Snow - what snow?

Whilst much of the UK is blanketed in snow and freezing conditions we have got off mildly down here.  After a cold weekend it is now back to being quite mild for the time of the year, which is good as so many of the plants are getting ready for spring.

Alison and I had the great pleasure of doing a National Trust walk along the Helford Coastal path, taking in some stunning views of the coast line, and admiring some spectacular properties (we have picked one out each and will start saving tomorrow!).  We came across some amazing fields of daffodils (pictured) which I am sure will be in a shop near you soon, and many fields of cauliflowers!  Although muddy and a bit up and down we can highly recommend the walk.

No rest at the inn on the animal front; Judith has had the horse dentist out this week for her horse Tom.  He is a bit restless and someone suggested it might be his teeth, as he can't tell her what is up Judith took their advice and called in the experts.  By all accounts the dentist was quite amazing, like a horse whisperer - he had Tom behaving and obeying every command - most unusual for the wilful soul!

We are all off to the Hall for Cornwall this week - they have some wonderful shows on throughout the year. Sadly we didn't coordinate diaries and realised afterwards we have booked tickets for different nights - but we are very much looking forward to a good old murder mystery.

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud...

...is what I am sure I heard Judith singing the other day as she slid about with the animals!  So much so we have been forced to bring the donkeys into the stables to dry them off a little.  On the other hand Splodgy is loving it!  he cannot get enough of the mud - in fact he seems to take great pleasure in making a real mess!  The chickens new run, which had lovely grass in for so long is now more mud than grass and the sheep seem to be growing ever bigger coats to keep warm!

You would be forgiven for thinking we are all quiet here at the moment - however there is no rest for us.  We are busily painting cottages,  replacing lots of furniture and giving the animals some TLC.  In fact January is an incredibly busy month, making sure everything is just right for the new season.

Thankfully on our days off we are getting to enjoy the beauty of the early spring down here.  Last week I visited Trelissick Gardens, just a short drive from Truro.  Not only are the gardens quiet they are looking stunning with snowdrops and daffodils giving us hope of warmer longer days soon.  I then proceeded to get very lost and ended up on a Ferry - the King Harry Ferry in fact!  Whilst slightly shocked by my new mode of transport I was overwhelmed by the sun setting over the River Fal - reminding why we are so lucky to leave here (you will be pleased to know after a slight detour I made it home safely!).  I can highly recommend the ferry - especially for exploring the Roseland - just beware - the roads do get VERY small in places!

As many of you are blanketed in snow as I type I can report no snow here, not even a flake, in fact it has been very mild lately here!

Feeding time at the zoo!

Hello,


We have been making the best of the glorious sunshine with a spring clean out in the paddocks.  Pictured are the donkey's having their breakfast.  Alice is now in with them, along with the sheep.  Judith has also cleaned out Splodge, who enjoys some fresh straw and the chickens in arcs have been moved to fresh grass...all achieved without slipping over in the mud once - quite an achievement!


We have been in glorious winter sunshine this week, with promise it is going to last long into the weekend (fingers crossed).  If you are thinking of visiting the Spring months truly are stunning.  It is a few degrees warmer down here, so everything happens that bit earlier, and not quite so many layers are required to stay snug whilst out enjoying the changing seasons.


A particular must at this time of year is a stroll along the coastal path.  The seas are breathtaking, fierce yet somehow calming at the same time.  And also incredibly quiet now.  Why not venture slightly further west for a days walk around the Lizard - The Three Sides of the Lizard is a lovely circular walk.


If relaxing sitting down is more your thing we stumbled across the time table for the Bodmin and Wendford Railway the other day.  With fun family events throughout year such as Murder Mystery Evenings, Easter Egg-stravaganza, Fireman Sam, Peppa Pig and Paddington Bear theme weekends it really does have something for everyone.

We are off to try the pub at St Ewe tonight - apparently it has been taken over - so we will give you a full report next week!

Happy New year!

Sorry I have not blogged for a while, it has been a busy festive period down here in Cornwall.  Alison was in charge of the Christmas lunch, and Judith was in charge of the Christmas dinner, both of whom excelled themselves.  We popped down to Caerhays Beach for a Christmas day stroll, it was stunning and deserted and the sea nearly caught us whilst we were taking a picture!


