As a senior psychologist at Manchester Metropolitan University explained in the Daily Mail today, statistically Monday 30th January is one of the happiest days of 2012. It is easy to see why… pay day is here, Spring is on its way, and for those who have already booked their Summer holiday, there is plenty to look forward to! If you are in need of a boost, and haven’t yet booked your family getaway for this year, make the most of the sensational Summer Savings now available with Coast & Country Cottages. With up to £250*off your Summer holiday in beautiful South Devon, if you book before 31st January 2012, there has never been a better time to start planning. For the latest special offers or to order your free 2012 brochure visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773.
Swimming, surfing, sun bathing – whatever your preferred beach pursuit, South Devon is the perfect place for a relaxing break on the coast. Coast & Country Cottages have a fabulous choice of beachside accommodation, ranging from elegant country houses within two minutes walk of the seaside to stunning waterside apartments, with beautiful ocean views.
Thurlestone Sands is just one of the countless unspoilt beaches in the South Hams, the southernmost tip of Devon. In a quiet rural spot accessed via picturesque country lanes, sits this fabulous stretch of shingle. Popular with locals and visitors alike, this pet friendly beach is perfect for water sports such as surfing and kayaking. The waters are a delight to swim in, whilst the rock-pools make for a fun afternoon exploring with the children!
Coast & Country Cottages have properties at two developments, both of which are situated just yards from the beach. Ocean’s Edge is a fabulous collection of luxury apartments, many with breath taking views of the South Devon coastline. Guests can relax in the delightful heated kidney-shaped swimming pool and enjoy the use of good sized gardens that surround the development. For more information visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk/oceans-edge:
1 Ocean’s Edge (sleeps 6) This chic and contemporary VisitBritain Five Star awarded ground floor apartment is finished to an exceptional standard, with excellent views over the surrounding countryside. 2012 prices start from £495 per week.
6 Ocean’s Edge (sleeps 6) This beautifully presented first floor apartment has stunning sea and country views from the fabulous balcony. 2012 prices start from £541 per week.
8 Ocean’s Edge (sleeps 4) This luxury apartment has stunning views out to sea and is VisitBritain Four Star Gold awarded. 2012 prices start from £487 per week.
We do have a fabulous selection of properties available close to this beach. Visit http://www.coastandcountry.co.uk/thurlestone/-sands for more information
Coast & Country Cottages are delighted to present the latest new property in their portfolio, Mill Grange. Now available for bookings, this beautifully presented cottage is at the head of Old Mill Creek, an idyllic tidal inlet off the River Dart, near the historic maritime town of Dartmouth.
The property is a former working watermill, and has been fully refurbished to provide a high standard of accommodation throughout. The cottage retains many traditional character features like original oak crossbeams and vaulted ceilings, whilst also boasting contemporary and stylish modern day comforts.
The main living accommodation at Mill Grange comprises of a spacious open plan room featuring a stunning well equipped kitchen with high gloss units, granite worktops and a range cooker, as well as a stylish sitting room and dining area. Guests in the winter will love relaxing in the living area by the large feature wood-burning stove, whilst guests in the Summer can enjoy long afternoons sun bathing and balmy evenings dining alfresco on one of the two terrace areas. Mill Grange offers lovely views towards the creek and surrounding woodland belonging to descendants of Sir Walter Raleigh, which can be enjoyed both from the terrace and the sitting room.
Small boats can be launched at high tide from Old Mill Creek, with Dartmouth, Dittisham and Totnes all within easy reach. Dartmouth's array of boutiques, restaurants and tea rooms, as well as the picturesque River Dart are all accessible within a 20-30 minute walk, or about 5 minutes in the car, whilst the award winning Blackpool Sands beach is just a short drive away.
The property offers luxurious five star accommodation for families or couples. For more information visit http://coastandcountry.co.uk/cottage-details/MILL
The beautiful South Hams in South Devon has this week been featured on ITV1’s popular daytime show Hungry Sailors, which follows father and son team Dick and James Strawbridge as they sail along the South coast, visiting ports and harbours along the way. The programme shows the pair collecting delicious mouth-watering ingredients from local producers for their fabulous recipes, which they then prepare on board their pilot cutter Amelie Rose. This week the show has focused on both the popular sailing town of Salcombe and the historic maritime town of Dartmouth, visiting local businesses in each area.
Local producers showcased include South Devon Chilli Farm (www.southdevonchillifarm.co.uk), which is based in the South Hams village of Loddiswell and is renowned for its chilli chocolate, as well as Sharpham Wines and Cheeses (www.sharpham.com) and Riverford Farm (www.riverford.co.uk), both of which provide fabulous locally produced fresh ingredients and are located near the market town Totnes.
For more information about the programme or to watch the episodes visit www.itv.com/food/programmes/hungry-sailors.
If you are interested in visiting Salcombe or Dartmouth on holiday, Coast & Country Cottages have a fabulous choice of over 425 self-catering holiday properties exclusively in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For more information, to book or to order your free brochure call 01548 843773 or visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk.
Looking to capture those special moments whilst on holiday in beautiful South Devon? Why not contact Martyn Norsworthy of Norsworthy Photography, and book a family photo shoot in your favourite spot! Whether it be on an unspoilt beach at sunset or on the South West Coast Path with views out to sea, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides the perfect backdrop for family photos you can treasure forever. Martyn Norsworthy is an award winning photographer based in Kingsbridge, South Devon. Specialising in weddings, he has in fact been placed 14th in Pixoto’s worldwide competition for the Best Wedding Photographers of 2011. Thousands of wedding photographers from around the world participated in the competition, with over 200,000 images submitted for judging, and more than 10 million votes cast by Pixoto members. For a look at the winning images, including stunning photographs taken by Martyn, visit http://www.pixoto.com/players-photography/wedding/best-of-2011
Contact Martyn on 01548 854044 or 07866912277, or visit www.norsworthyphotography.com for more information about photo shoots either on location in the South Hams, or in his studio in Kingsbridge.
