Country Cottage Plus @ West Tosberry Farm

Rowan Tree Studio - a Plug

2012-03-02T23:14:00.001-08:00

It was our daughter's birthday yesterday so, as part of her treat, we went to the Rowan Tree Studio in Clovelly, where we enjoyed making bath bombs, candles and body butter. Sarah Harper is an amazing woman. She only moved down here last March but is already active locally, including being Vice-Chair of the Hartland Carnival Committee. More importantly, for our visitors, is that Sarah runs craft classes, be they needlecraft or soap and candlemaking, using all natural ingredients, and that private sessions can be booked (great for a group, for example). The Studio is situated at Higher Clovelly and is less than 5 miles from West Tosberry Farm and Sarah's prices are reasonable rather than outlandish. We hope to have more information soon on how you can book a session with Sarah during your holiday (especially good for those times of year when the weather may be more dubious - that said, February and March have so far been pretty mild!) Sarah has also appeared with her 100 year old sewing machine in Homes & Antiques Magazine.......

Needing 36 Hour Days

2012-03-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

The current challenge seems to be finding time to fit everything in. I've spent two days on website and digital presence training, to learn that social media is vitally important. That means Facebook, blogging and Twitter all need to be regularly updated, as does the website. That's before anyone even steps foot through the gate! Andrew, meanwhile, has been painting radiators, etc., in Cobblestone Cottage and trying also to do some tricky outdoor work (not helped today by the sudden chill of a sea mist rolling in).

We have something of a shed project going on - but it seems to be going on forever! Andrew erected a shed in the garden area last year so that we can remove the laundry/laundering from the house but also have a section for visitors where we can put magazines, books, games, dvds, body boards, etc., for people to borrow while staying here, thereby providing a bit of extra value added plus more choice of films, etc.

The plan was also to use it to store logs and eggs (and in the summer, possibly some of our glut of homegrown vegetables) for purchase - well, it all helps feed the animals. A great idea in theory as it removes clutter from cottages but means people can still borrow items when needed/wanted. However, trying to get someone to sort out the electrics around these parts is not easy. The downside of a relaxed lifestyle is that everything takes forever and patiences is not my strong point. No doubt, like everything else around these parts, it will be done 'dreckly' which seems to mean 'some vague time in the future'........

Back to Animals and Plants!

2012-02-28T08:43:00.001-08:00

Had a lovely weekend with some old friends in London, leaving Andrew to run things here (as usual) and he's been doing some maintenance which included moving the hens to the vegetable patch to encourage them to eat some weeds! What with sheep mowing the lawns (though not staying where they are put!) and hens chewing weeds, gardening seems quite easy........

The spring flowers are out (they are even more advanced in London, I think). Quite enjoyed the frenetic pace for a couple of days, and especially my visit to the Royal Albert Hall to see Aida, but it is always lovely to return to the rolling Devon countryside and some peace and quiet. The days are starting earlier - it is now light by 7am and the birds are singing - and the lighter evenings are setting in. Spring really feels like it is on its way after this remarkably mild winter.

The lovely Rosie with her favourite toy!

Yesterday, we went into the depths of Cornwall to visit a dog who is up for adoption. Rosie is a 4 year old Labrador whose elderly owner is ill and will not be able to look after her. She has been with foster carers since October. Rosie has a terrific temperament and seemed to enjoy running around with Suggs. There are lots of procedures and protocols to go through but we really hope we can adopt Rosie soon and give her a forever home as we've kind of fallen in love with her.............

A Wonderful Winter So Far.......

2012-02-20T23:43:00.000-08:00

Well, it's wonderful to be back after a week off with the children in Dorset (our first holiday in 3 years) which is very twee in parts and spectacular in others. I can heartily recommend the Jurassic Coast. Good to return to find poor Andrew (who tells me that life here is one long holiday!) had repaired our collapsed bits of ceiling in the farmhouse. Made of cob (horsehair, wood, and dirt, basically) we had a roof leak and the stuff just crumbles. Luckily, the cottages are all much more modern constructions with no cob to be found!! However, he did have a few problems to sort out with the water supply, so it's a good job he was here!

We were full over half term and so far, winter has been kind to us with good levels of bookings. Some people in the area, I know, don't start taking bookings until Easter as they say there is no money in winter bookings. This is largely true: the fuel and cleaning/maintenance costs, etc., pretty much eat up whatever comes in but we like to keep the place going, to offer our visitors more affordable low season deals, too, and to encourage people to see this beautiful area whatever time of year. With the cottages having their own pools, rather than a shared swimming pool, we can switch off the heating if a cottage is empty, but we try to keep them as full as possible for as long as possible, snatching quiet times to do bits of maintenance like painting, etc.

The snowdrops and primroses have been out for a while, the daffodils are springing up, and the weather has been ridiculously mild. Spring is on its way. The mornings are lighter, the evenings lighter and the dawn chorus earlier. The only downside has been the bogginess of the fields. At times we have been wading in slippy mud to see to the hens (who are rather off-lay at the moment) and rabbits. We have thought about getting a couple of lambs to keep the grass down and Andrew has looked into the idea of pigs! Lots of ideas, not enough time........however, our shed is coming along and will soon have power. We hope to make this a laundry area, getting the laundry out of the house, but also an area where people can go at any time to borrow books, dvds, games, equipment, etc., and buy things like eggs and logs. Watch this space.

You may have also seen a little red car on the roads with L-plates, if you've been here. That is me taking our 17 year old daughter for driving practice. Apparently, negotiating the country roads round here is considered advanced driving skills test material, so she's doing well, with only the occasional faltered hill start as we enter Hartland.

One business development is that we are now able to take payments for bookings by phone using debit/credit cards. The only problem is that the system for it seems to mess up our internet connection, so we're still working on that one! We have also now grassed over the area outside Honeysuckle Cottage where we hope to place a couple of picnic type tables for those who wish to sit outside in the glorious spring/summer weather we are keenly anticipating!!

A deer in Dorset

The return visitors are great and an indication that we are working along the right lines though everything takes time. As they day here it'll be done 'dreckly'. Lovely to see people's children growing up each visit............

Bude Wrecks & Rescues Exhibition - and Some Helpful Links

2012-02-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

Opportunity to highlight a few sites which visitors to our beautiful area may find interesting/useful.
First is the amazing Explore the Coast website, which is a map-based site exploring the North Devon areas of outstanding natural beauty which, of course, includes the Hartland Peninsula. There's loads of history and information, plus links to other sites but you may wish to create your own itinerary before you arrive picking out things you are particularly interested in, such as history, or water sports, or sandy beaches and seeing exactly what is available.

If you're interested in knowing more about nature in the locality, then check out the Plant Walk website created by local writer and plant enthusiast, Clare Gurton, where you can find out much more about the wildflowers you will encounter around the area. Finally, Lady Angela Stucley, owner of Hartland Abbey, along with local historian, Stephen Hobbs, has now created a blog keeping you up to date with events and seasons at the Abbey. Of course, don't forget the Hartland Peninsula Association's very own website created specifically for people visiting the area.

Meanwhile, I recently popped in the Heritage Centre at Bude Castle for a free exhibition entitled Wrecks and Rescues. Included is a door saved from the wreck of the Johanna at Hartland Point. Free of charge, it's well worth a visit.......

