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Toad Hall Holiday Cottages – Holiday Cottages Devon & Cornwall

Cornish cottage recommendations

March 11th, 2010

Mr Toad has been loving his new XJ Jaguar a little too much and the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary have finally caught up with him. As he is currently doing time with Dodgy Dave the Garden Book Gnome, this week’s news is Mr Toad’s favourite five Cornish cottages.

Mr Toad and Dodgy Dave do time

Mr Toad and Dodgy Dave do time

Mr Toad’s 5 Cornish recommendations:

1. 12 Oakridge, St. Mellion International Golf Resort

No 12 is one of a small cluster of exclusive, comfortable and very stylish stone and timber clad lodges. Situated in 40 acres of rolling countryside on the side of a beautiful wooded valley between the villages of Pillaton and St Mellion and adjacent to the St Mellion International Resort – one of Europe’s premier resorts for both golf and leisure, which will be hosting the European Tour English Open from 2011.

The lodge rental includes two golf and leisure membership passes, which provide free golf on the St Mellion Kernow course and a 20% discount on the championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Additional guests receive 20% discount on the Nicklaus and 40% on the Kernow courses. Also included is reduced buggy hire; free use of the sports and leisure facilities including a 25 metre swimming pool, large leisure pool, sauna, steam room, spa pool, gymnasium and tennis courts.

2. Beach Belle, Downderry

We defy you to find a property with more breathtaking views than Beach Belle.  Recently refurbished, the reverse level house has a Mediterranean feel and sits near the edge of a gentle slope that falls away to the beach. Each room has fantastic views of the Cornish coastline and all the reception rooms open onto a large balcony, ideal for lazing in the sun or al fresco dining.

3. Tean Cottage, Polperro

Tean Cottage is a pretty 3 storey cottage situated near the centre of the village, approximately 10 minutes walk away from the wonderful spectacle of the picturesque harbour and Polperro beach. This charming cottage is furnished and equipped in a traditional manner, offering cosy accommodation on several levels with low ceilings and doorways adding to the atmosphere. The cottage also has a sunny first floor terrace to the side equipped with garden furniture, ideal for an early morning coffee or relaxing with a book. Guests staying at Tean also have the benefit of a secure parking place.

4. Hay Cottage, Wadebridge

There is a treat in store for visitors to this really delightful detached and totally refurbished part eighteenth century stone Cornish cottage.  The period character has been carefully retained and features lots of beams and tasteful attractive soft furnishings. Located a mile south west of Wadebridge and set in a secluded wooded valley with peaceful views and surrounded by large completely enclosed landscaped gardens, Hay Cottage not only provides exceptionally high quality and comfortable accommodation , but is ideally placed to explore the North Cornwall Coast with its breathtaking views, magnificent sandy beaches and excellent surfing and body boarding opportunities.

5. Comfort Wood Cottage, nr. Cotehele Estate

Comfort Wood Cottage, which sleeps 2-8 persons, is a newly renovated, former barn adjoining Newton Farm. The Cottage enjoys a delightful, rural outlook and its own private garden. Walking directly from the property visitors can enjoy numerous walks through the idyllic, adjoining woods which lead to the beautiful Tudor Cotehele House, gardens and 1,200 acre estate, all owned by the National Trust and open to the public. The village of Metherell is within easy walking distance and has an excellent local pub serving good food.

Next week Mr. Toad’s recommendations for festival fun in the West Country in 2010.

Toad in the Hole

March 5th, 2010

Mr Toad has been thinking about where to go for his Easter break and wondering which holiday cottage to book. There are attractive discounts on the stunning Perrotts in Salcombe and fabulous Wonwood House in Tavistock. These large houses would be ideal for the big house party he has got in mind to celebrate Easter, with lots of space for Mama and Papa Toad and the Toadettes.

After a stressful time at the Trade Show in Ilfracombe, where Mr Toad got into a bit of fracas about the dish “Toad in the Hole” with Des Doormouse. Word on the willows is that Mr Toad thought he might get put in the oven.

Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole

Mr Toad was pleased that the superb staff from the Haven Spa had come to the Toad Hall Cottages offices to give wonderful relaxing back and hand massages. Mr Toad was so relaxed that he even drove his new car to Cornwall at a sensible speed.

