Country Vacations & Resorts

Since the beautiful castle featured in the “Downton Abbey” series is not available for vacation rental, our friends at My Favourite Holiday Cottages have a suggestion for accommodation nearby.

Now into its second season, Downton Abbey has proved to be hugely successful on both sides of the Atlantic as viewers are left to find out the fate of the characters both above and below stairs as they encounter the horrors of the First World War. Alongside the variety of interesting characters the show’s success rests heavily on the amazing house that is the fictional home of Downton Abbey; but just where is Downton Abbey filmed?

The fictional Downton Abbey is in fact filmed in the stunning stately home of Highclere Castle, located only a few hours drive from London in the county of Berkshire. The striking country house was constructed by Sir Charles Barry in 1838, who also designed the Houses of Parliament in London. The country estate is every bit as glamorous as what you see on TV, and visitors are welcome to the house and gardens during the summer holidays (from July to mid-September) where you can explore the Highclere Estate, and relax is the glamorous beauty of the house and its surroundings.

Although the ‘downstairs scenes’ were filmed at Ealing studios, visitors can have a guided tour around the main rooms of the grand house where the Grantham family live out their lives. Visitors are free to explore and picnic in the acres of landscaped gardens, which are the setting for the many of the outside shots, and an area for refreshments is available – although sadly there are no butlers to serve you drinks.

The Highclere Estate has a fascinating history extending back over a millennium. Among the different periods there is the history of Lady Almina who really did convert Highclere Castle into a hospital in 1914. Later on in its history, Highclere was also the home of the 5th Earl of Canarvon, who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922 along with archaeologist Howard Carter. An Egyptian Exhibition has been set up in the cellars of the Castle for guests to explore.

Although set in the glorious countryside of the Hampshire/Berkshire border, Highclere is easily accessible and is close to the main motorway which is connected with all the major London airports and if you are travelling by train, Newbury station is only 5 miles away.

To stay close to ‘Downton Abbey,’ Enborne Street Farm offers comfortable self-catering accommodation throughout the year. Only a couple of miles away from the Highclere Estate, the cottage can sleep up to 5 people in 3 bedrooms and has beautiful views out onto the surrounding countryside. The property is also ideally located to explore places such as Oxford, Windsor, Bath and many other towns with a history as rich and varied as as Highclere.

The third series of Downton Abbey is currently in production where viewers will be able to watch the lives of the characters at Downton as they enter the glamorous 1920′s.

Maybe you’ll run into “Lady Mary” at the train station…

Review our UK “Cottage of the Month” series for more great vacation cottage rentals available for your travels in England.

Planning a family vacation, a couple’s vacation, or going solo – any one of these luxurious ranch accommodations will put you in beautiful destinations with lots of planned activities from which to choose, with great food, and with 5-Star level service.

Book from now to March 31st and find out how to get 10% off your first purchase with code LUX10.

Carmel Valley Ranch

This Carmel Valley Ranch accommodation will put you right in the heart of Carmel Valley, California. Enjoy the area’s over 300 days of sunshine per year while being only 2 hours from San Francisco, and 20 minutes from the local Monterey Peninsula Airport.

Take full advantage of an array of facilities, including a Pete Dye championship golf course, expansive tennis complex, bocce ball and basketball courts, an organic garden and vineyard, and a kids “Splash Zone” and playground. Enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the new Spa Aiyana, or simply relax on one of the many tree swings scattered throughout the grounds, hanging from majestic 300-year-old oaks.

The River Ranch Complex located down the hill (free shuttle service) includes an Olympic-size pool, 5200-square-foot fitness center, Ranch Hands Kids Camp!

Calistoga Ranch

Calistoga Ranch – Meadow Lodge in California’s beautiful Napa Valley is a great destination choice for active families.