Bideford's Bounty

2012-02-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Jackanda

Just occasionally, I do get a little stir crazy with (constant) jobs that needs doing around the place, and the infernal ironing, so it is always good to escape a short while somewhere different. Today's afternoon outing was to Bideford.

There, I saw a large container ship being loaded with tree trunks which was quite a sight. The Quay car park was closed because of it! Usually, one only sees the SS Oldenburg, the Lundy boat. A quick pottter round a few shops and on to my reason for going, a visit to the Burton Art Gallery. There was a lovely collection of art from local schools, but also an exhibition of local landscapes including the work of Bideford-born Judith Ackland, daughter of a well-known local doctor, and Devon born Allin Braund, who taught at Bideford Grammar School before World War II.

Mary Stella Edwards is also exhibited. she was the partner of Judith Ackland and used a tiny house in Bucks Mills called 'The Cabin' as a base. Hugh Pearcy heard was also Bideford born and Sheila Hutchinson moved to the town from Weare Gifford. Jack Palmer, Bertram Prance and Leslie Worth were all Bideford born, while Peter Reid taught at Bideford school of Art and lived overlooking the River Torridge. Loads of local talent using different media such as watercolours, acrylics, Bideford Black (an imposing piece), oil, etchings and mixed media. The exhibition is on until 24th February.

Meanwhile, upstairs is the Museum which tells tales of pestilence, witchcraft, punishment and penury. You can also see Jackanda, registered as the work of Judith Ackland, listed by the Museum as:

"In 1945 Ackland devised a new form of model making, and registered it under the name of ‘Jackanda’. Using cotton wool as the base material for her models she produced figures and scenes which have the clarity of carvings and which possess such vitality that in photographs they are often mistaken for real people."

Three of the last 'witches' to be executed in England lived in Bideford: they were called Temperance, Mary and Susannah. There are also loads of other fascinating snippets of history in the Museum. With parking nearby at £1.20 for 2 hours (long stay) and £2.00 for 4 hours, it's well worth a visit. End the day with a visit to the adjoining Cafe du Parc.......

Perhaps the best way to approach “The Little White Town which slopes upwards from its broad river tide” is from East the water where you may then drive/walk across the old bridge. There is a heritage trail you can undertake and Heritage Day 2012 is on June 30th.

Jackanda

Frozen Water

2012-02-02T02:09:00.000-08:00

The poor chooks had frozen water this morning, so now they're sorted, off to check on the rabbits!!

Honeysuckle Cottage Review

2012-02-01T23:32:00.000-08:00

Norman Thompson 29th January, 2012

We stayed at your cottage Honeysuckle in October 2011. It was our first holiday as a family with our new 10 month old daughter, the cottage was excellent and the pool was great as we were able to take our daughter swimming safely for the first time on our own. Very cosy and we will be booking again!

Many thanks, Norman. Much appreciate the comment.

Squelching Around.......

2012-01-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

Despite it turning colder and there being reports of snow up north, it is still pretty wet and muddy here as a squelch around one of our fields with Suggs, a ball and my camera show. A lovely day though with blue skies, a quick shower, sun, a rainbow, gorse and a fabulous view to Lundy..........cleared the cobwebs and it's only a few minutes from the house. Our visitors are welcome to wander in our fields but wellies are advised at this time of year......

Escapee on the Loose

2012-01-26T06:48:00.000-08:00

Have to smile at one of the hens. While the others - all ex battery - remain timid little souls, one has become very adventurous and daily gets out of the large fenced area we have created to stop them digging up all the garden area. So, it is funny to watch her chasing after Andrew when he goes out to feed them or put the chooks to bed. The other day, the adventurer's friend was waiting for her at the other side of the fence, refusing to join in the the feast until her mate had safely joined the group. Never knew hens made friends but it seems that they truly do.......

Circular Walk from West Tosberry - Suitable for Bikes

2012-01-22T22:55:00.000-08:00

The lanes are not in great condition but are ok for bikes

Taking a left from the farm gate and keeping to the left (not choosing the right fork to Hartland Quay) there is a circular walk of about 4 miles, suitable for bikes, children, and dogs. It is all lanes so no mud to get through other than that dropped on the roads by tractors, unless you opt to take a short cut along a road that declares itself unsuitable for vehicles.
On this walk you get distant sea views, moorland, and some farmland, so varied country. In one direction, it might be sunny, in another grey and menacing, as the weather changes very quickly here.
All in all, a pleasant couple of hours (depending upon how fast you walk and how many photos you stop to take!) Jus trun left at the T-junction you reach and then follow signs to Bude/Bideford until you reach the top of the moor and a sign back to Tosberry.

Lots of sheep around at the moment

sea-ward

Presume this would have been a fire beacon site in the days of the Armada given proximity of Plymouth

Spring coming?

Looking behind us was threatening weather but it never actually rained while we were out

Frog spawn on Bursdon Moor

Trimmed hedges

Apparently, ear tagging feels like having one's ear pierced according to Countryfile!

Honeysuckle Cottage - January 2012

2012-01-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

"Many thanks for another great few days we had in the new year. The weather
was a little wild but we had a wonderful time exploring the coast south of
Hartland. The pool temperature was good and the cottage was nice and clean".

Simon Tilston (an annual visitor)

Thanks, Simon.

War Horse

2012-01-20T18:49:00.000-08:00

Went to see War Horse at the Rebel yesterday and can heartily recommend it. It's long, it's unashamedly sentimental, and it's a tear-jerker - and yes, it made me cry! The film is reasonably faithful to the book which our daughter recommended to us, being a big Michael Morpurgo fan. She somehow managed to stay dry - eyed until the very end, whereas her parents used up a fair few tissues throughout!

Unknown actor Jeremy Irving stars in War Horse, the new Spielberg

The landscapes (predominantly West Country) are stunning, and the action, including a full horse charge (Spielberg was keen to ensure the equestrian action was as authentic as possible) is very realistic. The film charts the relationship and unbreakable bond between the main character, Albert Narracott, played by unknown Jeremy Irvine, and his horse Joey (played by various horses) who is sold (by Joey's father) to the British Army as one of the millions of war horses shipped out to France during the 1914-18 War.

In reality, most of the horses, of course, didn't come back, suffering the same fate as most of the men, but somehow Joey was made of different stuff, touching man's humanity along his, at times brutal and exhausting, journey. If you're inspired by the film and are visiting London any time during this next 6 months, The National Army Museum in London is currently staging an exhibition: "War Horse, Fact and Fiction". Meanwhile, one of the Bude People contributors very kindly included some of Bude's own war horses in his recent gallery.

Bunny Mysteries!

2012-01-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Heidi

Georgie

By now our rabbits had become Heidi and George following what appeared to be the strange happening of a litter of baby bunnies just before Christmas (alas, they hadn't survived). Today they went to the vet for neutering for us only to discover that they are indeed both girls!! Well, I did wonder how a white rabbit and a brown rabbit had produced black baby rabbits.....the genetics just didn't seem to add up!

They are now Heidi and Georgie. Seems Heidi had a bit of an adventure when she escaped one day.........but they've both been spayed so hopefully no more births in this particular bunny world!

