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 

Countdown to Christmas

The Christmas countdown is well under way here at Luggs - the Barn has long been booked for the festive season but we're already taking bookings for 2014.

The weather's been lovely lately, fairly mild most days but sunny and I've been taking advantage of this with lots of long walks with Monty and Ted up to Culmstock Beacon to enjoy the panoramic views.


The mild weather means that our gorgeous Devon countryside still looks very autumnal rather than wintry. The girls are hoping to be snowed in soon, but I'm keeping everything crossed that the snow can wait until the New Year so that all our guests can get here safely! We've traded in our trusty Land Rover for a more economical (and still 4x4) Skoda Octavia estate which we're delighted with, so fingers crossed it lives up to expectations when the weather turns.

It's been lovely to see some of this year's peak season guests taking advantage of our last minute deals and coming back for short breaks this season. We love seeing people return time after time, and enjoy the fact that Luggs provides a haven for so many people as well as ourselves.

I'm proud (and perhaps slightly smug!) to say that I've bought and wrapped all but one present already this year, and have also done my food shopping online for delivery just before Christmas. All the main supermarkets deliver regularly to Luggs Barn; many of our guests love the convenience of arriving to a well-stocked kitchen, especially this time of year. We're looking forward to welcoming the party from Christmas 2011 for their second festive season at Luggs Barn - they booked on Boxing Day last year, saying 'It just wasn't the same this year - can we come back next Christmas?!'

We're hoping to get up into the attic this week to find all the decorations, and will enjoy making Luggs Barn and our own farmhouse look even more beautiful for the festive season. We'll be collecting holly and ivy from the surrounding woods and are looking forward to choosing some gorgeous trees from our friends at Dunkeswell - we go every year and it's always a very special occasion. I like to wait until the week before to put all the decorations up, so that they still look their best for Christmas - and so that we're not all sick of them before twelfth night! Needless to say, chocolate advent calendars and a great deal of seasonal craft projects are ensuring that our kitchen looks appropriately festive already!

If you're thinking of planning a visit to Luggs Barn in 2014, now's the time to ensure your preferred dates don't get snapped up by someone else! Call now on 01823 681605 or email luggsbarn@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our guests past, current and future. We look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible during 2014 and beyond.

Autumn deals on Devon breaks!

Well, the children are back at school - our youngest, Willow, is settling in beautifully which is a relief as she only turned 4 in August. Here's a photo of her in her new uniform looking extremely proud of herself!

The leaves are turning now and the Blackdown Hills scenery is as stunning as ever. This is my favourite time of year - our wedding anniversary is coming up shortly - and I've met so many other people with Autumn anniversaries. If yours is coming up, why not take advantage of the deals available at this time of year and come and stay at Luggs Barn? A break here could be the perfect surprise present for the spouse who thinks you've forgotten...

The Autumn colours are just beginning to glow

After an amazing Spring/Summer season, we now have some availability through autumn and winter, including half term at the time of writing. This year, Hallowe'en falls within half term - the perfect opportunity for a spooky house party in the middle of nowhere?! Take a look at our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/Luggs-Barn-Devon/143513745697324 to keep an eye on the latest deals, but here are a couple to tempt anyone looking for a cosy autumn break:

2-9 November, £750 (was £850)
9-12 November, £600 (was £650)

Don't forget Luggs Barn sleeps 8 in comfort in 4 beautiful bedrooms, including two zip/link rooms offering the option of twin beds ideal for friends or siblings. There's also a single folding bed and plenty of room for cots of ready beds. At full occupancy, a break at Luggs Barn is typically cheaper than a motel, and infinitely more stylish!

Hallowe'en is always eagerly awaited!

Make the most of the scenic footpaths and spectacular views surrounding Luggs Barn by taking a break in the affordable Autumn. Before Christmas stress starts to bite, gather family and friends in a stylish and spacious retreat from daily life. A long walk followed by a cosy evening in the vaulted, beamed living room curled up in front of the wood burner is an antidote to almost any kind of stress!

Further ahead, Christmas and New Year have been booked up for some months now, and 2013 bookings are already beginning to come in. Now's the time to ensure that your preferred dates are available; many peak weeks are booked up to 9 months in advance each year!

Finally, we're looking forward to the Honiton Antiques Festival,12-17 November, which culminates with a Restoration and Conservation Fair at which Bill will be exhibiting. His piano restoration work (see www.wypianos.co.uk for his new website!) is highly sought after by retailers and private clients all over the country, and on 17th November he will be joined by numerous experts in varying trades, from clock restoration to french polishing. If you're visiting the West Country in November, especially if you'll be on the lookout for antiques, Honiton is the best place for a day out! Come and see us - take a look at www.restorationandconservation.co.uk for more details.