Just come back from a couple of days in Cornwall, staying in a converted engine house up a dead-end, rough track in the middle of the woods.
A busy stream rattled by, like white noise. There was bird song, a blue sky and the most wonderful National Trust property sitting high on a perch above the upper reaches of the River Tamar.
There was a viaduct, live rugby being screened at the local pub, some quaint hostelries and the pannier market at nearby Tavistock where sunshine lit up tomatoes and early rhubarb and turned them into sparkling jewels.
A woodburning stove, a tray of supplied treats like coffee, tea and fantastic National Trust biscuits, and a comfortable bed.
No phone signal and no internet. Low water pressure and only BBC channels on the telly.
Perfect really.
I last visited Cotehele House when I was about twenty and training in Plymouth to be a journalist. It’s been in my head then for years. This gorgeous Tudor manor is impressive. My memory had served me very correctly.
This weekend, the house was closed but the gardens were lovely – and will be magnificent once the flowers are actually out – and the dogs had a great time.
The National Trust has a variety of wonderfully interesting holiday cottages all over the country.
Just the place to get away from it when you’re in need of a break. I quite fancy the cosy cottage for two next to Hadrian’s Wall.
Maddie Grigg 