DISCOVER Handpicked holiday cottages throughout the West Country
the Get track e ting insid for crea y let lida tips Top essful ho c a suc GE
A SEE P – – 44
n e p O studios ISSUE 04 | August 2015
GET TO KNOW TALENTED LOCAL ARTISTS AT DEVON OPEN STUDIOS
OFFERING A HOST OF FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Inside this Issue
Packed with the finest handpicked cottages for the perfect holiday
DARTS FARM YEO VALLEY DARTINGTON SUMMER SCHOOL
South West Coast Path
Dartmoor Farmers
Michael Caines
Inspired by David Bathurst’s book ‘Walking the South Coast of England’, Pat Kelleway’s account of her memorable journey
Meet Devon’s cowboys. The original farmers on horseback, passionate about their produce and the moor
The award-winning chef tells us why he loves Devon and about his seasonal approach to cooking in the West Country
THINGS TO ENJOY ACROSS CORNWALL, DEVON, DORSET AND SOMERSET HH1--001--COVER_4 FINAL--V4.indd 1
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MANAGING DIRECTOR
Moray Bowater EDITOR
Jackie Dawes jackie.dawes@helpfulholidays.com Telephone: 01647 434360 ADVERTISING
Adrian Innocent Media Sales and Client Manager adrian.innocent@helpfulholidays.com Telephone: 01647 434360 PUBLISHER
Andy Forster andy@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842 Mobile: 07711 160590
CONTRIBUTORS Nadia Pendleton Christine Phillips Steve Matthews
Welcome The Helpful Holidays team
We thoroughly enjoy compiling DISCOVER magazine. Now on issue 4, we’ve been researching beautiful places to visit and fun things to do for a year, and every edition we receive more wonderful feedback from readers who love the West Country just as much as our enthusiastic team. With summer in full swing and autumn waiting in the wings, there’s still so much to enjoy here in the South West. But first you need to find the perfect place to stay, and that’s where we can help. With over 600 cottages of varying sizes to choose from, some coastal, some inland with magnificent views, let us provide some fabulous ideas to ensure you find your dream escape.
Devon Open Studios takes place in September and this is a unique opportunity to meet artists and designers in their own studios. It’s a chance to steal behind the scenes and truly get to know the county through its talented locals. Our writer Nadia Pendleton meets a few of the gifted artists involved on page 12. The West Country has taken the food world by storm and on page 52 you’ll see why. We meet the family behind Darts Farm, a local farm shop and producer, and also get to know the Dartmoor cowboys, managing their herds and flocks ranchstyle. This is free range farming at its finest! There’s so much more in this issue, with ideas for shopping, a huge selection of events where you’ll be in the thick of the action, plus news, all designed to ensure you have a fantastic holiday.
Jaanckd iethe Helpful Holidays team
DISCOVER is published for Helpful Holidays by ENGINE HOUSE MEDIA LTD Holbrook, The Moors, Porthleven, Cornwall TR13 9JX www.enginehousemedia.co.uk Engine House Media Ltd is a new multi-platform media business with a passion for everything South West. Visit www.enginehousemedia.co.uk to find out more. Our mission is to create media opportunities that marry together consumers with the fabulous businesses across the South West. Our publishing and marketing teams are specialists in creating print and on-line communications, devised to achieve a range of marketing objectives. With over 20 years of marketing, brand management and magazine experience we develop effective communications that deliver your message in a credible and creative way. We operate across all media channels, including: print, online and video. It’s our role to generate response for your business so, for more information please contact Andy Forster on 07711 160590 or email on andy@enginehousemedia.co.uk. © All rights reserved. Material may not be re-produced without the permission of Helpful Holidays. While Helpful Holidays will take every care to help readers with reports on properties and features, neither Engine House Media Ltd nor its contributors can accept any liability for reader dissatisfaction arising from editorial features, editorial or advertising featured in these pages. The opinions expressed or advice given in the publication are the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Helpful Holidays or Engine House Media Ltd. It is suggested that further advice is taken over any actions resulting from reading any part of this magazine.
HOME
OWN
ERS At H we stri elpful Holida v y exemp e to make ou s, lary. If you ow r service cottage n a holid and are ay th joining inking of us GET IN TOUC H
Mill Street, Chagford, Devon TQ13 8AW t: 01647 434360 e: help@helpfulholidays.co.uk w: www.helpfulholidays.com
www.helpfulholidays.com Keep in touch with activities by following Helpful Holidays on Twitter (@helpfulholidays) and by joining our Facebook page (/helpfulholidays).
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Inside
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DISCOVER 6 SPECIAL DESTINATION
34 THE STAGE IS SET
Bigbury-on-Sea - a stunning coastal retreat in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
We meet the West Country theatre companies offering a host of family entertainment
8 AND IN OTHER NEWS
News stories and updates from Helpful Holidays
10 BEACH GADGETS
Our favourite beach essentials to get you through the summer season, safe and happy
12 DEVON OPEN STUDIOS
A wonderful event over 16 glorious days in September
18 HOLIDAY COTTAGES
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Maenporth - the ever-popular seaside sanctuary
42 A GOOD SPORT The fourth annual fun day and cricket match between Helpful Holidays and Gidleigh Park Hotel
44 INSIDE TRACK
Helpful Holidays has the perfect cottage for you
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40 SPECIAL DESTINATION
We’re on hand to offer the best advice on conversions and renovations
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s e g a t t o c y a d i l o h d e Handpickout the West Country through
48 OWNER INSIGHT
Sally Crawley explains why she loves owning and managing her holiday cottages in Cornwall
50 PEBBLES
The success story behind property management company Pebbles of Salcombe
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52 DEVON COWBOYS
Meet the original farmers on horseback, passionate about their produce and Dartmoor
54 DARTS FARM
‘Best Farm Shop in the UK’ and source of fresh, home grown fruit and veg since the 1970s
57 MOO FREE CHOCOLATE
Meet the creators of the world’s first dairy free chocolate Easter egg
58 YEO VALLEY
This family farm in Somerset retains its family values whilst earning top spot as the UK’s number one organic dairy
62 SHOPPING
A guide to a little retail therapy in Dartington and Padstow
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66 FAVOURITE PLACES
Two of our team reveal their favourite havens for relaxing in the South West
68 WALK THE WEST COUNTRY ‘The Walk of a Lifetime’ by Pat Kelleway
72 EVENTS DIARY
A guide to what’s hot in the West Country
78 CELEBRATING 90 YEARS AT DARTINGTON
The 2015 summer season at Dartington Hall
80 MICHAEL CAINES’ Q&A
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The acclaimed chef tells us how he cooks through the seasons
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SPECIAL DESTINATION AN ENCHANTING ESCAPE Experience the best of Devon with a visit to Bigbury-on-Sea Nestled in the South Hams on Devon’s beautiful south coast is the striking village of Bigbury-on-Sea. This is a stunning coastal retreat in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Kingsbridge. Helpful Holidays offers a wide variety of apartments and holiday homes here. One super stylish property, Avocet (L153 - pictured right and sleeping 12), is complete with chic interiors, cosy woodburner and a fantastic outdoor hot tub. The village enjoys a beautiful, family-friendly beach, with shallow waters for small children to paddle and lifeguards patrolling from May to September. The young (and young at heart) will love exploring the many rock pools. The beach is celebrated for its excellent accessibility, with beach wheelchairs available to hire, enabling everyone to enjoy the glorious sand. There are specific dog-friendly areas in the summer too, so you needn’t leave your four-legged friend at home.
If you’re a fan of watersports, then you’re in luck. Bigbury-on-Sea has its very own surf school and the surrounding coastline is ideal for bodyboarding, windsurfing and kitesurfing. What could be better than the refreshing spray of surf to counter the baking sun as you survey the magnificent Devon coastline from the water? And crowning Bigbury-on-Sea is the enchanting Burgh Island, a beautiful tidal outcrop, accessed by a sandy causeway at low tide or the cherished sea tractor. Many have fallen for the island’s charms over the years, not least literary great, Agatha Christie, who chose the island as the setting for two of her novels, including her masterpiece, And Then There Were None. The art deco hotel perched on the island played host to many of the 1930s elite, from Coco Chanel to Noel Coward. Other reputed guests have included Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, and President Eisenhower and
You’ll iled be spo h the ice wit for cho and 8 rtments ilable 14 apa ava s e m o h ou can holiday -Sea. Y ury-on ebsite w r in Bigb u o em on r fo g find th in rch by sea a. -on-Se Bigbury
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a e S n o y r u b g i B
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Winston Churchill ahead of the D-Day invasion. Churchill apparently played cards in the hotel’s turrets. The location has appeared in both TV and film, including the 1965 film Catch Us If You Can, featuring the pop rock group who rivalled The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five. More recently, memorable surfing trips inspired Brit Awardwinning singer Ben Howard’s 2012 record, Burgh Island EP. The area has plenty of wildlife, which can be spotted along the South West Coast Path. The South Hams is the last remaining sanctuary in the UK for the cirl bunting bird. Also within under a mile’s reach are beaches at Challaborough and Bantham. You can take the cultural ‘trade and settlement’ walk of Bantham and Thurlestone. Trek through beautiful green fields to discover former stomping grounds of smugglers and Saxon settlements.
Make the most of the views with the contemporary glazed design
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n u R Rainbow NEWQUAY Rainbow Run was back this year and it was bigger, better and more colourful than ever! Based at RAF St Mawgan, this event was all about friends, family and fun and raising money for Children’s Hospice South West. Each blue, green, pink, orange and yellow paint station was manned with music and marshals showering runners with bright powder paints from all directions. When runners crossed the finish line they were well and truly rainbowed!
Helpful Holidays sponsored the sunshiny yellow paint station, Mia, Quincy and Jackie ran and all helped contribute to a great event and raise money for a truly remarkable cause. Children’s Hospice South West offers respite and end of life care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Each Rainbow Runner aimed to raise at least £50 sponsorship to support local families and their life-limited children. www.chsw.org.uk
BRITISH TRAVEL AWARDS NOMINEE Helpful Holidays has reached the finals of the British Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year. The British Travel Awards are the arbiter of public opinion on travel industry performance and the British Travel Awards winner logo is the recognised ‘Mark of Excellence’. In 2014 Helpful Holidays won the Silver Award in Best UK Holiday Cottage/Self Catering Booking Company category at the British Travel Awards. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. We’d like to get Gold again (having won it in 2013), so we’d be really pleased if you’d vote for us again this year. You can do this from our website or by going direct to www.britishtravelawards.com in the ‘Who are the best UK holiday companies and visitor attractions?’ section. Thanks again for all your support in previous years.
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FAL RIVER FESTIVAL IN FULL FLOW Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Fal River Festival took to the waves again this year when the infamous ‘Beer Fleet’ set sail on 22nd May. Dozens of boats, decked in their finest, collected the festival ale from Malpas and escorted it safely home to Custom House Quay, Falmouth. The fair Betty Stoggs (the doughty mascot of Skinner’s Brewery) and her prize beer were then chaperoned through the streets by a fiery salsa band and hundreds of fellow revellers to Events Square, where the party launched into full swing. This 10-day celebration of life on and around the Fal River is a wonderful showcase for a beautiful area of Cornwall, with over 150 events embracing everything from music, drama, the arts and heritage, to gig racing, swimming and walking. Entertaining new events this year included the Falmouth Blues Festival, Star Gazing at Trelissick and an amazing underwater photography display at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
Helpful Holidays has been delighted to sponsor the first Saturday of the festival, attracting thousands of visitors to Falmouth and the surrounding villages and towns, for a number of years. Our Katie, Bev and Adrian met fellow sponsors and supporters for the Beer Fleet and opening ceremony, and welcomed many local Helpful
Holidays home owners, as well as holidaymakers from further afield, to our marquee on Events Square. “He was a bold man who first ate an oyster,” said Jonathan Swift, but we’ll have no qualms when we return to celebrate the equally popular Falmouth Oyster Festival in October; we’d love to see you there.
CELEBRATORY CHARITY CRICKET MATCH Our fourth charity cricket match against Gidleigh Park Hotel had us on the edge of our seats this year, as a nail-biting finish saw Helpful Holidays edging to victory by just one run in the final over. The glorious Chagford Cricket Club basked under clear blue skies and wonderful sunshine in the shelter of rolling Dartmoor hills. The jazz band swayed in the background and delicious sausages were served by Pipers Farm from an open fire pit. This year’s charity, Farms for City Children, was delighted to receive
£2,255.31, raised through the generosity of sponsors and visitors. Watch this space for next year’s match as the score’s now standing at 2-all.
For m inform ore a about tion cricket the match turn to page 4 2
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r e m m Su BEACH IDEAS
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SWIM LIKE A FISH The ever so cool SwimFin has been designed by a UK swimming coach with over 30 years of experience. It works in harmony with the body because it’s worn on the back, providing total freedom around the arms and legs for a natural swimming position, across all four strokes. SwimFin is the only aid to have been endorsed by the Amateur Swimming Association.
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SwimFin is super safe (no tipping or slipping) and highly visible, making it perfect to spot your little one in a busy pool or on the beach.
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Images courtesy of: Tom Young • teewhyphotos.com
There are eight colours in the range with a new colour for summer 2015, ‘Neon Fish’. Price £21.99 www.swimfin.co.uk 2
CHAIR WITH SUN CANOPY Kelsyus is smart gear on the go for an active lifestyle and the Kelsyus Beach Canopy Chair provides a shady seat by the surf. The products are designed by engineers who love the outdoors as much as you, so relax in the shade with sun protection without the hassle of setting up a beach umbrella.
With the weather hotting up this summer, we’ve picked our favourite beach essentials to ease you through the sunshiny season, safe and happy! There are so many ideas on the market now which are affordable, clever and stylish.
STAY SAFE IN THE SUN UVeSafe technology in these clever bracelets alerts the wearer to apply more sunscreen by emitting a signal (visual, audio or vibration). These smart bands come in a range of colours to coordinate with your swimwear.
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www.uveband.co.uk
STYLISH SHORTIE WETSUITS These suits are designed to keep children warm, both in and out of the water, and protect them from the sun. The added advantage, of course, is that these fab wetsuits make your children really easy to spot on the beach. Produced from high quality materials and expertly manufactured in 3mm neoprene, they’re for highly active kids as well as for simple beach play. Great fit and comfort mean that children can wear them for hours, whatever their chosen activity. Available in sizes: XS 3-4yrs; S 5-6yrs; M 7-8yrs Price: £38 www.rockeandnutter.com
www.amazon.co.uk Price: £66
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n e Opd oors Devon’s rolling moorland, dramatic coast and picturesque villages have inspired generation after generation of artists and sculptors. From 5th to 20th September 2015, over 200 of those artists will be opening their studio doors to welcome visitors. Follow the trail (helpfully mapped out in a colour code) down hidden lanes to pretty villages, across moorland to stannary towns, and along clifftops to find artists by the sea. This unique opportunity to see
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Get to know talented local artists at Devon Open Studios, a wonderful event running over 16 days in September.
behind closed doors gives you the chance to observe artists at work, surrounded by examples of their art. See where they find their inspiration, experience a creative sanctuary and chat to the artists about their work. Some even offer the opportunity to purchase work to take home.
Follow the arrows
involved being new to the festival. They’ll be exhibiting in their galleries, studios and even their garden sheds! The map in this season’s programme will help you plan day trips to specific areas of interest or, if you prefer to wander where the mood takes you, you can take the route suggested by the yellow arrows dotted about the countryside.
This year, Devon Open Studios is introducing a new wave of creative artists, with over 60% of those
Expect to discover abstract, figurative and conceptual art, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass-blowing,
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Devon LEFT Jacob Bodilly in his pottery studio MAIN Adrian Innocent from Helpful Holidays meets this year’s bursary recipients at Fingle Bridge
photography, drawing, jewellery and more. Each space will surprise you with something unique, whether you find a glass sculptor in a vineyard or an artists’ collective in an ancient longbarn. Over the 16 days over 20,000 visitors are expected through the artists’ doors.
Meet the artists Helpful Holidays is delighted to sponsor this annual event, which is brought together by the Devon Artist
Network, an organisation of over 800 members committed to raising awareness of visual arts. Devon Open Studios and Helpful Holidays support new artists with bursaries and mentoring programmes. A free booklet is available from tourist information centres, libraries, hotels and galleries in late July, or visit the website for more details: www. devonartistnetwork.co.uk. Here we introduce you to a few of the up-and-coming new generation:
Across the Tamar To see Cornwall’s creative talent in 2015, visit The Cornwall Design Fair. It’s one of The Duchy’s largest design fairs, attracting designers, exhibitors and artists from all over Cornwall. This year, from 14th to 16th August, the beautiful formal gardens of the early eighteenth century Trereife House will be transformed into a design paradise, with specialist food stalls, local musicians and huge marquees housing the best young and established designers and their wares. Visitors will find an impressive array of ceramics, glass, jewellery, fashion accessories, furniture, lighting, prints and textiles, all of which can be bought or commissioned direct from the exhibitors, with a variety of items from earrings to birdfeeders on offer. There will also be special designled activities for children, as well as workshops and demonstrations. www.cornwalldesignfair.co.uk
Jacob Bodilly uses his formidable skills to create some of the highest quality British studio pottery. Working in the Leach tradition, this 28-year-old potter has dedicated eight years to becoming an independent maker. He plans to build two new kilns and make a move towards wood-fired kilns with support of a local timber yard, which will change the nature of his work dramatically. “Now my pottery is in a new
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place, I hope to put my studio and showroom on the map in Devon, providing a cultural setting for people to interact with the magic of pottery, and to enlighten people to the subject of studio ceramics,” he says. Jacob has recently relocated his pottery from Cornwall to Devon. In 2010, Jacob was approached to finish the last unfired pots of famed potter Scott Marshall, at Boscean Pottery, St Just, Cornwall. There he worked with renowned painter Kurt Jackson and received several major commissions, including work within the Eden Project and English Heritage. Eden, Greenham, Wellington TA21 0JY 07866 801802 jacob.bodilly@gmail.com jacob.bodillypottery.blogspot.co.uk
Hepzibah McLeod is taking the first steps to building a business from her passion. She’ll be displaying contemporary drawings which negotiate the distinction between human and animal, and fantasy and reality, with a nostalgia for myth in modern culture. Her love of fine art and the desire to make it more affordable and accessible to people has inspired Hepzibah to produce a small range of stationery products and, more recently, clothing. Her hope over the coming months and years is to develop and build her own screen-printing home studio where she can print her own designs and ideas, championing the unusual and unique in a new British fashion brand and moving into the realms of artistic expression using a blend of the traditional and the contemporary.
