Dutch barge captain's accommodation.

Xavier is a 1932 Dutch Luxemotor Barge. The accommodation is in the original captain's quarters to the rear of the boat. Guests also have the exclusive use of the wheelhouse in this fully working vessel. It is moored alongside the quay in the village of Gweek, a working boatyard with traditional boat builders and a variety of marine businesses. Gweek is a lovely village at the head of the Helford Estuary and has a pub and an excellent shop opposite the village green. The space This historic Dutch Barge is 30 meters long by over 6 meters wide and weighs over 150 tons. It's an impressive sight and much photographed in the summer months. Guests access the property from the quayside across the gangway to a private entrance into the wheelhouse. This is a wonderful warm spot to sit and watch the changing tides, the view down the Helford river and the wildlife of the estuary. It contains a large comfy bench seat, the working controls of the boat and the ships wheel. From the wheelhouse a steep flight of steps leads down to a spacious open plan bedroom/living area with king-size bed (top quality pocket sprung mattress and pillows and 100% lined bedsheets. A doorway leads to the kitchenette. Sliding doors lead to the shower room and separate toilet. The captain's accommodation has been completely refurbished in 2024 retaining the original panelling and the beautiful etched sliding doors. The kitchenette has a sink and drainer, fridge and kettle, plus cutlery, crockery and glassware for two people. You will find a cafetiere, ground coffee, tea bags, milk in the fridge, plus a few essentials. The space is heated with electric radiators and has all the comforts of home whilst you rise and fall with the tide and experience living in a former working boat. Whilst Xavier does not contain cooking facilities, there is plenty of food and other provisions available locally for picnics or takeaway meals. Parking is available in the boatyard, but not allocated. Guest access Xavier comprises two entirely separate accommodations each with their own entrance. The Captain's quarters are at the rear of the boat turning left at the gangway and are reached via an external walkway and four steps up to the wheelhouse. The photos show the access. A door with a combination lock opens into the wheelhouse. All of the ceilings curve slightly. The headroom in the wheelhouse at its minimum along two small beams is 180cm. The main accommodation generally has over 2 metres headroom. As a former working boat the stairs are steep and the treads are narrow. It is necessary to descend backwards from the wheelhouse into the main accommodation facing the steps with the aid of the handrail. The open plan principle room is split level. There is a step to the sleeping area. The owner's accommodation is at the front of the boat in the former cargo hold. Other things to note Xavier is an exciting place to stay, but different from a home on land and it might be difficult for those with limited mobility. It is on a tidal mooring and access can be steep across the gangway on high tides. We provide all bedding, towels, teatowels. Soap, shampoo, toilet paper. Milk, tea, coffee (ground and instant), sugar, salt and pepper. The local shop three minutes walk away can supply anything else you might want seven days a week 8am till 8pm or later. The Helford is lined with ancient oak woods, unspoilt villages and some of the best gardens in Cornwall. It is part of a wider protected landscape with sandy beaches to the west and the Lizard peninsula to the south. Falmouth is 30 minutes drive to the east and Penzance 40 minutes to the west. The cathedral city of Truro is 40 minutes drive away. This year we are only releasing a few weeks at a time as Xavier is for sale.