New Year, new deals - save £200 on short breaks in Devon!

Happy New Year! We hope all our followers enjoyed the festive season as much as we did. This update is slightly later than planned, thanks to a hectic couple of weeks with lots of bookings coming in for 2015. People are as organised as ever and booking early, so if you're thinking of a Devon holiday this year, please get in touch!
We haven't had any snow yet and although the children are hoping that will change, I'm not! At the moment we're enjoying bright, cold, perfect winter days and the Blackdown Hills are every bit as beautiful as at any other time of year.

Luggs Barn enjoys an idyllic situation: the perfect base from which to explore the West Country

To start the New Year in a purse-friendly fashion, we're offering a huge reduction of £200 on all January and February short breaks (excluding half term) - 3 or 4 nights beginning on Friday or Monday. Price is now just £495 and as Luggs Barn sleeps 8 plus cots, that's just £15-20 per person per night on a 3 or 4 night stay. Take a look at our availability calendar and feel free to call or email to double check your preferred dates.

We've spotted the first of the snowdrops peeping through in a sheltered corner of the drive, and are looking forward to seeing the crocuses and daffodils before long. The mild winter has confused a few plants as usual - the magnolia tree has had tiny buds since mid December! Last week we even spotted swathes of daffodils in full flower by the side of the road during a visit to Yeovil!

This year we're excited to have two expectant ewes, hopefully due to lamb in April. We're also hoping to have a couple of pigs again this Spring - they're great fun to watch and feed, and Luggs sausages are always popular with our guests.

If you fancy a top class country retreat in glorious Devon scenery, look no further than Luggs Barn. There are numerous beautiful walks on the doorstep, as well as the all-important cosy country pubs and some wonderful local food and drink to sample. Call now on 01823 681605 or email luggsbarn@gmail.com to reserve your preferred dates.

This is Sausage - he and his brother Crackling were great characters!
Hopefully a couple of new piglets will arrive in a month or so.

Black Friday deals on short breaks!

Not to be outdone, we're offering some great deals on short breaks up until Christmas! Quote Black Friday to receive 20% off all list prices from now until 31 January when you book and pay for your break before midnight on Friday 28 November.

Luggs in 1950: romantic memories from a very special guest

Somehow half term has been and gone, along with three short break bookings back to back, so we've been as busy as ever! All our visitors recently have been lovely, as have their dogs, and we consider ourselves very lucky to meet so many great people. Monty and Ted, as usual, have adored all the company and the attention.

This weekend has been particularly exciting as we've had a very special guest staying in Luggs Barn. Six years ago, a lovely lady knocked on the door of the farmhouse and told us that her late husband had proposed to her here - his family owned Luggs for many years. At the time we were planning the conversion of the Barn into a holiday let and since that first visit while on holiday from her home in Sussex, we've corresponded several times.

The current Bill is threatening to re-enact this athletic pose one day - watch this space! 

Along with her two sons and daughters in law, Valerie has finally been able to enjoy another holiday at Luggs! This morning, she came in for a chat and brought with her some wonderful photographs of the family visiting their aunt here back in 1950.

Our special guest here at Luggs back in 1950!

Auntie Sybil (Griffin) was the owner of Luggs. I think the Edward Griffin who we know undertook a lot of work to the main house in 1920s, installing the bathrooms and so on, must have been her husband.

The beautiful young lady called Valerie in these photos was barely eighteen years old then and is our lovely visitor. Her late husband was Tom; he and his brother used to visit Luggs regularly for holidays as children. Tom proposed to Valerie here around this time, adding even more to the romance of this story!

It's amazing to see the thatched porch on the farmhouse and the wooden hayloft doors at the top of the stone steps on the Barn, but even better to be able to welcome a visitor with such a strong connection to Luggs. We have various names in the deeds, but learned today that many of them were related to the Griffins. We had no idea that various branches of the family were custodians of Luggs for so long. 

What a lovely way to start a Monday - fascinating for us, and hopefully a wonderful break for Valerie and her family revisiting old haunts. We hope it won't be long before they, and plenty of our other guests, are back again!

I'm inspired to start putting all our treasured memories in albums - although my writing's not quite up to Tom's standard!

Summer sunshine and last minute deals: June short breaks in Devon

Can't believe how long it's been since I've updated this blog! Sorry for radio silence lately - I know most of our followers keep in touch via Facebook these days, but hello to those of you who enjoy reading news and updates from us here at Luggs Barn. Do keep in touch and let me know if you'd like to see more pictures of particular views, rooms - or dogs! Many of our previous guests consider themselves part of the Monty and Ted fan club...

