The evenings are lighter, the thermometer is rising and I’ve seen my first tulip – yes, its official Spring is here! (well nearly) and what could be better than a long weekend away taking in those crystal blue skies at our wonderful new property Moonstones.
This beautiful 4 bedroom property is situated in a very special part of Cornwall overlooking the stunning Holywell Bay near Newquay. As well as the breathtaking views you’ll have your own access to the lovely bay through your garden and across the dunes.
Perfect for an Easter break, come on, treat yourself and your family. It’s time for somewhere new!
A. A. Milne famously wrote this little poem in honour of spring: ”She wore her yellow sun-bonnet, She wore her greenest gown, She turned to the south wind, And curtsied up and down. She turned to the sunlight, And shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbour: ”Winter is dead.”
Even though most of the country has been gripped with icy conditions, we are fortunate here in Cornwall, that Spring really does come early. The daffodils and sols are already being flown to the mainland by helicopter, from the Isles of Scilly, to world-wide destinations. As I travel around the county at the moment, I am greeted with fields full of yellow, looking as if the sun has dipped her golden warmth all across the landscape. This is the fruit of the bulb growers labours, waiting until just the right moment to harvest the crop, where the flowers are a secondary bonus.
If you wish to view some of these early spring delights then why not plan a trip and enjoy a stay in a Cornish Cottage, we have a number of lovely self-catering cottages, throughout Cornwall. Choose your holiday home wisely and you will easily be able to visit Trebah Gardens, near Mawnan Smith. These beautifully secluded gardens, reaching down to the Helford River, are one of the Great Gardens of Cornwall and also one of the top 80 finest, in the world. Our Cornish farmhouse cottages at Colan Barton are only a short drive from the gardens at Trebah and if you book soon, you can snap up a special Spring Offer too!
Had a fab time at Hartland Abbey at the weekend. Although not open all year round, they do open for special occasions and the Snowdrop weekend was pretty special! We borrowed a friend’s dog, doned our walking boots and set off for the mile walk through the woods towards the coast. There were carpets of snowdrops throughout the walk – and photographers were contorting themselves in various shapes to obtain the best camera shot! The Abbey owners are really dog friendly and let well behaved dogs run off their leads – Jasper our four legged friend had a wonderful time. The Abbey is also hosting a Daffodil day on Mothering Sunday and a Bluebell week between 22-29 April. I have a feeling we could be borrowing Jasper for another walk…although I can’t see that he will complain!
Its probably true that nearly everyone you know will really like to eat chocolate. Its history and how it became such a favourite with us all is as interesting and varied as the confection itself. We’re just all glad that the Mayans discovered it, Hernan Cortez brought it to Spain and that in 1674 the first solid stick of chocolate was sold in a London Coffee house. If you’d like to get up close and personal with all things chocolatey this half term break then make a date with the Eden Project near St Austell. They are hosting family fun events at their Chocolate Jungle festival, which lasts until 19th February.
Staying in the area is really easy to manage too, Trewin Court, one of three cottages at Well Farm, has a special offer for the half term holiday. Not only can you easily visit the Eden Project but you could combine it with a visit to Charlestown, where you can spot tall ships, of the kind used to bring those early cocoa beans to the UK. Returning to the peace an tranquility of your cosy cottage, light the fire, curl up with a good book or star gaze into some of the darkest night skies that Britain can offer.
If bracing coastal walks, surfing the big waves or taking stunning photographs are more your Cup of Tea or Hot Chocolate! then take a look at our other Cornish Cottages for further availability and you could soon be creating your own adventures.
As an addition to our portfolio of North Devon and Cornwall properties we also have a stunning apartment on the North Somerset coastline looking out across the Bristol Channel. Harbour View really has the “wow factor” and Minehead is a fabulous traditional holiday destination boasting a long promenade and wide expanse of sand and shingle beach alongside a sheltered harbour. Sitting on the edge of Exmoor National Park it’s equally suited to lovers of both coast and country. The stunning South West Coast Path winds its way from the quayside all along the coastline to Poole in Dorset and beautiful Exmoor countryside is right on the doorstep where you can catch a glimpse of Red Deer and Exmoor Ponies.
There is plenty to see and do in and around the town, take a walk along the colourful parade to sample an array of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants or visit the country’s largest steam powered railway. Nearby Dunster Castle is great for a day out but don’t miss the pretty village of Dunster lying at its feet, with over 200 listed buildings including the Old Yarn Market right in the centre of the village. Exclusive galleries, shops selling gifts, hand- made confectionery and much more line the historic high street and with a wonderful selection of restaurants, pubs and tea rooms you may have to pay a second visit!