She says: “Art is for me a means of communicating and exploring ideas and feelings. I don’t want to just produce beautiful things, I want to produce visually stunning, provocative and conceptual things.” Lower Flat, Hillsdene, Totnes Road, Strete TQ6 0RU 07866 306066 hepzibahmcleod@mail.com hepzibahmcleod.com Ruth Sutherland will be sharing her passion for lettering with beautiful, creatively illustrated letterforms, combining traditional materials and modern techniques. She says: “Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing and is a very intense craft, using traditional methods and materials.” Ruth feels strongly that this craft needs to continue in a traditional manner and that the many new fonts available on computers, offering quirky styles and colours,
“I don’t just want to produce beautiful things. I want to produce visually stunning, provocative and conceptual things” Hepzibah McLeod
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Devon
COTTAGES nearby... THE OLD QUARRY: E46
LEFT Bodilly Pottery jug and bowl pictured at Fingle Bridge BELOW LEFT Hepzibah McLeod with her intricate pencil drawing BELOW Ruth Sutherland at work
NEAR WELLINGTON
Half a mile from Wiveliscombe, down a private drive in peaceful countryside on an old country estate, is an unusual detached log cabin sleeping 5, surrounded by an enclosed wildlife garden. Most of the garden has been left wild to encourage flora and fauna; a flat grassy area (picnic bench, barbecue, patio heater) has bird feeders.Your only neighbours are birds, rabbits and deer.
LANDCOMBE COTTAGE: L101 Near the centre of Strete is a large detached house which sleeps 8, with gravelled forecourt and big, mainly flat, grassy enclosed garden at the back (terrace, barbecue, gate to field and direct access to Coast Path). Enjoy stunning, 180 degree sea views from all south-facing windows. Blackpool Sands, about 30 minute walk via woods and Coast Path.
STRETE
WAYSIDEFORD BARN: A202
ASHBURTON
Off a quiet country lane about 2 miles from Ashburton towards Landscove is this secluded and spacious, detached ‘upside down’ cottage for 6, smartly converted from a barn with split-level foundations. There is a prettily planted, enclosed garden with small lawn and terrace. Surrounding the cottage are 4 acres of fields/woodland to explore. Easy access to the moor and coast.
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Out and About Bridport Open Studios Visitors to Bridport and west Dorset will see over 80 artists in 43 venues within a 10-mile radius of Bridport. The 10-day event starts on 22nd August and runs through the following week and over the Bank Holiday weekend to 31st August. www.bridportopenstudios.co.uk/word Somerset Art Works You’ll be able to explore during Somerset’s open studio fortnight in the autumn, from 3rd to 18th October. Somerset Art Works showcases a broad-ranging programme of contemporary visual arts and craft, featuring group shows, new commissions, projects and events in more than 100 locations. www.somersetartworks.org.uk/ artweeks15
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cannot replicate the joy and pride that letters ‘written with one’s own hand’ can achieve. She’s hoping that having her work on display will encourage people to feel inspired to ‘have a go’ or even just sharpen up their handwriting, which can be such a joy to the recipient. Visitors will be able to view Ruth’s wide range of skills, from work using gesso gold leaf and vellum to modern papers, pastels, ink, watercolour and even pencil work. She’ll also be displaying lavishly embroidered, unique hand-felted accessories, inspired by antique textiles. The Studio, 29 Eastern Road, Ashburton TQ13 7AP 01364 653945 sutherlandruth45@gmail.com
Natasha Smart is a textile artist and feltmaker who for the last 10 years has developed her art while commuting to London as a civil servant. She’ll be showing and selling beach and shell-inspired felted and embroidered textiles, from artworks and homewares to jewellery, handbags and other accessories. With a move to Exmouth, now as a professional, full-time artist, Natasha is embarking on a period of experimentation in order to develop her artistic voice and direction, focusing less on the medium and technical aspects of textiles and feltmaking and more on the exploration of ideas and
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Devon
COTTAGES nearby...
themes, which she hopes will include her emotional response to coastal living.
GLENBAR: G110
“Winning the Emerging Artist Bursary is a fantastic opportunity to develop my work in a supportive environment, as well as give me a clear focus,” she says. “The added incentive of being an Emerging Artist will help push me further in the right direction.”
NEAR EXMOUTH
22A Windsor Square, Exmouth EX8 1JY 07534 527737 natashasmarttextiles@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ NatashaSmartTextiles
On a narrow cobbled lane in Lympstone is this cosy ‘upside down’ two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage for 4 with a lovely little balcony overlooking the estuary for amazing sunset views. This village is pretty and remarkably unspoilt and lies between low red-stone cliffs beside the Exe estuary. Read the reviews for this much loved cottage online.
THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE: A103
FAR LEFT Natasha Smart shows her designs LEFT Leah Edwards, below and left, with clock headdress
In the heart of Lustleigh, with lovely views over the village and churchyard with countryside beyond, is this semi-detached cottage with two bedrooms, which sleeps 4. It was once the infants’ part of a school dating from 1876. There’s a garden from which you can enjoy this sleepy little village (with its great pub and shop) nestling into the eastern edge of Dartmoor.
LUSTLEIGH
Leah Edwards is a multi-disciplinary artist whose distinctive work explores how we experience and construct our world. Leah specialised in fine art and sculpture at university and has explored other mediums, from dance to film and print-making, since she graduated. She worked for a year as an intern for famous West Country sculptor Peter Randall-Page, and has recently returned home to Devon after a sabbatical in New Zealand to re-establish her artistic career. Her aim for the Devon Open Studios event is to create a new series of work focusing on collage, stone and ceramic sculpture, along with some video and media work. Starmead, Knowle Road, Lustleigh TQ13 9SP 01647 277469 leahedwards@btinternet.com
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COTTAGES No matter what size your party or what style of break you’re seeking, Helpful Holidays has the perfect place for you. Take a look at our wonderful selection.
We’ve hand-picked 600 of the very finest self-catering holiday cottages in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Their owners work with us to create welcoming escapes which are second to none for holidaymakers. It’s for this reason that you’ll find such close attention to detail – little extra touches which make a perfect holiday and mean our guests choose to visit
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again and again. From cosy coastal cottages to large country houses, you’re sure to find just the right place for a happy holiday, and many are dog-friendly too, so you can bring your beloved pooch. Browse the following pages to see just a sample of the lovely places and locations on offer. And if you have any questions, do get in touch - we’re here to help.
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02/07/2015 13:42
Porlock Vale 20 HUGE HOLIDAY HOMES
Three of our favourite holiday homes, perfect for large family gatherings.
24 CHRISTMAS AND NEW
YEAR COTTAGES Book a festive retreat and cosy up in comfort from the cold winter evenings in these gorgeous places.
26 PLACES TO
WOOF AND WAG Visit one of our dogfriendly cottages, sublime for two legs and four!
28 COTTAGES WITH POOLS At these splashtastic holiday homes, enjoy a dip in a gorgeous swimming pool.
30 NEAR SANDY BEACHES
Be enchanted by the South West’s spectacular coast and expanses of golden sand.
32 GOING GREEN
Holidaying in an eco home doesn’t mean skimping on luxury.
Porlock Vale House F30
Porlock Vale
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e g u H
HOLIDAY HOMES Western House
Just a mile away from the town of Newton Abbot in the heart of Devon, this stunning country home, which sleeps 25, is located in the hilltop village of Highweek.
For a big group of friends, a special occasion or a family gathering, nothing short of a huge country pad will do. Here are just a few of our lovely houses.
for all generations. The spectacular Dartmoor National Park is just six miles distant.
Newton Abbot is on the main Paddington to Penzance train line, meaning this house is great for guests coming from all over the country.
Western House sits comfortably in its surroundings too. An elegant, superbly renovated, 1820s, detached house, about a mile from the pub in Highweek - perfect for an evening stroll and a spot of dinner - it’s surrounded by an acre of particularly fine gardens, stocked with specimen plants and luxuriant shrubs.
Enjoy beaches at Shaldon and Teignmouth just four miles away. Beside Teignmouth’s sandy beach, the Victorian pier and promenade are fun
The indulgent feel is immediately evident when, on arrival, you’re greeted by magnificent mature trees and steps which lead down through colourful
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shrubs to the indoor heated swimming pool and to extensive enclosed lawns and a gazebo furnished with an open fire and barbecue. Beyond is a beautifully, tranquil area - a fenced wildlife-friendly wood with large pond and an island house. Even the resident ducks live in luxury it seems. Inside the house, enormous care has been taken with the renovation. An elegant, width-of-house drawing room complete with a woodburner and grand piano provides spectacular views of the garden and terrace through the French windows.
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02/07/2015 13:41
Highweek
Western House B20
Highweek
The sunny morning room provides the perfect spot for planning your day or simply relaxing, making use of the wellstocked bookcase. The dining room is lovely for entertaining, with a table seating 22, and the kitchen is a foodie’s paradise! Designed by the food-loving owner, creating special meals there is a pleasure. And when your inner chef takes control and it all gets too much, escape through French windows on either side to the suntrap terraces to relax. While you’re busy creating culinary
delights, the rest of the party can stay entertained in the snug with itsTV and PlayStation 3.There’s also a children’s games room with a three-quarter-sized snooker table.
Dragonfly Room, French Room and the Antoinette Room.
But if you don’t want to spend your holiday cooking, professional catering and ready meals are available when you need them.
That’s not all, as attached to the east side of the house is a self-contained apartment with an open-plan living area.This is smart but more modest, with separate external access and its own decked area with table and chairs. There are two bedrooms.
With eight bedrooms, Western House isn’t short on sleeping accommodation. Following the style of many a stately home, some of the bedrooms are individually decorated in themes, with an African Room, Sunflower Room,
And there’s even more for those who value their solitude as a detached annexe dubbed ‘The Garden Shed’ offers two double bedrooms, each with en suite shower-room, and a lovely large patio.
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02/07/2015 13:42
s s o r C h g u o r o b is Batt Battisborough House L35
Battisborough Cross
facing south to make the most of outstanding sea views.
Battisborough House You’ll discover this stunning house, which sleeps 34 in nine bedrooms (with nine bathrooms too) three quarters of a mile towards the sea from Battisborough Cross. The pretty hamlet is itself about a mile from the mouth of the beautiful River Erme estuary. The house is at the end of a lane and 400 yards by footpath across fields from the beach and the Coast Path. This fine, detached, Victorian, house is wonderfully positioned,
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Battisborough House was originally built as a seaside family home, but was also a children’s boarding school and field study centre for 30 years. Now, it’s been lovingly transformed back to a spacious, comfortable home with occasional reminders of its former life. There are six acres of grounds, including a hard tennis court, football field, woodland (ideal for making dens) and a large terrace which runs the length of the house.
The sunny living room has fine views from its big bay window, and provides a real feeling of nostalgia with its part book-lined walls and ornamental fireplace. If you feel like getting cosy after a day exploring, or dashing about on the beach, the snug is the perfect place to curl up and enjoy a drink. A highlight is the grand staircase where you’ll find a large minstrels’ gallery overlooking the hall. If you’re a big party, the big dining room has tables that seat up to 40 and a hatch to the kitchen. The kitchen is also big, with a four-door Aga and appliances vast enough to cook up a feast.
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02/07/2015 13:42
Porlock Vale
Porlock Vale House F30
Porlock Vale
Porlock Vale House Exmoor is a super spot for a break, and this imposing home, which sleeps 30, lies a mile from the village of Porlock. Porlock Vale is a stunningly beautiful, romantic area with some of the best and most varied landscape of the Exmoor National Park. It extends from its highest point, Dunkery Beacon, to the sea. Containing many picture-postcard villages, the largest, Porlock, can be found at the seaward end. Porlock Vale House provides a great base from which to enjoy the surrounding area, especially if you’re a keen walker or you
enjoy pony-trekking. It’s a truly magnificent house dating from the 19th century, which has been enlarged by generations of wealthy owners over the years as a hunting lodge. It’s also exquisitely positioned with a superb wooded backdrop looking out over the sea, as the coast circles gently round to the small harbour of Porlock Weir. Stand on the terrace, beautiful with wisteria, and contemplate the short walk to the beach. Perhaps even grab a board and join the expert surfers. The house is set in 12 acres of grounds and gardens comprising mature trees, huge lawns and a small stream. As you’d expect from
a former hunting lodge, fishing and shooting can be arranged. You make a grand entrance into the house through its heavy oak front door. Once inside, it’s a wonderful mix of comfort, elegance and space. The hall opens into a heavily beamed living room with leather chairs and a handsome mantelpiece over an open fire. An impressive sweeping staircase leads up to the first floor and eight bedrooms, all with either en suite shower or bathroom. More stairs lead to the second floor and seven more bedrooms, all with en suite bathroom and many with simply terrific views.
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02/07/2015 13:42
Parracombe Lower Cowley F170
s e g a t t Co Parracombe
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Book a festive retreat and cosy up in comfort during the cold winter evenings at these gorgeous places.
Lower Cowley This beautiful eight-bedroom, 18th century rural retreat which sleeps 14 is perfect for a family get-together. It’s located just two miles from the village of Parracombe, near the north coast of Exmoor National Park. It lies in a valley midway between Lynton and Lynmouth. Nestling in its own deep combe, down which a river rushes through, oak woods and meadows to the sea at Heddon’s Mouth, Lower Cowley is an original farmhouse which has been updated with all the mod cons any discerning visitor would expect. There’s an integral indoor heated swimming pool, for example, and the house itself is surrounded by 10 acres of its own naturally beautiful grounds.
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The main part of the house is original, but the two wings were added at a later date. The key feature of the living room is the huge inglenook fireplace with woodburner. Step down to a second living room which contains another open fire, baby grand piano and a traditional oak floor and throw open the French windows to be rewarded with wonderful views to the high moorland of Holdstone Hill and Trentishoe Down. The traditional farmhouse kitchen has all the equipment you could wish for as well as a table and seating for six. For more formal dining or for larger parties the dining room with its oak refectory table has plenty of space and can seat 12. A scullery and boot room mean that there’s plenty of space to get your kit and equipment ready for another
day of adventure. There’s a peaceful studio situated in the grounds, with decking over a small lake. The stunning views can be appreciated from each of the six bedrooms and for the fitness conscious, or if you simply want to relax, the indoor heated pool is a treat for all. Attached to the house is Trout Cottage, a self-contained annexe for two, rather more modest (limited heating) with internal and external access to an open-plan living/dining/ kitchen and six steep steps down to a double bedroom with en suite. You can wrap up and take lovely winter walks, which pass by the pub on the way! The beautiful countryside is steep, dramatic, deepvalleyed and a fascinating mix of farms, woods and moorland.
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02/07/2015 13:42
East Prawle The Providence Inn L189
East Prawle
The Providence Inn In the centre of East Prawle village is The Providence Inn, a brilliant place for families and groups to gather to enjoy seaside fun and coastal walks. Once an 18th century hostelry, it’s now a modern and stylish house which sleeps 16. The village of East Prawle is a mile from the sea in the middle of an unspoilt peninsula of farmland, cliffs, coves and beaches. The superb scenery and breathtaking countryside provide an ideal
location for birdwatching and walks along the Coast Path to little sandy cove beaches.
pool table, table football, fruit machine and TV/DVD.
To the rear of the house, a sunny lawned garden with picnic benches, table/chairs and a barbecue provide a great outdoor space to relax and entertain. The village pub, shop and cafĂŠ are a short stroll from the door.
The dining room has a lovely long table and chairs seating 12 and a smaller table for four. The smart fitted kitchen is wellequipped for large-scale catering with a dishwasher, two combimicrowaves, an American-style fridge-freezer and two ovens.
This welcoming, rambling house is a great place to relax and unwind with a large living room with open fire, large sofas, window seats,
The bedrooms are lovely: cosy, carpeted and designed for sleeping off a fun day on the beach and walking the coast.
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06/07/2015 16:12
Altarnun Crooked Chimney Cottage
Coast Barn
Altarnun
Noss Mayo
P70
L43
o t s e c a Pl
WOOF & WAG
If leaving the pooch behind isn’t for you, visit one of our dog-friendly cottages, perfect for two and four legs! Crooked Chimney Cottage
important woodburner.
and picnic table.
