Country Vacations & Resorts

Here’s an update on Spring happenings in the UK’s Peak District from Dan at My Favourite Holiday Cottages…

In England, Spring is now just around the corner as the daffodils and snowdrops begin to make an appearance. March 11 sees the re-opening of the historic Chatsworth House, which opens its doors after the long winter season to once again allow visitors to explore the beautiful house and its 1000 acre country park.

Being one of the finest country estates in the UK, Chatsworth has appeared on the silver screen as, Pemberley – the home of Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice‘ as well as being the home of Georgiana Spencer Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, in the acclaimed film ‘The Duchess‘ starring Keira Knightley.

As well as regular tourists, Chatsworth now receives regular groups of fans for themed Pride and Prejudice outings.

The Chatsworth estate is located in the Peak District National Park which lies in the north-west of England. With hundreds of square kilometres of moorland, forest, fields and mountains, it forms one of the most scenic places in the UK, where tourists can go rock climbing, horse riding, fell running, fishing and canoeing to name just a few activities. The National Park is also home to a host of small chocolate box villages, full of properties which date back hundreds of years.

Lying close to the village of Bakewell, (home of the famous Bakewell Tart) is the Old Bakehouse in Calver, one of many properties which boasts a stunning mix of luxurious accommodation and period features. Dating back to the 14th century the house sleeps up to 15 people and provides a stunning base to explore the Peak District and is less than 8 km from the Chatsworth Estate.

Alternatively, Riverside House, near Buxton, provides another brilliant example of luxury accommodation. Sleeping up to 9 people it boasts a huge lounge area with exposed beams and a whole host of countryside walks are literally on the doorstep.

The Peak District is an area which is popular throughout the year, where tourists can enjoy snowy hillside walks in the winter, and long afternoon picnics in the summer, so for more information about travelling to and exploring the Peak District have a look at the official tourism website.

I’ve had dogs as pets for about the last 25 years. Some would say my pets are spoiled – I just say they are part of the family and when vacation planning is underway, they are always a major factor in choosing a vacation rental.

Although it does take more planning, it is easier now than ever to narrow your choices to accommodations that accept pets – and just be willing to pay extra for the privilege. Preferred dog kennels can cost up to or even over $30 per day. I’d rather spend the money on a pet deposit and take CoCo with me. He agrees completely!

Here are just a few rental options to show that there are many choices for devoted pet families.

Sea Oaks Retreat

Pawley’s Island, South Carolina

Vacation home – Pets okay

San Antonio, Texas

Luxury Condo: Pets okay

Branson, Missouri

Corolla Oceanside – Pets Okay

Outer Banks, North Carolina

*Corolla – CoCo’s 2010 Vacation Destination!

CoCo is headed to St. Augustine, Florida next month for his “Puppy Spring Break.” I’m sure he will be willing to post a review of his 2012 vacation AND rental!

Are you contemplating a trip to New Zealand in 2012? I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. For thrill-seeking vacationers, here’s a great place to start your planning.

Get your heart pumping and the adrenalin going with a selection of great thrillseeking advenures based in and around Christchurch area in the South Island of New Zealand.

More info on some luxurious accommodations and general travel info about New Zealand is on the Country Vacations & Resorts web site.

If you think vacation cottage rentals in the United Kingdom are all tiny structures with thatched roofs, you’ll certainly be surprised with this 5 bedroom, 2 bath spacious beauty on 5 romantic, private, and scenic acres.

Recently renovated by an artist and an architect, Great Treverran is a beautiful Queen Anne home featuring large open rooms, (sleeping capacity up to 10) expansive grounds with private gardens, an open log fireplace for cooler evening nights and last but not least – is within a 5 – 10 minute easy drive to the coast of Cornwall, the picturesque port of Fowey, and the beach of Polkerris.

Accommodation

Great Treverran has 5 individually decorated bedrooms – 2 of which have super king-sized beds, 2 bathrooms, and a power shower. All rooms have been thoughtfully restored providing a showcase for artwork by leading contemporary painters – along with those done by your host, Binny.

This self-catering property is well equipped with 2 stoves, a refrigerator and microwave in the kitchen. There is a washer and dryer conveniently located in the basement along with a second refrigerator and downstairs toilet.

What you won’t know is that Great Treverran is a bit of a celebrity. The home has received excellent reviews in the UK’s Sunday Times, the Saturday Telegraph, and it was even photographed for Italian Vogue!

What about the all important location?

I know we have a lot of “Doc Martin” fans out there and the answer is “Yes” this property is within 20 miles of Port Issac, or “Portwenn” as it’s known to “Doc Martin” viewers! And a scenic 20 mile drive it will be!

Enjoy sailing, swimming, golf, riding, fishing or walking – or just enjoy the nearby scenic houses, have a great meal in one of the many quaint fishing villages along the coast – and then maybe take a day to just lie on the beach. All of this is within easy grasp from your point of origin at Great Trevarran.

+ Just 4 miles from the Eden Project.
+ 10 minutes from Polkerris Beach – here’s a link to the beach web cam.
+ 15 minutes from the fishing town of Fowey – You can take a virtual walk around the town via this video link.

