We know how to pick them...

We've been busy finding more good places for happy holidays in the West Country.

Our first colour supplement of 2011 features 44 self-catering cottages and country houses sleeping from 2 to 48 guests in a variety of scenic locations, many with stunning views across rolling countryside or out to sea.

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.

Highlights include a stunning house for 12 overlooking Mevagissey harbour on Cornwall’s south coast and a magnificent 300 year old stone-built house sleeping eight with views of Restronguet Creek, west Cornwall.

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.

Don't forget, if you'd like to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea, our 2011 brochure and our new supplement, you can request a free copy online or by calling us on 01647 433535.

With a discerning eye, we're always on the look out for new properties to add to our portfolio. We hope you like our latest selection.

Happy reading!

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...

Party house for New Year...

This stunning, contemporary house in Bigbury-on-Sea recently featured in The Observer's top 25 "Party Houses for Christmas and New Year".

The stylish design was inspired by the beach houses of Sydney; the sliding glass walls, white lime-washed walls, exposed wood and sleek open-plan layout. In a wonderful spot just 350 yards up from the vast sandy beach, it has outstanding, panoramic sea views over Burgh Island and Stoke Point. The decked terrace, surrounded by lawned garden, is perfectly positioned to enjoy ever-changing sea and coastal views from sunrise to sunset.

There are fine cliffs for walking and it's a good spot for windsurfing if you need to blow away the cobwebs on New Year's day, or simply stay in, relax and enjoy the sauna and home cinema system. This property, which sleeps 10, is available for the week commencing 29th December. So gather your friends and celebrate in style...

This fine, family house (sleeps nine) in North Devon also featured in the Top 25 and is currently available for Christmas and New Year weeks. Surrounded by farmland, it has splendid views and an open fire for a peaceful and comfortable stay.

A unique place to stay...

We don't do 'run-of-the-mill' at Helpful Holidays. Every one of our holiday cottages is hand-picked, rigorously inspected and star-rated. From cosy and comfortable to grand and luxurious, all of our properties are high quality and chosen because we believe (and 99% of our customers seem to agree) they are good places for a happy holiday.

Many of our holiday cottages are unique too, perhaps due to their architecture, interior design or splendid location. For example, take a look at this fine-looking gothic-style gatehouse built in 1907 (pictured above) that we have just welcomed to our portfolio. Situated two miles from the pretty village of North Bovey in Devon and just inside the main entrance gates to Bovey Castle (a renowned hotel), it enjoys views over the 18 hole championship golf course. This delightful place oozes character and has a quirky interior décor.

All guests over 16 receive a complimentary round of golf (subject to availability). You're also welcome to enjoy the hotel’s pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Other activities such as archery, fly-fishing, clay pigeon shooting, horse-riding or spa treatments are available at an extra charge.

This property can be enjoyed from just over £100 per person per week based on four sharing. It is currently available over the Christmas and New Year weeks at £261 per person based on four sharing, although please note that there is restricted access to some of the hotel facilities over the festive period.

Festive get-away by the sea...

Fancy getting away over Christmas and the New Year but need inspiration?

Perhaps a smart apartment on the south Devon coast will tempt you? Just 20 yards from Bigbury-on-Sea's splendid sandy beach is this truly excellent development of high quality apartments including a very good private Leisure Club. The views from the apartments over the sea to the south and west, and at low tide of a huge expanse of smooth washed yellow sand reaching to Burgh Island, are outstanding.


It's a good spot to enjoy the surf and the sand or to simply soak up the spectacular scenery on a cliff-top walk. If you're in a celebratory mood, how about a special meal at the famous Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel or a drink or two at the island's jolly pub, The Pilchard? It's great fun to travel to the island by long legged tractor at high tide!

Christmas and New Year weeks at this apartment are now available with a 30% discount, which is only £206 per person per week based on five people sharing. For more ideas, check out our special offers for winter short breaks and the festive season.