In Cornwall  Mr Toad will be staying at the wonderful holiday apartment, 10 Harbourside, Looe with Ratty. This recently completed apartment is extremely well presented and provides comfortable accommodation for young families and couples wanting a short break or a longer holiday. The lounge has spectacular views of the harbour and the sea from the Juliet balcony, which can be appreciated whilst relaxing in the comfortable lounge. The less frenetic West Looe, with its variety of well stocked shops and the Jolly Sailor Inn, reputedly the oldest in Looe, is a short walk away, whilst the busier East Looe, accessible during the season by passenger ferry or by a ten minute walk offers the visitor a host of pubs, restaurants and shops, as well as the local sandy beach. However there are many more wonderful Toad Hall holiday cottages in Cornwall to stay in.

Memory lane …

February 25th, 2010

Mr Toad and Spence the Squirrel have enjoyed a fine week in the delightful county of Somerset.  They spent their first few days at the delightful Ford Farm Cottage in Churchinford.  It is set on one side of the courtyard of Ford Farm, an immaculate small holding with just a handful of the relatively rare and charming little Dexter cows, unusual Shetland sheep, along with a fine collection of free-range geese, ducks and chickens.

Whilst residing in Churchinford they visited the ‘Glovers’ aka Yeovil Town FC whom Mr Toad had been a keen supporter of when he was a mere tadpole.  Feeling nostalgic for his tadpole years, Mr Toad decided to show Spence his old school, Sherborne Boys School.  As a pupil Mr Toad was hugely popular with his peers, often returning from Toad Hall equipped with contraband from Papa Toad’s marvellous liquor and tobacco stash.  His reputation for breaking into the girls’ school to visit a certain famous IT girl and never getting caught has become legendary.

Mr Toad and Spence did a spot of shopping in Sheppy’s Cider Farm, near Taunton before heading to Exmoor to stay in wonderful Holmbush Cottage in Withypool.  They took advantage of the up to 30% off the weekly price for short breaks offer. This large, spacious, early 1900’s detached house stands alone in 40 acres with outstanding views across the wooded valley of the River Barle and Exmoor National Park. Just half a mile from the delightful village of Withypool with its excellent pub, there are fantastic doorstep walks to the village, the high moorland and along the river. Riding here is unsurpassed and Holmbush offers basic private stabling and grazing (£7 per night per horse DIY).  Keen rider Mr Toad took his Polo pony Flash for a gallop over the moors and then recharged his batteries with the fruits of his and Spence’s shopping trip to Sheppey’s.

This weekend Mr Toad is off for a golfing weekend with old school chums Sigmund Stoat and Darwin Duck. Staying at the stunning 12 Oakridge on the stunning St.Mellion International Golf resort.  No 12 is one of a small cluster of exclusive, comfortable and very stylish stone and timber clad lodges. Situated in 40 acres of rolling countryside on the side of a beautiful wooded valley between the villages of Pillaton and St Mellion and adjacent to the St Mellion International Resort – one of Europe’s premier resorts for both golf and leisure, which will be hosting the European Tour English Open from 2011. The lodge rental includes two golf and leisure membership passes, which provide free golf on the St Mellion Kernow course and a 20% discount on the championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Additional guests receive 20% discount on the Nicklaus and 40% on the Kernow courses. Also included is reduced buggy hire; free use of the sports and leisure facilities including a 25 metre swimming pool, large leisure pool, sauna, steam room, spa pool, gymnasium and tennis courts. On Sunday the friends are off  to watch the Cornish Pirates take on Exeter Chiefs at home.

Next Friday 5th March, he will be hunting out his sombrero to join in the Fiesta at the Harbour in the Royal Castle. Prizes will be given out to the best outfit.

Mr Toad the Olympian

February 19th, 2010

Word on the Willows is that Spence the Squirrel has been at it again. He’s rapidly getting a reputation as the local trouble maker. This time he claims he got “locked in” by the cleaner at Gull Cottage, likely story… The customers arrived to a slightly “altered” cottage! Luckily they saw the funny side of their visit from Spence.

Mr Toad is getting his stand ready for the Ilfracombe Catering Exhibition on 2nd March which is at the Landmark Theatre on the seafront. This year he will be helping out on the Kelloggs stand being that he is a bit of a crunchy nut.  He is really excited that the stand is situated next to Burts Chips. Mr Toad will be staying at nearby Woodclose Cottage.

