Getaways - Machado Gallery, Barford, Warwickshire

A recent work trip involved a stay away from home and we were lucky to find this great place in Barford.

The Machado Gallery is run by ceramicist and sculptor Sue who not only runs the B&B but also art courses in the adjacent gallery.

Her own breads served up at breakfast proved so popular that guests kept asking her how she made it and so the idea of running courses in the art of breadmaking was quickly hatched.

Sadly our visit didn't allow us the chance to kneed some dough, but we enjoyed the cosy warm fire (can't believe we needed it lit in May, but the weather was against us) and the spacious lounge full of books, paintings, ceramics and sculpture. 

We stayed in one of the three bedrooms, all of which are kitted out with pretty white cotton linen and all the things you need for a restful night away.

Breakfast was lovely and Sue was up and about making fresh pancakes with fruit or little brioche type cakes as well as her infamous bread.  Everything that had that extra special yumminess turned out to be something she had made -the marmalade, the syrup, the bread, .....bliss.  We're sure you'd enjoy a stay here too.

Getaways - Langford Court, nr Cullompton, Devon

To B&B or not to B&B .... need not be the question if you stay here.  All the luxury of a holiday let, but with the ingredients for a full English delivered every day, so you could enjoy a hearty breakfast at your leisure.

Langford Court South is an amazing wing of a medieval manor that's mentioned in the Domesday Book and is still a working dairy farm today.  

With room for up to six people, We were greedy and it was just the 2 of us so we could pick the bedroom we wanted.  In the end we went for the gallery bedroom you can see above.  The en-suite has a roll top bath!  Luxury!

We were disappointed to have been there in June as we couldn't take advantage of the woodburner, but we made good use of the snooker table and comfy sofas to watch DVDs and catch up on some reading.

However we could take advantage of the deck and garden, enjoying the view of the lake with its rowing boat.  You can fish here too if you like. 

But if you do prefer not to make your own breakfast, you can stay in the B&B in the North wing with it's lovely lounge.

Everywhere you look there are lovely artefacts and trinkets.  And it became a quest to find something in the wing they hadn't already put there.  Cotton buds, sewing kits, torches, games, DVDs, picnic blankets, ..... we lost.  We couldn't think of anything they hadn't already thought of!

Oh yes, there welcome basket is difficult to better too.  An amazing lemon drizzle cake and restocked basics like milk, bread, butter.  You will not be disappointed.

Truly Scrumptious - Byfords, Holt, Norfolk

A few years ago we were invited to our friends' wedding near Holt and took advantage of it by having a week's holiday there.  We were even luckier to have happened upon a fantastic cottage in the centre of the village (you can see it at the far right of the picture above) because it was literally a stone's throw from Byfords, an amazing deli, coffee shop, restaurant and boutique B&B.  The owners sum it up perfectly when they describe it as a higgedly-piggedly world of pleasure.  It really is.

We felt almost duty bound to make the arduous trip across the road every morning for fresh coffee and croissants, followed by a quick return to stock up on supplies for a hearty picnic.  We had brought our bikes with us (it being pretty flat terrain) but would still be in need of sustenance on our adventures.  They stocked everything and more that you could wish for in a deli, so accurately described as a culinary Aladdin's cave.  Speciality breads, locally sourced; jams, chutneys, olives and cheeses.

After a full day in the saddle, we felt justified in quenching our thirst with a glass of chilled wine, choosing to sit outside and watch the world go by.

We did venture to other places - usually at the recommendation of information provided by Byfords and were never disappointed.  So if you're in the area or fancy a weekend away, do check this place out.

Getaways - Escape to the Country

I spent 5 years at school in picturesque New Forest. And when an old school friend's family opened a bed and breakfast there a couple of years ago I knew it was time to re-visit.

So if you're looking for somewhere relaxing, welcoming and stunning to stay, I can highly recommend my secret destination ... Daisybank Cottage B&B on the outskirts of Brockenhurst and in the heart of the forest.

Daisybank has already won awards and it's not difficult to see why.  Owners Cheryl and Ciaran are meticulous with their attention to detail and a night at Daisybank is like a night in a 5 star hotel (even better in fact).  They've featured in several travel guides including the Independent and Sunday Times.

There's plenty to do and Cheryl and Ciaran are more than happy to suggest places to visit, eat, walk and explore.

Take a trip to the pretty village of Beaulieu and discover some lovely boutique shops.  Visit the motor museum and then take a short stroll along the estuary to Bucklers' Hard.