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 

Spring discounts and summer weddings

For anyone considering a Spring break, we're offering a massive £200 off all full price term-time 7 night stays during April and May. Luggs Barn's garden and surroundings are particularly stunning at this time of year, and it's often when we enjoy the best of the sunshine. Bluebells abound in the woods and wisteria and roses adorn the buildings. Give us a call to check availability and take advantage of this offer!

After such a cold start to Spring, it's been a joy to see a week of sunshine to begin April! We've been busy outdoors getting ready for the growing season - seed potatoes and broad beans were bought today, and Bill has also spent several days hedge-laying. The drive now looks much smarter and the extra light on the vegetable garden will hopefully pay dividends later in the year. We've also painted the girls' playhouse, a mere 6 years after being given it!

Bookings are looking good for summer, with several enquiries for 2014 already coming in. We've just received some stunning photos of the wedding of Mr and Mrs Lock last August, which I've put in an album on our Facebook page for anyone who fancies a look: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.491748364207192.1073741825.143513745697324&type=1

As they're so beautiful, here are a few of the images to remind us of summer! If you're planning a relaxed countyside celebration, Luggs Barn could prove the perfect setting for a memorable day... 

(photos used courtesy of Mr and Mrs Lock and Ross Davenport, loose-canon.net)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all our guests past, present and future! 2013 has kicked off with our usual flurry of bookings for spring and summer - we've also taken a booking for next Christmas already, although New Year is still available.

We're having trouble getting the updated prices onto the website, although I think they're correct on all the directories we advertise with now. For reference, here they are. Hopefully won't be long until our Prices page is correct as well.


Low season

November – Spring (pre Easter holidays)
October – November (except school holidays)

3 nights 650
7 nights 850
Bank Holiday Weekends 850

Mid season 
After Easter holidays –Whitsun Half Term/Mid-late Sept 
3 nights 750
7 nights 1050

High season
June/Early-mid September
7 nights 1350

Peak season
July and August
7 nights  1550

Feb Half Term 1150

Easter 2013 1350
Whitsun Half Term 1350
Autumn Half Term 1350

Christmas/New Year
(5-7 nights depending on dates) 1550


Weekly bookings run from Friday to Friday (7 nights). Short breaks are also available in low/mid season in the form of weekend (Friday to Monday – 3 nights) or mid-week (Monday to Friday – 4 nights) breaks.
All prices include power and heat, linen, towels, logs and a welcome pack. Well behaved dogs are welcome (max 2 depending on size/breed) at £25 per booking each.

The owners reserve the right to change these prices at any time.

We have about half the summer holidays still available at the time of writing, and one week left of the Easter holidays. Only Autumn half term is free now. If you're thinking of a Devon holiday this year, now's the time to secure your preferred dates. Just call or email for up to date availability as it can change frequently at the moment. 

We're also thinking up a suitably enticing prize for a New Year competition - keep an eye on this blog as well as our Facebook page (Luggs Barn, Devon) and we'll post an update very soon. 

Sausage and Crackling have arrived!

We collected our long-awaited piglets last night! Named Sausage and Crackling by the girls, they'll be with us till early spring and are going to clear the wildly overgrown veg patch for us. They have a new home made entirely of pallets and wood already on site and a deep bed of straw - they've already dug themselves a nice muddy hole and are sunbathing! They'll be well fed with plenty of windfall apples from the orchard, as well as pig nuts and of course all the non-meat scraps from the kitchen.

Our pig gurus have given us a crash course and the gist seems to be: feed them plenty (but throw it on the ground, as they can't distinguish between a carrot and the hand that's offering it!); let no tiny gap in the fence go unnoticed as they'll wriggle through and be off across the fields in seconds; otherwise, leave them to it and they should be happy and contented animals.

They're extremely characterful, have already had a good look round their patch and had a good scratch on a handy wall! The girls are delighted with them and were most upset to have to go to school rather than spend all day watching (and feeding!) them. The dogs are fascinated and can't keep away at the moment. Hopefully our autumn and winter visitors will enjoy meeting these new arrivals, as well as the dogs, sheep, hens and geese already in residence!

We're offering £200 off 7 night stays at Luggs Barn in October and November (excluding half term) - come and enjoy Devon's autumn colours at a great price! Please call for availability.

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!