Log Cabins to RentWhat could make your holiday go with more of a swing than tennis courts and neighbours willing to make up a competitive four? Or else other kids to play with your kids, and let them enjoy themselves with no effort on your part? However works best for you there is no doubt that a tennis court helps to serve up an enjoyable holiday. The log cabins below won’t get you to Wimbledon, but at least it’s a start.
Key Features
Groove Armada is a lovely lodge on Kingsdown Park, sleeping six in three bedrooms. With a ground floor double, two twin rooms, and a bathroom, it sleeps six. There is also a kitchen and sitting room with dining area. Outside there is a decked terrace with furniture and sea views, and off road parking in the car park. Groove Armada has access to the on-site facilities including swimming pool, tennis courts and children's play area, as well as great walking and cycling off the site. This is a great seaside base for a family holiday.
Crooksbury Hill House holds a fantastic position, set within four acres of grounds, the home boasts direct access on to Crooksbury Hill and Common where guests can enjoy stunning views over southwest Surrey and east Hampshire across to the South Downs. While guests will enjoy a tranquil stay, the Georgian market town of Farnham which offers a selection of excellent eateries, independent shops, and supermarkets, is just a 5-minute car journey away.
The beautiful home has been lovingly modernised by its current owners to provide the perfect setting for a multi-generational escape to the country, comfortably accommodating up thirteen guests across it’s eight well-appointed bedrooms. The accommodation is split between the main house and a detached three-bedroom cottage, ideal for grandparents or those in search of a little peace and quiet from the rest of the group!
In the main house, the ground floor offers vast entertaining space, comprising of an impressive sitting room, formal dining room with marble fireplace and cosy snug, there is plenty of room for the group to get together and socialise in the evenings. The kitchen comes fully equipped with all the tools you could possibly need to create delicious meals, while also offering a relaxed, breakfast dining area, which leads through to the bright conservatory. Upstairs, are the five bedrooms, a super-king master room and five double rooms. Guests staying in these room share the use of a fantastic family bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub, a family shower room and a handy cloakroom. The cosy cottage offers a second living room and kitchen, three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Outside, the whole family will enjoy Summer afternoons spent splashing around in the private pool or enjoying some friendly competition on the tennis court! Although in the autumn & winter the pool is not available, the tennis court and indoor gym room & games area with table tennis and table football are available all year around. There are beautiful autumnal & winter walks in the surrounding forests, and the whole family can enjoy relaxing with a great selection of family boardgames in the cosy living room next to the fire.
Crooksbury Hill House holds an excellent position within the popular county of Surrey. Located in the parish of Tilford, it is less than a 10-minute drive from the town of Farnham where a wide variety of helpful amenities, including shops and restaurants, can be found.
There is plenty for guests of all ages to see, do and explore in the surrounding area. Thought to of been built by William the Conqueror, impressive Guildford Castle is just 20-minutes away. The beautiful RHS Garden Wisley, one of the world’s great gardens, is less than 25-minutes away and makes for a lovely day out. Family-friendly Birdworld, home to over 1,200 birds and other animals, is less than a 15-minute drive away.
The owner recommends families to visit Frensham Ponds just 5 mins away and Alice Holt Forest, 15 mins away with treetop adventures and walks/bike trails.
Keen walkers shouldn’t miss Bourne woods with wonderful woodland walks, where films such as Gladiator and Ridley Scott’s new film Napoleon being filmed. Along with, Wonderful walks in Surrey Hills including Devils Punchbowl and The National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum.
Windsor is just a 40-minute drive away, here you will find Windsor Great Park and, of course, the famous Windsor Castle, scene of many a Royal event. For any teens or thrill seekers, Thorpe Park, is a must-visit while Legoland Windsor is ideal for any younger children, both less than 40-minutes away. For keen sporting fans, Ascot Racecourse, home to the annual Royal Ascot event is a real society highlight, with Ladies’ Day something of a fashion event too and just 30-minutes away. Sunningdale Golf Club, regarded as one of the finest golf clubs in the UK, is also less than 30-minutes away.
Cherry House is a substantial waterside, zinc and honey coloured gem, located in an exclusive development in the Cotswolds and sleeping 10 guests in 5 bedrooms. The location is very pretty. The property is accessed via a footbridge leading to a covered loggia. The rear main garden is separated by a small waterway with a second garden area which leads to the shoreline of Somerford Lagoon. It is very peaceful and picturesque.
