Relaxing winter breaks...

Love him or hate him, Jack Frost’s arrival heralds peace and tranquillity on the moors and coastal paths of the West Country. It's the perfect time to enjoy a restful break at a cottage in the countryside or by the sea.

The temperature drops and the nights draw in, meaning a warm fireside is all the more appreciated after a wander through crisp woods or along a beach. 

Too much exertion? Spend a lazy afternoon with the papers over a pint or two of local ale at a country pub or in the comfort of your cottage. Relax and revitalize before or after the Christmas revelry.

An excellent spot for those seeking peace, nature or a romantic hideaway, The Linhay is a  secluded, detached, ‘upside down’ cottage for two, newly converted from a sturdy granite barn. A mile from Ilsington, in the tiny farming hamlet of Lounston, there is good walking from the doorstep on footpaths and quiet lanes. After a bracing walk, the Carpenter's Arms is a good spot for a pint and a bite to eat.

A delightful hideaway with exposed beams and oodles of space for two, Court Farm Cottage is a comfortable and stylish cottage in Newton Ferrers, tucked away in a pretty spot 100 yards from the local church with good food pubs nearby. A lovely area, there's plenty of excellent walking to be had beside the lake-like river Yealm estuary or at sandy Mothecombe beach.

If you can't get away for a full week, we take 2, 3 and 4 night bookings at many of our holiday homes from November through to the week before Easter. Read more about our short breaks.

Visit our website to view all our holiday homes and use the advanced search to help you find a cosy place to stay (cottages with an open fire or woodburner or cottages near a pub, perhaps), read other holidaymakers’ comments or call us on 01647 433593 for human help.

Winter breaks: holiday cottages with fireside charm...

Jack Frost’s arrival heralds a period of peace and tranquillity on the moors and coastal paths of the West Country: the perfect time to enjoy a restful winter break (2, 3, and 4 night short breaks available now) at a holiday cottage in the countryside or by the sea.

Wander down gently meandering riverside paths or along the beach. Spend a lazy afternoon with the papers beside a blazing fire at a country pub or in the comfort of your cottage. Relax and revitalize before the Christmas revelry. We've picked out below a few of our holiday cottages with open fires or woodburners to guarantee a really cosy atmosphere.

This sensational property in Stoke Gabriel has it all: position, view, house, standard, privacy, large indoor heated swimming pool, full-sized snooker table; what more does one want? Well, maybe a fantastic open fire, perfect for gathering around after a bracing walk along the nearby sandy beaches at Torbay. Sleeps 12.

Or how about this large, detached, beautifully-converted, south-facing barn set high on a hillside in Southleigh? Outside there's the most amazing rolling countryside, surrounded by approximately 200 acres of fields and bluebell woods; inside there's an enormous open-plan living area with big comfy sofas and all-important woodburner. Sleeps 14.

Relax at this 300-year-old cottage in the remarkably off-the-beaten-track little village of Kingston. It's got a pretty living room with woodburner and comfy sofas, and if you want to venture out, it's just 600 yards from the nearest pub! Sleeps 7.

This remarkable Grade II listed former music room in Aveton Gifford features a comfy seating area around a large open fireplace, and three steps leading up to the stage, now converted into a bedroom with 5' four-poster bed. An extraordinary and romantic place to escape to. Sleeps 2.

To find just the right holiday cottage for your winter break, use our advanced search, check our special offers or call us on 01647 433593 for human help or to ask for our free 2011 colour brochure.

August Bank Holiday short breaks...

If you're hoping to escape the city over the August Bank Holiday weekend, there's still time to book a holiday cottage in beautiful Devon, Cornwall, Somerset or Dorset.

Three and four night short breaks are available at many of our holiday cottages, all star rated and whole-heartedly recommended.

How about relaxing at a peaceful retreat (pictured above) on Cornwall's Med with stunning views? Or staying at an idyllically situated thatch-and-granite cottage (pictured below) on Dartmoor to really get away from it all?

You may simply wish to sit back and relax but there's always plenty to see and do if you're looking for entertainment. Pretty villages, wonderful beaches, rolling countryside and historic landmarks make the region ideal for a short break.

We've also some tempting special offers if you can make it down for a whole week.

So grab your sunnies and enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days. Book online or call our telephone team (01647 433593) and we'll help you find the perfect spot. Whatever your plans, have a great weekend.

Last minute Half-Term getaway...

Autumn is such a beautiful and peaceful time of the year to explore the West Country coastline and moorland - and a chill in the air makes getting back to a cosy cottage all the more enjoyable. Short breaks are increasingly popular and this year is no exception judging by our cottage bookings.

But the good news is that we still have a few fabulous places with last minute availability during half term.

For example in Cornwall, this contemporary cliff-side chalet in Whitsand Bay has breath-taking 180 degree views and is the perfect place to get away from it all and explore the coastal paths.

In the heart of Devon, this idyllic thatched cottage is only 200 yards from a beautiful stretch of the River Teign and enjoys long valley views. Located in the exceptionally pretty Dartmoor village of Drewsteignton, there are plenty of scenic walks and places to visit nearby such as the historic stannary town of Chagford and Castle Drogo.

Or how about Shaftesbury in Dorset where you can stay in this utterly charming cottage with bags of character on Gold Hill (perhaps better known as ‘Hovis Hill’ after the TV ad)? Surrounded by stunning countryside, you can also easily reach the south coast at Sandbanks or visit fine houses such as Stourhead and Longleat.

Be quick though; we know from experience these properties won't hang around, so take a look and get inspired...