Wednesday 20 September 2017

A tree house in the wilderness - Bee's Bower, Herefordshire




So remember I recently shared our glamping getaway in Mimi's tree yurt in Herefordshire? well after Mimi's Yurt we spent the second half of our glamping adventure in another incredible dwelling on the same site, which we also booked through The Cottage Co. But this place was like no other I'd ever experienced before - part tree-house, part-cabin, part canvas tent, Bee's Bower is an extraordinary place in every way. Perched at the top of corpse it stands alone, completely private overlooking the beautiful valley which surrounds it. The tranquil location and the incredible craftsmanship which has gone into this building really does make this a special place. Here is a glimpse into our getaway at Bee's Bower.  

Sleeps: 2
Where is it: Herefordshire
How much: From £289 for 2 nights
Pets: Up to 2 well behaved dogs welcome
Note: Suitable for babes-in-arms but not suitable for toddlers.
I also wouldn't recommend to those who have difficulty walking.


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Thursday 27 July 2017

A glamping hideaway - Mimi's Tree Yurt, Herefordshire




Last week we returned from a wonderful glamping getaway in Herefordshire. We booked Mimi's Tree Yurt through The Cottage Company who have an excellent selection of quirky cottages based in Wales and the surrounding areas. However, Mimi's Tree Yurt, which is not far from the Wales border is not your average glamping experience - this beautifully handmade Eco yurt and Botswana-style kitchen have been lovingly handcrafted by a small team of talented craftsman, and the results are very impressive. Now this may not be to everyones taste, so if you're looking for a bug free existence and prefer pristine hotel-like conditions Mimi's Yurt is not for you. But if you are looking to escape into nature ... if you fancy some rustic slow living, roasting marshmellows under the stars, and soaking in a copper bath after a long day of walking, or perhaps taking a hot shower in the outdoors while the sun streams through the leaves overhead .... then you will love Mimi's Yurt. Here's a glimpse into what you can expect from this little corner of paradise.

Where is it: Herefordshire
How much: From £207 for 2 nights
Pets: Yep. They love them.
Sleeps: 2


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Monday 8 May 2017

A romance with Rome, Italy




For hubby's birthday this year we packed our bags and headed to Rome for 5 days, and I have to say that it was one of our most memorable city breaks to date. If you haven't been to Rome, and you're contemplating whether it's worth the trip ... just do it. I can't recommend it highly enough, it is simply beautiful. The food is incredible, the locals are funny and warm, it is incredibly rich in culture and you'll find stunning scenery around every corner. Here's a little peek into our recent romance with Rome ... 

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Friday 27 January 2017

Tŷ Glas Cottage - A romantic 'Hideaway' in Pembrokeshire, Wales.




Tŷ Glas cottage is located in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales, and it is definitely one of my most memorable and favourite cottages in Wales. This pastel blue period Welsh cottage is set in its own wild natural gardens, with 40 acres of pastures, woodlands and lakes, with beautiful views of the Carningli Mountain. Conservation is at the heart of this lovely cottage, and it has been renovated to reveal it's old dairy, open fireplaces and natural wood flooring throughout. Everything about this cottage is idyllic, and it combines natural rustic charm with comfort and luxury in the most perfect way. While this cottage is one of the more expensive cottages I have featured, if you're looking for something special, this cosy romantic retreat for two really is worth a visit.

Where is it: Pembrokeshire coast national park, Wales
How much: £584 for long weekend.
Pets: Allowed by special request
Sleeps: 2

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Thursday 21 July 2016

Water Cottage in Kersey - Suffolk's prettiest village


AHC rustic holiday cottages


Water Cottage is a beautiful 15th Century weaver's cottage in Kersey; Suffolk's prettiest little chocolate box village. Arriving here was like stepping back in time into the wonderful world of Lark rise to Candleford ... if you haven’t seen that TV series or read the book it I highly recommend it, in fact you could watch it while supping hot choccie in front of the fire while you're in your holiday cottage! Water Cottage is a timber framed 'Hall House’ that has been carefully restored to its former glory. The beautiful beamed rooms, antiques and furnishing, along with the cosy wood burner ensure a super cosy atmosphere in a well furnished, well equipped, luxurious cottage. There are wonderful walks straight from the door, quaint old rustic pubs in jumping distance and there’s lots to see and do in the area ... it's also ideal for kiddies and doggies!