The estate offers not just stunning landscapes with nine lakes, two rivers, beautiful picnic spots and miles of biking and hiking trails within hundreds of acres of lush greenspace but also outstanding ‘resort’ style facilities and activities. In addition, this wonderful holiday home is one of nine homes in a special area within the estate enjoying exclusive access to a small outdoor swimming pool which is heated and open in high season, a well-equipped gym and a sauna. Guests staying at Cherry House can also use any of the estate facilities and participate in relaxing and adventurous activities. Quality family time is definitely on the agenda, along with some fabulous well-being treats. The lakes offer canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding and fishing. The award-winning spa boasts fantastic luxury treatments, a steam room, sauna and three gorgeous swimming pools, one of which is a bracing eco-pool naturally filtered by water lilies. There are tennis courts, an outstanding children’s playground, a library, a ‘restful reading’ lounge and a very well equipped Technogym. Yoga is on the menu, as well as lakeside exercise classes and watersports tuition. Children’s clubs operate during peak holiday times offering fun, entertainment, crafts, sports and some healthy competition.
Cherry House is finished to a very high standard and boasts one king bedroom, three double bedrooms and one single bedroom as well as excellent entertainment spaces on the ground floor. The open plan design of the living area is wonderful with the plush dining area tucked around the corner from the lounge area. Quality oak floors run throughout The contemporary kitchen features high-gloss and wood effect units, a wonderful blend. Also there are excellent appliances including a double oven, warming drawer, American style fridge freezer, Neff coffee machine, dishwasher and a very handy wine fridge. It is all complemented by stone work tops, incorporating a glass breakfast bar. Stunning! The lounge area offers ample comfy seating with three vibrant red sofas, two tub chairs and a wood burning stove for cosy nights watching the wall-mounted television. As well as the main dining table for six, there is another glass table and chairs for four, perfect for a game of cards or children dining. There is a good selection of board games and books for your entertainment. Huge sliding glass doors make up the entire rear elevation illuminating the area and giving access to the patio and lawns. The lagoon views are stunning. Alfresco dining is just perfect on the patio using the barbecue.
Upstairs on the first floor, you will find a fabulous master bedroom suite, two double rooms and a single bunk bed bedroom as well as an immaculate family bathroom. The spacious master boasts a lovely private balcony where you can enjoy fabulous lake views and a smart ensuite bathroom with glass doors to the bedroom. One of the delightful double rooms enjoys access to a west facing balcony and the single also has a private balcony with stunning views over the lagoon. The second floor is home to a further double room, beautifully decorated, an adjacent bathroom and a utility cupboard with laundry facilities.
Cherry House enjoys a wonderful lakeside location within a gated resort in the heart of the Cotswolds. Just south of Cirencester, guests enjoy many entertainment options within the development as well as being located on the doorstep of fabulous Cotswolds attractions. Villages and towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury, Cirencester, Malmesbury and Lacock are all close by and the regency pleasures of Cheltenham and the Georgian glories of Bath are less than twenty miles away.
Bourton-on-the-Water, like most of the Cotswolds, lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the Venice of the Cotswolds with beautiful bridges crossing the River Windrush. Gorgeous cosy cafes line the pretty streets together with houses made with enchanting honey coloured Cotswold stone.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a delightful market town, the highest of the Cotswold towns exposed on the 800 feet high Stow Hill at the crossroads with the Roman Fosse Way. The town boasts a fascinating history. At the height of the Cotswold wool industry, it held annual fairs where as many as 20000 sheep were sold at one time. The Market Square is very attractive with its ancient cross, town stocks and an elegant array of Cotswold town houses and shops. You will find many fine antique shops, art galleries, gift and craft shops.
