HolidayCottages.co.uk in Devon

HolidayCottages.co.uk in Devon

I was invited by HolidayCottages.co.uk to Kilkhampton to review their two cottages Lympscott Barn and Beehive Cottage which are converted barns on an organic dairy farm (not that you would know it). Along with 13 other bloggers and 2 wonderful PR ladies we travelled down Friday evening and stayed until Sunday morning.

Those who know me will understand what a big deal this was as I really do not like driving – especially somewhere I have never been before. The drive was 2 and half hours according to Google Maps and I was confident that most of my journey would be just the M5. Needless to say I picked up Julie who helped me with my directions. I am pleased to say that once we left the motorway it was a fairly straight forward drive and we got pretty close to our destination with the use of my iPhone without getting lost. In fact we literally had to go a few more yards up the road and turn right but we saw Alice and Charly going the other way so figured we had gone too far. Mobile phone signal was patchy but there was enough to contact people and find our home for the weekend.

Lympscott Barn

Well what can I say about Lympscott Barn – this could be a forever home, never mind a weekend stay. It was so luxurious and spacious, with facilities I could only dream about at home (including a hot tub, utility room, games room, wooden burner/open fire, kitchen island and under floor heating to name a few) all located on a working farm within easy reach of a sandy surfing beach, a 10 minute walk from Tamar Lakes and only a few miles away from pubs and shops. There are 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, 2 dogs are allowed and no smoking within the property. I can tell you that a big bonus to 14 bloggers was that there was internet access – as the 3G was not as efficient as in the city.

At no point did it feel that there was not enough room. There was plenty of space for parking, sitting, eating, washing, and we even managed 10 of us in the hot tub (I believe it was actually meant for 6!) If you did require more space (or additional company) then you can also book the Beehive cottage (if booked together there is a 20% off discount).

Beehive Cottage

Beehive Cottage is a renovated former farmhand’s cottage and has a real family feel to it (also with availability of a highchair and travel cot). It sleeps 6 and has 2 bathrooms – perfect for my family of 6. My only issue would be that the double bed is upstairs which would mean leaving the children downstairs but the area was perfectly safe and we did not need to lock the doors when we went out. There is an enclosed garden with BBQ and all mod cons such as washing machine, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave, wood burner, flatscreen TV, DVD and Freeview. I particularly loved that the wardrobe had two height rails so that children could easily hang up and reach their clothes.

The Location

Regular readers will know that we love Devon and often go on holiday there. But we have recently discovered Cornwall and the boys loved their first taste of surfing. What is great about the location of these two cottages is that it is right by Cornwall as well as being in Devon – getting the best of both. From the cottage it was easy to travel off and explore – whether that be a water activity, going for a swim in the Bude Sea Pool to practice swimming the Channel, a walk on the beach, a treasure hunt around a lake, a nature walk, fishing – oh the list is endless!

Local Business

I am really passionate about supporting local and so I was really pleased that partners of holidaycottages.co.uk supplied us with some delicious home made products, with thanks to: Johns of Instow, Tennacott Dairy, Josie’s, Luscombe Drinks, Portlebay Popcorn, Teoni’s, Devonshire Tea, Sticky9, and Suzy SweetTooth.

With many thanks to Katy and Emma from HolidayCottages.co.uk – I think that the way that went above and beyond to make my stay the most amazing experience says a lot about the company they are representing.  I would definitely recommend staying at their properties and am considering doing it again – possibly getting my family together or arranging a Christmas break.

I was invited along to stay in Devon for free for purposes of review – this included breakfast, lunch and dinner plus items from local businesses. All words are honest and my own. I have received no other financial compensation for writing this post.