Beside the riverside village green in Altarnun is this Grade II listed cottage (P70) which sleeps five, sitting neatly at the end of a small terrace with a burbling mill leat passing the front door.
Create delicious meals from local produce in the smartly fitted, wellequipped kitchen and enjoy the views of the church over breakfast.
Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers are the nearby small villages beside the River Yealm estuary, sheltered by oak-wooded hillsides, and this spot is popular for sailing, walking or simply sitting at a riverside pub and absorbing the view.
Reached by footbridges, it’s surrounded by a good-sized, enclosed garden, both sheltered and wellplanted, with a terrace which looks towards the church and fields behind. Altarnun is a pretty village with a pub, Post Office and shop. It lies in a sheltered valley on the north-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, an area made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s ‘Jamaica Inn’ and the recent ‘Poldark’ series, which featured much galloping across its wide expanses. It’s a great place for dogs to scamper around. Inside, the cottage has been beautifully restored with original charm and modern comforts. Enter into the beamed living/dining room with big inglenook fireplace and that all-
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If you’d rather eat out, you have a choice of good food pubs within a mile. The golden north coast beaches of Trebarwith Strand and Tintagel are just 12 miles away. This is a great base for exploring the moor and north and south coasts, with easy access to the A30.
Coast Barn Set in farmland a mile from pretty Noss Mayo and half a mile from the sea at Stoke is this enchanting cottage (L43) for two (and your four-legged pal or pals). It’s one of a number of cottages sympathetically and stylishly converted - this cottage has been furnished by an interior designer from Grade II listed farm buildings, all sharing a large garden with barbecue
You’ll find all the essential shops in pretty Newton Ferrers and also some great pubs for food. At low tide there’s a footpath across the creek, which is perfect to explore with the dog. There are also tennis courts nearby and riding stables. Inside Coast Barn, you have classic open-plan living with an area designed for relaxing, cooking and chatting over a glass of wine in the evening. The kitchen is well equipped and it’s all beautifully designed in Wedgewood blue, cream and white with oak flooring. The double bedroom is cosy and romantic. This really is a lovely cottage for two in a superb location.
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06/07/2015 16:12
Welcombe
Chapel Cottage K29
Welcombe
Pilgrim Corner F85
Minehead
Pilgrim Corner The old part of the town of Minehead is a hidden gem, with its many pretty, thatched cottages. Pilgrim Corner (F85), which sleeps eight, is in the oldest part of Minehead, on a quiet road close to the church and within walking distance of the town and the lovely heather-clad hills behind. To the west of Minehead stretches 40 miles of sensationally beautiful coast and there’s so much to do here: a good golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, walks with the dog and the harbour to explore. This ‘chocolate box’ thatched cottage has an interior full of period features, both charming and quirky. To the rear of the cottage lies a pretty, enclosed, private garden with large terrace, a pond and flowers in bloom. Hidden at one end of the garden is a
summer house and traditional cedar hot tub. Inside, the elegant living room has beams, a woodburner and charming window seats and the farmhouse-style kitchen has all the mod cons. Stairs wind up to three double bedrooms called Vogue, Dance and Peacock, all themed with their own style and beautifully presented.
Chapel Cottage Just a mile and a half up from Welcombe Mouth is this prettily furnished cottage for eight (K29) attached to an old chapel in the tiny centre of Welcombe hamlet, 100 yards from its ancient thatched pub. It’s near a cove which offers great surfing between spectacular cliffs in one of the most unspoilt parts of the West Country, and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For the reasonably fit, the cove is
a pleasant valley walk downhill or there’s parking by the beach. You’ll have a very happy dog if you choose to stay here! The Coast Path is also great for birdwatching, with many species abundant here. Welcombe itself is a little hamlet with a good community shop, a pub serving tasty food and a pottery. Hartland, a large village with shops and pubs, is 10 miles away and Bude’s sandy beach, 12. Chapel Cottage has a big farmhouse-style fitted kitchen and dining room and there’s a cosy Rayburn too. The living room has practical flooring for beach-weary dogs and a woodburner to laze beside. Stairs lead to two double and two twin bedrooms. This is a wonderful, warm cottage within easy reach of an excellent pub, perfect for relaxing.
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02/07/2015 13:43
ss o r C h g u o r o b is t t a B Alston Hall L194
Battisborough Cross
s e g a Cott WITH POOLS Make a splash on holiday at these fantastic homes with pools.
Alston Hall This peaceful hamlet is just a mile from the mouth of the beautiful River Erme estuary at Mothecombe, which boasts a lovely sandy beach and seasonal tearoom. About a mile from Battisborough Cross, at the end of a long tree-lined drive, is Alston Hall (L194) for 38: a rambling, three-storey, detached country residence, built in 1906 as a rectory. Many facilities remain from its more recent role as a country house hotel, including an inviting indoor heated swimming pool. A long drive brings you to the front of the house. Marvel at the grand oak-panelled entrance hall with stained glass windows and huge fireplace with a woodburner, comfy sofas and chairs, window seats and piano. Above, there’s an impressive galleried landing with more sofas and chairs. Off the hall,
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there are two further living rooms, one elegant, full of light, the other a cosier snug. Downstairs also offers a snooker room, ground-floor cloakroom, a big dining room with long table for 28 and two smaller tables (seating six and four), with door opening to the front lawn, adjoining kitchen, utility room and quiet office area with desk. Upstairs promises the vast master suite with dressing room, huge en suite bathroom and lovely views over the garden to the distant sea. On this floor are eight more bedrooms, all good-sized with en suite bathroom and mostly garden views with some distant sea glimpses. Further stairs lead to the second floor and eight more bedrooms, all with en suite bathroom. Surrounding the house are three
acres of well-kept grounds, mostly south-west facing, with superb uninterrupted views over rolling green fields to a glimmer of the sea and the Mewstone beyond. The enclosed, lawned, walled garden is perfect for summer barbecues. An outdoor swimming pool at the front catches the sun throughout the day. The vast lawns are ideal for a spot of croquet, while children will love the play area, complete with swing and trampoline. There are two all-weather tennis courts and steps down to further lawned area with plenty of space for cricket and ball games. Nearby Holbeton village has a good pub, excellent restaurant, Post Office and shop. You’ll find pretty riverside pubs at Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo. The city of Plymouth, with its amazing aquarium and other amenities, is just over 10 miles away.
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02/07/2015 13:44
Bickleigh
Rashleighayes J502
Bickleigh
Rashleighayes Bickleigh is a stunning, thatched village with two riverside pubs just a few miles south of the popular town of Tiverton, with shops, canal barging, indoor swimming pool, sports centre and riding stables. It’s also fantastic for fishing, being abundant with trout and salmon. A mile and a half from Bickleigh Bridge, Rashleighayes (J502) is a house for 16 of tremendous charm. Half a mile of private drive descends steeply, giving thrilling views of the house, farm and buildings below. The original 17th century house has been sympathetically extended. Inside, the beautifully presented house is full of light, fun, interest and comfort. Through the hall, a big living room enjoys an open fireplace, two big window seats,
perfect for curling up with a good book, and a half-glazed door leading onto the garden. Next door there’s a delightful kitchen/dining room boasting big windows, a dining table seating 16, plus kitchen table, oil-fired Aga, and all the amenities you’d expect. This really is the heart of the house. Off the hall, head down a few steps to the contemporary cinema room with 10’ home-cinema/ TV screen with digital projector. After watching a movie, tinkle the ivories on the baby grand piano, play a round of snooker or simply chill out on the comfy sofas and window seats – this is a truly fantastic room for all the family. Oak stairs from the hall lead to a wide landing with four bedrooms. From the landing, cast iron Victorian spiral stairs lead up to two big children’s bedrooms.
Outside, there’s a gravelled forecourt, sheltered south-facing patio and enclosed lawned garden, featuring rare and lovely clematis, and a barbecue, leading to the safely walled heated outdoor swimming pool. The 150-acre working farm is home to rare White Park cattle, with less than 500 remaining in the world. The owner, a farmer and environmentalist, is pleased to show you around the farm which has a Devon Wildlife Trust Silver Award and won Highly Commended in the ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful Farm’ awards. Just 11 miles from the M5, 12 miles from Exeter, and close to Dartmoor and Exmoor, this is a lovely part of Devon, with the stunning beaches of Woolacombe or, on the south coast, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, within an easy drive.
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Pendeen Trecam Z28
Pendeen
s e g a t t o C
INSET The Minack Theatre
INSET Sennen Cove nearby
NEAR SANDY BEACHES
The draw of the South West’s spectacular coast is its expanses of golden sand. Enjoy it from these cottages.
Trecam
winter-proofed.
Do you dream of life by the sea? If wild, unspoilt coasts and beautiful seascapes inspire you, this four-bedroom cottage sleeping eight (maximum of six adults recommended) on the seaward edge of Pendeen village, known as Lower Boscaswell, will suit you down to the ground.
At the front, roll up to a neat gravelled parking area, and, at the back, enjoy a small, enclosed, mostly lawned garden.
This semi-detached cottage on Cornwall’s rugged coast blends perfectly with its 18th century neighbours, yet with the benefit of 21st century comfort. This cottage is
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Inside, it’s beautiful and very contemporary, with more than a hint of its architect owner’s style! As you can see from the photo, there’s plenty of attention to detail, maximising light and space throughout. The kitchen is fully-equipped and there’s room for wetsuits, outdoor gear and walking boots. Stairs (with
stairgates for little ones) lead up to three bedrooms – a double (5’ bed), a twin and a bunk room (3’ beds), and a bathroom. In the attic is another double bedroom (5’ bed). All round, this is a good family house within half a mile of a super pub, good shop and the spectacular Coast Path. Within one and a half miles are Portheras Cove with a pretty beach, a spectacular lighthouse and historic Geevor Tin Mine. Sennen Cove with a wonderful beach and restaurant is six miles and St Ives and the Minack Theatre are within a 14 mile drive.
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02/07/2015 13:45
Thurlestone Thornbrook L204
Thurlestone
Cove
Thornbrook Head to Devon for the perfect seaside holiday in this brilliantly positioned, large, detached, family house which sleeps 10 (five bedrooms, with a maximum of eight adults and two children). With Salcombe five miles away and Kingsbridge four, there’s plenty to explore in this beautiful area. Enjoy an enclosed lawned garden and, if the garden space isn’t tempting enough, you’re just 300 yards from the beach with its surfboards for hire and a beach café open until 9pm in summer. There’s so much to do here. There’s a
horseshoe sandy beach between the cliffs, a seaside golf course, tennis, windsurfing and sea fishing, or walk the Coast Path to Hope Cove with its lovely pub. The welcoming living room has a woodburner, TV/DVD and wonderful comfy seating for nine, as well as French windows to a pretty decked terrace. The kitchen/dining room is open-plan and fitted with all the essentials: a dishwasher, microwave, 5-burner dual-fuel range-style cooker and larder fridge. Professional catering and ready meals are available too, meaning you can truly relax and enjoy a proper break.
There’s a utility for your gear after your cliff walks and downstairs is also a shower room, bedroom/study and wet-room. Upstairs are four more bedrooms: on the first floor find the large master double (6’ bed) with dressing room and en suite shower-room. Another double has a four-poster bed and en suite bathroom. On the second floor is a twin and a children’s twin (2’6” beds), both with lovely sea views. Stairgates are available. If the weather isn’t great for exploring, simply enjoy this cottage’s games room and play table football or table tennis in a useful adjoining building.
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06/07/2015 16:15
Aveton Gifford The Barn L248
Aveton Gifford
n e e r G GOING
Glebe Barns T5 and T6 Crowan
Holidaying in an eco home doesn’t mean skimping on luxury. Here are just a few of Helpful Holidays’ Green Cottages The Barn
Glebe Barns
You’ll find the delightful parish of Aveton Gifford in the picturesque South Hams in Devon, an area abundant in farms and hamlets. And it’s here, 300 yards down a tree-lined track off a lane, that we offer three very special places to stay within very handsome former farm buildings. There’s an airy converted barn for four (L248), a barn converted into a gallery (L191), also sleeping four and a remarkable Grade II listed former music room (L249) accommodating two. The village itself has a lovely pub, Post Office and shop, and is situated beside the River Avon where it becomes tidal. Kingsbridge, a small friendly town, is just four miles away. Within five or six miles are several villages including Bigbury, Bantham and Thurlestone, on an excellent and varied stretch of coast. There’s a super mix of sandy beaches, coves, cliffs, golf courses, wildlife and pretty thatched-cottage village centres.
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At this pretty complex of conversions is a large, suntrap courtyard with fountain and flowers. Just beyond the courtyard you’ll find a lawned walled garden with camellias, fig and walnut trees, leading to another captivating garden with pond and acres of space. It’s beautiful. Rest, read or just enjoy the silence and let your mind wander. All the cottages are heated by biomass boiler, using wood from local sustainable woodland, and there’s spring water. The Barn is ‘upside down’ and converted with enormous flair. Upstairs is a huge, bright, stylishly furnished open-plan living area with a fitted kitchen and beamed ceiling to the apex. As you would expect, it has all comforts and mod cons: a woodburner, TV/DVD and iPod dock. In the kitchen, you have everything you need including that morning essential, the coffee-maker.
We love exploring The Lizard, with its azure seas, amazing wildlife and stunning walks. Here, time stands still and the relics of a busier time give the coastline a unique, rustic beauty. Crowan hamlet is steeped in the history of tin and copper mining. Gwithian Towans, a huge, beautiful beach, is five miles to the north, popular St Ives a little further to the south and The Lizard and Helston just five miles away. Set back from the quiet lane are these two little detached, thatched cottages (T5 and T6), both sleeping three, thoughtfully converted from old barns. Both have their own little sitting-out areas with tables and chairs, a shared grassed garden area with barbecue and 10 acres of grounds for you to enjoy, with footpaths from your door. The friendly owners’ home is adjacent and they’re very happy to talk wildlife and help you make the most of your stay.
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02/07/2015 13:46
Manaton
The Milk Shed G43
Plymtree
The Hayloft A204
Manaton
The Milk Shed Find yourself in the heart of Devon amid rolling farmland between Cullompton and Honiton as you explore the lovely village of Plymtree. This really is a super location and The Milk Shed (G43), a mile away and sleeping four, is a real gem. It’s a comfortable, single-storey cottage caringly converted from a barn. You have access to a courtyard, pretty with pots and, beyond the parking area, your own enclosed, mainly gravelled garden with views over a sheep paddock to truly lovely countryside undulating in proper Devon style! Inside, it’s smart and cosy with original and quirky touches. Six gentle ramped steps lead up to an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area. The two bedrooms are a double and a twin. It’s a super, friendly base for touring this interesting and diverse area of
east Devon. With so many pretty places to explore, and Exeter making the perfect day trip, you really are in for a treat!
The Hayloft Manaton is a pretty little village in a beautiful part of Dartmoor, close to spectacular Hound Tor and Bowerman’s Nose, and the lovely tree-filled valleys of Lustleigh Cleave. Here you will find a beautiful, relaxed place to stay at any time of year with woodland and moorland walks straight from the door. The Hayloft (A204) is a beautiful cottage which sleeps six, converted from a hayloft above granite stables beyond the ancient farmhouse. You’re just 400 yards from the pub in Manaton and only about ½ mile walk through woods from Lustleigh Cleave and the River Bovey. There’s an enclosed courtyard immediately to the side and your very own, enclosed, private garden. You are welcome to wander the
nine acres of gardens, taking in the lovely scenery including a pond and fields with sheep, horses and chickens. There’s also plenty of space for parking. This is wonderful, open-plan living at its best. Add to this the spectacular views from big roof windows across fields to Black Hill and you’re guaranteed to kick back and relax from the moment you arrive. The two double bedrooms each have a smart en suite shower-room and will soothe you to a good night’s sleep after walking the countryside. If you’re horsey, and perhaps want to bring your mount with you, stabling is available by arrangement or riding stables aren’t far away. For those who prefer a spot of golf, there’s a golf driving range a few miles away and you’re also within driving distance of pretty Chagford with its inns, great food and lovely cafés.
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02/07/2015 13:47
e g a t s e h Tis set
What could be better than classic outdoor theatre with a picnic at a variety of beautiful venues this summer? We meet the West Country theatre companies offering a host of family entertainment
Kneehigh From humble beginnings performing in village halls, preaching pits and quarries around Cornwall, Kneehigh is now celebrated as one of Britain’s most exciting touring theatre
companies, taking to stages up and down the country. In 1980 Mike Shepherd, a village school teacher, began to run theatre workshops in his spare time. In due course, a mixture of
“We use a wide range of art forms and media as our ‘tool kit’ to make new and accessible forms of theatre. A spontaneous sense of risk and adventure produces extraordinary, dramatic results” Mike Shepherd, Kneehigh founder 34 HH4_Theatre Cos_NP_5.00 V4.indd 34
people became involved, but “no actors... nobody who had been trained,” he says. “The workshops took place in the spirit of cheerful anarchy and casually slipped into performance, and finally the production of shows.” Eighty-two shows, many award-winning, have been created since that time. The Kneehigh troupe describes what they create as ‘vigorous, popular theatre for a broad spectrum of audiences, using a multi-talented group of performers, directors, designers, sculptors,
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02/07/2015 13:44
Truro
COTTAGES nearby...