Tetbury is another historic wool town. It is an architectural gem with many of the wool merchant’s houses remaining the same as they were in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Parish Church of St Mary’s has one of the tallest and most elegant spires in the UK. Tetbury is popular for its independent shops including antique shops, vintage and interior shops, exclusive boutiques and the Highgrove shop. Tetbury holds many regular events including the May Day Wacky Races, the Spring Bank Holiday Woolsack Races when contestants carry 65lb woolsacks up and down the 1 in 4 hill, the August Summer Show, the September Food and Drink Festival, the October Tetbury Music Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Close by, visitors can enjoy the stunning botanical experience of the National Arboretum at Westonbirt, the glorious Elizabethan Chavenage House used for many famous films and TV series, the beautiful Arts and Crafts Manor at Rodmarton, the 13th century Lacock Abbey and HRH Prince of Wales’ stunning garden at Highgrove. Local equestrian events such as the Badminton Horse Trials, Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing and Beaufort Polo are all popular.
Gladstone house offers ease and relaxation amongst the vibrant nature of Dorset’s Lakeside Estate. This beautiful, detached, three-bed cottage sits in an enviable position with views stretching across the glistening surface of the lake. In this way, whether you are out adventuring or sitting outside your own holiday home, you are always close to nature, with remarkable nature reserves, wetlands, and countryside all just a stone throws away. The decking even benefits from a large charcoal barbecue and seating for everyone – what more could you want! Access to bikes, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards are available for hire at an additional cost. After all that activity a spa trip should be on the cards and fortunately the Lakeside Estate has its very own with a fabulous rooftop bar where you can enjoy a crisp glass of wine with a view. Inside the house has been beautifully furnished with modern fixtures and furnishings throughout every room. The ground floor is open plan with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows that open out to the large terrace and allow sunlight to flood inside, enlivening the space. The kitchen is fully equipped so you can make all your usual favorites, eating together with your loved ones around the adjacent dining table. The lounge may be open plan, but with a cosy wood burner and comfy sofas, it feels intimate and perfect for nights in. A cloakroom completes the ground floor for your convenience. Stepping upstairs there are three bedrooms, each with the same modern aesthetic as downstairs. The master suite is spacious and bright, with a king-size bed and en-suite shower room. The second bedroom offers two full-size twin beds and the third boasts bunk beds perfect for kids to share. There is a large family bathroom for everyone to use. Accessed through private gates, Gladstone House offers all the privacy you need, so you can enjoy time alone with your loved ones both inside and out, whilst still having access to all the fantastic Lakeside Estate facilities.
The dramatic Jurassic coastline plays protector to the wild heathlands and rolling dales of beautiful Dorset. It is no wonder that this captivating area has enticed filmmakers, poets, authors and artists for centuries, with visitors allured by the sweeping golden beaches, grand historic houses, cobblestone market towns and idyllic country pubs.
Enjoying stunning contemporary interior design, vaulted ceilings to the striking living space, a lakeside deck complete with alfresco dining, a first floor decked balcony with a bistro table, four delightful bedrooms and a fabulous westerly facing aspect across the the tranquil Swillbrook Lake, Crocus House is extremely popular with large families and groups of friends. Swillbrook is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) so you will enjoy uninterrupted views as there are no watersports allowed on this lake.
Three of the four bedrooms are located on the ground floor. You will find a beautifully appointed king bedroom and a delightful double bedroom, both with immaculate ensuite bathrooms and access to the ground floor decked terrace and lawns running to the lake. Both bedrooms boast a lovely calm neutral colour scheme and quality linens and accessories adorning the beds. There is also a children’s bunk room and a pristine contemporary family bathroom with a double walk-in shower.
The first floor is home to the striking open plan living space and a study with a sofa, perfect if you want to disappear with the Sunday newspapers. The living space takes full advantage of the stunning views with its fully glazed rear elevation. This double height aspect with glass reaching the vaulted ceiling, illuminates this stunning room and creates a cavernous, airy space. A sumptuous corner sofa and chairs surround the feature inset wood burning stove, creating a lovely family spot for board games or afternoon tea. The walls are dazzling, all in brilliant white and showcasing the interesting artwork. The glossy white, contemporary kitchen offers plenty of cabinets and excellent appliances. Doors open to the first floor decked terrace which boasts awesome lake views, a delightful spot for your morning cup of coffee. There is a modern spiral staircase to the lower deck where you will find the barbecue and alfresco dining.
Stairs lead to the fabulous mezzanine master bedroom. It boasts stunning views over the living space and an outstanding ensuite bathroom. It is a peaceful haven, again enjoying the vaulted ceilings and modern architecture.