The fascinating town of Dartmouth is fast becoming renowned as one of the top foodie hot spots in the country. Situated on the bank of the River Dart in picturesque South Devon, visitors to the town can expect delicious fresh seafood caught off the Start Bay coastline and fabulous organic meat, fruit and vegetables grown and reared locally in the surrounding countryside by the likes of Riverford Farm. With such an abundance of easily accessible mouth-watering ingredients, it is no wonder the area is home to a host of award-winning restaurants, including the seafood restaurant The Seahorse, run by local celebrity chefs Mitch Tonks and Matt Prowse. Popular with visitors and locals alike, the waterside restaurant is certainly worth a visit when in Dartmouth.
The Seahorse is hosting a wonderful Wine Supper Night on Thursday 2nd February, with guests Susy Atkins & Tim McLaughlin-Green. The superb menu is accompanied by specially selected wines – the evening costs £60 per person, which includes a glass of wine with each course. Bookings strongly advised - for more information visit www.seahorserestaurant.co.uk or call 01803 835147.
Whilst the Summer Holidays might seem a long way off, those looking to book accommodation in South Devon for this July or August have no time to waste! Coast & Country Cottages have a fabulous choice of properties across Salcombe, Dartmouth and the surrounding countryside, and with superb Summer Savings* of up to £250 off selected properties if booked by 31st January, there has never been a better time to start planning your holiday. Whether you are looking for a stylish cottage for close loved ones, or for a spacious larger property where friends and family can gather, Coast & Country Cottages have properties to suit all tastes and party requirements.
Broad Downs Farmhouse, Near Salcombe (sleeps 12)
Looking for a luxury property for a family break? Why not head to the stunning property Broad Downs Farmhouse. Surrounded by acres of garden, and complete with an outdoor heated swimming pool, this contemporary, spacious property provides accommodation for up to 12 people. Spend long Summer afternoons playing Rounder’s in the garden and enjoying alfresco dining on the sunny terrace.
The property is designed with entertainment and relaxation in mind. The beautiful family room is a fabulous open plan space with a dining area at one end, and comfortable seating area at the other – the perfect place for socialising together as a family of an evening. The property also has plenty of space for individual pursuits, whether you are looking to curl up with a book in the magnificent drawing room, or to enjoy a game on the Nintendo Wii in the Snug!
Situated just a short walk from the South West Coast Path, and within a short drive of the popular sailing town of Salcombe, the property is the ideal rural retreat for a holiday in the South Devon countryside. Save £250* on selected weeks in August (2nd August – 23rd August inclusive) if booked before 31st January 2012, now just £3575 per week.
This week marks the launch of the new Steven Spielberg film, War Horse, based on the book by Devon author, Michael Morpurgo. Reports suggest that Steven Spielberg was particularly taken by the wild beauty of the Dartmoor scenery which will now be seen by audiences worldwide. The film crew spent months on Dartmoor in Devon, filming scenes for this spellbinding production, with several locations on Dartmoor, including Haytor and Sheepstor, used during filming.
The story, which has also become an award-winning West End production, follows the emotional journey of a young boy, Albert, who leaves his farm on Dartmoor to search for his beloved horse, Joey, after it is sold to the cavalry and sent to France during the First World War. The film had an exclusive Royal Premiere earlier this week and will be shown in cinemas across the UK from Friday 13th January.
If you would like to experience the natural beauty of Dartmoor, why not book a short break or family holiday in South Devon. Ideally located for you to enjoy the stunning moorland of Dartmoor, just a short drive away, and the beautiful South Devon coastline, contact Coast & Country Cottages today to find the perfect rural retreat for your Devon break.
Jacks Cottage, near Totnes (sleeps 4) - £100 off selected Summer weeks at this luxury property sleeping up to 4 people. Situated on a 300 acre working farm, this VisitBritain Four Star Gold awarded cottage is the perfect retreat for those looking to explore Dartmoor or to experience the delights of farm life! Relax in this beautiful, baby friendly, barn conversion with a sun terrace and fantastic rural views to the moors beyond, or head outside and explore the farm, see the livestock up close and collect fresh eggs. So why not book your holiday to this fascinating area and enjoy exhilarating walks on Dartmoor, dine in award-winning restaurants or relax on the stunning South Devon beaches. Jack’s Cottage is now £946, under £34 per person per night, based on 4 sharing. Visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773 for more information.
For those looking to learn more about South Devon, why not head to Salcombe on 15th January and take a guided walk along the picturesque coastline in the Bolt Head and Overbecks area. Learn about the fabulous surrounding landscape and about what lies beneath the surface off this rugged shoreline. Whether you live locally or are visiting South Devon on holiday, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is very culturally, historically and environmentally interesting – this guided walk is not to be missed!
Those interested should meet at the junction of the road to Overbecks and the South West coast path, at 10.30am. Adults £4 Children £2. Visit www.southdevonaonb.org.uk for more information.
If you are looking for a treat this January, take advantage of Haven Spa and Therapy’s latest offer - 3 for 2 on all spa treatments! Book any 3 treatments and the cheapest is free! Why not have an eyelash tint, eyebrow tint and free eyebrow shape, or enjoy an Elemis Facial, Deep Tissue Massage and a free luxury pedicure - create your own package! With branches in both Kingsbridge and Dartington, choose a treatment in a place that suits you best. Haven Spa and Therapy are also offering over 50% off selected products in their Dartington branch, with savings on everything from Fake Bake to Spa Find products. For more information visit www.havenspaandtherapy.co.uk.