6 bed detached house for sale

Gillan, Manaccan, Helston, Cornwall TR12

Originally built in the early 1930s, Machan is a striking and rare example of Art Moderne architecture, beautifully positioned on the Lizard Peninsula overlooking Gillan Creek, just south of the entrance to the Helford River. Set within approximately 9.35 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds, the house enjoys a spectacular coastal setting and has been extensively restored and renovated to an exacting standard by the current owners.

Machan combines historic architectural charm with every modern convenience. It is arguably one of the finest Art Moderne homes in the UK. The layout has been carefully designed to maximise the exceptional sea views, with key living areas enjoying a front-row position. The standout feature is a dramatic 180-degree bay window in the dining room that captures panoramic views across the gardens and harbour.

The drawing room opens through large folding windows and French doors to a south-facing terrace, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow ideal for entertaining. The bespoke kitchen is a design masterpiece, crafted in rare Amboyna burl wood, and features curved cabinetry, quartz worktops, a central island hewn from a single slab of stone, and cleverly integrated appliances including a knock-activated dishwasher. Elegant double doors from the kitchen lead out to a new morning terrace, ideal for al fresco coffee and summer breakfasts. Hidden behind a secret door is a temperature-controlled wine cellar, while the adjacent walk-in larder with space for a Sub Zero fridge, freezer, and wine cooler.

Further ground floor rooms include a media room, a home office with independent access, and a recently upgraded indoor heated swimming pool with an electric cover, hot tub area, and shower.

The first floor maintains the home's generous proportions, featuring a vast principal suite with a private sea-facing terrace, dressing area, and luxury en suite bathroom. There are three additional double bedrooms, two with terraces and all with en suites. One bedroom incorporates a turret, offering sweeping views over the gardens and valley beyond.

Outbuildings include a double garage, workshop, orangery, and two store rooms, as well as a newly constructed garage with space for a third vehicle—all with electric door openers. The grounds have been meticulously designed for low-maintenance enjoyment, with formal terraces planted with native and tropical species, gravelled walkways, and meandering paths down to the lane from where the foreshore can be accessed.

The position of the property affords exceptional privacy and tranquillity, while maintaining excellent access to the sailing waters of the Helford River, nearby beaches, and the scenic South West Coast Path. With access to Gillan Creek, generous accommodation, and beautifully landscaped grounds, Machan offers a rare opportunity to acquire a coastal estate in Cornwall that is as practical as it is architecturally iconic.

Machan occupies a remarkable elevated position on the Lizard Peninsula, enjoying total privacy and spectacular views across Gillan Creek, just south of the entrance to the Helford River. Surrounded by protected countryside within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the property offers an exceptional vantage point, with far-reaching views across Falmouth Bay to Falmouth and St Mawes, both just four miles away by sea.

The sub-tropical gardens at Machan extend down to the lane giving access to Gillan Cove, a picturesque spot with a sandy beach, stone quay, and access to a network of coastal and creekside walks. The local landscape is renowned for its natural beauty, with routes from the property leading to Porthallow, Frenchman's Creek, and along the Helford River, all offering some of the most scenic walking in Cornwall. The area is rich in birdlife and wildlife, providing a tranquil, ever-changing natural backdrop throughout the seasons.

The nearby village of Manaccan is just under two miles away and is known for its colour-washed thatched cottages, 12th-century church, and celebrated 200-year-old fig tree growing from the church steeple. There is also a popular local pub. Slightly further afield, St Keverne offers a wider range of local amenities including two pubs, a butcher, general store, newsagent, health centre, and Greenhouse restaurant.

For sailing enthusiasts, this part of the South Cornwall coast offers some of the best water sports and yachting in the UK. The Helford River, Carrick Roads, and Falmouth Bay are home to a number of sailing clubs and water sports schools, with moorings available in Gillan Creek. The Helford River Sailing Club, with deep water moorings and a riverside pub, is a short boat ride away and a popular base for local and visiting sailors.

While Machan enjoys a tranquil, secluded setting, it remains well-connected. The cathedral city of Truro is 23 miles to the north-east, providing comprehensive shopping, schooling, and cultural facilities. Falmouth is approximately 21 miles away and offers further amenities and a thriving marina. The A30 trunk road lies about 6.6 miles north of Truro and now benefits from recent improvements, providing fast road access to the M5 at Exeter.

Truro railway station offers direct services to London Paddington in approximately 4 hours 17 minutes, while Newquay Airport—around 42 miles away—provides a range of domestic and international flights, including routes to London, Manchester, Dublin, and Edinburgh.