Kneehigh HQ
SEA VIEW: S64 Mevagissey with its beautiful harbour, fishing boats, pretty shops and winding streets is a great holiday location. Sea View sleeps 6 and set high on a hill offers wonderful views over a big grassy common to Mevagissey Bay and St Austell Bay. It’s a stylishly modernised, bright home with a tasteful, nautical theme.
MEVAGISSEY HIDEAWAY BARN: S71 Tucked away in the picturesque harbour of Charlestown on the Coast Path is this single-storey detached cottage for 4. It’s a comfy base within walking distance of three pubs, restaurants and the beach, within easy reach of good golf and beautiful gardens.
NEAR MEVAGISSEY LEFT TO RIGHT • Kneehigh’s Hansel & Gretel at The Lost Gardens of Heligan • Kneehigh’s impressive Asylum tent • Kneehigh’s Midnight’s Pumpkin BELOW Kneehigh’s Waiting for Godot
engineers, musicians and writers’. Shepherd says: “We use a wide range of art forms and media as our ‘tool kit’ to make new and accessible forms of theatre. A spontaneous sense of risk and adventure produces extraordinary, dramatic results… Themes are universal and local, epic and domestic.” Cornwall remains an inspiration to Kneehigh; the landscapes, history, people and culture influence the work. The company is based in a collection of isolated barns on the south Cornish coast, near Mevagissey, its spiritual home. They have an office in Truro affording necessities, such as mobile phone reception, lacking in
windy barns, and so it is also their physical home. Shepherd is proud of the company’s Cornish identity: “Cornwall has a long and lively history of international trade and cultural exchange. For a county so distant from the capital, it boasts remarkably cosmopolitan and global influences and culture. We are proud to be an active part of this tradition.” Quoting King Mark in Tristan & Yseult, the talented actors say: “We don’t look inland, there’s not much point. No, outward, outward lies the way! Inland there’s little to write home about and much less to say!” www.kneehigh.co.uk
35 HH4_Theatre Cos_NP_5.00 V4.indd 35
08/07/2015 13:00
R edruth
Q M iracle Theatre H
LEFT The Animal Ball ABOVE The Tempest INSET Showing this summer: The Magnificent Three
Miracle Theatre Following the traditions of the travelling players and noble men and women, from Shakespeare’s King’s Men to the present day, Miracle Theatre Company has been entertaining audiences across the South West since 1981. Performing on the craggy hills and in regal gardens of Cornwall, come rain or shine, these actors are indeed a brave and noble bunch. “There can be no higher testament to the quality of a show and the quality of
the actors if the audience is prepared to sit out in all weathers and ‘More!’ ‘More!’ is called out at the end of the show,” says the company’s literature. Now, after more than 35 years and with no signs of stopping or slowing down, Bill Scott, Artistic Director of Miracle Theatre, explains the Miracle commitment to taking their inventive productions out to people and into locations that other companies don’t reach. He is convinced that live performance in rural areas has
“The more digital technology provides us with screen-based entertainment, the greater the need for people to get out and share human stories together” Bill Scott, Artistic Director
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a strong and certain future: “The more digital technology provides us with screen-based entertainment, the greater the need for people to get out and share human stories together,” he says. This summer it’s time to head out to the Wild Frontier for a rootin’tootin’, side-splittin’, finger-clickin’, toe-tappin’, saloon-door-swingin’, double-cross-dressin’, hoedown dancin’, quick-draw slingin’ Spaghetti Western adventure. Yeehaw! Rustle up your friends and family, pack up a picnic (don’t forget the all-important chairs, blankets and clothing for all seasons) and head off to outdoor venues across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset for an unforgettable theatrical experience. www.miracletheatre.co.uk
| Enquiries & Bookings 01647 434360 | www.helpfulholidays.com
06/07/2015 16:09
Camborne Rogue Theatre HQ
COTTAGES nearby... WOODSIDE: Q43 Chacewater is a lovely Cornish village located between the north coast and Truro. Just 100 yards from pubs and shops is this handsome cottage built for a Victorian mine captain. It sleeps 4 (1 double, 1 twin) and is a great base for exploring beaches at Porthtowan, 4 miles, and Perranporth, 10 miles away. Pretty St Agnes is 6 miles distant and Truro, 5 miles.
NEAR TEHIDY WOODS KING HARRY’S COTTAGE: S242 Feock is one of the most exclusive areas in Cornwall. King Harry’s Cottage, which sleeps 6, is a former ferryman’s cottage in a prime location beside the water with stunning views of the River Fal. It’s just above the little road that leads to the King Harry Ferry in one of the most beautiful spots in Cornwall, near Trelissick Gardens.
NEAR TRELISSICK LEFT Rogue Theatre’s Winter Wood and Blackbeard’s Heart
Rogue Theatre Rogue Theatre is a group of young, energetic and creative souls making wild and fantastical theatre. Projects include late night cabaret shows, festival projects, music events, young people’s performance events and projects, and of course theatre. The talented crew are best known for their magical outdoor performances in Tehidy Woods. Led by co-founder and majestic wild man, Ollie Oakenshield, the troupe takes children and their parents on a trail
beyond reality. Their narrative is entertaining, probing and powerful with the sort of wicked humour to tickle the nerves of children and adults in parallel but completely different ways. Madame Lucinda’s Wonder Show returns this year, telling the stories of three souls who sign up to run away with Madame Lucinda’s Travelling Circus. Co-founder and Artistic Director, Angelina Boscarelli, who ran away
“We are committed to creating projects, shows and events which are accessible, appealing, exciting and beneficial” Angelina Boscarelli, Co-founder
with a circus when she was young, says: “We are committed to creating projects, shows and events which are accessible, appealing, exciting and beneficial. We aim to engage new audiences and participants in new ways, maximising enjoyment, nurturing talent, encouraging aspiration, supporting the development of skills and stoking the fire of exciting cultural activity in the UK.” They will be performing at this summer’s Somersault Festival in north Devon between 23rd and 27th July and have shows and workshops scheduled across the season. www.roguetheatre.co.uk
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02/07/2015 13:45
Bournemouth Dorset Corset HQ
Dorset Corset Dorset Corset is a fun but professional theatre company whose primary focus is period work with a strong musical theme. Set up in 2006 by Helen Watts, Ed Burnside and Fiona Davis, its work has included elements of physical theatre, puppetry and masks. Keen to embrace new graduates and performers from the local area, the members are focused on raising the profile of the arts in the West Country and developing local talent. Helen says: “When I returned home from drama school there were few opportunities for new graduates and it was important to me that Dorset
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Corset would provide a springboard for actors into their careers.” Dorset Corset’s main collaboration is with the Costume and Performance course led by Rebecca Pride at Arts University Bournemouth. This course is considered one of the best in the country, brings high production values to their work and gives valuable opportunities to the students. The company has a great sense of place. Helen adds: “We are strongly influenced by great stories and rural communities and we aim to directly respond to the requirements of the artistic scene in the West Country. There are
many great artists, performers and musicians in our region for us to be inspired by and work with. And, of course, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world!” The 2015/16 season sees a new show with comedienne Alison TheaSkott about a woman who goes on a series of ‘literary-inspired’ dates from an online dating agency, as well as a new musical adaptation of Five Children and It by E Nesbit. This piece was shortlisted for the S&S Award for new musical theatre writing in 2014. www.dorsetcorset.co.uk
| Enquiries & Bookings 01647 434360 | www.helpfulholidays.com
02/07/2015 13:46
Exeter
Theatre Alibi HQ
COTTAGES nearby... FIDDLESTICKS COTTAGE: H13
BEAMINSTER
Beaminster in Dorset is a thriving little town in a conservation area, 5 miles north of the ancient historic market town of Bridport and 7 miles from the wide, unspoilt beach of West Bay on the ‘Jurassic Coast’. This cottage sleeps 4, offering lovely wooded valley walks to neighbouring Netherbury, where the original River Cottage TV series was located.
THE BAKEHOUSE: A85 In a pretty location on Dartmoor, near renowned Gidleigh Park and Chagford, is this stunning cottage which sleeps 4. It’s a beautifully renovated, late medieval cottage sheltered by oak trees. Sit in the walled garden and listen to bees, birdsong and the occasional cluck of the friendly owners’ chickens. This is country living at its relaxing best!
NEAR EXETER LEFT TO RIGHT Dorset Corset’s Cosi Fan Tutte
Theatre Alibi Graduates of Exeter University Drama Department, the current artistic directors of Theatre Alibi, Nikki Sved and Daniel Jamieson, first worked with the company as performers before branching off into directing (Nikki) and writing (Daniel). They describe themselves as “contemporary storytellers”. The Guardian recently wrote that they are “among Britain’s most inventive theatre companies”. Clearly Alibi is in good hands. The company integrates a wide variety of art forms into its work and recent productions have featured animation, film, puppetry,
photography and music, both live and recorded. Daniel Jamieson pens most of the works, but they have also adapted works. The recent hit I Believe in Unicorns was written by Michael Morpurgo. Sven says their influences span from film noir to Pixar, but they keep an eye on home. Their shows tour schools, theatres, arts centres and village halls mainly in the South West, where the company is based. Nikki Sved says: “Often the setting for our stories are very influenced by Exeter, where we’re based. Cobbo, a wonderfully off-the-wall story about a swan that not only has feathers but an all too human past, is clearly set on and around the River Exe around
Exeter’s Quayside.” This autumn they’ll be touring a play for children called Olive & the Dream Train, written by Jamieson for five to eleven year olds and inspired by the TED talks and books of Sir Ken Robinson, who writes so eloquently about children and creativity. Adult theatregoers can look forward to their production of Falling, which premieres at Exeter Phoenix prior to a nationwide tour in spring 2016. Sven says: “We’ll be using physical performance, projection and a thrilling soundscape to tell Daniel Jamieson’s intimate and unnerving story.” www.theatrealibi.co.uk
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02/07/2015 13:46
SPECIAL DESTINATION MAGNIFICENT CORNWALL Explore Maenporth, a hidden gem on the edge of Falmouth Maenporth lies near Falmouth, an ever-popular Cornish harbour town. Celebrated among sailing enthusiasts, Falmouth hosts a range of memorable events, including the Tall Ship and J Class regattas, while the many independent bars, bistros and boutiques make it a thriving, buzzing town. And just two miles outside the town’s centre is this wonderful village, a stunning seaside sanctuary. It’s far enough to offer tranquillity, but near enough to enjoy all that the town has to offer. From this vantage point, you can soak up incredible views across Falmouth Bay towards Henry VIII’s Pendennis Castle, as well as the lighthouse on St Anthony Head. Helpful Holidays has a number of holiday homes here overlooking
the water. Those on the Maenporth Estate also have use of a large indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, table tennis, pool table and two tennis courts in 30 acres of landscaped gardens with a large barbecue area, woodland walks and children’s play area. A key feature of Maenporth is its beautiful beach. The natural, gentle shelf in the sand creates a safe, shallow spot for swimming. And if you love watersports, then you’re in for a treat. Maenporth – from the Cornish ‘Meyn Borth’, meaning ‘Stones Cove’ – is a fantastic bay for windsurfing, surfing and sailing. There’s also a scuba diving school, to experience life under the waves. But if you prefer to relish the view from the comfort of dry land, why not have a go at horse riding, hire bikes to explore or play a round or two of golf at the excellent nearby courses?
Enjoy rf and sun, su m ing fro tl s a c mes sand day ho li o h e u can 10 fin orth. Yo ur p n e a at M on o ch one find ea searching for e by it s b e w orth. Maenp
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| Enquiries & Bookings 01647 434360 | www.helpfulholidays.com
02/07/2015 13:49
M aenporth
cular A rombeanactihc, specta cove
If you’re just chilling out on the sand, sit back with a tasty Cornish ice cream from the beach café. If you feel like something more substantial to eat, The Cove Restaurant is well worth a visit. This award-winning restaurant, as featured in Lonely Planet, promises incredible views across the bay. Enjoy tapas, lunch or a fresh fish dinner. This is a beautiful part of Cornwall, with a perfect combination of golden beaches, snaking rivers and historic harbour towns. A few miles to the south is the picturesque Helford River, where you might spot the odd grey heron and little egret feeding in the creeks. For a fun day out with the family, near the mouth of the river is Glendurgan Garden, beautifully maintained by the National Trust and boasting a maze, exotic plants and ancient trees.
This modern apartment for 4 in a seaside location offers a boutique break
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The amazing view from the balcony along the coast towards Falmouth
S39
Prices from: £404 pw
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Attention to detail in the luxury interiors invites pure relaxation
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02/07/2015 13:49
e s u a c t a e r g for a
BEING A GOOD SPORT
This year saw the fourth annual fun day and cricket match between Helpful Holidays and Gidleigh Park Hotel at the Pavilion, Chagford. It was a beautiful setting for a very English day of healthy competition and fundraising for Farms for City Children, a charity close to the hearts of us all. and games.
Helpful Holidays first laid down the gauntlet to Gidleigh Park in 2012. Gidleigh won the first year, Helpful Holidays the second and Gidleigh the third. A trophy was introduced last year as it was, by then, a much anticipated annual event and this year it found a place in Helpful Holidays’ trophy cabinet.
Cream teas and delicious cakes prepared by the chefs at Gidleigh Park are served from the Pavilion, Pimms flows at the bar and a fantastic jazz band fills the air with harmony. This year the event fell on Father’s Day so a Best Dad competition was added to the mix.
The teams comprise staff, family, friends and suppliers, and they welcome everyone for a day of fun
Despite the fun factor, the teams put in great effort. Helen Hayes from Helpful Holidays says: “Despite the
“They always return absolutely shattered. Chefs are, of course, very competitive so they really give it their all.” Sally, Gidleigh Park’s reception manager 42 HH4_Cricket Match_NP_2.00--V3.indd 42
fundraising, it’s always a competitive day with each team’s pride at stake. No one trains before or if they do they don’t tell anyone, and the morning after there are a few pulled muscles and aching limbs but lots of smiling faces.” Sally, the Gidleigh Park reception manager, agrees: “They always return absolutely shattered. Chefs are, of course, very competitive so they really give it their all.” Federico Aresti, General Manager at Gidleigh Park, comments: “It was an absolute pleasure to support our annual cricket match this year – as my first match the team told me it’s an event to look forward to, and they
| Enquiries & Bookings 01647 434360 | www.helpfulholidays.com
02/07/2015 13:40
Chag ford
COTTAGES nearby... THE LINHAY: A55 This elegant, chic little cottage sleeps 4 and has many wonderful reviews on our website. It’s ideally located within Chagford, with its characterful pubs and independent shops. There are cobbles immediately outside with French bistro-style table and chairs, and a pretty silver birch glade to enjoy.
CHAGFORD ROCKMEAD: A140 Sleeping 10, this stunning house is 3 miles from lovely Chagford on the edge of the historic moorland hamlet of Lettaford. It’s an imaginatively converted barn, set back and tucked away from nearby houses, sheltered at the front by a stone wall with pergola and swing seats and a goodsized lawned garden at the back. This is stylish seclusion!
NEAR CHAGFORD PINEAPPLE COTTAGE: A61
were right! A great day for both us and Helpful Holidays, as well as the chance to enjoy time with our local community and raise funds for Farms for City Children, a wonderful charity. I’ve now got a year to get in shape for next year’s match!” Last year the event raised £4,231.90 for The Marine Conservation Society. Most of the money is raised through an amazing raffle, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, many of whom are local: Bovey Castle, Home Farm Café, River Cottage Cookery School, Manna Cooking School, Castle Drogo, Fal River, Jo Downs and Pipers Farm, among others. FFCC Trustee Michael Morpurgo
TOP The Helpful Holidays team who hold the current title
Just 50 yards from Chagford town centre is this cute bolt hole for 2, stylishly renovated by its artist owner. Down a footpath beside the cottage is your own private garden room offering a peaceful and relaxing sanctuary beside a leat, close to the bustling, friendly town square.
CHAGFORD
offered a signed copy of his wonderful book ‘Pinocchio’ for the raffle. He says: “For many years now Helpful Holidays have been enthusiastic and devoted supporters of Farms for City Children. No charity can survive without this kind of generosity. All of us at FFCC are hugely grateful to them for this support as it enables us to keep going and have ever more of our city children come to the farms: 3,000
children a year to our three farms. So to have a charity cricket match run for the benefit of all those children is simply wonderful. It is a joy, and a real treat for us. Thanks Helpful Holidays for being, well, so helpful!” Helpful Holidays supports three charities in rotation: Farms for City Children, Devon Air Ambulance and The Marine Conservation Society.
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06/07/2015 16:28
e d i s In track Until recently, farmers and landowners hoping to convert empty or under-used buildings faced tough restrictions. However, amendments to Permitted Development (PD) Rights in 2014 have made converting an existing barn or agricultural building into a home or holiday let much more feasible. Outside of the obvious national parks, conservation areas and Areas
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As the leading holiday cottage business in the South West, Helpful Holidays is on hand to offer the best advice on conversions and renovations.