Where is it: Quaint village of Kersey, Suffolk
How much: £508 for the week
Pets: 2 large dogs excepted
Sleeps: 5/6


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Thursday 16 June 2016

The Coach House - A romantic hideaway in Suffolk


Cottage holiday home - The Coach House in Suffolk


Last December our little trio (that's me, hubby and Ralphy the dog of course) headed to Suffolk for a relaxing pre-Christmas holiday. As soon as I saw The Coach House on cottages.com I was smitten - it's a beautifully decorated, rustic, detached converted stable featuring it's own 2 acre woodland! Set in a lovely rural location between the historic market towns of Framlingham and Saxmundham, and while it's an wonderful spot for walking, rambling and cycling, it's also perfect for exploring the quaint little villages of Suffolk and spending the day at the idillic seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh. As you know I usually prefer my holiday cottages to be completely secluded, but while the owner does live close by, you can rest assured you'll be left well alone (though he's such a lovely man it was a pleasure bumping into him when we did.) This was our stay at The Coach House.

Where is it: Suffolk
Price from: £441 for a week
Pets: 2 welcome
Sleeps: 2


The Coach House - Photograph courtesy of cottages.com

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Thursday 18 February 2016

The 300 year old Belleville cottage, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.




Where is it: Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Sleeps: 8 ( in 5 bedrooms )
Price from: £500 for 3 nights (based on 8 sharing)
Pets: Welcome

Last October hubby and I attended a wedding in Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent, along with some of our close friends and their baby. So rather than book into a hotel, our little group of 7 decided it would be much nicer (and cheaper!) to make this into a cottage holiday break. As soon as I came across Belleville Cottage I knew it would be the perfect home away from home for out little weekend in Kent. Now as you know my preferred holiday cottages are old, rustic, rural and isolated. However we wanted to be quite central for this particular trip so while Bellville isn't isolated as such, it certainly is very old, and the countryside surrounding Royal Tunbridge Wells is very picturesque and beautiful, and quite deserving of it's well-known nickname 'The Garden of England.'


Belleville Cottage - Photography by John Pickup


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Wednesday 26 August 2015

A glimpse of heaven at Titchbourne Cottage - Shropshire


Rustic holiday cottage - Titchbourne Cottage


I have a treat for you today quirky cottage lovers. Remember in the Spring, when my little family and I headed to the Shropshire Hills and spent the week at the quirky cabin The Dipping Shed? well the following week we also visited this cottage, which I discovered on Cottages.com and it has quickly became one of my firm favourites. Titchbourne cottage is nestled amongst the Shropshire hills on a 200 acre farm, perfectly secluded in an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) with walks straight from the door and views of the beautiful valleys all around. The mature garden is bursting with flowers and wildlife, and the cottage itself is cosy, rustic, and full to the brim with charm and character.

Where is it: Shropshire
Price from: £324 for a week
Pets: 2 welcome
Sleeps: 4


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Wednesday 27 May 2015

A quirky cabin in the Shropshire hills - The Dipping Shed




Dear readers, I've been itching to share our recent cottage getaway with you, as it's a quirky one for sure. I found The Dipping Shed on the Canopy and Stars website, which has wonderful collection of unusual accommodation; including tree houses, yurts, cabins, and other outdoor glamping sites in the UK and Europe. The Dipping Shed is situated in the grounds of the beautiful Walcot Hall, in Shropshire. As you know, we prefer rustic, secluded accommodation so I was a little worried we might be overlooked, as Walcot Hall not only hosts events, such as operas and weddings, it also has a varied collection of other glamping accommodation on site. However I needn't have worried. The grounds are extensive (30+ acres) and The Dipping Shed is not only secluded, it also has the most beautiful views over the lake, with many lovely walks from the doorstep. Though do bear in mind, the lodge is set in an elevated position, and is only accessed by foot and involves a climb up some steps, so it may be unsuitable for the elderly and those with mobility problems. 

