Summertime...

The last few weeks have seen  wonderful sunshine, prompting frequent barbecues and beach trips by our guests in Luggs Barn!

Farmers always watch the weather especially closely, and over the weekend everyone we know has been silaging - despite the odd shower, most of our friends are now happy to say their grass is now cut and stored. Their timing was perfect, as we're back to wind and rain today!

We spent a wonderful evening in our friends' garden on Saturday watching the huge machines at work. Another late night for the children, but a memorable sight for us all.

The wisteria on Luggs farmhouse is at its peak at the moment, taking over from the bluebells for scent and spectacle. Thanks to Bill's expert pruning, it's flourishing and on dry days, we can fling all the windows open and enjoy the scent all through the house.

A few vegetables are beginning to grow and hopefully the more seasonal weather now will push everything on a bit. Just in case, we're nurturing tiny butternut squash seedlings in our glass roofed entrance - Bill is still dreaming of a hardwood greenhouse but it may have to stay on the wish list for now!

We were also thrilled to receive a gift of a beautiful sketch of Luggs farmhouse by a very talented guest recently. Watch this space, as hopefully it will soon be framed for future guests to appreciate. The same party also bought a stunning seaside painting by Trudy Crook as a souvenir of their holiday here, so we're eagerly awaiting its replacement as the artwork in Luggs Barn is enjoyed by all our guests.

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)

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