Explore the cultural treasures of Calistoga, try horseback riding and hot-air ballooning nearby, check out nearby Safari West, an African-style wildlife nature compound or visit the nearby Petrified Forest! Guided biking, hiking, and horseback riding tours are popular California activities offered by your magnificent retreat in Napa Valley. Fine dining is a signature of this area, and the highest quality of cuisine is available for your tasting.

This destination looks like a prime candidate for repeat visits throughout the years!

Granby, Colorado

Check in at the C Lazy U Ranch to enjoy warm Southwestern style and comfortably rustic wood cabins This resort/ranch destination really does have it all!

Take a day to fish or raft on the Colorado River, and go horseback riding over beautiful trails. Ranch personnel will match each guest to a horse (em>suitable to individual riding ability – so this is great time for novice riders to gain riding experience.

Archery, scavenger hunts, volleyball, paddleboating, fishing, cook-outs and hay rides are just some of the kids program activities; winter offers ice skating, tubing and sledding.

Join C Lazy U Ranch for one of the most coveted weeks – July 1-8, 2012…

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How about a vacation rental in a incredible setting that feels like “home” the minute you walk in the door? You’ll want to consider Manor Bottom located near the seaside resort of Ventnor, – Isle of Wight, England as your 2012 UK vacation destination.

Manor Bottom is a 200 year-old stone barn on six acres of pastures and woodland adjoining National Trust land and located just beneath St. Boniface Down – at 791 feet, the island’s highest point.

This two-story rental property was converted into a stylish, comfortable, family home in 1992 by award-winning architects Caruso St John. Upstairs you’ll find accommodation for eight in three double bedrooms and one twin bedded room, and bathroom. Have a look at those thick, stone walls which ensure peace and quiet via the virtual tour of Manor Bottom.

You’ll be welcomed with fresh flowers, wine or juice, and the local paper when you arrive. The basic staples of tea, coffee, sugar and salt in the cupboard, and toiletries in the bathrooms are a considerate and welcoming gesture from the owner. Visiting in winter? Dry logs and kindling are also provided for the wood-burning stove in the sitting room.

Downstairs you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen with a table for up to ten plus two high-chairs for any “kiddies.” There is also a “boot room” containing a washer/dryer, fridge and freezer, and a second bathroom. Outside you’ll find plenty of chairs, a hammock, a trampoline and a enormous barbecue. You’ll want to make note of the barbecue because plenty of options for fresh, local food products can be found nearby…

Plan on taking advantage of the local shop, pubs and post office only one mile away in the village. In nearby Ventnor, fresh fish and seafood can be purchased right on the seafront. Ventnor and Bonchurch beaches are a 10-minute drive away or can be reached by a one-hour scenic walk if you’re in the mood for some healthy exercise.

“I need some peace and quiet!”

If this is you, Manor Bottom will prove an excellent choice.

Ideally situated for bird-watching, red squirrel-spotting, walking, mountain-biking or just relaxing, the Isle of Wight’s extensive network of footpaths starts right outside your back door. A 20-minute walk is amptly rewarded with wonderful views over the Channel and back across the island to the Solent and the mainland. Manor Bottom’s gardens offer numerous areas in which to enjoy the peace, lounge in a hammock or bounce on the trampoline. There is a huge barbecue and outdoor dining under a vine-covered pergola. Find guidebooks for walking, cycling and boating waiting for you in the Manor Bottom sitting room.

For rainy days there is plenty to keep you occupied: Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk and Pictionary, Duplo, K’nex and Brio, as well as loads of DVDs, books, and games. Or take time out and review the really thoughtful gift you will have by then received from the owners to Manor Bottom guests, the house ‘bible’ – providing an insider’s guide to the island.

A chance to really unwind in a solid and spacious cottage with wide-open views across the countryside, beaches nearby, and fresh-caught seafood…if you’re ready to slow down to a real country vacation, Manor Bottom is where you want to be.

