Days Out - Enys Gardens

I have been meaning to blog for some time about a day out that Libby and husband Mark had a few weeks ago - they visited Enys gardens said by some to be the oldest garden in Cornwall.  Between Truro and Falmouth the gardens are perhaps best known for the wonderful bluebells in Spring.

Parts of the lower gardens remind me of the Lost Valley at Heligan.

And after all that walking you can take a short drive to the Pandora Inn set right on the estuary for a refreshing drink (better to eat elsewhere though).  A couple of years ago the Pandora suffered a terrible fire and has been rebuilt to its former glory - as you can see the it was a spring tide and pretty high, it has been know to rush right into the pub so you won't find any carpets just serviceable slate flags.

Jobs at Poltarrow - Roebuck's new balcony

This winter Peter has been beavering away creating a new addition to Roebuck.  To take advantage of the beautiful views from the cottage the large window in the sitting room was removed and replaced with doors that now open out onto a balcony.

We've had many conversations about the materials that would be used.  Green oak was an immediate definate but the balustrade caused much debate; contemporary glass versus traditional wrought iron.

In the end we have gone for the wrought iron which we believe is much more in keeping with the 200 year old barns.

Being South facing we hope that guests will take pleasure in having their coffee in the morning or their glass of wine in evening whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of the Cornish countryside.

Days Out - Watergate Bay

What absolutely glorious weather we have had this weekend, Libby and Mark have been over to Watergate Bay on the north coast for a stroll. The tide was out which meant the beach was huge.

There were a few surfers bobbing about

There was also a few families about. enjoying the unusually warm March weather

A quick snack after all that walking

Say Cheese!

Days Out - A walk around South Polgooth

Taking advantage of the glorious spring weather we have recently been enjoying Peter and I enjoyed a walk around a local landmark; high on the hill across the valley from Poltarrow is the South Polgooth engine house.

Polgooth has a rich mining history going back hundreds of years.  South Polgoothwas a relative late comer as it did not open until 1836.  It produced not only tin but tungsten and copper too. However, falling prices meant that by 1894 mining at Polgooth came to an end, though some little work continued at South Polgooth till 1916 and the spoil heaps were picked over till 1929.

The remains of the buidings offer plenty of opportunity to ponder on what exactly each were used for and to think about what a hard life the miners must have led.

 

Looking back to South Polgooth across the curiously named 'bungalow field' (there's not a bungalow in sight!) before making our way home with cobwebs having been definately blown out!

Days Out - Half Term Fun

On Saturday half term begins here - doesn't it seem like it was only Christmas yesterday?  Libby and I have been searching the internet for days out for our guests.  

Eden has perhaps the most tastiest offering with the whole week being devoted to Chocolate.  There is a chocolate quest around the jungle biome where you can trek through the tallest rainforest in captivity to discover the history of this ‘food of the gods’. There is also chocolate lolly making and hot chocolate tasting - yum!

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are celebrating that most beautiful of winter flowers, the Hellebore.  These are a real favourite of mine and I'll be making a trip myself to get a couple to add to those I already have in the garden.

Pencarrow House near Bodmin is again opening its doors for their Snowdrop Sunday, this year they are opening twice - the 12th and the 19th.  As well as being able to enjoy the grounds there will be stalls selling snowdrops and marmalade and the Peacock Cafe will be serving a heartwarming soup.

Lastly our latest, favourite haunt is the Duchy of Cornwall Nurseries near Lostwithiel, or more specifically the cafe! Libby, Katherine and I have been a couple of times each over the winter and each time we have been treated the most scrumptious, delicious fare which is very reasonably priced to boot!  Add to this the wonderful plant nursery and the shop which stocks lots of interesting homeware and gifts and there is enough for a day out in itself.

Wedding Bells at Poltarrow

I mentioned in our Christmas letter that in 2011 we celebrated the marriage of our daughter Katherine to Johnathan and a number of you have asked how it went so I thought I would show you some of the photos.  It was very much a family affair and anyone with a skill (or a vintage rover car) was roped into help.

The reception was held in the Sports Hall which was transformed with the help of a marquee lining; it worked very well and looked great.

As we know Libby's many abilities extend to flower arranging so she and Katherine spent the day before the wedding making the beautiful arrangements that adorned the tables. 

After the service drinks were served on the farmhouse lawn, the weather was kind to us!

The conservatory doors were opened wide and it was from here the welcome drink was served "Devon Lemonade", a delicious blend of Plymouth gin, elderflower and soda water.

Our son Thomas, Libby, Johnathan, Katherine, me and Peter - it was a wonderful day.

Christmas and New Year

No gaudy decorations, no singing/dancing Santas, no garish lights …instead we offered simple, warm festivities. 

Thank you to all our guests for joining us this year. We're already looking forward to welcoming guests again for Christmas and New Year 2012.