Luggs Barn's picturesque setting: down a private track in Devon's Blackdown Hills AONB

We've had a very busy Spring, with guests in Luggs Barn almost every week and some beautiful sunshine, especially during May. Now we're into June, the wisteria and bluebells which have cheered us all so much for the past month are giving way to roses and lupins. The garden's looking glorious at the moment; many of our recent guests have taken advantage of the barbecue and had long leisurely meals overlooking our spectacular views. With a huge fenced private garden, children and dogs have plenty of space to let off steam, while adults can often be found on the balcony with a glass of wine!

Luggs Barn is an atmospheric location for a summer party or wedding reception

One particularly memorable time was in late May - our guests stayed for a 10 day break to mark a special birthday, culminating in a black tie dinner party catered by Twisted Willow Catering with entertainment by the incomparable Edward Jacobs on the piano. The warm and sunny evening meant that the music and laughter floated across to the farmhouse, along with the scent of the wisteria, and we loved seeing such glamorous guests enjoying their champagne in the garden! Photos will hopefully follow soon but for now, here's a wonderful shot taken at dusk at a wedding reception here last summer.

We've had several families here for short breaks during half term, with one little girl particularly enamoured with Ted the Jack Russell. Issy and her family were here for the second time from Hampshire and are already planning their next break!

At the moment, we have a couple of short breaks in June still available at just £495 - that's almost half price (usually £895). 9-13 and 13-16 June are still available, so why not get friends and family together for a long-awaited catch up in these beautiful surroundings? Working out at just £20 pppn for a 3 night stay, and only £15 pppn for 4 nights, that's a last minute bargain for anyone in need of some rest and relaxation! These breaks are advertised on all our usual pages as well as this blog, so please get in touch now if you're interested. 01823 681605 or luggsbarn@gmail.co.uk

There's also availability in July at present, although we're expecting that to change soon now that half term is over. Some schools break up earlier than others, so come and enjoy a break in Devon before the August crowds; we're within easy reach of beaches and countryside attractions for family friendly days out. There are also plenty of options for cycling and walking, with a network of scenic paths on the doorstep.

Finally, looking ahead to August: we've had a cancellation which means that the first week, 1-8 August, is unexpectedly reavailable. Price is £1600 which for peak season in accommodation of this size and quality is great value. All the school summer holidays have been booked since New Year, so this is an ideal opportunity for anyone who, like me, wasn't quite that organised in January!

Family friendly beaches abound in Devon 

Lightning stops play

I'm writing this update camped out in a friend's office while awaiting our new router...last Friday afternoon during a spectacular thunderstorm, lightning struck a telegraph pole in Culm Davy, knocking out all our land lines and blowing up everyone's routers! Luckily no-one was on the phone at the time and the telephones were fixed fairly quickly - just as well in an area with limited mobile signal! - but we're still awaiting our new router. Our neighbours at http://kittowcattle.co.uk/ had a spare router so are back online and have become the IT hub of the hamlet while the rest of us are struggling! Many thanks to Dave and Sarah for lending us some office space to stay in touch with our guests this week.

I've been to another superb workshop this morning via the Blackdown Hills Business Association with Cosmic IT. Entitled The Future of Business, it gave us an eye-opening introduction to technologies which will soon be available, and made us all realise that we need to keep abreast of all these developments to ensure our businesses remain competitive in today's world. From image (as opposed to text or voice) searching to Augmented Reality apps enabling us all to see beyond our own eyes, it was fascinating but also slightly daunting! The cornerstone of all this wizardry, of course, is good broadband connection and speed - which we in rural Devon tend to struggle to obtain. One option is satellite broadband which is something that we're hoping to explore with the help of Cosmic IT at some point in future.

No-one could have predicted last week's lightning strike, but hopefully it won't strike twice here in Culm Davy and normal service will be resumed very soon. Please telephone with any urgent queries on 01823 681605 or send an email, which generally comes through to my mobile as long as it's on the windowsill! The leaves are finally coming out now and the whole area is looking lush and green - with the bluebells at their best, it's a welcome sight after the storms of the past week!

We still have some availability in June and September, although the summer holidays are fully booked I'm afraid. If you're considering a break, please get in touch and ask about last minute deals, or see our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Luggs-Barn-Devon/143513745697324

A beautiful rainbow after a less damaging storm the other week!

Amazing Spring deals from Luggs Barn...and another tale of a bad dog!

We've enjoyed wonderful weather for the past few weeks here in the Blackdown Hills AONB. Our Bank Holiday weekend guests had several barbecues and couldn't believe their luck!

Fancy waking up to this view? Take advantage of our great Spring discounts and get some friends or family together for a week of relaxation! The huge garden and balcony are perfect for soaking up these views with a glass of wine...

We're extending our previous offer to a fantastic £300 off 7 night breaks in May or June, subject to availability. Currently available start dates are: 10 May, 17 May, 7 June, 21 June and 28 June. Usual price is £1050 for 7 nights in May and £1350 for the same in June. With this offer, for just £750 up to 8 adults (plus cots) can enjoy a 7 night stay in stylish and spacious self catering accommodation. That's a saving of up to £600!


