Tuesday 25 March 2014

Our latest bumper colour supplement increases our portfolio to nearly 700 West Country properties


This year’s second colour supplement is our largest ever featuring 57 self-catering properties across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset increasing our portfolio to 690 special places to stay.

Sleeping two to thirteen guests most are new to our collection. Many have stunning coast or country views and over half welcome pets.

Highlights include two new additions to our growing collection of green cottages in North Bovey and Dunsford on Dartmoor; a large house for eight with brilliant views out to sea in far West Cornwall and a 17th century beamed farmhouse sleeping nine in Exmoor National Park. Smaller new places include a barn conversion with stylish interiors for four in North Cornwall and a quirky former water tower for two in East Devon.    

Everyone taking a break with us will also receive a free ‘What shall we do today?’ booklet containing 84 money saving vouchers for use at a huge range of leading visitor attractions throughout the West Country. It also gives information on local farmers’ markets plus recommendations for the best beaches, coast and country walks, places to eat and quirky events.

For a copy of the new supplement and the main brochure call us on 01647 434063; or search, check availability and book online at www.helpfulholidays.com.

Pick of the Best
Set on the hillside above South Sands beach, Lazylands has stunning views through the trees to the Salcombe estuary. Sleeping 10 the spacious, modern detached family house is built on three levels to take advantage of its elevated position. Inside both the large living room, which has an open fire, and dining room have sliding doors opening out to the sun terrace to admire that view. See page 21 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref L275.

Around 2.5 miles from North Bovey in Dartmoor National Park, Puddaven is among the latest properties to be added to our green cottages collection, which are assessed against strict criteria to make a lesser impact on the environment. Sleeping four, the cottage has been beautifully converted from a barn on three levels with beams, natural colours and good fabrics. A free standing bath in the window recess of the ground floor bedroom has long views to Easdon Tor, while the second ensuite bedroom is under the eaves on the top floor. A camp fire is available between July and October when guests can sleep out under the stars; there’s also 32 acres of farmland to explore. Pets welcome. For details, see page 23 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref A205.

Set on the hillside above Rinsey Cove in far west Cornwall is Welloe Rock, a 19th century detached farmhouse for eight with outstanding uninterrupted sea views from the house and gardens to Penzance and beyond.  The cove and South West Coast Path are a short walk away and there’s a games room in a separate, small barn with storage for wetsuits and other watersports gear. Inside the spacious kitchen/dining room has a big granite open fireplace; there also a second fireplace with a woodburner in the living room. Professional catering and cookery classes available by arrangement. For details, see page 37 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref T14.

Set back from a quiet country lane, near the hamlet of Waterrow on Exmoor is Grade II listed, 17th century Surridge Farmhouse, which sleeps nine. The house is surrounded by 80 acres of pasture and woodlands for guests to enjoy including an Iron Age Fort, south-facing patio, pagoda and an illuminated six-person hot tub.  Inside its full of character with ancient oak beams, some wonky floors and window seats; there’s an Aga in the large farmhouse kitchen/breakfast room and woodburners in the dining and living rooms, plus a games room. Pets welcome. For details, see page 11 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref F75.

Four miles from Ottery St Maryand 5½ from Sidmouth, in the tiny hamlet of Southerton is a converted 19th century water tower now a romantic holiday home for two. Rambling over three storeys, quirky Southerton Tower is entered via stable doors to an open-plan living/dining/kitchen with gas ‘living flame’ fire, steep stairs lead up to the bathroom with its free-standing roll-top bath then more stairs up to the top of the tower and the splendid double bedroom with views across the valley. There’s also a small, enclosed courtyard for sitting out. For details, see page 18 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref G67.