From watching too much coverage of the Winter Olympics, Mr Toad is rapidly becoming obsessed with being an Olympian. Ratty believes this is because he never made it into the Jamaican Bobsleigh team. He has been spotted sledging about his garden on a plastic tray in all weathers.

This weekend Mr Toad’s Friday night is all about Eastenders. Ratty and Mole are coming round with bottles of Badger Ale and porkfly scratchings for a boys night in. They have been down William Hill and placed their bets on who they think ‘dunnit’. Mole has friends at the BBC, thus he is quietly smug …

Saturday night the boys are off to Dorset, staying at the stunning Farthing Cottage in Bridport. They are starting their day at the River Cottage for a spot of cooking, after which it’s a bit of football at Wimborne Town, then it’s spangly suits and dancing shoes on for a night at the Fire Station, Dorchester. What more could they ask for!

Next week Mr Toad and Spence the Squirrel are Somerset bound!

Mr Toad spotted on Super Yacht!

February 15th, 2010

Mr Toad was spotted by Timmy the Turbot in his ’so-called’ super yacht … when he was apparently lost at sea.  The Old Turbot showed the photo to Mole and Ratty, who wondered what had happened to the cruiser that they had drunk champagne on weeks before.  According to reports from Mr Badger, Mr Toad had been in a fracas with rogue Jersey Pirates and his stunning gin palace was being held to ransom!

Mr Toad and his Super Yacht

Mr Toad and his Super Yacht

Cornish Times

February 8th, 2010

Due to Mr Toad’s inability to navigate his super yacht, he is currently lost at sea! So this week we have an update from our Cornish office in Polperro.

Hello everyone!

Hope that you’ve all had a good week, and you’re all busy!

We’ve had a good old time getting things done at the Polperro office.

Also this week, we have seen Rod, who has been doing inspections hereabouts, and popped in for coffee and a catch-up, and today we met Vicki for the first time, which was great fun, so we bought celebratory pasties to welcome her!

Sarah B has been on a cottage-equipment shopping expedition, which has gone a long way towards getting everyone ready for the Spring!  Various owners who do not live locally (and some who do!) have asked her to step in and help them get things up to scratch for the new season.  She has been having long conversations regarding their requirements, and flying all over the two counties with countless ‘to-do’ lists in hand!  The cottages are beginning to look quite spruced-up, and lots of much-needed new, shiny kitchen equipment, bedlinen, cushions, crockery and the like are going in.

There is still a lot of cottage maintenance work happening around the village, as usual at this time of year.  Roofs and gutterings are being repaired, and interior/exterior paintwork is being freshened up.  The workmen must be ducking the showers though, as the weather has been impossibly blustery, grey and damp.  Brrrr!  There was even a total power-cut through the whole village last night.  (That hasn’t happened for ages!)  At least it only lasted a few minutes, so everyone could get back to cooking dinner.  Years ago when the lights would sometimes be off all evening, everyone used to gather in the pubs and tell spooky stories.  Sunny days aren’t as far away as you think, by the way, I heard a rumour that there is already a daffodil in bloom up Landaviddy Lane, near Violet Farm!

Bookings have been great this week.  Perhaps the gloomy weather is making everyone dream of holidays by the seaside and ice-cream!  We have had stacks of deposit-confirmation letters going out every day, and lots and lots of web bookings coming in every evening.  It’s a good job that we can now take short-break bookings for half term, because enquiries are still coming in about Mon-Fri breaks, and even Sat-Tues breaks from next weekend.

Some cottages now have extremely limited availability/no availability at all for July/August.  Which is pretty good news for owners!  A steady stream of confirmed bookings must be quite reassuring whilst the news is still full of recession and spending cuts.

That’s all for now, girls and boys.  Have a lovely weekend!

Ahoy Toad!

January 29th, 2010

This week Mr Toad has splashed out on a Princess Yacht, after spending last Summer lounging about on Paris the Persian Cat’s gin palace, he was inspired to purchase his own. He christened the new shiny super yacht with a voyage to Perchwood House at Tuckenhay where Ratty and Mole were staying with their girlfriends Rabbit and Hare. The girls were so impressed that Mr Toad was able to moor at the Cottage, they put their best furs on and climbed aboard to toast Mr Toad’s new vessel with a bottle of Cornwall from Camel Valley vinyard. The bottle had been acquired after a splendid trip to the vinyard last Summer when he was staying at nearby Hay Cottage, Wadebridge.  Hay Cottage is a delightful period character building which has been carefully retained and features lots of beams and tasteful attractive soft furnishings. Located a mile south west of Wadebridge and set in a secluded wooded valley with peaceful views and surrounded by large completely enclosed landscaped gardens.  After his trip to Tuckenhay, Mr Toad took his yacht to a mooring at the Noss Marina, on the River Dart.