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, owners can now carry out building work without applying for planning permission from their local authority. There are so many things to consider when renovating a barn or existing building that it can be difficult to know where to start. But worry not, Helpful Holidays is at hand to offer expert advice on all aspects of your project.
| Enquiries & Bookings 01647 434360 | www.helpfulholidays.com
02/07/2015 13:36
The Barn
E25 Compton Bishop
Trolver Barn
S48 Feock
Helpful Holidays’ top tips for creating a successful holiday let from a barn Best use of space: Discuss your intentions with an architect or technician and show plans to friends and family for their feedback and advice (be open to constructive criticism). Utilising the space you have takes thought and time. Don’t be tempted to compromise on storage space; bedrooms too small for wardrobes and entrance halls with no place to store boots and coats won’t impress guests. There are clever storage ideas available, so be creative and do your research. Open-plan living: The current trend for open-plan living is well suited to and perhaps even derived
from the ergonomic layout of a traditional barn conversion. Use the space to its full potential; rather than separating living rooms from kitchens, bring them together to create an innovative, welcoming lounge/kitchen/diner: literally, a room for living. Heating: Guests expect effective heating, so central heating, whether via gas, oil, solar or a heat source pump, is a wise investment. Similarly, fitting a woodburner or open fire will undoubtedly increase your bookings during the low season weeks. Guests are attracted to the vision of snuggling up by a fire during colder months.
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06/07/2015 16:28
Torrings Barn
L274 Aveton Gifford
Bedroom to bathroom ratio: In recent years guests’ expectations have surged. En suite bathrooms are preferred, but if that isn’t achievable aim for a 2:1 ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms. If you can fit in a bath, all the better; a leisurely soak after a hard day’s walking (or shopping) will add to the appeal. Go gadget: Our statistics show that properties with broadband/ WiFi generate more bookings, and there are good solutions for making WiFi accessible in remote properties. Large TVs are popular with guests, who also appreciate an iPod dock for music.
Outside space: This area is just as important as the interior, and as much thought and time should be devoted to its planning. Guests love the prospect of sitting outside and relaxing in the evening whilst watching the sun go down. A welcoming outdoor area, however small, will be appreciated. Quality counts: Once the structural work has been determined then the fun of decorating and choosing fixtures, fittings and furniture can begin. Selecting quality products pays dividends as your guests will notice and equipment lasts longer. Your holiday home is not the place to discard
old, tired furniture and appliances. Whatever you do, do it well. Converting a barn and preparing it as a holiday destination is a considerable project. The friendly Helpful Holidays team offers a wealth of experience and expertise and we’re pleased to share free, no-obligation advice at any stage of your conversion process, from the conception of your earliest idea to the final finishing touches and generating those well-earned bookings. Simply call Helpful Holidays on 01647 434360 or email help@helpfulholidays.com
Trolver Barn
S48 Feock
View from cottage
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| Enquiries & Bookings 01647 434360 | www.helpfulholidays.com
06/07/2015 16:29
Searching for or selling a second home? ...with over 200 holiday and investment properties throughout the West Country, we’re your ďŹ rst port of call.
01392 832 446 info@chartsedge.co.uk www.chartsedge.co.uk Ads Page.indd 18
01/07/2015 16:15
y l l a S awley Cr
OWNER INSIGHT
Sally Crawley and her family renovated an old stone barn creating three beautiful cottages in Trelights, north Cornwall. This gorgeous hamlet sits between Port Isaac and Polzeath, and the holiday homes boast countryside views to the sea. It’s easy to see how everyone falls for the charms of this everpopular stretch of coast.
Sally explains her own personal draw to the region: “It’s somewhere that I’ve holidayed every year since the age of about two years old, so it’s very special to me. I have lots of incredible childhood memories. We used to collect cowries – tiny little shells you find on the north Cornwall coast.” Each cottage now has a pot of cowries too, which grows every year as visitors add to the collection. And visitors flock here for many reasons. “Without a shadow of a doubt, there’s something in north Cornwall for everyone. Recently we were there with three generations, which is just fantastic. We get a lot of surfers, and cyclists too – it’s a great
48
cycling county. And we see plenty of golfers, being close to St Enodoc’s amazing golf course overlooking the Camel estuary.” But whether you’re looking for action or to unwind, you’re in luck. “Many simply love walking the coast. And, of course, with plenty of fantastic sandy beaches nearby, including Daymer Bay, Polzeath, Rock and Trebarwith Strand, the children love it too. My children are both surfers so we spend a lot of time at Polzeath.” If you love good food, you’re spoilt for choice. “We love The St Kew Inn, The Waterfront at Polzeath, The Mariners in Rock and Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac. We’re big fans of fish,
which comes in handy when you’re in Cornwall!” And after a day indulging in all the delights the surroundings offer, you can relax in the serene environment and take in the stunning scenery. The three wonderfully presented holiday cottages had surprisingly humble beginnings, originally housing cows and pigs of the adjoining farm. Sally explains how the venture came about. “When the barns came up for sale, we thought it would be a fantastic opportunity. It was great having Helpful Holidays on board in helping to shape the project from inception to completion.” The whole project took two months
| Enquiries & Bookings 01647 434360 | www.helpfulholidays.com
HH4_Home Owner Interview_FR_2.00--V5.indd 48
02/07/2015 13:38
Trelights
COTTAGES nearby...
Polzeath
CORNER COTTAGE: P85
Barn Cottage P86
Trelights
A delightful holiday home sleeping 4 which is part of a set of three adjoining cottages. Corner Cottage has a good-sized, bright open-plan living/dining/kitchen area and French windows to the quiet garden. The ground floor bedroom has views over the garden, while the upstairs bedroom has spectacular views over fields towards the sea.
TRELIGHTS BARN COTTAGE: P86 The second of the cottages in the complex sleeps 4. Barn Cottage has an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area with welcoming woodburner, ideal after a day exploring. Or relax in the private, part-walled garden and the huge stone table and chairs. Upstairs, the master bedroom has spectacular views over the garden, seaward towards Pentire Point.
TRELIGHTS LONG COTTAGE: P87 The last and largest of the three, Long Cottage can accommodate 8. All on one level, the living room has French windows leading to the conservatory, which in turn leads to patio and enclosed, mainly lawned garden. The large kitchen/dining room is real farmhouse luxury.
Long Cottage
P87 Trelights
of planning, followed by four months for the actual refurbishment, using a local team of builders. And staying local remained a key premise throughout. “We have Cornish themes in the cottages, with local artists on the walls. Nearby is a fantastic art gallery called Wave 7, owned by Plum Mead. We have a great reciprocal relationship with the gallery, who provide a range of beautiful artworks. If guests like them, they have the option of buying them, literally off the wall!” Sally explains how she keeps all these popular cottages running smoothly: “Thankfully, I have an amazing housekeeper, Elaine Prior-Smith. She knows the local area very well, which
TRELIGHTS
is massively important. She’s the front line for me when I’m not there.”
they get to keep and take home with them.”
Spending many happy holidays in rented cottages has helped Sally understand what people look for. “We rented cottages for years, and the children used to love it when we turned up to find a toy box, games and videos to keep them entertained, so we’ve done that too. And we put a little teddy bear on each child’s bed with the child’s name on it that
Another neat touch is the delicious cream tea greeting guests on arrival, made with all local ingredients, from the finest Cornish scones and clotted cream to Boddington’s jam, and fresh cut flowers from the garden. “Guests really appreciate things that make the holiday special and personalised; the little touches make you smile.”
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02/07/2015 13:38
THE PERFECT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PARTNER
y a d i l o h r fo home owners Owning a holiday home is something to which many of us aspire, but once you’ve reached that lifelong goal, taking care of it can be a daunting next step.
Dove Cottage L295 Dittisham
Running and maintaining a holiday home, like any other property, is an ongoing process. There are always little tweaks to be made, things to look after and well-used items that need to be replaced. The difference between a holiday home and your everyday home, however, is that you don’t really want to use your leisure time making sure everything is shipshape; you just want to enjoy it. That said, who could possibly look after it as well as you? It’s a story that Deborah Carson and James Spencer, the mother/ son partnership behind property management company Pebbles of Salcombe, understand extremely well. A Salcombe-based family business for the last 10 years, Pebbles has grown into a dependable secret weapon for second home owners in the surrounding area. What started as a caretaking operation in Salcombe in 2004 has
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developed into a qualified and expert management service for letting and private luxury accommodation across the South Hams, which offers an extraordinary combination of tailored management services, such as project management, property management and five-star property services, including grounds and gardens care. The important thing is that whether it’s a home you’re keeping for yourselves or one for letting out, Pebbles takes care of all the legwork so you can enjoy your quality time. The key to Pebbles’ success is their partnership with their clients. From the beginning, clients work with dedicated property managers who build a property profile and really understand how it works, what its strengths are and how you want it presented. They provide those all-important weekly or fortnightly property
checks, followed by ‘green’ or ‘red’ SMS updates to keep you informed of anything that needs addressing when you’re not there, and they do all the cleaning, laundry and maintenance between your visits and those of guests, should you choose to let your property out to other holidaymakers. They also have a qualified team of gardeners who are not only talented in their industry, but really understand the unique demands of the local climate when it comes to planting and maintaining a coastal garden, so it’s ready and waiting for those summer barbecues without you having to battle with a strimmer to reach the shed. They also understand the importance of attention to detail and this is where they really offer something special, because they know how to give a house that sense of boutique hotel luxury, while maintaining the
| Enquiries & Bookings 01647 434360 | www.helpfulholidays.com
02/07/2015 13:39
Dittisha m
COTTAGES nearby...
ams
Stunning South H
CURLEW: L188 Just 200 yards up from the huge sandy beach in Bigbury-on-Sea is this fabulous, contemporary coastal home for 8. The layout, windows, garden, terrace and 6-person hot tub make the most of the superb south-facing position and panoramic outlook over the bay to Burgh Island and beyond.
Avocet
L153 Bigbury-on-Sea
BIGBURY-ON-SEA DOVE COTTAGE: L295 Dove Cottage in pretty Dittisham has it all: a perfect position, outstanding panoramic views, a beautiful contemporary feel and all mod cons. The huge width-ofhouse balcony (pictured far left) makes the most of views over the river to the heights beyond, and with the house sleeping 8, you can spend lazy evenings together talking over a cocktail. The perfect spot for stargazing and sundowners.
The Wood
L125 Salcombe
comfort of home. You can choose to stage your home as you’d like to find it, both for guests and yourself. You can opt for a welcome hamper of local produce (few things are finer on arriving at a holiday home on a Saturday afternoon than to find fresh scones from Fore Street’s Bake House), and they’ve been accepted by The White Company to offer home owners a selection of exclusive toiletries in the bathrooms. As testament to its core values of exceptionally high standards of care and a strong sense of dependability, many of Pebbles’ customers have been with them since those early days and the relationships have grown with the company. Key clients of the Pebbles portfolio are Dove Cottage (L295) in Dittisham and Avocet (L153), Tamarisk (L187) and Curlew (L188) in Bigbury-on-Sea. Avocet is a spectacular, contemporary property that accommodates 12
If yo discu u’d like to ss ho can h w Pe elp w ith yo bbles ur ho h o www liday .pebb me, visit lesofs or co a lcom ntact b e.co.u the te k am o 0154 8 843 n 680
THE WOOD: L125
ABOVE TOP Contemporary living is a coastal dream. ABOVE Breakfast by the sea
DITTISHAM
SALCOMBE
and has huge glass windows (thank goodness the cleaning is someone else’s responsibility) and unrivalled sea views, while sister properties Tamarisk and Curlew offer more intimate modern spaces. Meanwhile, in Salcombe, The Wood (L125), an iconic building with a spectacular view of the estuary, is a beautiful example, not only of Pebbles’ property management but also their style when it comes
A huge house for a big gathering: sleeping 17, in stylish and ever-popular Salcombe, it offers a special retreat looking over South Sands with a private footpath to the beach. A private lane leads to the house and garage. This holiday home has everything you need for a fantastic break, including a sunbathing deck (pictured above left).
to looking after immaculate renovations. Pebbles provides a unique offering to second home owners in the South Hams by making the holiday home journey a lot easier and stress-free. It’s a long-term relationship on which individuals can rely and have done so for more than a decade. It’s with good reason that they’re the management company of choice in and around Salcombe.
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02/07/2015 13:40
Dcevoownboys
Find out more about Dartm oor Farmers on th eir website: www.dartmoo
rfarmers.co.u
k
Meet the original farmers on horseback, passionate about their produce and the moor.
Covering 368 square miles, Dartmoor consists of the largest and wildest areas of open country in the south of England; farming has shaped this landscape for over 5,000 years. Despite the struggle to make a living due to numerous economic and political factors, Dartmoor farmers are passionate about keeping traditions alive and ensuring they farm in a nonintensive, sustainable way with high standards of animal welfare at the forefront of everything they do. In 2007, supported by HRH The Prince of Wales, the Dartmoor
Farmers Association was formed with the aim of taking a more holistic approach in finding a market for their unique product and working together towards a sustainable future for both farming and tourism.
Over generations, local farmers have developed a deep understanding of this unique land and how to farm it. Each area of Dartmoor is distinct and serves an individual purpose for the farmers.
Business manager Fiona Robertson explains: “For us it’s easy: the cattle and sheep create the landscape that brings the tourists to the area; the local businesses support the farmers by creating a market for their products. After all, Dartmoor and its farmers coexist to maintain this beautiful National Park and each is essential to the other.”
The fringes of Dartmoor are lowland pastures used for growing good quality grass for silage and hay, finishing cattle and for lambing and calving. Middle ground, such as the river valleys, woodland areas and pastures (newtake), is used for grazing stock. High moorland, the common’s wild vast upland, is used for grazing and maturing the native breed cattle in the spring, summer and autumn, and sheep and ponies all year. The most effective way to gather the cattle is to drift them using farmers on horseback, so you might say they’re the original cowboys.
“For us it’s easy: the cattle and sheep create the landscape that brings the tourists to the area; the local businesses support the farmers by creating a market for their products” Fiona Robertson, Business Manager 52 HH4_Dartmoor Farmers_2.00--V3.indd 52
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02/07/2015 13:40
Dartmoor
COTTAGES nearby...
Amazing scenery
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BRIMPTS BARN: A550 Brimpts Farm is set on the hillside above Dartmeet, spectacularly positioned amid trees looking across a deep valley to open moorland and tors. For more than 30 years it has been farmed by the same Dartmoor family and the converted barn here, together with hot tub, sleeps 32. This is a stunning location for exploring lovely countryside.
DARTMEET HURSTONS COTTAGE: A217 Just 2½ miles downstream from the village of Drewsteignton is Hurstons, a recently refurbished cottage sleeping 5. It is approached along its own drive and is private with an enclosed, terraced courtyard garden for alfresco breakfasts. This lovely spot is surrounded by 100 acres of farmland with far-reaching views, woodland walks, ponds and sheep.
DREWSTEIGNTON BURNVILLE FARMHOUSE: A121
Dartmoor farmers cherish their native breeds. Fiona says: “Natives are hardy enough to thrive in the difficult conditions and they tend to be smaller and have less impact on the nationally important environments, such as the peat bogs of the high moor and Rhôs [speciesrich] pastures of the fringes.” It’s a sensitive, symbiotic relationship that the farmers are fighting for. Staying true to the traditional breeds of cattle and sheep and farming methods is good for animal welfare and the landscape, and it’s good for the consumer too. Studies, such as Professor Henry Buller’s at the University of Exeter, have proven that livestock fed on a natural bio-diverse grass diet result in a leaner meat that’s higher in nutritional value, good fats and antioxidants. This contrasts to
Burnville Farm is a lovely farmstead amid beech trees, on the side of a shallow streamvalley with supreme views of Dartmoor to Brentor’s hilltop church. This home, which sleeps 10 and shares an outdoor pool and tennis court, is on the edge of the farmyard and has its own enclosed, secluded, good-sized garden, perfect for enjoying the tranquillity and wildlife. ABOVE Life on the farm
LYDFORD
intensively farmed animals raised on grain, where the emphasis is on weight gain, sacrificing meat quality, flavour and nutritional value. At a time when people appreciate quality and provenance in their foods, Dartmoor Farmers Ltd are able to offer the ultimate guarantee: grass-fed, slow-reared meat from a native breed animal that’s been born, raised, finished, slaughtered and cut and packed by master
butchers, all within the bounds of the Dartmoor National Park. They offer a range of meat boxes that range from steak for a romantic dinner for two, to barbecue packs or a whole lamb. Their bespoke butchery service for both trade and retail customers and ability to deliver both locally and nationally mean you’ll enjoy the best meats from Dartmoor wherever you are.
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FarmShop Darts Farm has been doing things right for 40 years.