Crocus House is located on a first-class development, just south of Cirencester, where you will find a perfect balance of blissful relaxation and exciting adventure. Within hundreds of acres of lush green space, you will discover nine beautiful lakes, two rivers including The Thames, beautiful picnic spots and miles of lakeside and river trails, suitable for hiking or biking. Guests can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and fishing, the luxury spa, on-site restaurant, a Technogym, tennis courts, the library, the ‘restful reading’ lounge and the fabulous children’s playpark. The spa offers fantastic luxury treatments, a steam room, sauna and three gorgeous swimming pools, one of which is a bracing eco-pool naturally filtered by water lilies plus there is an indoor and outdoor pool. During peak holiday seasons, children can attend children’s clubs with a huge range of fun activities. On your doorstep, you can also enjoy the the delights of the Cotswolds. Charming villages, historic towns, gorgeous gardens and gourmet restaurants all await.
Crocus House enjoys a impressive lakeside position within a gated resort in the heart of the Cotswolds. Just south of Cirencester, guests enjoy many entertainment options within the development as well as being located on the doorstep of fabulous Cotswolds attractions. The Cotswolds boasts idyllic villages, historic towns, a rich heritage of country houses, stunning gardens, wildlife parks, arboretums and enchanting nature reserves. Popular visits are to Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury, Cirencester, Malmesbury and Lacock as well as the regency pleasures of Cheltenham and the Georgian glories of Bath which are less than twenty miles away.
Bourton-on-the-Water, like most of the Cotswolds, lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the Venice of the Cotswolds with beautiful bridges crossing the River Windrush. Gorgeous cosy cafes line the pretty streets together with houses made with enchanting honey coloured Cotswold stone.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a delightful market town, the highest of the Cotswold towns exposed on the 800 feet high Stow Hill at the crossroads with the Roman Fosse Way. The town boasts a fascinating history. At the height of the Cotswold wool industry, it held annual fairs where as many as 20000 sheep were sold at one time. The Market Square is very attractive with its ancient cross, town stocks and an elegant array of Cotswold town houses and shops. You will find many fine antique shops, art galleries, gift and craft shops.
Tetbury is another historic wool town. It is an architectural gem with many of the wool merchant’s houses remaining the same as they were in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Parish Church of St Mary’s has one of the tallest and most elegant spires in the UK. Tetbury is popular for its independent shops including antique shops, vintage and interior shops, exclusive boutiques and the Highgrove shop. Tetbury holds many regular events including the May Day Wacky Races, the Spring Bank Holiday Woolsack Races when contestants carry 65lb woolsacks up and down the 1 in 4 hill, the August Summer Show, the September Food and Drink Festival, the October Tetbury Music Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Close by, visitors can enjoy the stunning botanical experience of the National Arboretum at Westonbirt, the glorious Elizabethan Chavenage House used for many famous films and TV series, the beautiful Arts and Crafts Manor at Rodmarton, the 13th century Lacock Abbey and HRH Prince of Wales’ stunning garden at Highgrove. Local equestrian events such as the Badminton Horse Trials, Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing and Beaufort Polo are all popular.
Found in a truly idyllic spot in Mill Village on a stunning first class development just south of Cirencester, Pintail Lodge offers not only immaculate, comfortable accommodation for 4 adults and 3 children, it also benefits from an incredible range of ‘resort’ style facilities and activities. Families will no doubt leave with a holiday to remember. The cottage is located in an enviable position, nestled quietly on the shoreline of the main sailing lake, Somerford Lagoon. It boasts a private pontoon for direct lake access.
This remarkable development certainly blends the very best of the outdoors with both relaxation and adventure. The development is located in the heart of the Cotswolds, amidst gorgeous lakeside hiking and biking trails, rivers, lakes and hundreds of acres of lush greenspace. It boasts an award winning spa where guests can enjoy luxury treatments, a steam room, sauna and three gorgeous swimming pools, one outdoor, one indoor and one a bracing eco-pool naturally filtered by water lilies. Lake activities include fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, windsurfing, paddle boarding and birdwatching. There are tennis courts, a fabulously well equipped Technogym, a library and a ‘restful reading’ lounge if you want to escape with a good book. Families will also enjoy the simple pleasures of wandering along miles of riverside or lakeside trails spotting the wildlife, bike riding or picnics in a heavenly countryside spots. During peak holiday seasons, children’s clubs offer fun activities including hot chocolate and marshmallows by the fire in the woods, competitive games and lots of creative fun. There is a wonderful restaurant close to the cottage with its own pizza ovens, perfect for takeways if you want a night out of the kitchen. There is also a handy shop.
