Choice cottages for Christmas breaks...

Are you tempted to get away to a cottage in the wonderful West Country to celebrate Christmas? If you’re a crowd, club together for a grand house to enjoy the special atmosphere and some additional elbow room. Or if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, there are plenty of hideaways.

Here are a couple of examples to tempt you...

This award-winning contemporary detached house in southernmost Devon is simply stunning. It is architect-designed to form part of the sea wall on the Salcombe bank of the Kingsbridge Estuary, with spectacular panoramic views to East Portlemouth and the sandy beaches and bays on the opposite bank. Enormous windows along three sides and a glass-floored area give a unique ‘on-the-water’ feel. There's a large dining table - perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Sleeps 10.

There's lots to do in Salcombe - plenty of restaurants, galleries, shops and some very pleasant waterfront pubs. You can find more information on Salcombe on the official website for the South Devon Tourist Board.

In East Devon, this gorgeous thatched, detached Grade II listed cottage with 17^th Century origins is a great place for celebrating - it has its own piano! There's a very spacious kitchen with dining table for family meals together. It's cosy too - the living room has a huge inglenook fireplace with woodburner. The cottage is located in Branscombe, one of the prettiest villages on the south coast. Lyme Regis is just 10 miles away. Sleeps 6.

We'll post a couple more soon...

We’ve lots of holiday homes in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset for you to choose from. We’ve visited and star rated them all and can tell you about each one in detail. To find just the right holiday cottage for your festive break, use our advanced search or call us on 01647 433593.

View a full list of our holiday cottages available over Christmas

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!

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.