A Horseshoe Christmas

2012-01-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

"We stayed in Horseshoe for Christmas 2011. What a fantastic cottage! Perfectly kitted out, warm and cosy, and the pool was an added bonus. Generous hosts who were on hand if we needed anything. All made this a brilliant place to spend Christmas or indeed any time of year! Definitely going back in the summer :)"

Ali Ashman

Horseshoe - December 2011

2012-01-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

"We stayed at Horseshoe for 5 nights and we enjoyed it that much we wanted to stay another night. The cottage is lovely. We got a choice of so many rooms to stay in. The children loved the swimming pool and were in there 3 times a day. It was the most relaxing holiday we have had for ages and would love to go back very soon..
The owner was great - very helpful when we needed directions or fire wood. Thank you again - we had a great honeymoon.........." - Sarah

Cobblestone December 2011

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful stay at Cobblestone Cottage to celebrate my birthday - a very comfortable, warm and spacious cottage - it was lovely all being together and having the pool was a bonus. We strongly recommend it - Chris Bradford

The Amazing Eden Project

2012-01-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

Being the other side of Bodmin, out towards St Austell, it is a bit of a trek from West Tosberry, but one which is well worth making. The Eden Project, be warned, is also not cheap to get into, but entry for one visit costs the same as entry for a year, so if you are likely to be visiting the area again, then it is good value. The food is simple but fabulous, the daffodils come early, there is a land train, pulled by a tractor, lots of activities, a winter ice rink and - of course, - those amazing biomes (the rainforest one is spectacular). You can go up some steps to a slightly wobbly looking platform to get a bird's eye view over proceedings, too.

The Eden Project will appeal to those concerned about the planet, recycling, ecology, the natural world, the rain forests, and indeed anything pertaining to planet earth. Built on the site of a former Clay Mine, the biomes house the largest indoor rainforest in the world. making it the UK's top eco visitor attraction. It also brings much-needed employment to the region. A visit to Eden educates you but in a hands on, visual and fascinating way, not preachy. It is a charity focusing on sustainability, and offers excellent educational initiatives and projects. A fabulous place.

And if you're lucky, you'll catch a fabulous sunset like this one over Bursdon Moor on your return

Meanwhile, Mother Nature put on her own dazzling display to bring in the New Year......

A 'Green' Christmas

2011-12-26T23:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a green Christmas here at West Tosberry with one of the mildest on record, I believe, and a big comparison to last year where we were snowed in for a week beforehand and only just got out to pick up our family from the station at Barnstaple (and even then conditions were dodgy)! This year has been a big different for us with some of Andrew's family going to Australia for Christmas and our eldest daughter away in Central America, but the grandparents came down and our son returned from uni so Christmas went on pretty much as normal. Even on grey days, Hartland Quay is still spectacular and worth a trip if only to blow the cobwebs away!

Mike Moyle Memorial Swim at Bude - a West Tosberry Presence

2011-12-25T23:45:00.000-08:00

And they're off. Yesterday's Christmas madness was the Mike Moyle Memorial Swim at Crooklets Beach in Bude. We'd never been there before but this year, I was covering it for Bude People, and Rosie decided she wanted to have a go. Because she is under 12, an adult had to accompany her. The teenagers weren't up to the job so it was left to poor old Andrew - who actually enjoyed it and can see it becoming part of our Christmas Day routine!
The event raises money for the Bude Surf Life Saving Club which trains young people to save lives in the Australian surfboard way........

Rosie and Andrew have never got dressed so quickly in their lives before.......

A Rabbit Saga

2011-12-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

A little sad yesterday to discover that our rabbit, Harry Potter, aka, Dusty, had given birth (we had been told they were both girls - always the way, I'm told!). We are assuming that Voldemort (Flopsy or topsy - name keeps changing) is the father but then there is doubt as the rabbit has escaped once or twice. Could she have interbred with a wild one? Probably unlikely. Suspect the pet shop just got it wrong. Anyway, the children and I returned from Birmingham the night before and as we went to feed them the next morning, there were 5 stillborn rabbits in the hutch. On the one hand this is a good thing as we didn't want 5 more rabbits but, especially at this time of year, it was also kind of sad. Apparently, you're supposed to separate them off once a female is pregnant as the male will still chase her and the chances are the babies got trampled on in the ensuing 'dance' but as we didn't know, we couldn't do that! Andrew was bewildered and said everything was fine while we were away. We're learning - slowly - about country life out here.......

Meanwhile, our visitors are here for Christmas and it looks like it will be a green one this year, with no snow expected.......

Act of Good Faith

2011-12-17T23:34:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when lots is going on in Hartland, in preparation for Christmas, and yesterday was no exception. We were very pleased to attend the Act of Good Faith adult nativity at St Nectan's Church, Stoke, which was the culmination of much hard work by our neighbour Rebekah Marshall and the Reverend Shirley Henderson plus a whole group of other people wanting to make Christmas special and bring home the religious meaning of the festival. The church was packed out, looking very splendid with the scenery, the screen, and the Christmas Tree Festival which is still there, with rapturous applause for local dramatic efforts at the end. Being an adult nativity made it interesting. For example, Jospeh questioned how this virginal girl he has taken up with had become pregnant if not by him - as would happen in real life - and the shepherds on the hill were talking in broad local accents, about it being as "dark as a bullock's guts". All vital local stuff which makes the community what it is..........meanwhile, with my dental abscess and Andrew's bad cough, we are feeling a touch of the pre-Christmas blues, but hopefully will shake it off by the day itself..........

Christmas Tree Time....

2011-12-17T02:51:00.000-08:00

Well, time to get some Christmas spirit and buy a tree for the house, so we decided to get a really fresh one at the Devon Christmas Tree Farm near Bradworthy. We quite liked the idea of making choosing a tree an experience, so, prepared with wellies for the muddy field, we pottered around until we found a tree which fitted in with our low ceilings! Usually, I buy one that's far too big for the house and so we have to lop a foot or two off. We're used to big trees and ones direct from the farm but from Lancashire, so it was good to try the Devon experience. The lady at the tree farm gave us a tag to put on our chosen tree, then came along with her chain saw to cut it down. As she said: "you can't get fresher than that".........

Unfortunately, we're not able to have real trees in the cottages due to health and safety: the hazards of pine needles, etc., especially for children and pets, but hopefully, the artificial ones go some way towards making the place a little Christmassy...........

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2011-12-12T22:23:00.000-08:00

There aren't many advantages to winter, and currently, like the rest of the country, we are experiencing high winds, with associated big waves and tidal surges. Yesterday, however, there was a huge rainbow, arcing over Bursdon Moor. I had to stop and when I did, there were two perfect arcs. Amazing. The rather too bright pictures are of me zooming in for a better view of the colours but the others look better.........apparently, the second arc has its colours reversed, and the region between the arcs, Alexander's Band, is dark. The sun has to be at a low altitude angle, which here means winter.

Horseshoe Cottage December, 2012

2011-12-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to thank you on behalf of myself and all our guests, over
the weekend, for making our stay such a pleasurable one.

Everyone enjoyed it and as indicated when I saw you, we'd like to book it
for next year. I hope this is still OK.

On a slightly different matter, my wife and I were discussing how
comfortable the bed was that we slept in....... (four poster, Horseshoe)

Steve

Bude Jazz 2012

2011-12-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

When local people in Bude heard that the international renowned annual Jazz Festival, which brings in visitors from around the UK, and indeed from abroad, was being cancelled, they were shocked and somewhat bemused, especially as 2012 marked the Festival's 25th Anniversary.