Pintail Lodge offers three bedrooms on the first floor. There is a delightful children’s room with bunk beds and a separate child’s bed, sleeping three, a double bedroom and the lovely master king bedroom. The family bathroom is a delight with stone tiles and wooden panelling.
The ground floor living area is open plan in design and gorgeous with its grey and cream hues. The glossy contemporary kitchen is perfect for a self-catering break. Indoor dining is smart with lovely grey chairs around a trendy glass table and the lounge area is really cosy with sofas and chairs surrounding the feature fireplace. Warm, honey coloured Cotswold stone decorates the inside of the substantial fireplace with a lovely wood burning stove for cooler evenings the focus. Who doesn’t love a woodburning stove! There is also a downstairs cloakroom and shower.
Outside, Pintail Lodge features an outstanding south facing rear deck which is enclosed so very safe for children. Families can enjoy alfresco dining using the barbecue. There is even heating just in case it is a bit chilly. The views from the deck are stunning. You look straight out onto Somerford Lagoon. You will certainly be mesmerised listening for birds and watching the sail boats and kayaks. It is a great spot for your morning cup of coffee or watching the sun go down over the lagoon. Steps lead down from the deck to your lawn and your very own pontoon. Kayaks and canoes can be rented for your enjoyment.
Pintail Lodge lies in a privileged lagoonside position within a gated resort in the heart of the Cotswolds. Just south of Cirencester, guests enjoy many entertainment options within the development as well as being located on the doorstep of fabulous Cotswolds attractions. The Cotswolds boasts idyllic villages, historic towns, a rich heritage of country houses, stunning gardens, wildlife parks, arboretums and enchanting nature reserves. Popular visits are to Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury, Cirencester, Malmesbury and Lacock as well as the regency pleasures of Cheltenham and the Georgian glories of Bath which are less than twenty miles away.
Bourton-on-the-Water, like most of the Cotswolds, lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the Venice of the Cotswolds with beautiful bridges crossing the River Windrush. Gorgeous cosy cafes line the pretty streets together with houses made with enchanting honey coloured Cotswold stone.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a delightful market town, the highest of the Cotswold towns exposed on the 800 feet high Stow Hill at the crossroads with the Roman Fosse Way. The town boasts a fascinating history. At the height of the Cotswold wool industry, it held annual fairs where as many as 20000 sheep were sold at one time. The Market Square is very attractive with its ancient cross, town stocks and an elegant array of Cotswold town houses and shops. You will find many fine antique shops, art galleries, gift and craft shops.
Tetbury is another historic wool town. It is an architectural gem with many of the wool merchant’s houses remaining the same as they were in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Parish Church of St Mary’s has one of the tallest and most elegant spires in the UK. Tetbury is popular for its independent shops including antique shops, vintage and interior shops, exclusive boutiques and the Highgrove shop. Tetbury holds many regular events including the May Day Wacky Races, the Spring Bank Holiday Woolsack Races when contestants carry 65lb woolsacks up and down the 1 in 4 hill, the August Summer Show, the September Food and Drink Festival, the October Tetbury Music Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Close by, visitors can enjoy the stunning botanical experience of the National Arboretum at Westonbirt, the glorious Elizabethan Chavenage House used for many famous films and TV series, the beautiful Arts and Crafts Manor at Rodmarton, the 13th century Lacock Abbey and HRH Prince of Wales’ stunning garden at Highgrove. Local equestrian events such as the Badminton Horse Trials, Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing and Beaufort Polo are all popular.
