Nr Holsworthy, Cornwall, England
Number of guests
Sleeps up to 35 (in 7 cottages)
Property description
“Cottage is great, location excellent for exploring or chilling out, owners make an exceptional effort - this is a treat!” writes one guest after booking a Glebe House cottage. “Everything I needed,” writes another. “Relaxing accommodation (loved the jacuzzi & Alison's home cooking), relaxed, happy people, glorious scenery - I'll be back!”
Glebe House Cottages is a collection of Grade II listed period cottages on Cornwall’s Atlantic Heritage Coast, owned and run by Alison and Michael Timms. The couple live in Glebe House themselves, and offer seven cottages for hire, all of which are beautifully restored, 1840s outbuildings. The property is set within a five-acre Georgian estate of formal gardens and grounds. Beyond lies prime family holiday territory, with safe, sandy beaches, great surfing and coastal walks.
However, you may find you have no need to leave home! There’s an outdoor heated pool, an all-weather tennis court, a children’s play garden, a bar and dining area in the cellar of Glebe House (formerly a restaurant) and a great barbecue picnic area.
A large group of up to 35 can mix and match the seven cottages as required. The accommodation comprises:
Old Stables (sleeps 4)
Poacher (5)
The Mews (4)
Coach House (6)
Granary (6)
Little Barn (6)
Gamekeepers Cottage (4).
This property also makes a memorable base and photographic location for a wedding reception. Although it does not hold a wedding licence, the main house was originally the Vicarage, and is within walking distance of the rather beautiful St Bridget’s Church.
You could also consider hiring the property for a small business team, as the cellar games room can be laid out in conference style, ideal for laptop and small projector use.
Location
On a hill, a short walk above the village of Bridgerule. It is six miles west to Bude, and east to Holsworthy. The fastest route from London is via the M5 to Exeter, then the A30 (signposted Okehampton) until the junction with the A3079 to Holsworthy, which joins the A3072.
Airports: Exeter, Plymouth, Newquay
Stations: Exeter, Plymouth
Accommodation
Each cottage has its own distinctive character, and we describe Granary Cottage as an example. The house is converted from an old hay barn which was also used for village dances. It is arranged in an upside-down style, with its living space on the first floor, the bedrooms and bathrooms downstairs, which allows guests great views over the estate garden and the newly built tennis court (think Wimbledon without the crowds!).
This living area is airy and bright, with exposed beams and rafters, an electric wood burning stove, a wall-mounted flat screen TV with Freeview and a DVD player. There is also a DAB radio CD player with an iPod connection. Above the living room is a mezzanine twin bedroom screened with curtains – not much use for sound insulation but very popular with children as it makes a great den and doubles up as a stage for shows!
The kitchen area is fully equipped with everything you’ll need, including a double oven and grill, electric hob, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher.
Note that The Mews is the one cottage with a real fireplace and chimney, former home of the grounds man and his family.
Facilities
Guests can select from a range of delicious home-cooked frozen meals prepared by Alison, using local ingredients and locally reared meats where possible. You can also order freshly baked bread and pastries each morning for collection in your cottage basket. A wine list is available too.
The cellar bar area in Glebe House is available if you would all like a special meal together or are planning a celebratory event.
The outdoor swimming pool measures 10m x 5m and is heated.
Area
Once you have experienced the beaches along this stretch of Atlantic Heritage Coast, you will understand why the Timms could no longer contemplate living away from the sea. The cliffs, the fresh air, the spray blowing through your hair and the sound of breaking waves all add to the holiday experience here. Guests spend much of their time sunbathing and lazing about on the beach throughout the summer, wrapping up and enjoying bracing walks in winter.
Local activities on offer include surfing, walking, cycling, golf, horse riding, fishing and eating! Bude has some excellent fish restaurants, and pubs serving meals, and a full list of other great places to eat is provided in the cottages.
Local produce to look out for includes Cornish pasties from artisan bakeries, lobster caught nearby, Yarg cheese, Camel Valley Vineyard wines, and Sharps of Rock real ales.
Prices
From £280 to £920 per cottage per week, based on season and size.
Hire of all seven cottages: from £2,350 to £6,250 (2007 prices).
Minimum stay: 4 nights.
Contact the property owners
Phone: +44 (0)1288 381272
Fax: +44 (0)1288 381373 (please ring first)
Please note that you cannot rent this property directly from The Big Domain. If you wish to rent Glebe House Cottages, or would like to enquire about availability, please click on the Contact the Property Owner button above, and use the form provided to contact the owner directly.