Friday 25 February 2011
Wade into West Country watersports…
Thursday 24 February 2011
Messing about on the river…
We’re proud to put our name to this excellent event, which is enjoyed by so many and in an area where we have a large number of holiday homes.
Wednesday 23 February 2011
Get active on land in the West Country…
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Tuesday 22 February 2011
There when you need them...
DAAT was our chosen charity for 2010 so we were delighted to meet up with them recently to present a cheque for £1,712 to supplement the trauma training manikin donated early last year. As well as donations by staff, the fundraising effort is kindly supported by our holidaymakers throughout the year and Helpful Holidays matches the total raised. A big thank you to all involved.
We've first hand experience of the DAAT's excellent work too. My colleague, Christine Phillips, explains, “We are based here on Dartmoor and no less than three of our members of staff have been airlifted so it is a charity that is very close to our hearts. My own daughter, Merryn, was just two weeks old when she needed airlifting from Dartmoor to Exeter Hospital last autumn. You never think you will need the Air Ambulances yourself but, when you do, it is so reassuring to know that they are there. We live and work in a beautiful but remote part of the county and the speed with which the helicopters and medical crew can reach us really does make a difference.”
Caroline Creer, Director of Fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance Trust said, “We are very grateful to all at Helpful Holidays for their superb support. It is certainly a coincidence that we have been able to assist in three emergencies for them directly, but, whether it be for residents of our beautiful county or for holidaymakers enjoying the area, we are thankful for the generosity shown by the staff and customers of Helpful Holidays.”
Pictured above, left to right: Helen Mackie, Devon Air Ambulance Paramedic involved in the rescue of little Merryn; Christine Phillips and daughter, Merryn and Helen Hayes of Helpful Holidays.
For further information on DAAT and the wonderful work they do, please visit their website or follow their news on Facebook or Twitter.
Friday 18 February 2011
Enjoy the authentic taste of Dartmoor…
The association was recently crowned Gold and Silver Winner at the prestigious Taste of the West Awards and was given the inaugural ’Business of the Month Award’ from Dartmoor First. To receive the latter, entrants must demonstrate high regard for ‘a sense of place’, relating to landscape and diversity, for ‘a precious resource’, which covers waste, energy and water use, and for a ‘living landscape’, relating to the economical, social and transportation impact of their work.
If you’re inspired to watch life on a farm, Weddicott Barn (pictured) in Chagford is perfect. It sleeps ten, so bring family and friends to enjoy the 70 acre traditional Dartmoor farm with its wildlife, wild flowers and half-acre pond. The indoor heated pool is an added bonus! You can take sourcing local food to the extreme with private brown trout fishing on the river Erme included in the price of a stay at lovely Clock House, near Ivybridge. Or how about a spot of classy dining-in after a shopping spree at the local farmers’ market? The ornate dining area and well equipped kitchen at luxurious Maristow Barton in Milton Combe are ideal for self catering in style.
Thursday 17 February 2011
We know how to pick them...
As always, we've star rated and inspected them all and can wholeheartedly recommend them. Our telephone team (01647 433593) are all experienced property visitors and will be delighted to guide you.
There’s also a great choice of smaller places such as a beautifully furnished 18th century detached cottage near Newquay and a Grade II listed house on Dartmoor converted from barns, both sleeping six. Also on Dartmoor is a recently refurbished granite cottage for four on an estate built for the Jameson whisky family, while for couples seeking a romantic getaway, there’s the former Georgian bathing house (pictured) beside the river Dart in Devon’s South Hams. Prices range from £209 to £3,612 per week.
Tuesday 15 February 2011
In praise of Dartmoor…
It is, of course, a paradise for walkers with countless inspiring trails to follow. One of the wonderful things about this great expanse of outdoors is the variety of things to do. From climbing stone tors, canoeing down the river Dart and exploring on horseback to visiting the pretty villages and historic market towns to enjoy a cream tea, a bustling farmers’ market or some local arts and crafts.
The wildlife is another major attraction (who can resist getting up close to the Dartmoor ponies?) but perhaps a lesser known highlight is the archaeological wealth of the area. It boasts some of the best sites in Western Europe including burial chambers, stone circles and large ceremonial upright standing stones called menhirs. Time Team celebrated their 200th dig on the moor earlier this month. The High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown will be able to direct you to some of the most significant sites.
