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Everyone loves a good summer holiday – and now that school’s out and the sun has shown its face, it’s the perfect time to relax. Here are some great reader offers on rental properties this summer – but most of these expire in the next week. Get in there while you still can!
Gorran Haven, Cornwall
2 and 3 Fort Cottage is a property recently renovated to a very high standard. The cottage, enlarged and refurbished from an early 17th century fisherman’s home, has spectacular sea views and stands overlooking a beautiful Cornish beach and harbour.
Situated at the end of a footpath, it is an ideal venue to unwind whilst on holiday. The cottage has steps down to the sandy beach, shared with a neighbouring property. The south-facing garden – with two terraces – is ideal for al fresco dining and sun bathing, and is bounded by a stone sea wall which rises from the rocks and beach below.
Gorran Haven is a pretty fishing village set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with general store/bakery, post office, restaurant, pub/hotel and a public mooring in the harbour in the summer months. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a 10-minute drive, the Eden Project and the Georgian port of Charlestown are both approximately 30 minutes.
Info: 20% discount. Prices from £40 per person, per night, based on seven nights. (Sleeps eight) Ends 28 July.
Middle Hollacombe Farmhouse, Devon
Middle Hollacombe Farmhouse is a detached property that has been created from the ruins of an ancient Devon Longhouse. It combines a welcoming feeling of tradition with clean, stylish, eco-friendly living. The spacious ground floor features two original medieval fireplaces. Upstairs there are three modern en suite bedrooms with under-floor heating.
The Farmhouse is tucked away in a gentle, secluded valley surrounded by traditional Devon farmland and set within its own landscaped garden. This rural retreat is only 1.5 miles from the bustling market town of Credition and 9 miles from the cathedral city of Exeter.
Set in glorious countryside between moor and coasts, Middle Hollacombe is in the heart of Devon. The edge of Dartmoor is only 10 miles away, where lush countryside and ancient woodland gives way to the famous moor.
From Crediton’s historic station, with free car parking, Tarka Line trains run as far as the North Devon Coast at Barnstaple and to Exmouth in the South.
There are good walks from a number of stations en route. Journey time, by car, to either coast is approximately 40 minutes. The opportunities for walkers and cyclists in the vicinity of the Farmhouse are many and varied; the Coast to Coast footpath passes within 2 miles of the property.
Info: 20% discount. Prices from £26 per person, per night, based on seven nights. (Sleeps six) Ends 28 July.
Hicks House, Chipping Campden
Hicks House is a Georgian Grade II listed mid-terrace holiday house offering self-catering accommodation on three floors.
Situated on the edge of a small village green, at the top end of the High Street, the luxury rental has been renovated and furnished to an exceptional standard with attention paid to the finest detail.
The Cotswold village of Chipping Campden boasts an excellent choice of pubs, bistros, restaurants and shops for guests to enjoy.
Info: 20% discount. Prices from £29 per person, per night, based on three nights. (Sleeps six) Ends 31 July.
The Old Rectory, Norfolk
The Old Rectory in Norfolk is a luxury self-catering holiday home which stands in its own parkland next to the church surrounded by open countryside, 1 mile from North Tuddenham. The original rectory dated from the 16th century and the poet William Cowper stayed here when he first came to Norfolk. It was replaced in 1852 by Rev Barry, younger brother of the architect of the Houses of Parliament, who designed it himself. The holiday home has been refurbished to provide a luxury self-catering venue for family gatherings. It is easily accessed from the A47, half a mile away.
There is a pub in the village of North Tuddenham. Situated in the unspoilt rural centre of Norfolk there is much to see and do as it is ideally located for exploring the coast (35 minutes’ drive), the Broads (30 minutes) and the historic city of Norwich (20 minutes). The Old Rectory in Norfolk is set in idyllic surroundings with grounds covering 12.5 acres.
There are large areas of lawn interspersed with mature shrubs and trees. The grounds also include a west facing terrace, ideal for summer barbecues; a pond; and a children’s football area with two goals.
The Old Rectory is an ideal outdoor holiday break with its own wood: a pathway marked by an avenue of yew trees which leads to clearings planted with bluebells, foxgloves and primroses, offering ideal picnic spots. There is table tennis in the games room and an all-weather tennis court in the grounds. There are riding stables nearby. Catering, clay and game shooting and fishing can be arranged with prior notice.
Info: 20% discount. Prices from £40 per person, per night, based on three nights. (Sleeps 14) Ends 31 July.
Harrowby End, Cotswold
Harrowby End is an attractive 18th century, Grade II listed, Cotswold stone cottage. This semi-detached thatched cottage offers many traditional features including inglenook fireplace, beams and window seats.
Ebrington is much loved for its peaceful unspoilt charm and has a 17th century Inn bordering a small village green, which serves fine food. There are plenty of walks across beautiful countryside.
Only a few miles away from Chipping Campden, Harrowby End is a good base from which to explore the gardens of Hidcote Manor (National Trust), Kiftsgate Court Gardens and Batsford Arboretum and Falconry centre. Stratford-upon-Avon is easily accessible.
Info: 20% discount. Prices from £33 per person, per night, based on three nights. (Sleeps four) Ends 31 July.
All locations are available for letting through Rural Retreats. Please call 01386 701 177 or visit the website at ruralretreats.co.uk.