Where is it: Shropshire
Price from: £525 a week
Pets: Welcome
Sleeps: 4





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Wednesday 4 February 2015

A cosy cornish hideaway - Mellinzeath farmhouse, Cornwall.


Rustic cottage in Cornwall - Review of Mellinzeath Farmhouse, Helford



My dear readers. I almost didn't want to share this cottage with you because I wanted to keep it all to myself, and soon you'll see why. This is Mellinzeath Farmhouse, in Helford in Cornwall. I think this cottage is the most beautiful and idyllic place I have ever stayed. Both the cottage, and the surroundings are extraordinary. But before you get booking, you should know this cottage is not for the fainthearted ... this is a back to basic cottage, there is no central heating, there may be cobwebs and there are (supposedly) bats living in the bathroom. This cottage is a step back in time and that's what makes this such a remarkable place ....

Where is it: Cornwall
Weekly Price from: £333
Pets: Welcome of course!
Sleeps: 4 




 Mellinzeath Farmhouse. Photography by A Handmade Cottage

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Thursday 20 November 2014

A handmade holiday - Otter Cottage (Bwthyn Dwrgi) in Wales.


For some time I've been meaning to share some of the wonderful holiday cottages we have had the fortune to stay in. If you' have never tried a country cottage getaway and you are not sure if it's right thing for you,  then I'd suggest having a quick read of the handmade cottage guide to cottage holidays. Many associate a holiday with sun, sand, and foreign lands but once you dip your toe into exploring the UK, you'll not only find it's far cheaper than hopping abroad, but you'll soon discover a wonderful array of magical and mysterious places that are sitting just beyond our doorstep. 


Photograph Otter Cottage (Bwthyn Dwrgi) in Wales



'Otter Cottage' otherwise known as 'Bwthyn Dwrgi' by the locals, is a beautiful rustic family cottage situated in the Welsh countryside, a short drive from Hay on Wye. It has views of the Black mountain and a babbling brook running alongside it. I spent Christmas 2013 here, with Hubby, my parents, and the two dogs. It was our christmas present to ourselves. It's worth remembering that cottages differ in price depending on the time of year, so if you're watching pennies check for low peak seasons as they can be as cheap as £250 for a week.


Where is it: Wales
Sleeps: 5
Price from: 299.00 (based on minimum of two staying)
Bed layout: Master Double, Double and the Single only
Pets: Welcome (max 2 dogs)
Note: The stairs are quite steep, so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.


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Wednesday 21 May 2014

The AHC guide to cottage holidays


Now don't get me wrong, I love a wee in the sea as much as the next person but a holiday doesn't always need to be based around the beach. (Hubby's just informed me, not everyone likes a wee in the sea, is this true??)  Like many people, I used to associate the word 'holiday' with sun, sand and sangria. A holiday in the UK simply conjured up images of Carry-on camping and school trips to Bognor. Initially we chose to holiday in the UK to save money, but now we've discovered the goodies it has to offer, we actually prefer it ... and the dog gets a holiday too! So for those who aren't convinced lets see if I can put your mind at rest and turn you into cottage lovers .... that didn't sound right did it? here's my rough guide to cottage holidays ...



This was the beautiful woodland behind our cottage in Wales.
We had a lovely picnic here and I'm sure I saw a faerie ...?

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Friday 9 May 2014

Getting away from it all

Well as I told you earlier this week, it's our 1st Wedding anniversary on the 14th May * still beaming * so we're OFF of holiday!! We're both in dire need of a break so we're packing up our sombreros, flip flops, bikini, sun crea .... NOPE sorry, wrong holiday ... we're packing up our walking books, books, craft basket and dog, and heading to the lush green hills of SHROPSHIRE! 

Ok well this photo was actually taken from the top of the
Brecon Beacons in Wales  but you get my point!! : )


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