We love Cornwall in winter. Helford is lovely....but this isn't a great winter property! In winter. It's cold. No central heating, but ancient night storage heaters (and not switched on for our arrival?). There is an open fire in the lounge with some wood provided, so you'll need to buy more....just don't use the local shop - she must have chopped it down that day. Burning wet wood in an open fire is rather pointless!
The cottage itself was clean and generally well maintained and in a great location 2 mins walk away from the Shipwrights arms pub which is excellent. The garden area across the road will be beautiful in summer without a doubt and all of the bedrooms had views over the estuary.
It has to be noted though that we were baffled by the 19p per unit 'electric meter charge' which isn't mentioned in the booking info info. Although there was an oil filled electric radiator and a heat fan provided this was mid winter, we were certainly not willing to be hit with per unit electric charge which were not made aware of! So it was ignored out of principle - such charges should be made clear at the booking stage. If it isn't applicable the 'red electric unit book' should not be left out in the middle of the kitchen table for confused unsuspecting guests!
Overall Helford is lovely and the cottage itself would be fine for summer however in our opinion we have found better, much cosier and hospitable cottages for winter stays in Cornwall.