Best of both worlds...

No surprise that Ingle Tor lodge in North Bovey reached number 10 in The Sunday Times' recent list of '100 cool cottages' for 2010. Carefully hidden away in the stunnning grounds of Bovey Castle, a renowned hotel and championship golf course within the Dartmoor National Park, it is one of four high-spec, granite lodges we offer.

Having been treated to a stay at Ingle Tor at the end of last year, it certainly lived up to my expectations. Inside, the decor was modern and slick with an airy layout over several floors. Sharing with friends, there was no need to fight over the best bedroom as each one was uniquely stylish with its own ensuite bathroom.

But the real beauty of staying here is that you can enjoy the best of both worlds - the privacy and flexibility of self-catering with all the facilities and grandeur of a luxury hotel on your doorstep. If you don’t feel like cooking, you can order a bistro meal or pizza to be delivered to your lodge, or, like us, enjoy a superb meal in the hotel’s fine restaurant followed by relaxed after-dinner drinks and chatter in front of a roaring fire in one of the many cosy drawing rooms.

The friendly hotel staff are attentive without being intrusive and nothing is too much trouble. This is an exceptional place to stay; and so many temptations... afternoon tea, treatments in the spa, endless outdoor pursuits, and beyond, the whole of Dartmoor to explore. I hope to return soon...

Half-term getaway gem...

We've still got some super cottages available if you're planning to get away next week, and some tempting late deals...

If you're after a spacious and luxurious retreat for family and friends then this beautiful house (pictured) near Holsworthy in north Devon is a wonderful place to relax - and it's exceptional value on special offer at only £59 per person when 14 share.

There's plenty to keep the children entertained indoors in the well-equipped playroom with TV, toys, books, games, PlayStation 2, Xbox and pool table. Lots of outdoor space too with 12 acres of gardens and grounds to explore. For days out, you can reach the South West Coast Path and beautiful surf beaches in only 20 minutes by car, and Dartmoor is around an hour away. A happy holiday awaits...

Romance is good for the soul...

... and if you need an excuse to treat the one you love, we’ve some secluded bolt-holes, far away from it all, for Valentine's Day.

For a touch of grandeur, how about staying in a stylish apartment with stunning sea views in Acton Castle (pictured) in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornwall? Right by the coast path and sandy coves, you can breathe in the spectacular scenery on a romantic walk, or mooch around popular St Ives, only 8 miles away, visit the Tate gallery and ching glasses in a cosy restaurant.

Or perhaps a more intimate retreat in an idyllic country setting? This charming cottage in Dorset is a perfect getaway for snuggling down in the flickering fire-glow. Take a look at our special places still available in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset for a romantic Valentine’s break...

Winter wonderland...

It may have been a cold and wintry start to the New Year in our home town of Chagford but the transformation of the beautiful moors into a serene winter wonderland more than compensated!

Visitors have been treated to sunny, crisp days - just great for walking and exploring friendly villages made charmingly friendlier by the snow.

It's such a peaceful time of year to visit the West Country, so banish the January blues and check out our special winter offers for inspiration. We have lots of super, hand-picked holiday cottages in Chagford (pictured is Gibhouse) and if you have time to pop in to our office and say hello, all the better! Whether you prefer coast or country, grand or cosy, we'd love to help you find a great place to stay in this special part of the world, but wherever you go on holiday in 2010, we hope you have a wonderful time. Happy New Year!

Still time to celebrate New Year in Bideford...

Bideford in North Devon is renowned as one of the best places to see in the New Year. Thousands of people gather along the Quay and in the pubs, often in brilliant fancy dress, to enjoy the electric atmosphere and revellry. At midnight, the crowds wait on the medieval Long Bridge for the church bells to ring and the fireworks to dazzle. According to organisers, the schedule of entertainment and live music is set to be the best ever this year.

It's not too late to join the party if you fancy a last minute getaway... How about staying in this 200 year old house in the popular fishing village of Appledore, only three miles from Bideford? It has lovely, long views over the Torridge estuary towards Instow and is only 100 yards from a good food pub. It's on special offer at only £96 per person for the week based on seven sharing.

Happy New Year to one and all!

Holidaymakers love Cornwall...

We think the South West is a very special part of the world. Biased because we live and work here? Perhaps, but it seems we're not alone. The general public has recently voted Cornwall the 'Best UK Holiday Destination' at The British Travel Awards 2009.

There are so many lovely places to stay; it's difficult to choose! How about this five star delightful house (pictured) with breathtaking sea views in the beautiful village of St Mawes on the sheltered south coast? Set in landscaped gardens, it's welcoming and warm and has been totally renovated and newly equipped in 2009 with a contemporary-style.

There's plenty to see and do too. On your doorstep, it's just two minutes’ walk to the Castle and coastal walks and only a short stroll to the sandy beaches, shops, restaurants and harbour, or you can catch the ferry across to the bustling resort of Falmouth and visit the National Maritime Museum. Perhaps head to Cornwall's small capital city of Truro or the not-to-be-missed Eden Project, both within half an hour by car. We know you love Cornwall as much as we do and look forward to welcoming you to one of our holiday homes soon.