For either a quiet long weekend or holiday break, or a large and energetic house party, Great Treverran will provide a comfortable, private, and convenient vacation accommodation.

Review past selections – UK Vacation Cottage of the Month

Or visit My Favourite Holiday Cottages, have fun choosing between the over 500 exceptional vacation rental options, and you can even build and save your own ‘Wish List” portfolio for future reference.

Series 1-4 of this incredibly funny and popular show can be found streaming on Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. There is still some confusion of when Series (Season) 5 will be available to US audiences, but it will be worth the wait! The latest scoop is that Season 5 of Doc Martin will be airing via PBS sometime in March 2012 and that Series 6 is already confirmed.

Here’s a short trailer of Series 5 – remember, Doc Martin has a infant of his own to deal with now…which should prove interesting!

While you’re waiting for the return of Doc Martin, do a virtual visit of Port Issac, (the real “Portwenn”) Cornwall via our UK “Cottage of the Month” series. There will be a new entry in this list coming soon…

Great story and post about a true soldier/horse you won’t want to miss…

Sgt. Reckless, USMC – the real War Horse

Read our post on “Owls’ Roost” – our UK Vacation Cottage of the Month for January that sits right on the edge of Dartmoor National Park – where much of the movie “War Horse” was filmed.

There have been several books written about Sgt. Reckless. Here’s a link for you – only 11 copies left at the moment…

As it’s known on the very popular PBS series – known in the real world as Highclere Castle.

Find out how you can win a free trip to this beautiful and historic location!

The trip includes:

+ Two round-trip economy class tickets to London aboard British Airways from one of 20 gateway cities in the US.
+ Four nights hotel accommodations including breakfast at a Radisson Edwardian property in London.
+ VIP guided tour of Highclere Castle with Lord Carnarvon and afternoon tea with Lady Carnarvon, author of Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey and round-trip ground transportation to and from London.
+Afternoon tea at the May Fair Hotel with Jessica Fellowes, author of The World of Downton Abbey and Mud & The City: Dos and Don’ts for Townies in the Country.
+ Lunch and VIP tour of Leeds Castle with round-trip ground transportation to and from London.
+ Two Hudson’s Heritage Explorer Passes.
+ Round-trip train tickets between the airport and London.

Hope one of our Country Vacations & Resorts readers wins this one!

Looking for a good spot for a real ranch vacation in 2012? Here are some great suggestions…

TEXAS

Dramatic hiking, biking, fishing and exploring experience. 7 lakes, high ridges, deep valleys and canyons. Working ranch with cattle and horses, plenty of wildlife sightings. Perfect for family, group retreat & meeting space, reunions, honeymoons, special events – weddings, anniversaries. Leave the world behind!

THE LODGE: 3 bedroom on 5000 acres in Hill Country!

In Bandera – an authentic Texas turn-of-the-last-century stone ranch house with hand-hewn antique furniture, fully updated with all modern comforts. The view is breathtaking via the Great Room with a 20 foot cathedral ceiling, enjoy the massive stone fireplace, piano and entertainment center, and fold-out couches for four additional guests. Three bedrooms with twin beds sleep six comfortably. Fully-equipped kitchen and dining room with everything you’ll need or, eat al fresco on the breezy screened porch. Spacious front terrace to view the sunset and the stars.

ARIZONA

The 2 bedroom “Rancho Chuparosa” mini-ranch is located just outside Tucson, Arizona just off historic Catalina Highway and just minutes away from 9,600-foot Mount Lemmon, Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park East, Agua Caliente County Park, and Coronado National Forest.

There are two championship golf courses within 5 minutes and all of Tucson’s world-famous golf courses are within a short drive. Numerous hiking and mountain bike trails are also within a short distance and can be walked or ridden to from the house. Bird watchers will love the variety of birds SE Arizona is famous for from the cozy back porch or enjoy short day drives to world famous birding sites such as Ramsey and Madera canyons.

CALIFORNIA

A multi-tasking vacation at its finest – this Cayucos, California 5 bedroom vacation rental boasts a pool and is also close to both beaches and wineries.

The luxurious custom accommodation is a 5 bedroom, 6 bath with multiple lofts and detached multi purpose room. Gourmet kitchen has an amazing view. Oak Bbq and fire pit on 2 different outdoor levels. This is a rental in which you will experience both privacy and comfort. Luscious linens and fabulous beds…you need nothing but your food and clothes. Something for guests of all ages….60 foot lap pool with kids step and spa, volley ball and horse shoe pits, walking, hiking, biking and running paths. It’s perfect!

MONTANA

Located just outside Superior, Montana, the 4 bedroom “PONDEROSA” has an amazing location on the Clark Fork River.

Excellent fishing, wildlife, and a great home with all you need. The owner will even arrange grocery deliver before your arrival (upon request.)

Lots of privacy on over one acre, 4 spacious bedrooms, kitchen, living area, laundry, and a deck furnished with BBQ for outdoor dining overlooking the river. Beautifully landscaped, and private. Pets are negotiable and children welcome.

So many spectacular choices, so little vacation time. Pick your 2012 vacation destination and start searching…