Then on boxing day we walked to Charlestown to watch Paddy, Alison's husband take a dip in the sea for charity - we think he has just about thawed out now!  We carried on our walk along the coastal path to Duporth and Porthpean.  (highly recommended in you fancy a short coastal walk).  We sat on the beach and had our flask of soup...perfect!


If you are missing your Cornish fix don't miss the new series on ITV.  'Cornwall with Caroline Quentin' tours around the county taking in our best beauty spots and meeting some of the locals along the way.


The mild winter has led to come daffodils already appearing in full bloom, which bodes well for the many stunning gardens down here.  On Saturday 11 February the National Trust open their Glendurgan Estate for the year with a Daffodil Walk, a 6 mile round walk in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care .  If you are interested you can book your tickets in advance by calling 01872 260500.  Or why not think about booking a trip down to see the amazing colours on offer at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.  We went in May last year and it was truly spectacular. Or slightly further afield why not pop into Trebah Gardens.


Don't forget to book early if you would like a specific cottage or week, we have already had a number of bookings for the coming year and would hate you to be disappointed. We either have our four or five star cottages, or camping and caravaning at River Valley Holiday Park in London Apprentice.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Judith has asked me to report that at VERY long last the chickens have started laying green eggs! I don't think we will have to get her any presents this year...the chickens have made her Christmas!  Check out the picture of the long awaited egg on our Facebook page

Dramatic coastlines all around

Whilst we are hearing in the news that the north west of the country is being battered with hurricane force winds, we get a tiny bit excited down in Cornwall, as it means we are in for some stunning vistas during the quieter months.At the moment the seascape is absolutely stunning, only this week I was driving near Caerhays Castle, (if you have near ventured out there it is very much worth a visit).  I was driving along, running a little late, when I turned the corner and got a glimpse of the sea, then I heard it pounding, the view was breathtaking, despite being late I had to stop and take it in.

This time of the year is wonderful for walking.  We ventured up to Gribbins Head, the long walk is worth it, the views across St Austell Bay are wonderful.  We rewarded ourself with a picnic and a flask of tea on Polridmouth beach, which again is stunning and deserted at this time of year.


We have also been out and about getting in the festive spirit.  On Saturday Judith, Richard and I popped over to the Padstow Christmas Festival, which boasted a whole host of celebrity chefs, including Rick Stein, who we spotted wandering the streets.  We have also enjoyed late night shopping in Truro and are very much looking forward to the Lostwithel Dickensian Christmas Celebration. We continue on the festive mood, the trees are being prepared for the cottages and we are looking forward to welcoming our guests over Christmas.


At this time of year the animals seem to be constantly bathed in mud!  It makes egg collecting some what of an adventure, but they are always pleased to see us with their food and any inquisitive guests.  Judith is still waiting for her chickens to start laying their elusive green eggs...she even went back to the lady she brought the chicks from to find out when and if they will lay...hopefully they will start earning their keep soon.

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast...Cornwall Cottage Style!

Hello!


Hopefully this blog finds you well.  In the last blog I mentioned that we had a couple of ill donkeys.  Well, good news, all four are back out in the field, even sporting the latest fashion in donkey rugs to keep them snug in the wetter months that are in front of us.


Alice, the Shetland, is also getting on well without her companion Fraser, in fact she has become best buddies with Splodge the pig!


Have you seen our latest offer?  We have teamed up with one of our favourite local restaurants to offer 'Dinner, Bed & Breakfast...Cornish Cottage Style'.  We are offering a two night stay,  for two people for £200.  On arrival you will be treated to home made pasties...you have not tasted a proper pasty until you have tried a homemade one!  You will have all the ingredients to make breakfasts fit for a king, and we have also thrown in a three course dinner at the Kingswood Restaurant in London Apprentice.  These super short break deals have been put together so you can unwind, recharge and relax without having to worry about planning a thing.


If you are visiting at this time of year there is plenty going on to keep you entertained.  The Eden Project have opened their ice skating rink, which is open until February, and there are plenty of activities happening across the site for people of all ages.


There is also the Trebah Santa Trail,  Trereife Christmas craft Fair,  St Austell Torch Carnival,  Fowey Christmas Market,  Padstow Christmas Lights, Festive Looe or Santa by Steam in Bodmin.  More information about vents taking place can be found at Visit Cornwall.