Saturday 12 February 2011
Waterside adventure or relaxation?
Salcombe in the South Hams, a yacht haven beautifully sited at the mouth of the Kingsbridge estuary, offers outdoor activities galore. How about a spot of wreck diving in search of gold, power boating or learning to sail? Perhaps a more leisurely boat trip exploring the many creeks, a walk along the pretty coast path or a visit to the gardens of inventor Otto Overbeck? Countless sandy bays and waterside pubs provide an excuse to relax outdoors, as well.
And when the mood takes you to spend a day lounging at home, Hazeldene (sleeps four) is a fabulous, easy base. Once you have stopped to admire the sea view from the decked garden area (pictured above) it will be hard to tear yourself away... but it is so close to the beach at North Sands, you may be tempted to dip your toes in the sparkling estuary waters. It's easy to see why this refurbished and carefully furnished apartment is the owners' much loved bolt hole.
Nestled away in Feock in Cornwall's Med is Cuttle Cottage (sleeps seven, pictured right) with beautiful views over Restronguet Creek. Although it's only 5 miles from the cathedral city of Truro and 7 miles from the harbour town of Falmouth, this delightful cottage is a peaceful retreat. The welcoming woodburning stove and waterside views make this an ideal place to while away the hours. If you're looking for time away from the kitchen, treat yourselves to a meal at the nearby Pandora Inn - it won Pub of the Year in the 2010 Cornwall Tourism Awards.
There's no time to get bored here either. At the nearby Point Quay children can enjoy swimming and boats can be launched. Sailing, windsurfing and canoeing lessons are all available close by, as well as fishing, riding, golf and plenty of creek-side walks for land lovers. Trelissick Garden is well worth a visit and the King Harry Ferry transports cars and pedestrians from this finger of land to the pretty Roseland Peninsula.
We'll help you find your perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. For more ideas, take a look at our other holiday cottages in Salcombe and holiday cottages in Feock or give our team a call on 01647 433593.
Tuesday 8 February 2011
Romantic walks and cottages to match…
Friday 4 February 2011
Escape to magical Mevagissey…
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Watching the boats - and the world - go by from the sun terrace of this stunning Victorian house with panoramic views of the harbour is a unique way to view the village. The house sleeps 12 and has just been lovingly re-invented with relaxation in mind.
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The surrounds make this easy: the property itself is south-south-west-facing and has a sloping shrub-filled garden with a unique courtyard and pond with a bronze central fountain, within the walls of a former stone chapel. Inside, the decor is elegant and in tune with its heritage. The high quality finish includes slate floors and custom-made furniture and the owner has thought of everything to keep guests entertained, from a television with SKY and Blu-ray DVD to a Bose CD/radio with IPod docking station.
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The glazed doors on the main living area make the most of the home's outstanding views while the big fitted kitchen and dining room, an Aga and two dishwashers, granite worktops and walk-in larder make cooking and entertaining easy.
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Both large bedrooms in the main house have en suite bathrooms with roll-top baths. There’s also a garden house with its own terrace and superb views, a galley kitchenette and two bedrooms.
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Situated on the south Cornwall coastline, Mevagissey has a rich history, with much of it very well preserved. The narrow streets are well worth meandering around and the cafes and restuarants offer some good locally-sourced food and drink. Sandy beaches and headland walks plus boat trips for fishing are just some of the activities synonymous with this part of Cornwall. You don't have to go far for Cornish attractions, either. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is just two miles away, the Eden Project (pictured) nine miles and St Austell town six miles.
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Wednesday 2 February 2011
Marine conservation - how you can help...
Channel 4's The Big Fish Fight series has raised issues at the heart of MCS's operations. The charity said: "A high profile series on Channel 4 and the involvement of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in particular in taking this Fish Fight to the masses, helps our cause no end.
MCS said: "Litter has become a massive problem. Our Beachwatch event has taken place every year for 16 years, with up to 6,000 volunteers every year going out onto beaches, clearing litter and recording data. In that time, we have seen a 121% increase in the amount of plastic rubbish we’ve found. That's really all down to our increased use of plastics and the fact we are an increasingly throw-away society. Small changes can make a big difference."
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