The home of fresh, home grown fruits and vegetables since the 1970s, Darts Farm has blossomed into a nationally regarded local food hub. Seasonal local produce is king in the shop, which is the beating heart of Darts Farm. There’s an on-site master butcher, fishmonger, baker, deli, cider maker and restaurant. It’s undoubtedly deserving of the accolade ‘Best Farm Shop in the UK’, awarded at the National FARMA Awards earlier this year. It sits well alongside Food Magazine’s Best Farm Shop 2015 and Best Independent Food Shop given at the Devon Life Awards. Today the farm at Topsham (an interesting and attractive town
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between Exeter and Exmouth) is run by Ronald Dart’s three sons, Paul, Michael and James, who between them continually endeavour to keep the original values at the heart of the business. The boys share their father’s passion for farming and providing good quality, local produce to a community which cares about its cultural heritage. To complement the farm shop, the Darts have created a ‘lifestyle’ shopping experience with beautifully crafted, luxury gift and home products making it easy to spend the day eating, shopping and browsing. A compilation of hand-picked specialist retailers, such as AGA,
Fired Earth and Cotswold Outdoor, as well as small independent boutiques such as Orange Tree, Sarah Pepper Florist and The Treatment Loft (health and beauty), are all under one roof. As one of the first farms in the country to have established ‘pick your own’, children and adults alike can learn more about where the food they eat comes from by harvesting the freshest of produce from the pickyour-own fruit and vegetable plot. Families can also meet the resident pigs, cows and alpacas, explore the fishing ponds, lose the parents in the maize maze or take a great farm walk around the larger vegetable fields. New to Darts Farm this year is
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02/07/2015 13:41
Topsha m
COTTAGES nearby...
roduce Fresh Devonshire p
2 COLLINGWOOD HOUSE: G84
View from apartment
Stay in a lovely 2-bedroom apartment which sleeps 4 in sleepy Topsham, an old, interesting and attractive little town with good shops beside the pretty river Exe estuary. Enjoy beautiful farmland and the heath-hill of Woodbury Common nearby. Exmouth is 7 miles distant and you’re on the very edge of the Cathedral city of Exeter.
TOPSHAM ROBYN COTTAGE: G102 This pretty, thatched, Grade II listed cottage in Otterton sleeps 4 and it’s truly a spot you won’t want to leave. The village has plenty to explore, with many gorgeous delights in the form of a restaurant, artisan bakery, crafts, events, and live music on the banks of the River Otter. You’re near some lovely places, like Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and the pebble beach of Ladram Bay.
NEAR TOPSHAM BATTENS: G96
the wetland project and bird hide, established in conjunction with the RSPB and Natural England. Together they’ve created a habitat that imitates the natural surrounds of the Exe Estuary, attracting local native species that you’d find along the river Exe. It’s a tranquil haven for birdwatchers and families to learn more about the wildlife that resides on our doorstep. Each season you’ll find different birds and wildlife around the wetlands and the farm, from oystercatchers, little egrets and buzzards in the spring, to hobbies, green sandpipers and finches in the autumn. Hire binoculars to get a close up view.
ABOVE TOP There’s a wonderful selection of fresh food
Four miles from Colyton, in the sleepy hamlet of Northleigh, is Battens, which sleeps 6. It’s one of three cottages on a small mixed farm raising beef, free range poultry and a few piglets. It’s just 5 to 7 miles from the coast at Beer, Sidmouth and Branscombe.
NEAR TOPSHAM
For more grown up tastes, Darts Farm has one of the widest selection of beers and ales in the West Country, and you can find anything from Jail Ale and O’Hanlon’s to the commemorative Thomas Hardy’s Ale. For something slightly stronger, try the famous Somerset Cider Brandy or a bottle or two of the fruit wines made from the local crop and bottled on the farm. The online shop has a small but
well formed range of hampers which gives everyone the chance to arrive on holiday to the great tastes of Darts Farm or take something special home. Presented in their signature wooden crates, they make a great souvenir. The Darts’ passion for running and growing the farm is clear: they hope visitors enjoy it as much as they enjoy working on it. It seems to be a winning formula.
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RHUBARB AND RASPBERRY CRUMBLE A scrumptious, seasonal, no-fuss dessert
Ingredients ❊ 2-4 Darts Farm rhubarb stalks in 2cm slices ❊ 1 punnet of fresh raspberries ❊ 165g plain flour ❊ 50g soft light brown sugar ❊ 150g Midfields Granola ❊ 125g Quickes whey butter ❊ 1 stick of cinnamon ❊ 3 drops of vanilla essence or ½ vanilla pod ❊ 2 whole star anise
Method 1. Set the Big Green Egg with the plate setter and stainless steel grill with the legs down. Heat the Egg to 180˚C. (If you don’t have an Egg, this recipe still works brilliantly with a conventional oven!). 2. Place the rhubarb with the spices and half the sugar in a deep dish. Toss with a tablespoon of flour and the raspberries.
Perfect Barbecue The Big Green Egg The Helpful Holidays team first heard of the Big Green Egg from a chef at Rick Stein’s Cookery School. He was so enthusiastic that we investigated further, and here it is! It’s a barbecue which retains moisture in the food so nothing burns, with the knowhow all contained in the clever ceramic design; the Egg generates intense controlled heat up to 400°C for the high-temperature grilling required to properly sear meats. It will make you look like the ultimate barbecue chef at every event, and for that reason alone, people all over the UK are on board!
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3. Put the granola, butter, remaining sugar and flour in a food processor and pulse until the mixture comes together. 4. Spread the crumble over the fruit and bake for 30 minutes until the rhubarb is tender and the crumble is golden. Why not serve your crumble with a scoop of delicious Salcombe Dairy ice cream or, for the ultimate indulgence, a generous spoonful of Rodda’s clotted cream? Perfect!
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06/07/2015 16:29
Moo Free
Holsworthy
s r e v i l e D n o v e D Devon is the right moo-ve for chocolate company Devon may be one of the heartlands of Britain’s dairy industry – but it is now also home to one of the country’s most successful dairy free companies.
Moo Free Chocolates - the creators of the world’s first dairy free chocolate Easter egg - is expanding its operations to Devon, setting up a factory in Holsworthy with the help of a grant through the North Devon+ Unlocking Business Investment programme. The ethical, family-run business started in 2010, and has quickly established itself as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of dairy free, gluten free, soya free and organic confectionery. As co-founder and Sales and Marketing Director Mike Jessop
explains, it was while looking for sites in the South West that Devon stood out as the natural choice for the future of Moo Free Chocolates.
He said: “We wanted to locate our second factory in an area with a workforce that already had experience in the food manufacturing sector. When we found the unit in Holsworthy it was exactly what we were looking for and even though it’s in a rural area it’s easily accessible, which was important as we need good connections. “Family has always been at the heart of what Moo Free is about – our son’s dairy intolerance inspired us to create a dairy free chocolate – and Devon offers a great location for families to enjoy a good work/ life balance. The outstanding quality
“Family has always been at the heart of what Moo Free is about – our son’s dairy intolerance inspired us to create a dairy free chocolate” Mike Jessop
of life was another reason to come to Devon.” The company has been recognised with countless honours at industry awards, including the Free From Awards and UK Vegan Awards. It now sells its products in over 28 countries around the world, from Europe to Australia, and its Devon factory will play an important role as it looks to build on that success. Mike added: “Our new site in Devon will allow us to make another one and a quarter tonnes of chocolate a day which we will need to supply new markets in America and China. Britain is traditionally known for quality manufacturing. We want to become the world leader in dairy free chocolate and to get the ‘Made in Britain’ mark back out there.” For more information on running a business in the county, visit the Devon Delivers website at www. investdevon.co.uk, or to find out more about Moo Free Chocolates go to www.moofreechocolates.com.
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y l i m A fa AFFAIR
Yeo Valley is an instantly recognisable brand. This family farm in Somerset retains its family values while holding the UK’s top spot as the number one organic dairy. The Mead family has been farming in Somerset since the 1400s. In the 50 plus years since Roger and Mary first put down roots, Yeo Valley has grown from a smallholding with just 30 cows into the UK’s number one organic dairy brand, supported by a fantastic community of likeminded people. During the 1970s and ‘80s, while many farmers followed the fashion to import American Holstein herds which promised more milk, Roger and Mary stuck with their all-British Friesian herd. Their naturally intuitive common sense approach paid off: British Friesians are more fertile, live a
lot longer and are better suited for our grass-based system. Also, and importantly for the farm, the bull calves of this breeding born on the farm are really valuable as beef cattle.
Award-winning Farming is intrinsic to everything the family does; they have always been, and continue to be, thoughtful, ethical, organic and proud farmers. This was recognised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ (RABDF) which recently awarded Mary The Princess Royal Award for her outstanding services to the UK dairy industry.
“All our cows have names and very detailed family trees, so for breeding we can choose the ones with the best qualities for milking” Mary Mead 58 HH4_Yeo Valley_NP_2.00--V3.indd 58
Mary’s life work was to make a pedigree herd from top quality cows bought from local herds. She tells me: “All our cows have names and very detailed family trees, so for breeding we can choose the ones with the best qualities for milking.” They now have up to about 400 cows split between two farms, Holt Farm down in the valley, and Yoxter Farm 700 feet up on the top of the Mendips, and haven’t had to buy cows for 20 years. The proof is in the eating, and their dairy products are outstanding, with an ever increasing range of yoghurts, cream, butter, ice cream, fromage frais, flavoured desserts, and now new fruit compotes available across the UK. Apart from their own products, they believe in eating food that’s local,
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02/07/2015 13:43
Blagdon
COTTAGES nearby...
Fresh from the farm
QUIET CORNER COTTAGE: E7 On the outskirts of Henstridge is Quiet Corner Farm. At the end of its drive with working apple orchards and paddocks on either side is an attractive, single-storey, mid-18th century cottage for 3. Here is a lovely suntrap garden, shared with the owner, and eggs and prize-winning apple juice are available.
NEAR BLAGDON BODKIN COTTAGE: F62 In the heart of Dunster, backing on to the village church, a charming, end-of-terrace cottage sleeping 3, with bright courtyard full of pots. Set in exceptional countryside, Dunster is one of the West Country’s prettiest villages. Located on a wooded hillside, its castle stands romantically over the main street, which is surrounded by ancient buildings, cottages, a fine church and attractive pubs.
NEAR BLAGDON
1 BELLEVUE COTTAGES: F68
organic and seasonal wherever possible. The ethos carried through the food they serve in their restaurant and tea room is to ‘appreciate and honour the ingredients that we find here in the UK’.
TOP
A way of life
Moroccan Chicken with Yeo Valley Lemon Curd Yogurt
The sun shines on the first silage cut of the year ABOVE
NEAR BLAGDON
This ethos is not just for business or for the benefit of others; it’s a way of life. The food enjoyed by staff in their canteen is so good they recently decided to open the doors to the public. Join them to enjoy Roast Wednesday and Fishy Friday. “You will never find produce that is out of season on our menus, and even if it costs us more we will favour British sourced, wherever possible,” says Mary.
of ornamental gardens in Britain to be certified organic by The Soil Association, Sarah Mead (Roger and Mary’s daughter-in-law) and her team have spent the last 18 years turning six and a half acres of land into a beautifully diverse, seasonal patchwork of ornamental and edible planting areas.
Their organic gardens are also a work of passion, dedication and patience. One of only a handful
Visit the gardens, café and canteen at Holt Farm, Blagdon Dairy where most of the yoghurt is made, or try your
In the heart of Roadwater, nestled mid-row 100 yards from a good food pub, is a pretty whitewashed cottage for 4 with a little sitting-out area (bench) catching all day sun at the front; behind, small waterside balcony with table/chairs for 2, positioned for spotting passing ducks and relaxing to the soothing sounds of the babbling leat below.
hand at trout fishing on Blagdon Lake which was created when the River Yeo was dammed in 1891. With demo days and half-day cooking courses from just £45 and open events, tours and workshops running throughout the year, there are naturally lots of reasons to visit Yeo Valley. Yeo Valley HQ, Rhodyate, Blagdon, North Somerset BS40 7YE sally@yeovalley.co.uk www.yeovalley.co.uk
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BACON AND PESTO FRITTATA A delicious alternative to sandwiches for a summer picnic
Ingredients ❊ 1 scallion shallot ❊ 1 potato ❊ 4 rashers streaky bacon ❊ 2 tsp oil ❊ 6 eggs ❊ 3 tbsp Yeo Valley Natural Yeogurt ❊ 1 tbsp pesto
Method 1. Cut the shallot in half and finely slice. Peel the potato and dice into 1cm cubes then chop the bacon. 2. In a non-stick frying pan, roughly 20cm in diameter, heat the oil over a medium heat and cook the potato for 5 minutes, turning and shaking occasionally until it starts to brown. Add the shallot and bacon and cook for a further 5 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and Yeogurt together and season to taste. Turn the temperature to low, then tip the egg mixture into the frying pan, filling up all the space between the potatoes and bacon, then drizzle the pesto over. 4. Cook for 15 minutes until the frittata is set. Gently loosen around the edges then hold a plate on top of the frying pan, flip the frittata onto the plate and slide back into the pan so the uncooked side is on the bottom. Tuck the edges in and cook for a further 5-10 minutes until browned on the outside and set in the centre. Serve warm or at room temperature, sliced into wedges, with salad and crusty bread.
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02/07/2015 13:43
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16/06/2015 15:02:01 01/07/2015 16:28
Dartington Hall celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and invites you to a summer season of festivals. To read more, turn to:
PAGES
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n o t g n i Dart DREAM SHOPS IN
If you love quality hand-crafted goods, Dartington is a must-visit for adults and children alike.
Located in the heart of Devon, on the edge of the 12,000 acre Dartington Hall Estate, are 14 shops and cafés that operate as a social enterprise from which all profits go towards supporting the charitable activities of The Dartington Hall Trust. In simple terms, the shops sell exactly what they say above the door: there is a food shop, a kitchen shop, a glass shop and a toy shop, as well as a fashion and beauty shop. It’s a great mix. One of the most interesting features of these shops is that the artists and artisans who’ve created the items sit alongside the works. Step inside and they’ll tell you and show you their creative journey, making this a completely unique and inspirational shopping experience. The rich, deeply earthy smell of leather and a huge smile from John Hagger, skilled craftsman and founder, welcome you as you enter
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Tanner Bates. John has established an international reputation; he uses the traditions of his trade combined with local leather to make ‘contemporary heirlooms’, products designed to last a lifetime. John has been teaching leatherwork for many years, expanding the principles and practice of teaching into the Leather School. Make your own leather belt, shopping bag or satchel, or choose from his collection of time-tested leather patterns. The workshops and classes are designed to provide a wide range of leathercraft experiences for people of all ability levels. www.leatherschool.co.uk The Craft Centre is situated in a bright and airy space. The atmosphere here as you walk in is relaxed and intimate, inviting you to take your time in choosing from established and new artists. Each month there’s a new artist in residence, but each day of the week you can step through to the studio and meet an artist, talk to
him or her about the works, admire their collection and take something special home. In the shop, glass collections from Siddy Langley, Sandra Adams and Mats Jonasson fill the space with fragile delights. There are sculptures, portraits, prints and fine art to enjoy too. Re-Store breathes new life into old furniture, furnishings and home accessories. A team of 20 volunteer artists and makers rejuvenate, restore and up-cycle out of fashion furniture and accessories into fabulous and funky items for your home. You’ll discover up-cycled wonders from Adrian Sandford’s golf club coat hooks, saw clocks and fire extinguisher lamps, to beautifully restored antiques, baskets of woven wastepaper and bunting from vintage children’s books. Each piece is unique and there are fresh, beautiful, curious items to buy each time you visit, many created at the workshops on site. They achieve what we all dream
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Dartington
adise An art-lovers par
COTTAGES nearby... STOKE COURT COTTAGE: C13
NEAR DARTINGTON
In the heart of Stoke Gabriel is this stunningly renovated Victorian house with three bedrooms, which sleeps 8. This is a pretty and beautifully-situated village with pubs, shops and a creek off the River Dart estuary. The house has everything you need for a great holiday and it’s in a wonderfully convenient spot for enjoying the South Hams and Torbay.
WASSAIL COTTAGE: L119 Just 1½ miles from Stoke Gabriel is this very smart, stylish threebedroom cottage for 5, in a row of four cleverly converted from a Grade II listed cider barn. A brook runs along the back and the cottages have pretty views over neighbouring orchards. In fact, cider is still made and sold locally. Here you enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful location and access to the village.
we could do with second hand furniture if only we had the time, talent and artistic inclination. BigFire offers beautiful, robust and unique products for the home and the great outdoors. Inspired by outdoor living, items have to meet quality, functionality and comfort criteria to be stocked. This is the place for budding outdoor gourmets to feast their eyes: the Kadai range of outdoor cooking pots, grills and griddles sit alongside rotisserie kits and stoves. Crucial to the BigFire ethos is that every one of the products must create a sense of wellbeing. There’s a huge range, from the magnificent Dutchtub, a woodfired hot tub, to the technologically advanced, smokeless camping stoves and those that can generate electricity from fire. You’ll also find a good range of classic and modern fire bowls and pizza ovens, as well as some truly extraordinary indoor log burning stoves which are great for the home. www.bigfire.co.uk .
The Food Shop is a member of Food and Drink Devon, an organisation which promotes and supports Devon-based food growers and manufacturers. This is a good alternative if you want to fill your
ABOVE Fresh from the press: organic cider
NEAR DARTINGTON
pantry with local foods instead of buying from large chains whilst you’re on holiday, or stock up on delicious souvenirs. There’s a large selection of local ales and ciders, jams, chutneys and preserves, as well as locally-made cakes, cheesecakes, pasties and pies. The team’s working hard to bring the quantity of West Country products stocked to 90% or more by the end of the year. If the weather isn’t fantastic and you have some indoor days, you’ll be wise to make a visit to the Toy Shop. They offer everything from arts and crafts, science, games, imaginative play, soft toys, music, construction toys and books, to the classic Schleich figures. Put on a play about local myths and legends with handcrafted puppets or grab one of the new kites by local producer Brookite, realistically made to look like birds of prey. These easy-to-fly birds will certainly keep the seagulls away from your picnic!