From this starting point, stepped forth a willing band of volunteers to save the day and preserve a tradition of jazz in the small but vibrant North Cornwall Seaside town.

BUDE JAZZ 2012 will take place between Tuesday 28th and Friday 31st August, 2012, following the August Bank Holiday. The emphasis will revert to Traditional and New Orleans Jazz while retaining the most popular of other styles from years gone past.

A new innovation will be a Jazz Picnic at Wooda Farm, not to be missed! Musicians & bands appearing include Jeff Barnhart's British Band, George Huxley's All-Stars, The T.J. Johnson Band, Laurie Chescoe's Reunion Band, John Maddocks' Jazz Men, Richard Leach's Seven Stars of Jazz, The Dart Valley Stompers, John Shillito's Select Six, Richard Bennett's New Orleans Jazz Band and a host of others. For jivers, the Fest has The Swing Commanders. Tickets will soon be on sale: a Whole Festival Stroller: £75.00 (£70.00 if purchased before 1st March 2012), Daily Stroller: £20.00, Session Stroller: £10.00.

Paul Mayor (Bude Jazz 2012 Chairman) says: "Bude Jazz Festival had become disconnected from the people of the town, so we are all delighted to be part of bringing jazz 'home,' using local services to supply the festival and considering local people alongside the needs of visiting Jazz fans. Working together, I am sure 2012 will be a wonderful celebration of 25 years of Jazz in Bude!"

Spread the word that Jazz in Bude is alive and well. If you wish to book for BUDE JAZZ 2012, send an e-mail jazzman@clasgraph.plus.com or phone 01288 359303 and you'll be informed when tickets become available. Keep an eye on the website for further news..............www.budejazz2012.co.uk

Further information Paul Mayor jazzman@clasgraph.plus.com 01288 359303

Photo Credit:- Studio Southwest Photography, Bude.

L-R Back Row, Tom Barnett Pearl Colwill, Paul Mayor (Chairman Bude Jazz 2012), Janet White, Angela North, Tim Browning (Falcon Hotel), Liz Colwill, Rusell Bennett.
Front Row, Richard Bennett, Lottie Hinson, Summer Barnett

Christmas Tree Festival @ St Nectan's

2011-12-05T23:10:00.000-08:00

If you're staying at West Tosberry around Christmas, do take time to pop down to St Nectan's at nearby Stoke and check out the Christmas trees there......a lovely display and very pretty. All was in place for the children's carol service yesterday. And if you go behind the 'secret' door there is a little upstairs room containing artefacts like the stocks...........

Horseshoe Cottage, October, 2011

2011-11-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

"A lovely house in a beautiful location. Unfussy and relaxing - we felt at home straight away. Well equipped. Loved the pool. Spent two idyllic afternoons on Sandymouth Beach".

Seagulls - Synonymous With the Seaside

2011-11-25T07:58:00.000-08:00

Despite only living a couple of miles inland, we don't often see seagulls flying over the fields here at Tosberry, so having seen a few flocks recently, I wonder if there is anything in the old wives' tale that they come inland when conditions become bad at sea. Or maybe there aren't enough people sitting outside at Hartland Quay with a few spare chips on offer, so they are coming to see what they can glean from the fields. Seagulls are amazing to watch, the sky's acrobats, and float effortlessly in mid air on the thermals in a feat of timing and positioning precision. Although a lot of people consider them a nuisance because they are scavengers, they are also performing a public service, because they are scavengers, eating organic litter and feasting on dead animals. They call is also synonymous with the seaside. Well, they make a change from starlings!!

Widemouth Bay

2011-11-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

If visiting, you really should take a visit to Widemouth Bay, especially low season. We've had unseasonably high temperatures in November and yesterday the sun shone, the winds were offshore, and the beach, despite a busy car park, still wasn't packed. A lot of boarders were out taking advantage of the waves. The Bay looks fabulous both from ground level and up above on the coastal path, so is not to be missed, just minutes out of Bude.
We had been to the Rebel Cinema at Poundstock to see A Dolphin Tale (a great traditional cinema if you have children or just fancy a taste of nostalgia) followed by the beach. Had it not been winter opening hours, we'd have also indulged in a pizza at Elements.

Andrew took the dog to Stanbury Mouth, one of his favourites, though a bit tricky to get to in terms of path (but usually empty). Meanwhile, we left Monique hard at it clearing the Horseshoe patio area which looks much better (time to put the garden furniture away for winter). Had some lovely visitors this week. One family, from Plymouth, loved the raspberry jam we put in the welcome basket and bought more; they also washed and dried all their towels before they left, bless them (loads of laundry my least favourite job of the week). Another couple left us a bottle of alcoholic beverage in the fridge. Again, very kind..........seems all enjoyed their stay :-)

View from Elements

Bude

Monique and Alfie clearing the patio area.

Phoenix Leisure - Fancy Clay Pigeon Shooting or a Falconry Experience?

2011-11-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Leisure Events, is based in Bideford and owner, Simon Mugglestone, provides mobile activities, mostly to corporate groups, but increasingly to private groups who have booked groups of cottages and who would like to do some activities onsite.
For example, Simon is providing a Falconry Experience session nearby for a Hen Party and an Archery/Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting session for a client celebrating a 50th Birthday.

So, if you are booking some cottages for a big family/friends event, why not also consider looking at Phoenix Leisure Events to add to the fun with an event to make your holiday even more memorable?

Bonfire Night

2011-11-06T00:40:00.001-07:00

Although West Tosberry is no longer a dairy or sheep farm as it has been in the past, we do keep animals here, and they are spooked by fireworks so we don't have fireworks here. The horses were stabled last night with the lights on, to reduce fears of them spooking, and the rabbits also stabled.
However, just over the moor, the West Country Inn puts on a good, old fashioned bonfire and firework display which, last night, was packed (last year it rained so was less busy), the car park full to bursting when we arrived. But all thanks to them. It was chilly outside but a lovely evening, the pub still decorated with left overs from Halloween which made it look

suitably autumnal. As one person commented, this was nothing compared to what had happened on the M5 the previous night (which was horrendous) and my thoughts remain with anyone who was caught up in that carnage, including the emergency services who had to deal with it. Most of our visitors (and we, when visiting others) use the M5 - it could have been any one of us.
Nonetheless, many thanks to the West Country Inn for a fabulous evening........

Walking Locally

2011-11-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

These are all the kind of things you will see if you go for a local walk, from sunsets to our rabbits in their run (and the occasional wild one!), views of Lundy and silage.........a place of beauty and utility. A place of contrasts........listen, too, and enjoy the birdsong, the sound of gently flowing water and, quite often, the sound of silence.........

Looking Down.......

2011-11-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

During the summer, someone flew over us and took some aerial photographs. A bit self-indulgent but as we are still relatively new to and in love with the place, we decided to buy them. Still much work to be done, on revamping the non-cottage area, but lots of scope so that's good!

Amazing Colours......

2011-10-29T05:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday hit 18 degrees and was a stunning, windless, blue-sky day. The pictures sum up the many beautiful colours of the day (although the sunrise shots were taken this morning - too good to miss). The drawings were the work of over 300 people who gathered over the last week at Bude Castle for what local artist Tim Clark calls a "stream of consciousness picture". The fair was also extremely colourful in the gaudy way that fairs have and daughter enjoyed the bungee trampoline.