With Valentine’s Day and the children’s half-term week coming up, you have every excuse to take a well earned break in the South West. With early spring on the horizon why not surprise your loved one with a romantic cosy cottage, or whisk the whole family away to enjoy all of the attractions and special events this lovely area has to offer.
Enjoy a fun day out at The Big Sheep with a range of indoor and outdoor attractions including Ice Skating and Toboggan slope, indoor playground, animal barn, shows and rides. Have an evening at the Queens Theatre in Barnstaple to see HMS Pinafore after sampling the delights of local cuisine in one of our many restaurants. Take in the beautiful sight of early spring flowers at Hartland Abbey and RHS Rosemoor or simply wrap up warm and stroll along the beautiful wide sandy beaches, all pet friendly at this time of year. Whatever you decide to do, there’ll be a cottage just perfect for you!
Well, there is no doubt that Cornwall is a unique area and whether you live here or choose to stay in one of our Cornish holiday cottages, the natural landscape and inspiring ocean has an impact on every aspect of life. If you have been following the TV series Hugh’s Three Hungry Boys then you will have seen that Cornish people are adept at creatively using the ingredients and their surroundings to help provide for themselves.
The three friends of Hugh Fernley Whittingstall are living off their wits and the land whilst travelling from Dorset to Landsend. Their recent foraging and fishing trip was set around St Agnes, a beautiful village in an immediately recognisable area on St Agnes Head, seen from miles around. It is filled with cobbled quaint streets that wobble down to stunning Trevaunance Cove. Foraging is not a new concept but is undergoing a massive revival in this area. If you have been inspired by Hugh’s Boys then why not plan a stay in a self catering cottage in Cornwall?
Colan Barton is a beautiful cornish holiday home, due to the facilities on site you could stay with friends and book it with Little Barton . If there are just two of you wishing to have a cosy romantic holiday cottage then look at Gwel an Lagen or its sister holiday cottage Bos Lowen. In fact all four self- catering holiday cottages booked together allow use of 10 acres of grounds in which to forage and there’s a seasonally available swimming pool too. Our local contacts will even accompany you on your own foraging adventure and help you cook up the results on that beautiful Aga in Colan Barton. Top the meal off with some delicious Cornish clotted cream from the local farmer and you will be in a Cornish holiday idyll.
Why not venture to Bude to sample the best of both Cornish and Devonshire hospitality for your holiday and consider our cottages in the Bude area. This charming sea-side town has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and provides everything that both locals and visitors need. Being within a mile of the Devon border you can walk in and out of Cornwall from here. After a browse around and perhaps a good old fashioned cup of tea with scones and Cornish clotted cream, maybe head to the beach. You will be spoilt for choice in this area, with fantastic surfing beaches and iconic Cornish coves where rock pooling is essential. The small cove at Millook is one such place where the children will not want to leave. Nearby Mill Farm is a great Cornish holiday cottage, being within a short stroll to Millook beach and having 10 acres of grounds itself, to explore.
If you prefer a country retreat for your North Cornwall cottage holiday then Well Farm will delight you and the family. These charming and comfortable homes surrounded by the best of both Cornish & Devonshire countryside are bordered by the River Tamar. Visit at the right time of the year and counting sheep from your own patio area may mean you sleep even more than you had hoped to do.
A traditional Country Pub with roaring log fires is the perfect place to find good food, rustic charm and a friendly welcome. All in the line of duty of course, on Friday evening we were invited to the re-launch of one of our favourite local hostelries, The Braunton Inn. After a glass of bubbly we were treated to a selection of “tasters” from the new and improved menu all served by our lovely waitress Caitlin and were very impressed with the different options on offer….although maybe I shouldn’t have had the extra portion of apple crumble!
Previously called The Tarka Inn, The Braunton Inn was formerly an ancient manor house and welcomed families descended from King Edward IV. During the 19th Century it became one of the grandest farmhouses in North Devon, distinguished by its castellated towers and impressive façade. The location is hard to beat, being directly on The Tarka Trail means that walkers can pop in for lunch, cosy up by the fire and sample seasonal local fare. Whether for leisurely Sunday roasts, an evening special or to try the range of real ales, the picturesque location with fabulous views over the Estuary is hard to beat. So why not take some time out in the country, book one of our fabulous Braunton cottages and enjoy what is bound to become your favourite pub!
Well, Karen was ahead of the game. She said ’Astro – tourism‘ was all the rage way back in November and this week Exmoor‘s unique environment and in particular its crystal clear skies were highlighted on the BBC StarGazing programme.
The idyllic town of Dulverton was selected for a great experiment. All the inhabitants were asked to switch off their lights at home and work in a unique attempt to completely eradicate any light pollution. Great fun was had by all although for me the greatest star that night was the beautiful national park itself!