If you are looking for a gorgeous Cornish retreat within a spectacular country estate with endless activities, then look no further than Lostwithiel House! Lostwithiel House is one of two cottages set within the stable yard of Lostwithiel Manor Estate. Designed by the master architect Sir John Soane and refurbished by the brilliant Sarah Fortescue Designs, this three bedroom cottage is surrounded by glorious landscaped gardens, a lake, deer park, parkland, fascinating historic monuments, miles of cycling and hiking tracks, orchards and a tennis court. Lostwithiel House is perfect for a family or friends wanting to explore the south and north coasts of Cornwall and the captivating moors. There are other holiday properties on the estate including the fabulous Grade II listed Lostwithiel Manor which sleeps up to eighteen guests, the 18th century Lostwithiel Stewardry which sleeps up to fourteen guests, Lostwithiel Stable House which sleeps four and Lostwithiel Dairy House which sleeps eight guests. If you are celebrating a special event or planning a family reunion, each of the properties can be booked with Oliver’s Travels. Lostwithiel Manor is a fantastic wedding and entertainment venue. The list of estate activities for all guests staying in the properties is endless.
The charming town of Lostwithiel is just four miles from Lostwithiel House, nestled in a beautiful wooded valley at the tidal reach of the River Fowey in central Cornwall. From this gorgeous countryside spot, guests can visit both the north and south coasts of Cornwall, explore the moors and enjoy the most delicious cuisine imaginable. Local to Lostwithiel Manor Estate, guests can take dips at Talland Bay and Lansallos Beach and visit Fowey, Polruan, Par Sands, St Austell, Mevagissey, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Restormel Castle and the iconic Eden Project.
Lostwithiel House is extremely characterful and very comfortable. Within this unique, beautifully renovated property, you will discover vivid splashes of colour, sumptuous furnishings, gorgeous fabrics and excellent fittings. The outstanding Sarah Fortescue Designs have waved their magic wands, creating a colourful, eclectic, sophisticated and fun interior. The first floor, open plan living and dining room is simply fabulous with a gorgeous vaulted ceiling, a delightful window seat, comfy sofas, a smart dining area and a fully-equipped modern kitchen offering everything you need for your self-catering stay. Laundry facilities can be found in the stable yard. You will enjoy beautiful estate views including some of the churchyard. Also on the first floor is the master bedroom with its mellow green tones, comfy bed, gorgeous soft furnishings and immaculate ensuite bathroom.
Downstairs, you will find two well-appointed twin bedroom suites, one with a gorgeous, floral, red-toned wallpaper and lavish green leaf headboards and the other with its matching bedspreads and draped curtains. Sarah Fortescue Designs have done a brilliant job, making sure you are comfortable and feel pampered. The attention to detail and contrasting colours make this cottage fun and out of the ordinary. The twin beds in each room are dressed with crisp cottons and the ensuite bathrooms come with luxurious organic toiletries and fluffy white bathrobes and towels.
You can enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple and alfresco meals using the Weber barbecue on the terrace and roam this beautiful estate, enjoying the wildlife and scenery. The stable yard games room is very popular. The estate grounds are truly sensational. The lake is stunning, surrounded by grassy banks, nearby flocks of sheep and ancient trees. You may want to enjoy a lakeside barbecue or perhaps evening cocktails by the lake. You can stroll through the deer park watching the grazing fallow deer who have nibbled on the park’s lush grass since the days of the Domesday Book and head to the centuries-old trees in the ancient woodland. Adjacent to the deer park is the estate cricket pitch where you can watch one of the regular weekend matches, one of the estate’s most popular summertime traditions. The gardens are totally captivating. The Dorothy Garden boasts beautiful fountains and the Shrubbery offers a multitude of vibrant colour with thirty four different varieties of hydrangeas and vivid pink and purple rhododendrons and azaleas. The Stewardry Walk offers a palm-fringed paradise and a tropical fountain. The gardens also feature Lady Hamilton’s marble bath, a waterfall, a pool, magnolias and a huge array of other exotic plants. The estate’s magnificent parkland slopes gently towards the lake offering that true countryside feel. Here you can enjoy picnics and bask in the sun. You can also explore the exquisite ‘living museum’, discovering the estate’s impressive monuments including the obelisk which soars 123 feet into the sky. You can put your running shoes on and explore the many acres of land listening to birdsong and sheep for company. You can enjoy yoga, play tennis or just rest with your holiday book. Children love collecting morning eggs from the estate chickens or foraging for wild garlic to make pesto and blackberries for beloved crumbles. You can also pick fresh produce from the kitchen garden for supper. In the autumn, you are welcome to pick apples from the orchard.