Coming home over Bursdon and Tosberry Moors was wonderful with a fabulous view of Lundy looking incredibly clear. The cattle grazing up there just added to the panorama though they will be moved off soon as the ground gets boggier with autumn. Loved the deep russet colour of one of the cattle, and the cute face of the other.........they adore standing in the road to stop you in your tracks and are part of the local landscape...........

Stunning Sunset Last Night

2011-10-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to rush out and knock on the cottage doors yesterday evening, disrupting people's teas, saying "come and look at this sky". However, I know not everyone feels the same as me and by the time those who were willing had managed to get ready, it would have gone. So, I pulled on my wellies, called Suggs, and off we dashed. This is the various stages of last night's sunset and yes, the sky really was that orange, albeit briefly. Those pictures are taken from the top of Chris's silage heap (well, part way up). This is not a good place to be, normally, because the smell of silage is quite strong, and it is quite slippy underfoot

once back down at the bottom. I'd have loved a shot of the sun setting over Lundy but by the time I'd have reached the appropriate field for that particular view it would have gone. I once saw a postcard of a sunset over Lundy, before I moved here, and thought "yeah, right" assuming the picture was enhanced but I don't have the time/technology to get the perfect picture so what you see is what was there.

What I love about sunsets (and autumn colours) is that nature generally gets it right in terms of which colours match each other. Imagine having a colour palette - these shades of sunset would all match beautifully.......

Northcott Beach, Bude, in October

2011-10-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

A trip to Northcott, where the waves pound in, the dog is happy, and it isn't too far to go to Sainsbury's to buy a bottle of wine for later........today's pictures!

Exmoor Zoo

2011-10-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Situated the other side of Barnstaple, I guess Exmoor Zoo is a bit of a trek but it was an enjoyable visit. The staff are very friendly, and the Zoo tries to be as natural as it can be. There are no elephants or lions but there are cheetahs (fasted recorded land speed time 82 mph). One of the cheetahs there. Nina, was born with a congenital limp (low numbers mean that there is a lot of inbreeding) so she would never have survived as a cub in the wild. As it is, lots of cubs are taken out by predators.

Cockerel rather more stunning than Monique's

The staff were very helpful and informed and various demonstrations were staged such as spider phobia, snakes, baby animals, penguin feeding time, cheetah feeding time, meerkat feeding time, etc. A small, friendly zoo and worth a visit.

I resisted the 'temptation' to have a rose spider on my hand......

This fruit bat reminded me of my visit to Australia some years ago

Young, shy meerkat

A polecat

The Exmoor 'Beast'

A beautiful New Guinea singing dog which sang for us

Half-Term...........I Find a Wonderful Photographer in Stratton........

2011-10-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well, we're fully booked for half-term, and everyone has arrived and settled in. The people visiting two of the cottages leapt straight into the pools, and who can blame them? I had an interview to do in Stratton (where I met the lovely Kim and Allan Gouldson from Morwenna Photography followed by a shopping trip to a heaving Morrisons where I heard some lovely Brummie accents (I am a Brummie originally so it has sentimental meaning to me!). Let's focus on Kim and Allan because not only do they do stunning wedding photography (loved the album of a farming couple where the bride turned up on a white horse and the beautiful confetti-covered Border Collie adorned a fair few of the photos) but they will come out on location to Hartland (or you can go to their studio) for photos of family events/portraits, etc. As we get lots of families together to celebrate Golden Weddings and Big Birthdays among other events, then what a fabulous idea to organise, in advance, a sitting with Kim and Allan. They are a lovely, down to earth, friendly couple and it is their social ease that makes their photos so natural and special. They'd love to do a wedding or other special event at Hartland, so...........meanwhile, our free celebration cake offer is nearly coming to an end. The pic here was the most recent one (a scrummy chocolate cake).......

A beautiful sunny day today for everyone's arrival; sadly, I suspect it won't last but no doubt people will enjoy their breaks at West Tosberry Farm anyway........at least, I very much hope so...........

Stunning Temperatures for October

2011-10-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

It's rather sad that October has turned out better than July for temperatures but it had to happen sometime and it is fabulous while it lasts. My favourite beach here is Sandymouth, a National Trust beach just beyond Kilkhampton, a car ride away but well worth it. And at this time of year, it's virtually empty once you get away from the entrance. It's a bit tricky for some people to get over the stones/rocks to the sand but it is beautiful, and possible to walk to Bude. Be warned though that the tide does come in fast here (there were booming waves today, not just roaring, as they all crashed in together) and towards Duckpool, there were some pretty big ones happening. Great beach for walking, dog walking, sandcastles, surfing and bodyboarding and just generally having a lovely day out at the beach.......and in temperatures where people were in shirt sleeves (one guy even went topless) it is a balmy October indeed!

A Llama Experience Day......

2011-10-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Something a little different that you may wish to try when you visit here is a Llama Experience Day (what a great idea for a special occasion). Try the Ashwood Experience where you spend a few hours getting to know the llamas or maybe go on a llama trek. It's all on the website. Quite fancying an alpaca or two myself......

Battery Hens by the Back Door

2011-10-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Our ex bats when they arrived.....

First Taste of Freedom

While we are very pleased with our ex battery hens, it is galling to know that there are still 16 million caged hens in the UK, and 60% of the produce from these poor girls goes into the 'hidden battery sector', meaning included in pre-cooked and processed foods.

Times are changing though, and caged eggs are now the minority bought in British supermarkets as people begin to take hen welfare more seriously (not to mention taste - battery eggs are tasteless!) And cheap, nasty caged eggs are still coming in from some of our European partner countries, so which companies have eschewed the idea of battery eggs in their products?

Well, Cadbury's is one. It's taken them a long time but now the real egg in their Creme Egg is free-range. Mr Kipling also moved to 100% free range in all their cake products so you can eat your Battenburg with an easier heart. The impact of this is to improve the lives of 200,000 laying hens a year. Hellmans switched all their mayonnaises to free range in 2008, with many supermarkets also now producing free range versions.

Consumer is King - as the EU battery cage ban approaches, then choose British foods and eggs, else you may inadvertently be supporting overseas battery producers using battery cages - which is bad news for British farmers who comply with the changes, and bad news for the hens who suffer as a result.

Apple Day at RHS Rosemoor Yesterday

2011-10-09T23:35:00.001-07:00

Letting the pictures doing the talking........never seen so many apples (nor tasted so many either!)

A Day Out at Docton Mill, St Nectan's Church, Stoke, and Hartland Quay

2011-10-08T09:01:00.001-07:00

Hartland Town Band

2011-10-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

The popular Hartland Town Band at Hartland Quay in July, 2011 - check out the video.........

A Couple of Old Photos

2011-10-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

A few old photos of Horseshoe Cottage prior to conversion. The farm was once a proper working farm with fairly ramshackle outbuildings. We still have a barn and roundhouse both ripe for conversion.........

Weather..........