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w o t s d Pa PRIME PICKS IN
Alongside its fame for fine fish and chips, Padstow is also a picturesque place to spend a few hours browsing and shopping.
The nautical theme all around this lovely harbour town reflects the fishing village’s history and current trends in interior design. The quaint narrow streets throng with visitors in the summer and the usual seaside shops for the obligatory Padstow printed teeshirts, beach toys and fudge are flanked by a tempting variety of stylish shops giving you the chance to buy something that will last longer than your summer tan. For something truly unique, visit one of the small art galleries where you can pick up works by local and international artists. The success of Stein’s empire is something of a theme here as the name appears on every street. Park on the waterfront and you’ll no doubt pass the Deli and Fisheries, his wet fish shop. Pop in to look at the crabs in the tanks or suss out what you might take home for supper. Piles of fresh, garlic-studded flatbreads and a deli counter full of
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In town, there’s Stein’s Patisserie with meringues glistening in the window and chocolates and tarts echoing those served in the restaurants. Jill Stein’s stylish eye for interior is well reflected in Stein’s Gift Shop in Middle Street, where nautical themes and signature items sit alongside fine pottery made by their son, Edward.
Jo Downs hails from Cornwall and is now one of the most respected global artists working with fused glass. Inspired by the natural scenery and coastline, her work is both stunning and accessible. The gallery in Padstow is a welcoming, family-friendly place to browse the collection. Her unique signature fish bowls, leaf mirrors and colourful bar hangings capture the light beautifully.
Stein’s Gift Shop, Middle Street Stein’s Deli and Fisheries, Waterfront, Padstow PL28 8AP www.rickstein.com
Jo Downs, 24 Middle Street, Padstow PL28 8AP 01841 533854 www.jodowns.com/galleries
Teri Walter sits at the high end of desirable interiors: oversized driftwood lamps, stunning glass and mirrors, prints and frames of the local area, chunky coffee tables and cushions printed with local landmarks will refresh and treat your home to a boutique makeover.
Surf and country culture are well represented in town with national chains Joules, White Stuff, Fat Face and Musto offering sales and discounts throughout the year. Mountain Warehouse on the quayside is the perfect place to pick up all-weather gear for some outdoor adventure.
fresh salads and tarts make a lighter alternative to the pasty.
W Teri Walter, 4 Lanadwell Street, Padstow PL28 8AN www.teriwalter.com
For a wide range of designer surf gear, Ann’s Cottage has two
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Padstow
COTTAGES nearby...
t spot The north coast ho
Images courtesy of: Steve Tanner
GRANDPA DICKSON’S: P25
LEFT Ann’s Cottage shop front ABOVE Jo Downs in her studio
branches in this tiny town. Starting as a small shop in part of a petrol filling station in Polzeath, Ann’s Cottage sold and rented out boards and equipment to the early surfing pioneers, as well as providing beachwear to holidaymakers coming to enjoy the glorious beach and gentle waves of Polzeath. When the filling station shut down its pumps in the ’90s, Ann’s Cottage Surf Shop was extended and became hugely popular. Now with nine stores, it’s become one of the largest retailers of surfwear and accessories for men, women, girls, boys and toddlers in Cornwall.
NEAR PADSTOW NOHENS: P51 Nohens is on a quiet street around 500 yards above Padstow harbour. It’s a neat, terraced Victorian townhouse for 6 with a lovely enclosed suntrap garden behind and paved terraces up to a pretty summer house. Thoroughly stylish and comfortable in relaxing seaside colours and only a short distance from the fascinating life of Padstow, this three-bedroom house is a real gem.
contemporary silver jewellery. Blue Wing boasts collections of hand-made and high calibre craftsmanship jewellery in distinctive yet wearable designs. The gallery represents a number of talented and exciting UK based designer makers. Established in Padstow six years ago, Blue Wing now has shops in towns across the South West. The Blue Wing Gallery, 16 Duke Street, Padstow PL28 8AB padstow@blue-wing.co.uk
9 Broad Street, Padstow, PL28 8BS. 01841 533270 www.annscottage.com
A great little wine shop, BinTwo has an extensive selection of fine wines to match the local seafood. Serving an extensive range of wines and champagne by the glass, as well as fresh lobster rolls and great coffee, this makes a perfect pit stop. Each bottle has been hand-picked and tasted by the staff.
The Blue Wing Gallery is a boutique jewellery shop selling unusual, unique and individual designs in
BinTwo, The Drang, Padstow PL28 8BL wine@bintwo.com www.bintwo.com
Ann’s Cottage, 13 Mill Square, Padstow PL28 8AE 01841 534890
Tucked away in Little Petherick is this lovely timber-clad bungalow for 6, one of a number on a no through road. You’re just two miles from Padstow here and all it has to offer. This is a smart, quiet, convenient, cosy all-year-round home with three bedrooms and a large enclosed, very private balcony (table/ chairs, barbecue) at the back. Enjoy tranquil meadow views. Perfect relaxation.
PADSTOW
Padstow Farm Shop is passionate about fresh local produce that is nurtured and cared for until it arrives on your plate. They focus on the best quality foods and minimal transport so they have a tiny carbon footprint, even making their own pasta from home grown wheat. The grain is milled at The Cornish Mill & Bakehouse and the flour is then used in their beautiful Italian pasta machine you can see in the shop. Situated just outside the main town at Trethillick, you drive from the main town, park outside and spend as long as you wish browsing, tasting and chatting in the relaxed shop. Dennis, the award-winning butcher, is always happy to help you choose meats and gives great cooking advice. An old-fashioned welcome with a smile makes it a pleasure to select a holiday hamper. Padstow Farm Shop, Trethillick Farm, Padstow PL28 8HJ 01841 533060 www.padstowfarmshop.co.uk
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s e g d i r B k c a r e v o C s Near golden beac he
s e t i r u o v a Tea m f MANDY HOWARD Booking Assistant Born in Sticklepath, near Okehampton, Mandy was brought up in Devon and loves everything about the South West. “As we live in Devon, we love heading across to Cornwall when taking a family break. I have two boys, Ashley and Adam, so we usually choose somewhere surrounded by beautiful scenery in a stunning location, but also with things for them to do – somewhere that’s quiet in the evenings, but not too far from the action for the boys. A cottage with a pool or near the beach is perfect. “Last year we went to Withy Barn [T13] in Coverack Bridges, near Helston. It’s a lovely, newly converted cottage with a big garden, so the boys played football and enjoyed the life outside. It’s near loads of golden beaches surrounding the Lizard Peninsula and Porthleven, a gorgeous historic harbour town, which makes a great place to visit. I’d definitely recommend it to others!” It’s easy to see how Mandy fell for this cottage’s charms. Built in traditional
Cornish granite, it’s been renovated lovingly in stylish, neutral tones, while the large garden is bordered by shrubbery, exotic plants and a gently flowing stream. Some like to visit the same cottage or destination year on year. It’s always comforting to return to a tried-andtested retreat that you know and love, even bumping into the same old friends. But for Mandy and her family, half the fun is seeking out a new adventure and ticking off another beautiful part of the region. “Each place we’ve visited has been amazing in its own right, and I’d happily go to all again. But with so many incredible places yet to discover, it’s also great to investigate somewhere new. Next year we plan to go to Falmouth as my eldest son is studying at university there. It’s a buzzing town, so there’s always something going on, whether Falmouth Week or one of the many regattas and festivals.”
Withy Barn
T13 Coverack Bridges
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R insey Cove
all
Classic west Cornw
NICKY HEYWORTH Customer Support Manager Nicky Heyworth knows a thing or two about finding a stunning location. “People find a house they love and they’ll go back to it,” she says. And she’s speaking from experience, having stayed at the same gorgeous stone cottage, Tregwynne (Z41) in Rinsey Cove, for four years in a row since 2012.
Tregwynne
Z41 Rinsey Cove
“On arrival, we’re greeted with delicious homemade lemon drizzle cake and a bottle of wine in the fridge. It’s a fantastic welcome; it feels like we’re going home. It’s a lovely touch. Just little things like that, even simply a pint of milk in the fridge, really make an enormous difference.” The cottage is owned by artist Ingrid Sofrin, who paints seascapes around the surrounding coastline. And it’s a beautiful stretch of Cornwall nestled between Praa Sands and Porthleven, with lovely walks along the South West Coast Path. But what initially tempted Nicky to this location? “The dog likes it… He does the choosing! It’s very dogfriendly there. We can walk from the cottage to the Coast Path and right down to the beach. We usually go just before Easter, a good time for us as dogs are welcome on
beaches then. It’s always worth planning ahead as some beaches have restricted access during the prime season.” And knowing your needs is important, as Nicky explains: “When helping you plan your holiday, I really like to know what matters to you. That might be something like accessibility, for example easy parking, being close to amenities or having the local pub within walking distance. One customer wanted to find the perfect spot to take his young daughter on holiday for the first time. I suggested Burgh Island. It’s a beautiful location; it’s flat, safe and with apartments straight out on to the beach to play on the sand. “Another holidaymaker says that what her family really needs is time with each other. So rather than buying them presents, she likes to treat all her children and grandchildren to a holiday all together. Each night a different couple takes it in turn to cook supper. It’s a great bonding experience for the family.”
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t s a o C Path
THE SOUTH WEST
‘The Walk of a lifetime’ the South West Coast Path website proclaims. And truly it is, says Pat Kelleway
Where to start? Logically, of course, at one end or the other. Most people start from Minehead, some from South Haven Point, near Poole – but not in the middle! However, inspired by David Bathurst’s book ‘Walking the South Coast of England’, in June 2009 my husband, Mike, and I spent one memorable
week walking from Exmouth to Weymouth. It was a steep learning curve, literally. I nearly lost the will to live after the second day, having established that the place name ‘Mouth’ means scores of near-vertical steps going down followed by a similar number
“It was a steep learning curve, literally. I nearly lost the will to live after the second day, having established that the place name ‘Mouth’ means scores of near-vertical steps going down followed by a similar number going up.” 68 HH4_Walks_4.00--V3.indd 68
going up. There were several similar ‘Mouths’ that warm, humid day. ‘Challenging’ took on a new meaning. Another early lesson was the wisdom of driving to our day’s intended destination, parking the car to await us whenever we might finish and catching a bus back to our start point. This was learned the hard way after a long day’s walking ended up with scampering around Weymouth like headless chickens, desperately searching for the right bus stop (X53 due imminently; next departure two hours later). That week we plodded more than 56 miles of the Path, in superb
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L antic Bay Nearly halfway
The journey begins...
LEFT Mike and Pat at Dancing Ledge in Dorset
ABOVE Lantic Bay between Polperro and Fowey
conditions, whetting our appetites for more. We went on to complete the entire Path, from Poole to Minehead, in several more weeks spread over five years, but were never quite so lucky with the weather again.
to maintain, with no option of a day off for inclement weather. We preferred to search out a strategically-placed holiday cottage, ideally close to a pub, providing a comfortable home-from-home at the end of a demanding day.
We stayed that first week in Bridport. Some people who walk the Path admirably carry tents and bedrolls on their backs; most pre-book B&Bs (organisations will transport luggage to the next destination). However, pre-booking B&B accommodation along the route commits the walker to a schedule which they may be unable
The first two or three cottages we rented were satisfactory, but nothing special. Then one day, flicking through the Daily Telegraph travel section, we came across the magic words ‘Helpful Holidays’... Basing ourselves in one central location for each week’s walking did, however, require logistical planning of military precision.
Friends joined us for a few days during five separate weeks, bringing the luxury of a car parked at each end of the day’s stretch. At other times we’d have been lost without Traveline (www. travelinesw.com), although the detailed advance planning for a week’s walking still seemed to take twice as long as actually plodding the Path. Public transport varied from adequate to poor to nonexistent, but we had to resort rarely to a circular walk, taxis on three occasions and to walking a remote section both ways, there and back, only twice.
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Mike’ s favourite chunk near Hartland Point
Despite meticulous planning, there were hiccups. The absence of bus stops in parts of Cornwall was an ongoing problem. (Q: It’s supposed to stop at this junction. But whereabouts? If we stand in the road waving a pole, will it stop? A: Yes, usually, but one Sunday morning, when it was the only bus of the day, no). Western Greyhound’s disastrous loss of 35 buses in the Summercourt arson attack of May 2013 nearly blighted our upcoming St Ives to Mawgan Porth week: but they, and we, coped well. On a fine Exmoor morning in September 2014, metaphorically almost in sight of
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the chequered flag at Minehead, we fetched up at County Gate for the 300 – our final bus journey of the Path – only to discover that Quantock Motor Services had ceased trading two days earlier. Favourite chunks? Mine was Polperro to Polruan: no man-made structure for seven miles and the stunning Lantic Bay, on a glorious afternoon during the ash cloud crisis, without a single vapour trail invading the heavenly blue sky. Mike favoured Hartland Point, astonishingly wild and rugged on a bright, bitter March day. By far the most difficult, we agreed, were sections of the Penwith
peninsula where crampons might have been useful for clambering over massive granite rocks (only to clamber back on discovering that the Path, poorly-marked in that area, traversed a different, equally forbidding bunch of boulders). That first day in Exmouth we wouldn’t have believed we would go on to walk the entire 630-mile Path, universally considered the most challenging of all the National Trails. David Bathurst (whose splendid books I recommend heartily) says of it: “This enormous coastal trek is a truly awesome logistical challenge for any walker, however fit or experienced.” Well,
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Mine he ad
COTTAGES nearby...
End of the line
ALICE COTTAGE: F60 Only a mile from Minehead, on a tiny lane that meanders down the hill into the hamlet of Bratton, lies this pretty, detached, thatched cottage for 3. An idyllic country garden to the rear of the cottage is perfect for relaxing or admiring the wildlife in the fenced pond. Enjoy a traditional cottage holiday in this tranquil setting.
NEAR MINEHEAD ORCHARD COTTAGE: K3 Formerly owned by Hartland Abbey, this cottage has been beautifully converted, lovingly restored and furnished. A beautiful, detached, Grade II listed, 16th century cottage sleeping 10 with courtyard, enclosed garden and indoor heated swimming pool. Traditional style with space and luxury. Lovely walks through the Abbey’s woods to the sea.
NEAR HARTLAND POINT
The view
LEFT Coast Path at Chapel Porth
we were in our mid to late 60s, moderately fit bar a few joint conditions. Mike’s right knee was problematic on steep descents; my lifelong scoliosis (spinal curvature) had triggered painful bursitis in my left hip and I developed metatarsalgia, chronic pain and swelling under my right foot. However, walking through these problems did no harm, made them no worse – in fact, arguably improved our symptoms. Past walking experience had comprised only the Isle of Wight and North Norfolk coast paths, but we learned fast as we progressed. Our longest day’s trek was 14 miles;
300 yards up from Polruan harbour, this detached home with spectacular views sleeps 6 and lies in a small residential cul-de-sac. With a big sunny balcony and enclosed decked garden at the back, this is a wonderful house for enjoying the views and the interesting shops, galleries and restaurants of Fowey.
ABOVE Mike and Pat celebrate at Minehead
we tried where possible to plan for no more than ten, allowing ample time to stop and stare.
SPINNAKER: R104
POLRUAN
Every day brought a new discovery and we met so many interesting people. It became addictive and it was fascinating, magnificent and life-enhancing. Completing the Path brought an unprecedented sense of achievement, but I felt strangely bereft at the end. I miss it all so much: the challenge, the variety, the breathtaking scenery, the
rigorous planning - even the ‘Mouths’! Yes, we do still walk; this year we’ve continued eastwards along the South Coast and have almost completed the South Downs Way – but I’ll never again feel as passionate about any trail as I do about the South West Coast Path. Perhaps we should go back to where we finished at Minehead – and do it all again, in reverse.
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08/07/2015 15:20
What’s on
MAIN IMAGE Miracle Theatre’s Magnificent Three
Time on holiday is precious and the choices can be bewildering. You don’t want to waste valuable holiday time on research. Impartial recommendations can help you make the most of your stay and guide you to places you might otherwise overlook. So here are places and things that we recommend. We hope you enjoy them.