Children can enjoy a mud kitchen located in the estate grounds, adjacent to a charming Romany caravan, where they can let their imaginations run wild. Additionally, there is an outdoor kitchen tucked away in a picturesque corner of the estate, available for guests to use. The estate also boasts a popular craft space, providing a creative outlet for guests to indulge in various artistic endeavors. The estate offers a multitude of recreational options, including paddle boards, mountain bikes, and more, ensuring there's something for everyone.
When it comes to food, Lostwithiel Estate goes the extra mile to cater to guests' culinary needs. They can arrange meals for guests from a local deli called Bella Mama, ensuring delicious and convenient dining options. In Lostwithiel, guests can find an excellent butcher and baker, providing access to fresh and high-quality meat and baked goods. The estate is also proud to collaborate with Trewithen, a renowned local dairy known for sourcing their milk from within a 25-mile radius of the estate. This enables guests to enjoy locally sourced milk, butter, yogurt, and clotted cream during their stay. As an added treat, guests are welcomed with a delightful cream tea upon their arrival, setting the tone for a truly enjoyable experience at Lostwithiel Estate.
With acres of ancient woodland and miles of paths and tracks to explore, Lostwithiel House is a paradise for four-legged friends.
At Lostwithiel House every family member should be included in your travel adventures, and that includes your beloved canine companions. With the understanding of the joy and comfort that comes from traveling with your dog, at this property the owners are thrilled to offer a warm welcome to both of you.
The estate plays host to a number of annual events including a five mile race around the estate in aid of St John’s Ambulance Cornwall, an Endurance GB Ride, the south west’s premier Cornish ride with over 200 riders, Charity Open Gardens in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care and the Carriage Driving Day sponsored by the British Driving Society. Every event is wonderful and you will feel privileged to be there!
Lostwithiel House is located on the fabulous Lostwithiel Manor Estate with its acres of parkland, deer park, woodland, lakes and stunning gardens. The estate is wondrous with spectacular scenery and brilliant spots of picnics and relaxing. Guests are welcome to enjoy wild swimming in the lake and to forage or pick produce from the kitchen garden. Close by, you can enjoy Talland Bay and Lansallos Beach for a quick dip or venture further to the beautiful beaches on the north or south coast of Cornwall. The estate is brilliant for walking and cycling plus there are many stunning areas to discover outside of the estate.
Cornwall is known as a foodie paradise and there are plenty of places close by where you can enjoy delicious goodies and meals. There are also a number of food festivals including the St Ives Food and Drink Festival, Truro Food Festival and the Mevagissey Shanty Festival.
Restormel Castle lies by the River Fowey near Lostwithiel. One of the four chief Norman castles of Cornwall, it is notable for its perfectly circular design. Once a luxurious residence of the Earl of Cornwall, it was ruined by the 16th century and is now under the supervision of the English Heritage. It is a beautiful picnic spot.
A trip down to Fowey is a must! The Fowey estuary is a glorious sight with Fowey on one side at the mouth of the River Fowey and the gorgeous town of Polruan on the other. There are regular passenger ferries to and from Polruan and a car ferry to Boddinick. The ferry house was originally the du Maurier family home and later the home of Angela du Maurier, Daphne’s sister. As well as being incredibly pretty, Fowey enjoys a rich history. During the Second World War, Fowey was the centre for air-sea rescue and one of the places from which the D-Day invasions were launched. St Catherine’s Point is on the Fowey side of the harbour entrance where it functioned as a lighthouse in medieval times. St Catherine’s Castle below was built during the reign of Henry VIII to defend the harbour entrance. It is accessible when walking from the pretty Readymoney Cove. On Fore Street you will find the Old House of Foye, a medieval house built in 1430. It is now a shop but the walls, beamed interior and fireplace are pretty much the same. During the summer, Fowey Town Hall’s museum and small aquarium is open. Daphne du Maurier is celebrated with the Du Maurier Festival each May and at the Literacy Centre next to the church.