2011-10-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

We've gone from an Indian summer to what feels like the start of winter, by-passing autumn as we go..........hopefully, this windy, wet weather won't last long. I must admit that it's the time of year, with dark mornings and dark evenings, when I feel like hibernating, but there is still plenty to see out there, and with the cottages having pools, books, magazines, dvds, X Box, board games, etc., there is plenty of cosy entertainment inside, too. To me, the crucial part of a family holiday is the actual family being together, spending quality time when they are not on the computer, phone, working, etc., but can enjoy an autumn walk, or just a nice family meal together. Obviously, it helps if you want to be with the people you come away with..........but whatever the season, the ingredients are there for a good time.

We once went on holiday in Northumberland at Easter, arriving in thick snow. The cottage was comfortable and we had taken some games like Trivial Pursuits and Monopoly with us, plus the inevitable playing cards! There was a shared pool which involved a bit of a walk through the snow, but which was good fun, and pleasantly warm though tended to get a little crowded (oh, the joy of your own pool, to be enjoyed at any time!). We've done the same sort of thing in a mobile home in Provence, etc. My point is that the weather is almost an irrelevance (although incessant rain is a bit tiresome) as it is the family interaction/time together that's important.........

So, if you're coming for an autumn/winter break, ensure you have plenty of wine (if that's your thing), chocolate, or whatever else makes you feel good, and play games together...........have a laugh, have a swim, have fun! You'll then have a good holiday not dependent upon weather. Or you could, of course, go to Tenerife.........

Honeysuckle Cottage, October, 2011

2011-10-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

"We had a fantastic time staying in Honeysuckle cottage this weekend. The cottage was a lot bigger than we expected and was a fantastic place for us to take our baby for his first holiday. Thank you for the wonderful welcome basket - the chocolate cake was amazing".

October - Baking Weather

2011-10-02T00:52:00.000-07:00

Congrats to everyone who is here right now. The weather is gorgeous! We popped to Bude yesterday after hours of ironing, gardening and concreting (base for new shed to house our ever increasing laundry load, plus hopefully, books, games and CDs!) and enjoyed the late afternoon sun!

Honeysuckle Cottage, September 2011

2011-10-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

"Enjoyed the swimming and tranquillity. It's a beautiful place, friendly, but would welcome a door out to a patio area".

There is a garden at the back of Honeysuckle which has a table, etc., to sit at. However, you need to climb steps to reach it. The cottages were created before we bought them and the garden and cottage are at different levels but it's an interesting point and we will look at creating a more convenient outside sitting area adjacent to the property. Cobblestone is the best cottage for this, with its own self-contained garden, but Horseshoe also has a small patio area to sit in alongside the garden. We are limited in terms of layout re where we can create things but will look into the idea.......good one! Thanks.

Stunning Weather

2011-09-28T01:15:00.000-07:00

What a brilliant week this is turning into. Apart from the Appledore Book Festival which is the highlight of my year (!) the weather has changed to Indian Summer conditions with beautiful dawns, sunshine glimmering on the sea, beautiful rich light of the autumn colours on the leaves, and amazing sunsets, with pink streaks adorning the sky in a manner which makes you stop and drink it in! Add to that the sequinned skies, huge numbers of stars, and even a planet last night, and this is Mother Nature at her magnificent best........

Cobblestone Cottage, September, 2011

2011-09-23T03:07:00.000-07:00

"The comfort and facilities were wonderful. Everything we needed. The children (small and big) enjoyed the pool. We feel the website did not do the cottage justice; it is lovely. We all had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, very relaxing, and felt you could not do enough for us. The welcome basket was enjoyed by all and the fresh farm eggs delicious. Many, many thanks".

Autumn Bookings

2011-09-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

Despite the unpredictability of the weather (oh, wait, that was summer) autumn is a beautiful time here, the trees heavy with apples, the hedgerows thick with blackberries and the leaves changing to a golden russet. Well, maybe I am waxing a little lyrical but you know what I mean. it's that lovely changeover period between summer and the chill of winter but often a time when you can just wrap up warm and still enjoy all that the area has to offer.

The nights close in a little earlier but a good time to enjoy a log fire, or a nice, warm swim in your cottage in the evening. Delight in a lie in (it's pretty quiet here) and a big breakfast and why not dine out at a country pub?

Meanwhile, Andrew gathered over 3st of apples yesterday. What to do with them? Feel free to pick and eat any apples/blackberries you find here if you're staying with us...........

Cobblestone Cottage September, 2011

2011-09-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

"Thank you for a lovely stay at Cobblestone Cottage - everything was perfect, warm and cosy and you were really helpful when we needed you!!"

RHS Rosemoor

2011-09-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Having our elderly parents staying with us this week, we were trying to find somewhere they could go which didn't involve too much walking. We elected for RHS Rosemoor which is a lovely place though, be warned, the walking is more than you think. The place is wheelchair friendly, though........
It is situated out near Torrington, the upside being that if it rained, we could have gone to Dartington Crystal instead. This is difficult terrain, however, for people with mobility difficulties, so think hard if you or one of your parties struggles to walk.

If I'm honest, this is also not really the place to come if you love shopping. Go on a city break and enjoy the malls! It is also worth weather-proofing yourself. The wind off the sea can be quite something. Some recent guests told us the wind was so strong they could not get out of their car at Hartland Quay. We had been earlier that day and it was sunny and warm but the weather here can change in an instant and, sadly, we have no control over it!

A very autumnal feel to these pictures, I think...........

The Upside of a Downgraded Hurricane......

2011-09-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

It is always lovely to receive great feedback and this was left on Saturday by the people staying in Honeysuckle Cottage: "We enjoyed everything about our stay, especially the pool. Dawn & Andrew are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Dawn arranged and collected a special cake for us. It was our 50th wedding anniversary and we couldn't have spent it in a nicer place. The cottage was warm and cosy, very clean and comfortable, a home from home - and the welcome pack was a lovely idea"

That said, while I always maintain that West Tosberry is very peaceful and tranquil, some visitors this week did find it rather noisy. Alas, their visit coincided with the arrival of the downgraded hurricane, Katia. Still, not as bad here as up north and, the upside is some amazing seas. As one of our visitors said: I've never seen coastline like it; it's amazing. And it is. Go to nearby Hartland Quay and see for yourself........

Honeysuckle Cottage, 10th September, 2011

2011-09-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

"We enjoyed everything about our stay, especially the pool. Dawn & Andrew are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Dawn arranged and collected a special cake for us. It was our 50th wedding anniversary and we couldn't have spent it in a nicer place. The cottage was warm and cosy, very clean and comfortable, a home from home - and the welcome pack was a lovely idea" - Carole & Brian

Horseshoe Cottage - August - September, 2011

2011-09-07T01:05:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed the whole holiday and the children loved the pool!Didn't want to come home.

Messy Seas at Hartland Quay

2011-09-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

Took my own advice today and had a quick break from the ironing to pop to Hartland Quay and check out the messy waves. Even on a grey day, the Quay is magical and lifts your spirits as the photos show....lots of foam flying around in the wind today. It looked like snow. Someone said it was "awful" but I loved it!

A fair bit of splash going on!

Showery September

2011-09-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

September and sadly the weather is so far no great improvement on August with our current visitors braving the frequent showers and blustery winds. It's at times like this that we're glad we have the individual swimming pools because, if people are stuck in, then they have something to enjoy.
Just as many people come here to escape to the country and seaside, with starry skies, tranquillity and winding roads, we occasionally get the urge to go to the city for a spot of culture and more varied eating experiences. This weekend, I managed 2 days in London and thoroughly enjoyed the change of scene. It is always lovely to come back though, away from the hustle and bustle as autumn cracks on with a vengeance with its darker nights and cooler weather. Still, the children are back at school this week (Mon primary, Thurs secondary) so it is a good opportunity to clear things out and get on with the paperwork.........