Mr Toad is planning on catching and cooking a meal for his mystery woman on Valentines’ weekend. Keen to impress Mr Toad has been having some secret fishing and cooking lessons from local Celebrity Chef Mitch Tonks. Mitch of the Seahorse Restaurant, Dartmouth and the Television programme ‘Mitch and Matt’s Big Fish’ knows a thing or two about filleting fish and catching chubs. On Thursday night Mitch was one of the Speakers at the fantastic Visit South Devon first anniversary evening. The evening was held at the stunning Riverford Field Kitchen and all the members including Toad Hall Cottages and supporters of Visit South Devon enjoyed a truly delicious meal and fabulous evening.

This weekend Mr Toad is hoping Kingsbridge Rugby Club stay on their winning streak and beat Withycombe in Exmouth. After Loddiswell AFC’s disappointing defeat against the Torbay Christians, Timmy the Turbot has floundered off with no comment.  Mr Toad was hoping to go up north with Pork Pie Pete to watch local football giants Plymouth Argyle beat Sheffield Wednesday, unfortunately the game clashes with an important Skittle match in Westward Ho! Where he will stay with Ratty, Mole and their ladies at 26 Armada Way. Perfectly placed to take advantage of all that the stunning North Devon coast has to offer. Down the hill are 2 miles of golden sands possibly some of the best surfing beaches in the UK, and Westward Ho! provides everything required for a great seaside holiday, including kayaking and kite surfing for the more adventurous. Not put off by the un-summery weather, Mr Toad and friends will be in surf in their drysuits on Sunday morning and no doubt will warm up afterwards with a few medicinal Otter Ales.

Next week find out how Mr Toad gets on when he plans to sail up to Dorset in a bid to get into the Olympic games and goes on a golf break with Mr Badger and Ratty.


Dreaming of the sunshine…

January 22nd, 2010

Last weekend Mr Toad spent the weekend staying at Hope Cove at 1 Coastguard Cottage. Always up for a party Mr Toad dusted off his breeches and polished his brogues for a night of Daiquiris and dancing with the Gulls in Torbados aka Torquay.  Fun was had by all despite rather gutting local football results with the Mighty Gulls losing against Chesterfield. Here’s hoping Loddiswell AFC do better this weekend when they take on the Torbay Christians at Loddiswell’s Butt Lane. Lodd AFC spokesman Timmy the Turbot was quoted as saying “Following a fierce and action packed penatly shoot-out victory last week, which left two of our players out injured, we’re hoping this fixture will be a more ’spirited’ affair. Currently 4th & 5th in the league respectively, the stage is set for another battle of biblical proportions”.  Mr Toad will also be hoping the Cornish Pirates batter Rotherham in the Champion League this Sunday.

Despite laying off the fudge this week for their January de-tox, Mr Toad and Ratty indulged in gastronomic delights at the Millbrook Inn, South Pool and took advantage of their January lunchtime offer of 2 courses for £15 or 3 course for £20. Luckily the Michellin starred French Chef didn’t notice Mr Toad’s amphibious limbs. Ratty whilst in town stayed at Kachelo, Ringmore. The friends in their bid to get fit for the London Marathon, had a bit of a surf in the bitingly cold waves of Bantham and but soon warmed up with a couple cheeky pints of Rattler Cider which their Cornish cousins had recommended.

Reg the Water Rat came for a visit on Wednesday to watch the National Television Awards with Mr Toad, both fancy themselves as a couple of thesps, so are avid Awards fans and die-hard Corrie supporters. Reg resided at Glen Cottage, in Newton Ferrers, benefitting from the front garden and patio extending to the foreshore, handy for Reg with his water pursuits.

After being spotted by Heat Magazine with a mystery red head celebrity in the Seahorse in Dartmouth, word on the street is that Mr Toad is frantically looking for somewhere romantic to impress his spicy love on February 14th. For all those like Mr Toad wanting to make Valentine’s weekend extra special, look no further than Toad Hall Cottages Couples page with a great selection of cosy cottages perfect for romancing ..