There are some amazing sandy beaches on the south coast. Par Sands, close to the village of Par and four miles from St Austell, boasts a huge expanse of sand backed by pretty dunes. Polkerris Beach magically combines an idyllic sandy cove and stunning coastline with an array of entertaining watersports. You can stand up paddleboard, learn to sail and windsurf, explore the coastline in a kayak or simply enjoy exploring the rock pools and building sandcastles. There is a wonderful beach restaurant and waterside pub. The National Trust’s dreamy Lantic Bay is a great spot for paddling and for a picnic. It is well worth the climb back up and the views from the top are amazing. To the North, the surfers favourite, Newquay, is less than a 50-minute drive while popular Padstow is also within easy reach. The traditional fishing village of Port Isaac, best known for being the setting off the popular TV series Doc Martin, is also less than an hour away.
Mevagissey lies within a UNESCO Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is another working harbour, nestled on the unspoilt dramatic Cornish coastline. Mevagissey boasts an aquarium, museum, seafood restaurants, atmospheric pubs, watersports, beautiful gardens, cycle trails and much more. You can walk from the town to the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Sparrow House holds a wonderful location, set within an exclusive, gated development, just south of the popular town of Cirencester in Gloucestershire. The contemporary, lakefront home makes a luxurious holiday home for those who wish to explore this beautiful region of the country. The fantastic facilities on offer, which include an on-site spa with swimming pool, tennis court, children’s playground and restaurant, make it an excellent choice for families.
The modern property features a quirky, upside-down layout which allows guests to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings and views from the open-plan living areas.
Sparrow House can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests across the four well-appointed bedrooms. On the ground floor are the first three of the bedrooms, a double room with en-suite shower room, a twin room as well as a bunk bed room, perfect for younger guests! These bedrooms share the use of a family bathroom also on this level. Upstairs, on the first floor is the bright open-plan living and dining area with its large windows and access to the balcony overlooking the lake. Also, on this floor is the modern fitted kitchen which boasts all the amenities a budding chef could possibly need as well as a TV room, perfect for keeping the children occupied on rainy days! On the second floor is the king-size master suite, guests are bound to argue over this room with its luxurious en-suite bathroom and lake views.
Outside, the balcony comes with dining facilities and barbecue, making it the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner or to dine al fresco while admiring the lake views at sunset.
On the region’s southern fringes, Cirencester is one of the major centres of the Cotswolds, and offers much more than just sightseeing. It’s certainly a town with a history – at one time the second-largest in Britain – but it hasn’t become a tourist hub in the manner of many of England’s heritage cities, meaning it’s even more of a joy for those who do come exploring.
You can get an insight into the history of Cirencester at its Corinium Museum, this being the Roman name for the town. Mosaics and artefacts bring the story vividly to life, and children can get involved too with special activities. Those who love art, nature or both will find something to please them at Cirencester’s Elemental Sculpture Park, where more than 150 pieces are dotted around the woodlands.
You wouldn’t expect to find many beaches in Gloucestershire, but there is one at the Cotswold Country Park at Shorncote to the south of Cirencester, a place made for family fun with a water park and children’s playground. For a bit of culture, the town’s Sundial Theatre offers a varied programme of events, and those with an eye for a bargain can explore the antiques and collectibles on offer at the Corn Hall indoor market on Fridays.
The town’s excellent dining scene certainly shouldn’t be overlooked – you will have no trouble tracking down anything from an artisan coffee to a Michelin Star three-course meal. Among the highest-rated places in town are Tierra & Mar, a great spot for tapas, and The Falcon at Poulton, where the food is restaurant quality and the setting is a delightful country pub.
This beautiful barn conversion is the perfect place for a rural escape, with gorgeous views down across the valley which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own private hot tub! The barn makes a fantastic base for exploring not only mid-Wales but also North Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire. Small amenities can be found near-by in Pen-y-bont-fawr and Llanrhaeadr, while the town of Oswestry is only a short car journey away. Inside, the original 18th century barn has been lovingly refurbished while still retaining character and charm. On the lower ground floor is the spacious entertaining areas, including an open-plan kitchen and dining area and one of the twin bedrooms with en-suite. Upstairs, on the ground floor is the living room, separate cosy cinema room and the remaining five double bedrooms, these are on various different levels, three being king size doubles, two with en-suites and a family bathroom. In total the barn sleeps up to 14 guests. Outside, there is a patio area complete with furniture and barbecue/ fire pit overlooking the lawned garden area which is perfect for alfresco dining. There is a private hot tub from which views over the valley can be enjoyed.