Silage-Making - Sorry About the Noise, but It's Necessary........

2011-09-01T23:34:00.000-07:00

Some obsolete equipment in a nearby field

Even the dog gets green feet........

It's a bit noisy around here at this time of year, due to the birdsong, and the tractors cutting the grass. We have had visitors who don't like the sound of farm machinery, but this is a farming area and if you want to drink milk and eat beef all year round, then grass must be cut for silage to feed the animals over the winter. At the moment, the farmers are out until dark working to do the silaging before the rains arrive and it gets too wet. Silaging has to be done at just the right time to get the appropriate moisture content. Some are baled into large, heavy rounds, but you may also see silage heaps under black plastic covered by tyres. I quite the sound of the tractors because it shows that the area is still alive and working.......

It's Part of Being in the Country

2011-08-31T00:38:00.000-07:00

The countryside has its downsides, like poor transport links, but for most holidaymakers, the wildlife may be more of an issue. What you will see lots of in this area is cows (mainly dairy but also some bullocks). There are some beauties kept on Bursdon Moor and Friesians are regularly seen going for milking (usually when I'm trying to get to Hartland!)

The birdlife is quite noisy, too, but most people love it. The wood pigeon does tend to get a bit vocal and wake me up though. Recently, we also had 6 little black pigs (I know not where from) rampaging over our turf and making quite a mess in the process. We have had a bullock in the garden before (turned into a mock bullfight with the farmer) and sheep have occasionally made an entrance.

Most recently, our issue has been a baby grass snake which got into one of the cottages. While the people were fascinated, it also put them off their sleep. I'm not a snake fan, it must be said. This one was removed to the garden in a bucket. The hole it got in through has now been sealed. Previous occupants of the cottage saw its mother. We got a local pest controller in to remove it. The reality with grass snakes is that they are quite shy, they like the warmth, and will tend to avoid human contact rather than seek it out. Also, they are a protected species (some people are quite envious of those who have seen one at close quarters) and we are not allowed, by law, to kill, harm or trade in them........however, if you spot any unwelcome visitors, we will do our best to remove them for you! Can't guarantee anything on spiders, however. As soon as we remove a web, another will appear and spin like fury.........and Daddy long-legs are a speciality in our house. I only remove them if they get in my bath with me!

If the Weather's Bad......

2011-08-28T00:24:00.001-07:00

You may wish to consider a trip to the Rebel Cinema at Poundstock, 5 miles south of Bude..........showing up to date films!!

Dog Friendly and Spectacular

2011-08-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

What do you do around here during thundery showers? Well, despite expected higher surf, the waves were not that impressive yesterday, so we set off for a walk on paths above Shipload Bay which I'd recommend. No cattle or sheep so a good dog-walking place. Alas, the path down to the actual bay is now officially inaccessible die to rock falls but the tranquillity of the place meant we were rewarded by the presence of no other people on our walk and a sighting if seals (sadly no binoculars or decent camera with me). The paths are fairly easy (else I tend to avoid them) so it's well worth a walk round the bay to see the varying landscapes, the view to Lundy, the bay itself and the wildlife. I also saw some small blue butterflies (very pretty) and noticed the hedgerows are looking pretty autumnal already. Well worth an outing and, just the other side of Hartland, towards the coast, it's not far to go, either.......on a sunny day, you could take a picnic, park for free and enjoy the view (please take your rubbish home though) and you pass a traditional thatched cottage en route........what not to like?

Home Grown & Local

2011-08-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

There's been lots to learn since buying the business and it has been a steep learning curve. Another area though has been trying to be more self-sufficient by keeping our own ex battery hens (now laying lush golden eggs) and growing out own vegetables. I take no credit for this as Andrew does all the work but I do love the taste of carrots which taste like carrots did when I was young. These have been washed - they come out of the ground much dirtier! Ditto the onions and the potatoes. We don't use pesticides so, technically, we're organic. And you learn to use what's in season. We've had a glut of peas and courgettes. Currently, it seems to be runner beans and broad beans alongside the continual carrots, potatoes, onions and lettuce! Marrows defeat me a little and murmurings are being made about marrow chutney!

What it has made me realise is how sanitised (and often tasteless) the veg we buy from supermarkets is. Ditto the eggs. I realise not everyone is lucky enough to have space to grow their own but it has been a lesson to me to shop locally, and buy goods which have not been irradiated and rendered sterile. Hopefully, we will become more self-sufficient and buy less and less food from mass produced outlets. Having a poly tunnel definitely helps and it is also great for drying washing! Today, I even used a smaller petrol station rather than the supermarket - it cost me 1p more per litre but hey, I didn't have to queue!

Escape to the Milky Way

2011-08-16T00:41:00.000-07:00

Recent visitors recommended to us The Milky Way near Clovelly, which is a children's adventure park, with 5 major rides, lots of other things to do, and shows by Merlin from "Britain's Got Talent". Taking two 10 year olds there for a day in the summer holidays, I managed to get through about £60 but it did keep everyone going for over 7 hours. The girls especially enjoyed the roller coaster (smaller version also available for younger children) and the dodgems, and we all enjoyed the Clone Zone (bit like a roller coaster ghost train). In terms of eating, I'd recommend the greater variety and pleasanter atmosphere of the Thatched Cottage rather than the fast food Galactic Cafe overlooking the indoor play area which is more of the burger and chips variety. In the Thatched Cottage, you can sit in a conservatory area, have stone-baked pizzas, ploughmans, scones, sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, pasta, etc., a somewhat healthier option...........but each to their own.

I enjoyed the bird of prey demonstration and the girls enjoyed trying their hand at archery (costs extra) and ceramic painting (ditto). I balked at the expense but actually in terms of hours spent and rides/activities undertaken, it wasn't bad value. They went on the roller-coaster 5 times, for example, the zip wires twice, the dodgems twice, the Clone Zone twice, the maze, the train twice, etc, etc

Cobblestone Cottage, August, 2011

2011-08-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

"Hartland Quay was beautiful and the cliff walking generally. Loved the pool. Horse riding was great just outside Bude. Brilliant garden and field behind it, good books and nice bedding".

Hartland Carnival Pictures 13/08/2011

2011-08-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

The way home...........but more pix on the FB page!

What a Rebel

2011-08-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Top excitement. The Rebel Cinema at Poundstock near Bude has re-opened (just off the A39). Check it out here . Currently showing Harry Potter 2 and Cars 2 (good for a rainy day).........who remembers when cinemas looked like this, eh?

The Big Sheep - Holidaying From Home 2

2011-08-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I wasn't really looking forward to the Big Sheep as I have now reached the stage in life where children's activity centres now make me yawn, having done them to death with 5 children. However, it was a lovely day, fifth born was bored at home and I had agreed on some days out.......
So, I was pleasantly surprised (despite most of the conversations in the indoor play area being about the riots in the cities, understandably). Some good fun watching sheep shearing, playing with water bombs, etc., and there is a combat zone for older kids or they can go to the Big Adventure across the road. Plenty of parking, too, and a farm shop on site. The Border Collie pups were gorgeous and if we could have taken one home, we should have!!

