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.

Truly Scrumptious - Weld Arms, Lulworth

If you fancy a trip to the coast and want a spot of lunch whilst you're out, why not try the Weld Arms near Lulworth Cove?

It has a contemporary feel with its new decor but still retains the charm of an old country pub.  It follows the gastro-pub vein, but because of its tasteful furnishing it isn't austere.  In fact it's really quite cosy.

This classic ancient thatched inn can be found at the foot of the gates of Lulworth castle. In the winter (is it ever going to end?) you can enjoy log fires, fine ales, fine wines and superb food. And importantly, staff are friendly and helpful too.

And in the summer, you can enjoy the good weather and sit in the beer garden where there are views over the Purbecks.

They have just opened up their accommodation, offering 5 boutique double rooms which again have been thoughtfully designed with all the modern facilities decorated with classical sophisticated charm.

   

all images (c) The Weld Arms

Truly Scrumptious - the Beckford Arms, Tisbury. Wiltshire.

It's easy to see why the Beckford Arms has been voted UK Dining Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide.

  

The inn is covered in ivy and lit with welcoming lamps. It manages to be a country pub, restaurant and hotel all the same time. There is a choice of places to eat: a bustling bar, elegant dining room, pretty conservatory and garden or a quiet sitting.

It's no surprise to learn that Charlie Luxton trained at Babington House. Together with co-owner Dan Brod they have stamped their own style on the place. 

The menu has its roots in pub food but is so much more which I can't possibly do credit to here, but goes from traditional pub fare (ham, egg & homemade chunky chips) to more eclectic choices such as suckling pig, locally caught trout, game pie, followed by dark chocolate truffle with sea salt ice-cream.

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.

Surf's Up - for those who love travel

HSBC has a great blog called expatexplorer which they describe as a hub for expats but we love it because it gives great insights into cities around the world, perfect for tips if you're planning a holiday somewhere.

Dublin : Source: Flickr

Guest bloggers living in the city ensure that the information is up to date and written by a well-informed newcomer to the area, so they don't miss any of the obvious out, but also know some less well-known treasures.

Siena : Source: Flickr

So whether you want to know more about life in Europe, Asia or Africa, it may be worth checking out this site.

Hong Kong : Source : Flickr

 

Getaways - Pobbles Beach, Gower

As a child, I spent every summer in my grandad's caravan on the Gower Peninsula.  Although Slade was our local beach we explored many of the others, but it was only recently that I discovered this one.

Pobbles is a popular but secluded bay, situated next to the better known Three Cliffs Bay. At high water the bay is a tiny cove with limestone pebbles whilst at low water there is vast stretch of sand and you can walk across to Three Cliffs Bay.     Like many of the beaches in the Gower you can walk dogs all year round. 

Backed by steep dunes the beach is more sheltered than its famous neighbour. There are lots of rock pools and caves to explore keeping the children entertained whilst you relax. A lovely walk takes you across the cliff tops to Southgate where there is a welcoming cafe open all year round.

You can reach Pobbles from Southgate on foot, either from the village past the golf links or across Pennard Cliffs, a one and a half mile walk with spectacular views west along the coast.

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 - Combe House Hotel, Devon

Today I did a wedding at the stunning Combe House Devon which blew me away with its beauty and the warmest, most wonderful customer service. 

From the moment my taxi pulled up outside, I was met by 2 people, had my suitcase carried in and felt like a royalty. In the future I'll know where to organise a romantic gateway for me and hubby as I am not sure if it can get more romantic than this beautiful hotel.

www.kristinagasperas.com