instant coffee
- Olive oil
- Magazines
- Bluetooth speaker
- Board games
- Hammock
- Garden games
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Recipe books
- Informative house-book guide
- Stairgate
- Fireguard
- A selection of baby toys
- Children´s story and nursery rhyme books
- Crockery and cutlery for infants
- Highchair and cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
Helford
Down towards Cornwall´s Lizard Peninsula, Helford´s hidden creeks, harbour sunsets and country homes will charm guests seeking a peaceful retreat, with the river, valley and woods forming a naturally beautiful backdrop.

Getting there
- On the map The cottage is situated near Helston, within close proximity to the Helford River.
- By car Wildwood Holt is sat in Cornwall's remote Lizard Peninsula, just under six hours' drive from central London.
- By train The closest train station is Falmouth which is a 40 minute taxi ride from the cottage (please note that advanced booking is essential).
- By air The closest airport is Newquay, a 90 minute drive away.

“This is the perfect place to relax and unwind from the stresses of modern-day living. Only a short drive away are surfing beaches, quaint Cornish fishing villages, the incomparable Helford river and the countless treasures to be discovered on the Lizard Peninsula.”
Built in 1800 for the then Governess of the Trelowarren Estate, Wildwood Holt is situated at the end of a long, winding lane in a deep valley near the Helford River. When we first bought the house over 30 years ago it had none of the modern facilities you would expect in the late 1980s, and the previous owners used to get their water from a well up the road!
We spent our first six months here cutting and burning the laurel which had covered the garden before discovering what lay beneath. We then planted it with all the beautiful flowers you see today, making it a real secret garden hidden within the woods.
Wildwood Holt is our much-loved family home. We have raised our children here and gone through all the ups and downs of life with this as our base. It is a real home in a fairy-tale setting, amidst enchanting woodlands with a magical stream running by. The jumping fish and darting dragonflies are your neighbours. Birdsong provides the background music and by the evening, as the moonlight glows through the trees, the babbling stream sings your lullaby.
Jane and Anthony
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Helford. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Do
Kynance Cove
Golden sands and turquoise waters make Kynance Cove close to Lizard Point one of the UK´s most beautiful and infamous beaches. Wander the coast path, dip in the sea and grab a slice of cake from the notorious café.
To See
Frenchman´s Creek
Touted as one of the most romantic spots in Cornwall, this pretty creek on the Helford River was the inspiration behind Daphne du Maurier´s novel of the same name (and makes the perfect picnic spot!).
To Eat
Roskilly´s Farm
Wander the farm which famously produces one of Cornwall´s favourite ice creams. Watch the Jersey cows being milked, browse the pottery and gallery and amble around the ponds with a double cone in hand!
To Do
The Poldark Trail
Follow in the footsteps of 18th century Cornish tin miners on an atmospheric tour of Poldark Mine in the Wendron Valley, now a World Heritage Site.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Can you walk to a pub?
The Prince of Wales is just under a mile away. It might be best to drive, as the walk involves narrow country lanes.
How private is the property?
The only neighbour is Tangle Belle, a small cottage that is also part of the Unique Homestays collection. Whilst they share the access lane, they each have their own separate gardens and do not directly overlook one another.
Below are a selection of features in which Wildwood Holt and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
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Hidden haven
Country Homes & Interiors
July 2022
Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026
The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 2026
5 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026
Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026
Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
5 beach houses to book
Country Living
July 2026
Related collections
Britain in Wonderland > Cabins in the wild > UK > Cornwall > Helford > Wildwood Holt