Holidaying from Home

2011-08-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

School holidays are a bit of a nightmare in the holiday cottage business as your peak season is when you are at your busiest. We were offered two weeks away in Tenerife but couldn't take it (not my first choice location anyway) so in an attempt to keep the children happy have decided to hit the tourist trail and do what everyone else does.
One of our visitors recommended the Gnome Reserve. First problem was finding the place. It isn't many miles away but the winding Devon lanes and the shortage of signage, plus no signal for my phone's satnav meant it took much longer than it should have to get there. The Gnome Reserve is at West Putford, near Bradworthy (EX22 7XE) website. There is also a wildflower garden and trail but key attraction is over 1000 gnomes and pixies, which requires you to suspend your imagination........it is quite good fun and sounds

enchanting for younger children. You can take your own picnic or buy Devon cream teas/sandwiches, etc., there, to extend your visit. Prices: Adults £3.50, recycled teenagers (OAPs) £3.25 and children 3-16 £3.00. If you have under 3s they go in for free. Wheelchairs possible but difficult and free parking.
Quirky, bizarre even, it is a funny place (needing better signage!) but the has existed since 1979. Using active imagination, owner Ann Fawssett-Atkin also paints pictures of fairies which she sells from the gallery there. I asked how she got into all this and she just said: "oh you know, it's one of those things you do".........

Sunday - A Work Day But Still Fun...........

2011-08-08T02:24:00.000-07:00

Lots going on at the moment. It is Hartland Carnival Week, culminating in next week's carnival procession on Saturday. Meanwhile, we had a thriving farmers' market yesterday and I was also covering Bude-Stratton Heritage Day for Bude People yesterday - a great time had by all at both events. If you are in the area and a farmers' market is happening, please support local food producers as the hours and effort they put in to make really tasty food is phenomenal. We were short staffed on the cleaning front this weekend so Karen, our housekeeper, was a real star, working her socks off to help...........many thanks! More photos at Bude People..........

Cycling and Dog Walking

2011-07-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

One thing this area is good for is cycling (oh, and dog walking). You meet very few cars on the country lanes here and your dog can generally go off lead (obviously think sensibly about sheep, cattle & the occasional horse) if well-behaved/responsive to commands. Bursdon Moor is extensive for a decent dog walk.........though the country lanes with their distinctive high hedges can make it difficult to know exactly where you are. Even Suggs gets confused at crossroads!

Honeysuckle Cottage, July, 2011

2011-07-28T01:53:00.000-07:00

"We just wanted to say a big thank you for a lovely stay in honeysuckle cottage. We had an amazing time and the kids said it was best holiday ever, mainly because of the pool and the chickens!"

Love,

Sarah, Steve, Fin & Noah

Woolsery Agricultural Show

2011-07-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

A few photos from yesterday's Woolsery Agricultural Show.......a great day out and local, too, held at Higher Clovelly......quintessentially English fun!

Don't Mess With Nature?

2011-07-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

New rescued battery hens

Dora the Explorer

Driving off towards Hartland yesterday (on the way to collect some rescued battery hens from Lapford, half way to Crediton) we encountered a large bird of prey in the middle of the lane with something rather large squirming in its beak. My daughter said: "it's a baby rabbit". Impulse led me to peep the car horn so the bird dropped its prey which my daughter then retrieved. We brought it home with no signs of blood injury and laid it (in shock) in a box full of grass to see if it recovered. Sadly, it didn't, so I went and placed it back at the roadside where we found it. Reality is, we probably shouldn't have interfered with nature.

I must admit to never having seen a bird pick up something so large before which makes it even more imperative to keep our young pet rabbits in a run rather than on the loose. I'm not sure how such a bird (a buzzard we think) actually kills its prey but it is apparently a formidable hunter with telescopic colour vision which spots movement up to a mile away. It happens, it's country life, but it still upset me, who is obviously a townie at heart!

Then we collected our girls who were in something of a state, did not wish to leave their boxes, and apparently have red mite infection which we need to treat. It made me think about the plight of battery hens and how our 'rescue' is a mere drop in the ocean. There are a lot of farming practices I don't like but then the people creating the demand have to take some responsibility for them, I feel. Cheap food means intensive methods. What is sad now is that people eat this mass-produced tasteless food without realising there is a much better alternative, because once you've tried a truly free range egg, you would never wish to touch a battery egg again. It will be a bonus if our new hens eventually give us some lovely eggs but it was reward enough to see them trying to scratch around and one even managed to catch a worm. It's what hens should be doing!

Bunny Run

2011-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

We bought the new bunnies a run and were feeling very pleased with ourselves when we thought that maybe the hutch was fairly flimsy against a fox or other predator, so last night put the hutch inside the stable.......hmn, worrying things animals, so we need to learn a new method before tomorrow's hens arrive.....

Weather Clearer - try a Walk Via Brownsham Woods to Blackchurch Rock

2011-07-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

The woods are fairly ordinary at this time of year, if I'm honest, but are spectacular during the bluebell season. What is amazing, though, is that first glimpse of the sea with the view of Lundy as you meander along the path. Then, there is the ankle breaking walk across stones (sturdy shoes, walking boots or wellies essential) at Mouthmill until you see Blackchurch Rock, moulded by the tides into a phenomenon. Nothing quite prepares you for the magnitude of it but, unfortunately, you do have to clamber to get its best angle. The steep climb back up to the coast path nearly had me ordering oxygen, too, lactic acid also oozing into my calf muscles. But absolutely worth a visit because this view is truly stunning. It is indeed a hidden piece of coast in an ultra-rural area as this Guardian piece says........http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/jul/13/secret-beaches-devon-mouthmill

Survey Monkey

2011-07-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

If you've previously stayed at West Tosberry and feel able to complete a short survey for us to help us to develop, please go to the following link and answer as many questions as you can. Thanks very much for your help........

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T9Z37V9

Sorry About the Weather, Folks....

2011-07-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

It's the kind of weather we hate. We rarely have a full on week of weather this dismal, and it IS July, so I do feel sorry for our current visitors. Not as sorry as the people who came in December and were snowed in for a week, admittedly, having to walk to Hartland to get even the barest of supplies, but sorry, nonetheless because at least a little sunshine would be expected......at least the forecast isn't showing such excessive rain today.

The upsides are high seas to look at but even that loses its momentum after a while, so it may be an indoor day. Try out National Trust properties, local museums, or just say 'blow it' and go on an activity day, hiring a wet suit and kayaking on the canal, etc.........

Pondstock, to Penhallam to.....Cinema!!

2011-07-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

The weather isn't great at the moment (but is due to perk up mid-week) so you could do worse than check out some of the history in the vicinity. If you go 5 miles south of Bude on the A39, you can turn off to a little place called Poundstock. Here is a stunning Grade 1 listed building, called the Poundstock Gildhall (open on Wedensdays and free of charge), built during Henry VIII's time. The church is full of tragic tales of drowned sailors and early demise.
Not too far away is also a lovely walk to Penhallam, which was an old moated manor house (only the remains left) one of only 4 in Cornwall.
The last photo is of the Rebel Cinema in Poundstock. The owner hopes to re-open this in August so it looks like Bude could once again have cinema to go with the local Bude Community Cinema entertainment on offer! Watch this space.