Our surroundings are looking beautiful this time of year - the wisteria isn't quite out yet, but the primroses carpeting the orchard are glorious, and the bluebell woodland is coming up to its best. The magnolia tree next to the farmhouse is also beautiful (see below). At the time of writing we also have ewes and their lambs in the  field in front of Luggs Barn; is there anything like waking up to the sound of birdsong and newborn lambs?

The 15thC farmhouse is Luggs Barn's only neighbour. With a network of scenic footpaths on the doorstep, this is the perfect base for exploring the Blackdown Hills AONB or the numerous attractions within reach for day trips. 

Spring sunshine, glorious scenery, numerous local attractions and beaches only 40 minutes away! Often May and June enjoy the best weather of the year. Why not take your break away from the madding crowds? Luggs Barn is perfect for young/extended families, ramblers, photographers or just groups of friends of all ages.


Please call 01823 681605 or email luggsbarn@gmail.com now for more information or to reserve your chosen dates.

In other news, Monty Dog is yet again in deep disgrace. My poor cousin got the shock of her life at 3am on Sunday morning as he had come up to her room (he never goes upstairs...) and had a Bad Accident by her bed! She trod in it before realising bless her - needless to say the cleanup (with her child sleeping peacefully in the same room) was both hilarious and horrific! We were mortified.

Anyway, Monty was going to send a voucher for a pedicure to her by way of apology, but has plumped for a destressing massage instead from the Clarins spa in John Lewis, Southampton. I got chatting to a lovely lady who's arranged the voucher for me and is also hoping to come and stay at Luggs Barn some day! So the dog may just about survive that little misdemeanour...

On a brighter note, we had a beautiful Jacob ewe and one of her lambs in the Barn's garden this morning! They'd somehow hopped over the fence and were chatting to Lily and Lucy who are holidaying in there to keep the grass down. The mother's other lamb was in a panic on the other side, but all are restored to their rightful places now. We're all enjoying seeing the front field full of lambs this week, but it was a real treat to have some temporarily in the garden!

We opened the redundant gate at the back of the photo and this beautiful ewe and her lamb are back with the third member of the family now! Think they must have jumped over the fence so we'll be keeping an eye out for future visits...

 

Summer time...

...and we have a fox to outwit.

We've had a spate of losses lately and after a good run for a few years are now convinced we need to fence the hens and ducks in. We're still concerned that being in an enclosure might make them more vulnerable as they can't get away if he does get in, but we're giving it a try.

We sadly lost a chick last weekend - it didn't wake up one morning, despite having been pecking happily around the previous day - but the other 4 are doing well. They regularly frighten us by disappearing into the undergrowth and squeezing through fences into the fox's territory, but so far always make it back of the safety of Mum. They're growing feathers and already look slightly gangly, we think 3 are cockerels and one is a hen, so fingers crossed she makes it through the hurdles of the next few months.

Finally, after a long wait in the cold and wet, our vegetable garden is looking superb. There are lots of weeds, as there are never enough hours in the day, but loads of wonderful veg too - we've seen a courgette, the potatoes are struggling but tasty when we find them, the broad and runner beans are well on their way, lettuces have been providing salads most evenings for several weeks, and tonight we picked our first ever peas and tasted a few straight from the pod. They were just as delicious as we'd hoped and will probably never make it to the cooker, I think fresh in salads will be the best way to enjoy them.

Autumn bookings are starting to come in now - once the children are off school and the pace of life slows slightly, why not plan ahead for an autumn break? Contact us for availability and prices and make the most of what's promised to be an Indian summer this year...

Garden update

A few photos of progress in the garden so far! Roses and irises are coming out, and the lilac and wisteria have been glorious for the past couple of weeks. All the beds around Luggs Barn, and the one in front of the main house, have been planted up and already we can see a huge difference as the plants begin to flourish. 

The moment the plants arrived! Big - and expensive - day for us, but well worth it!

Child labour in the kitchen garden!

Main house viewed from courtyard. New planting on the left and just behind the front wall.

The main veg bed after 3 weeks of sunshine!

Spot the ducks...and we're so thrilled to see the pink roses again

Discount offer for autumn breaks in Devon!

10% discount on all term time bookings in autumn or winter on mention of this blog or our Facebook/Twitter pages!

Avoid the school holiday crowds and make the most of what's usually beautiful Autumn weather here in Devon. Luggs Barn's stylish and spacious self catering accommodation features full central heating as well as a wood burning stove and balcony from which to soak up the views. A cosy retreat and something to look forward to once the nights draw in - and at a great price when you book outside peak times!

Luggs Barn is the perfect base for small groups of like-minded friends or family members to enjoy peace and seclusion in glorious Devon countryside. Walkers, cyclists, artists, photographers...lose yourself in the scenery and wildlife of the Blackdown Hills AONB and enjoy a well earned break far from the madding crowds!