Don’t forget to come back next week and hear all about Mr Toad’s new yacht and cooking lessons …

Snowy January ..

January 15th, 2010

After a disappointing weekend for local sport, Mr Toad consoled himself in his cottage with the Sunday papers, a pint of Otters Ale and a big bag of fudge from Choc Amour and was delighted to see that Toad Hall Cottages was mentioned in the Travel Section of the Sunday Times.

The snow didn’t stop Mr Toad driving down to Cornwall in his new Land Rover Defender to see Mr Badger and to stay at Rose Cottage, in Downderry.  This stunning property dates back to 1760 and reputedly is the oldest and most photographed cottage in the village. After a few more pints of Otter Ale Mr Toad and Mr Badger headed into nearby St.Germans for a skittles match against the Pirate Weasels.

Mr Toad then headed up to North Devon to check out the winter surf spots whilst stopping with Ratty at the fabulous Morwenna.  This superb property is situated on the outskirts of Welcombe, a small farming community with accessible beaches and beautiful cliff and valley walks.

Desperate to have a ride in Mr Toad’s new Land Rover, Ratty accompanied him down to Topsham to stay at the The Mede with it’s stunning views up and down the estuary. In a bid to get fit for their training of the London Marathon, they decided to brave the cold, hire bikes and go for a bike ride from the Quay in Exeter down to Turf locks for a spot of pie and Otter Ale.

Mr Toad is back in Kingsbridge and practising for his audition to Dartmouth’s Got Talent.  He is sure his version of Blue Moon will win him Amanda Holden’s heart and Britain’s Got Talent! With his appreciation of the ‘Arts’ Mr Toad is off to see Toad Hall Cottages’ sexy chippy Mike Wootton play one of the Ugly Sisters at Marlborough Village Hall. You too can enjoy this rare treat of Mike singing Dolly Parton’s famous hit ‘9 to 5′ whilst dressed in dollyesque clobber. Tickets are still available for Wednesday and Thursday’s performances and can be purchased from Kingsbridge Tourist Information Centre at £7 each.

Mr Toad is off for a game of Arrows, have a good weekend! And don’t forget to come back next week to read about Mr Toad’s night out in Torbados!

Happy New Year!

January 7th, 2010

Happy New Year and here’s to an exciting 2010! Here’s a recap of Mr Toad’s activities over the festive period and plans for the new year!

At Christmas and New Year, Mr Toad enjoyed the festive period at 1 Toad Hall, Newton Ferrers, South Devon (please note; this property has a fantastic winter offer).  Whilst residing in Newton Ferrers, Mr Toad explored the equisite Burgh Island, stopping for a pint at the Pilchard Inn. Since returning Mr Toad has been hitting the January sales in his new red motorcar. He ventured into Salcombe on Monday and picked up a fantastic gilet in the Crew Sale, and some new tweed trousers from the legendary Jack Wills.

Yesterday he was royally slaughtered in the Slapton Snowball fight, and returned home for a well needed cup of tea and some of Totnes’ Roly Poly superb fudge. Mr Toad reckons its one of the best but does also recommend Choc Amour’s selection too.

This weekend sports mad Mr Toad is looking forward to watching his hometown rugby team Kingsbridge RFC ‘The Kings’ hopefully batter Bude Rugby Club at home. Whilst a die-hard Rugby fan he will be following local football teams Plymouth Argyle away at QPR and Totnes Town and Dartington play Axminster Town.

This Easter Mr Toad is hoping to have a massive meeting of the clan, and thinking of hiring Toad Hall Cottages new property ‘The Old Vicarage’ as it can sleep up to 34 people! Set in stunning Marlborough, which has boasted an appearance of Madonna in 2009.

Mr Toad will be dusting off his surfboard this Summer and looking at letting Badgers Sett, in Braunton. Perfectly placed for the surf spots of Putsborough Sands, Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe. Mr Toad recommends the Braunton newsagents, located near the carpark – it has the best selection of magazines in the area.

Next week Mr Toad is off for a jaunt to Cornwall! Make sure you log in to hear about his adventures! Guests who stayed in Toad Hall Cottages over the Winter break, don’t forget to send your photographic competition entries in!