UK Surf Rowers League
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Eden Project Beer Festival
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06/07/2015 16:32
EVENTS DIARY
DECEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
OCTOBER 2015
SEPTEMBER 2015
AUGUST 2015
JULY 2015
CORNWALL
July 3 – 18
Lafrowda Festival, Penzance
July 25
Perranporth Carnival
July 4
Heritage Day, Bodmin
July 25 – 31
July 11
Oyster Festival, Rock
Charlestown Regatta Week, St Austell
July 11
UK Surf Rowers League Surfboats Summer Series, Watergate Bay
July 26 – Aug 1
Carnival Week, Looe
July 28 – Aug 7
Summer Music Festival, St Endellion
July 30 – Aug 2
Port Eliot Festival, St Germans
July 13
Agricultural Show, Stithians
July 24 – 26
Boconnoc Steam Fair, Lostwithiel
Aug 5 – 9
Boardmasters Surf, Skate and Music Festival, Newquay
Aug 15
Bude Carnival
Aug 7 – 16
Falmouth Week
Aug 16 – 22
Aug 9
Heavy Horse Show and Country Fayre, Tregony
Regatta and Carnival Week, Fowey
Aug 28 – 31
Aug 13 - 15
Miracle Theatre - Magnificent Three at Headland Hotel, Newquay
Cornwall Folk Festival, Wadebridge
Aug 29 – 31
Aug 14 – 16
Steam and Country Fair, Stithians
Morval Vintage Steam Rally, Looe
Sept 1 – 4
Jazz Festival, Bude
Sept 1 – 6
Gorsedh Kernow, St Austell
Sept 11 – 13
Mining and Pasty Festival, Redruth
Sept 11 – 13
Fish Festival, Newquay
Sept 12 – 18
South East Cornwall Walking Festival
Sept 12 – 26
September Festival, St Ives
Sept 13
Truro Day
Sept 18 – 20
Music Festival, Looe
Sept 25 – 27 Truro
Cornwall Food and Drink Festival,
Sept 26
Open County Pilot Gig Championships, Newquay
Oct 3
Eden Project Beer Festival
Oct 3 – 4
Food, Arts and Crafts Festival, Boscastle
Oct 14 – 18
Oct 7
Honey Fair, Callington
Oct 15 – 18
Oyster Festival, Falmouth
Oct 10 – 11
British SUP Championships, Newquay
Oct 22 – 25
Jazz and Blues Festival, Calstock
Nov 7
Afternoon Tea at Trelowarren
Nov 14
Torchlight Carnival, St Austell
Nov 17
Sennen Farmers’ Market
Nov 18
Truro City of Lights
Dec 2
Truro Primestock Show
Dec 3 – 6
Christmas Festival, Padstow
Dec 4
Bude Farmers’ and Craft Special Christmas Market
Dec 5
Liskeard Lights Up
Lowender Peran Festival, Newquay
Nov 20 – 21
Ghost Hunting, Jamaica Inn
Nov 20 – 22
Trereife Christmas Gift Fair
Nov 28 – Jan 3
Winter Festival, Eden Project
Dec 12 – Jan 02
Mousehole Christmas Lights
Dec 22
Montol Festival, Penzance
Dec 26
Charlestown Rowing Club Boxing Day Swim
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What’s on Devon holidays aren’t only about rolling countryside, beautiful beaches and the great outdoors - there are plenty of other things to do too. This vibrant county plays host to an amazing array of events such as music, theatre, literature, comedy, sports and food festivals – and there are even a few more unusual events to be found that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Dartington Summer School
MAIN IMAGE Bicton Botanical Gardens
R.N.L.I., Clove lly
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02/07/2015 13:46
EVENTS DIARY
DECEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
OCTOBER 2015
SEPTEMBER 2015
AUGUST 2015
JULY 2015
DEVON
July 3 – 13
Way With Words Festival, Dartington
July 25
Apple Pie Fair, Marldon
July 4
Let’s Rock Exeter, Powderham Castle
July 25
Mid Devon Show, near Tiverton
July 10 – 12
Balloon and Music Festival, Tiverton
July 25 – Aug 2 Torbay Carnival Week, Paignton
July 10 – 18
Music Festival, Budleigh Salterton
July 26
Totnes Show
July 17 – 18
Chagstock Music Festival, Chagford
July 28
Hot Pennies Day, Honiton
July 18 – 25
Fair Week, Kingsbridge
July 31 – Aug 2 Torbay Steam Fair
July 19
Maritime Festival, Clovelly
July 31 – Aug 7 Sidmouth Folk Week
Aug 1
Water Carnival, Shaldon
Aug 9 – 16
Paignton Regatta
Aug 1 – 8
Town Regatta, Salcombe
Aug 10 – 16
Totnes Carnival
Aug 1 – 29
Dartington International Summer School
Aug 15 – 16
Summer Fair, River Cottage
Aug 18
Orange Rolling, Totnes
Aug 5
North Devon Show, Umberleigh
Aug 18 – 19
Aug 6 – 29
Alfresco Lunch, River Cottage
British Fireworks Championships, Plymouth
Aug 8 – 15
Carnival Week, Dawlish
Aug 20
Chagford Show
Aug 9 – 15
Yacht Club Regatta, Salcombe
Aug 21 – 23
Beautiful Days Festival, Escot Park
Sept 5
Kingsbridge Show
Sept 10
Sam Kelly Trio Live, River Cottage
Sept 5
Fishstock, Brixham
Sept 11 – 19
Agatha Christie Festival, Torquay
Sept 5 – 6
Sea Ilfracombe Festival
Sept 17 – 20
Sept 5 – 20
Devon Open Studios, across Devon
Literature Festival, Budleigh Salterton
Sept 6
Lobster and Crab Feast, Clovelly
Sept 27 – 28
Seafood Festival, Plymouth
Sept 8
Widecombe Fair
Sept 29
World Cup Rugby, Sandy Park, Exeter
Oct 3
Food Festival, Powderham
Oct 15 – 25
Oct 7
World Cup Rugby, Sandy Park, Exeter
Two Moors Festival, Dartmoor and Exmoor
Oct 23 – 25
Food Festival, Dartmouth
Oct 14
Goosey Fair, Tavistock
Oct 23 – 25
Oct 15
World Cup Rugby, Sandy Park, Exeter
Baring Gould Folk Festival, Okehampton
Oct 24
Honiton Carnival
Nov 5
Guy Fawke’s Fireworks Party, The BIG Sheep
Nov 5
Bonfire Night Firework Cruise, Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth
Nov 9
Shakespeare Underground, Kents Cavern
Nov 15
Herring Festival, Clovelly
Dec 6 – 24
Woolly’s Winter Wonderland, The BIG Sheep
Dec 6
Christmas Lights (in aid of the R.N.L.I.), Clovelly
Nov 19
Christmas Artisan Fair, Sidmouth
Nov 21
Stone Age School Builder, Kents Cavern
Nov 28 – 29
Christmas Gift Fair, Morwellham
Dec 11 – 13
The Polar Express Tram Ride, Seaton Tramway
Dec 11
Candlelight Carol Service, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Dec 25
Christmas Day Swim River Cruise, Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth
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What’s on
MAIN IMAGE Yeovilton Air Day
At the heart of the West Country, Dorset and Somerset are wonderful destinations of dramatic coastlines, family seaside resorts, fantastic English countryside and historic places. Both counties are captivating, with a huge variety of things to do, so it’s often difficult to know where to start. To help with your planning, here is a list of some of our favourite events across Somerset and Dorset.
Great Dorset S
team Fair
Taunton Carnival 76 HH4--ED--EVENTS DIARY--V4.indd 76
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02/07/2015 13:47
EVENTS DIARY JULY 2015
SOMERSET
DORSET
July 3
Frome Festival
July 11
RNAS Yeovilton International Air Show, Yeovil
July 11
Party in the Park, Galhampton
July 29
Dunster Country Fair
DECEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
OCTOBER 2015
SEPTEMBER 2015
AUGUST 2015
July 31 – Aug 2 Outcider Festival, Compton Martin
Jul 4
Bridport Charter Fair
Jul 10 – 12
Swanage Jazz Festival
Jul 11
Jurassic Fields Music Festival, Bridport
Jul 11 – 12
Dorset Seafood Festival, Weymouth
Jul 19
Classics at the Castle Car Show, Sherborne Castle
Aug 7 – 8
Taunton Flower Show
Aug 1 – 2
Aug 8
Much Ado About Nothing, Montacute House
Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Wimborne
Aug 1 – 9
Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival
Aug 15
Craft Fair, Lytes Cary Manor
Aug 19
Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show
Aug 15 – 16
Yesterday’s Farming Show, Puckington
Aug 20 – 23
Bournemouth Air Festival
Aug 21 – 23
Lyme Regis Folk Weekend
Aug 22 – 23
Bristol International Kite Festival
Aug 30 – 31
Aug 28 – 30
Watchet Music Festival
Giant Games on the Lawn, Forde Abbey
Sept 2 – 6 Sept 18 – 20
Antique Collectors’ Fair, Bath
The Great Dorset Steam Fair, Blandford Forum
Sept 18 – 20
Priston Festival, near Bath
Sept 5 – 6
Bridport Hat Festival
Sept 19
Frome Carnival
Sept 5 – 6
Dorset County Show, Dorchester
Sept 19
Moshi Monsters Day, West Somerset Railway
Sept 11 – 13
Swanage Folk Festival
Sept 12 – 13
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Sept 26
Wellington Carnival
Sept 27
Heavy Horse Show and Country Fair, Shaftesbury
Oct 3
Ilminster Carnival
Oct 2 – 4
Swanage Blues and Roots Festival
Oct 10
Chard Carnival
Oct 3
Gillingham Carnival
Oct 17
Taunton Carnival
Oct 9 – 24
Purbeck Film Festival
Scooby Doo Day, West Somerset Railway
Oct 14 – 18
Sherborne Literary Festival
Oct 17
Apple Day, Bridport
Oct 31
Nov 6
Guy Fawkes Carnival Grand Firework Display, Bridgwater
Nov 8
Grand Firework Display, Burnham-On-Sea
Nov 13
Guy Fawkes Carnival, Weston-Super-Mare
Nov 20
Guy Fawkes Carnival, Wells
Nov 21
Guy Fawkes Carnival, Glastonbury
Dec 4 – 5 Dec 12 Dec 12
Vintage and Retro Fair, Wells
Dec 13
Christmas Fun Day, The Helicopter Museum, Weston-Super-Mare
Nov 7
Fireworks Extravaganza, Sherborne Castle
Nov 7 – 8
Antiques Fair, Highcliffe Castle
Nov 8 – 15
Literary Festival, Bridport
Dunster by Candlelight
Dec 2
Festive Food and Gift Fayre, Haynes Motor Museum
Swing Unlimited Big Band, Highcliffe Castle
Dec 16
Poole and Parkstone Singers Christmas Songs and Carols
Dec 20
5K Chase the Pudding Santa Dash, Weymouth Beach
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g n i t a r b Cele : s r a e y 90 2015 SUMMER SEASON AT DARTINGTON
The Dartington Hall Trust, near Totnes in Devon, goes from strength to strength
The charity celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, and invites you to join a wonderful summer season of festivals set amid the magnificent and breathtaking 1,200 acre medieval estate. All proceeds go towards Dartington’s work to use the land to create a society that is sustainable, just and enriching for all. Dartington continues to be home to a diverse range of activities, including the Schumacher College offering life-changing courses to increase green living across the planet, and the wellrespected charity Research in Practice for Adults which has been supporting thousands of social care practitioners across the UK to
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improve outcomes for children and adults in their care. One of the many jewels in this amazing place’s crown is the Dartington International Summer School, a longstanding and unique South West festival that is known for being a ‘music school by day and a concert venue by night’.
Everyone’s invited to Dartington grounds and gardens See if you can find the 1,500 to 2,000-year-old yew tree hidden on the Dartington estate, said by some to grow alongside a druid path to Dartmoor. The ancient tree stands in the internationally important, Grade II* listed gardens that surround the medieval hall
buildings. If you’ve never visited them, you’re in for an uplifting experience. The gardens were revitalised and developed in the Arts and Crafts style 90 years ago by Dartington founders, Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst, with Henry Avray Tipping and Beatrix Farrand. The Elmhirsts welcomed artists to Dartington, as continues today, so you’ll spot sculptures by Henry Moore, Willi Soukop and Peter Randall-Page. Break for a bite to eat in the awardwinning White Hart restaurant, offering delicious food superbly prepared by head chef Anuj Thakur and his team. Fifty per cent of the food is sourced from suppliers
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06/07/2015 16:33
Dartington
COTTAGES nearby...
d art Centre for music an
SANDRIDGE BOATHOUSE: C617 This gorgeous boat house is about 1¼ miles from Stoke Gabriel, on the same estate as C618 below. Sleeping 4, it was built in 1760 as a bathing house in one of the most secluded, private, romantic settings in south Devon. It’s on the water’s edge where the Dart meanders by and you can enjoy the lovely balcony and wonderful seclusion.
NEAR DARTINGTON SANDRIDGE BARTON: C618
Darting ton is a great d out and ay an exce llent pla to shop ce for top quality hand m ade goo ds. Find ou t more, turn to:
PAGES
62-63
within a 20-mile radius, to support local producers. Beyond the formal gardens, you can walk for miles on permissive paths through unspoiled woods, over farmland and down by the River Dart, protected for centuries as part of the estate. On the way you’ll see birds, butterflies, moths and bugs, and you can even contemplate leaping in for some wild swimming in the Dart. Head down to the fantastic Shops at Dartington which includes 14 shops and cafés, selling over 17,000 items. They are a social enterprise, which means all profits go towards supporting the charitable activities of the Dartington Hall Trust.
Sandridge Barton is a sensational holiday home. It has an amazing position, view, privacy, a large indoor swimming pool and a snooker table. Sleeping 12, it is 1½ miles from Stoke Gabriel. A quarter of a mile of private drive leads gently down a valley to this original Georgian house with wonderful sun trap terrace.
NEAR DARTINGTON
LEFT Picture-perfect scenery and location
For the adventurous, treat yourself to canoeing, archery, abseiling, rockclimbing or a high-ropes course with Dynamic Adventures (info@ dynamicadventurescic.co.uk). Or you can book single bank fly fishing/ spinning for sea trout, brown trout and salmon on the Dart (bookings@ dartington.org). There’s a real treat in store for music lovers for the whole of August, whether you prefer to play or listen, at the long-running and internationally acclaimed Summer School: a unique celebration of all things musical where world-class professionals rub shoulders with budding musicians and enthusiasts.
Finally, a bit of history Did you know the policy that established the welfare state was drafted at Dartington in 1945? Intriguingly, social reformers grappling with the pressing issues of their day were among the artists, economists and horticulturalists who were warmly welcomed to Dartington by the wealthy American, Dorothy Elmhirst, and her English husband, Leonard, during the 20th century. The couple bought the estate back in 1925 for what they called the ‘Dartington Experiment’ - to regenerate a rural community. Then as now, the aim is to transform lives and help make a better world for others.
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“We have great provinces, so should be eating fresh food ultimately from our region.� 80
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l e a h c i M ines Ca
Gidleigh Park Hotel
Q&A
Award-winning chef Michael Caines takes time out from his busy schedule to tell us why he loves Devon and about his approach to seasonal cooking in the West Country. Q. You grew up in Exeter; what was your favourite place in Devon?
market. We all need to encourage sustainable fishing.
A. Dartmoor, it’s just a great place.
Q. Your top tips for barbecue cooking this summer?
Q. Can you share one of the highlights of your 21 years at Gidleigh Park? A. It has to be earning my second Michelin star back in 1999. Q. What’s different or unique about West Country ingredients? A. Simple - we have one of the best larders in Europe. Rolling pastures, the dairy herds, access to the sea and great early springs and late summers help contribute to this. Q. You’ve written about issues such as sustainability and the sea. What advice do you have for consumers who are confused about what they should buy and eat? Gidleigh Park meets Helpful Holidays in their annual cricket match. To read more, turn to:
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A. We have great provinces, so should be eating fresh food ultimately from our region. The need to reduce the impact on seasonal fish is growing; the internet is great for looking into this, or speak to the local fishmonger and go to the local fish
A. Use coals not gas. Also remember to maintain good hygiene, maybe with a bowl of hot water next to the barbecue so you can wash your hands before and after touching raw and cooked meat, and you can always part cook your food in the oven if you’re worried. Q. What’s your favourite thing to order in a restaurant? A. I don’t have a favourite dish, I normally like to order the tasting menu. That way I can see what the chef likes to cook and find a wine flight to accompany the dishes. Q. There are lots of food trends and fashions. What new food craze or ingredient are you enjoying at the moment? A. Rather than following food trends, I like to cook what’s in season instead. At this time of year lamb, strawberries, peaches and nectarines are all great, and healthy too.
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MICHAEL CAINES’ COLD GAZPACHO SOUP This cold vegetable soup, originating from southern Spain, was originally made by pounding the ingredients together in a pestle and mortar. It’s a perfect way to start your meal, or to serve as an appetiser or canapé on a warm summer’s day. For the best result all vegetables must be ripe and the soup, once blended, should be left for six hours to marinate before serving, enabling the flavours to integrate. Seasoning is the key here too, playing on sweet, sour and salty to best effect. I’m garnishing mine with some soured cream and basil oil.
Serves 4 Ingredients ❊ 1 scallion shallot ❊ 3 red peppers ❊ 8 ripe beef or plum tomatoes ❊ 1 small onion ❊ ½ a cucumber ❊ 1 clove of garlic ❊ sherry vinegar ❊ salt ❊ cayenne pepper ❊ sugar (if needed)
For the garnish ❊ cucumber, diced ❊ soured cream ❊ basil oil ❊ sprig of micro basil/basil leaf
Method 1. Chop the vegetables roughly, then place the peppers, tomatoes, onions, cucumber and garlic in a food processor and blend to a rough purée. 2. Now transfer to a blender and continue blending until fine and smooth. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl. 3. Season with salt and pepper and leave in the fridge overnight, or for at least 6 hours. 4. After the soup has marinated, season with salt, cayenne pepper and vinegar to taste. 5. For the garnish, peel the cucumber and cut it in half, scrape out the seeds, then cut into small dice and place a spoonful in the bottom of each soup bowl. 6. Serve the soup ice cold, garnished with a spoonful of soured cream, a drizzle of basil oil and a sprinkle of chopped basil.
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As the battle continues to save Castle Drogo, take this rare chance to see conservation in action and the castle displayed in a whole new way. Gardens, café, shop and estate open daily. Members and under 5s go free.
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