Links:

~ How to I get to the Isle of Wight?
~ Isle of Wight Festival, 2012
~ Bonchurch & beach
~ Ventnor
~ My Favourite Holiday Cottages

Sometimes people ask me what makes for a perfect vacation. If I’m having a particularly rough week my answer is usually something like, “A week at a health spa.”

The truth is, a “spa-cation” is never a bad idea. Lord knows most of us deserve a break and there are plenty of options available for those who are in need of a little pampering. Even better are hotels and lodges that are in locations that also provide plenty of options for “fresh air” activities such as horseback riding, boating, hiking, skiing – part of “spa” time is for mental as well as physical health.

Here are a few destinations to get you thinking in the right (relaxed) direction…

The Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina is a new luxury resort paradise in the beautiful destination of the British Virgin Islands.

In this private island setting, accommodations range from sublime ocean view rooms and suites to spacious hillside villas boasting stunning views, multiple bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, and private pools. With two on-site restaurants, a spa and fitness center, a trio of platinum sand beaches, and a 53-slip marina, your every desire will be fulfilled. Why not swim with sea turtles on a snorkeling adventure, try scuba diving, kayak local waters or do some hiking on the nature trails. Enjoy the best of the Caribbean at the splendid Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.

Hills Health & Guest Ranch is a luxury resort located on 20,000 acres in beautiful British Columbia.

The all-inclusive convenience, featuring accommodation, meals and a fitness program, appeals to weekenders with minimal time as well as to those who can pencil in a three, five or even 30-day stay. A la carte escapes are available.

This Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa and Casino is set against the lush backdrop of Nevada’s Sierra Mountains. With a comfortably rustic and warm atmosphere, the resort offers all the outdoor fun of Tahoe with all of the modern conveniences.

Stroll down to the beach to relax under the warm sun, melt at the Stillwater Spa, or head out into the mountains for some fun. Hike, bike, climb, or horseback ride through wonderful mountain trails during the summer months. Ski or snowboard the perfectly groomed runs of this internationally acclaimed ski resort.

Luxury Link offers great discounts of up to 65% off retail prices on more than a 1,000 extraordinary hotels, resorts, cruises and villas in the most exclusive destinations. Both Luxury Link and Family Getaway enable customers to book hotel stays through live travel auctions and fixed price offers. Each property feature has been hand-selected, ensuring it meets the highest standards of approval for luxury and family travelers.

Dales Holiday Cottages offers over 800 properties available to book online exclusively in and around the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, Yorkshire Coast and Wolds, Derbyshire Dales, Northumbria, Northern Dales, Lake District, Cumbria and Eden Valley, Scottish Borders and the Highlands of Scotland.

Here’s just one great option for your vacation in Scotland…

Full of charm and well off the beaten track, this 200-year-old Hunting Lodge nestles among mountains at the head of Loch Scammadale. Surrounded by mature gardens with views of the loch, the house is only a 20 minute drive from Oban and the ideal base for exploring the Highlands and Islands.

Fully fitted kitchen. 3 bedrooms – family room with double and a single bed, family room with double and 2 single beds and 1 twin room with basin. Bathroom with bath, hand held shower, WC, basin and heated towel rail.

Ferries run daily from Oban to Mull and the Outer Isles and there are many historic and scenic attractions within easy reach including Inveraray, Kilmartin Glen and Glencoe. The area is excellent walking country, surrounded by magnificent scenery and wildlife. Fishing on the loch is free to all guests, including the use of a boat.

It seems I am not the only one who has a pet to consider when travel plans are made. Part I of “Traveling with Pets” was very popular so here are some more options available for those looking for great vacation rentals – “Pets Okay.”

2br – 3miles to Beach! Pool & fenced yard for Pets

Boca Raton, Florida

4 bedroom beachfront, Best Ocean Views, Pets OK

Hilton Head, South Carolina

4 bedroom, big views, Pets – MAYBE

This vacation rental accommodation in Stratton Mountain, Vermont, states pets are a “maybe.”

Don’t be deterred by the “maybe.” Restrictions are often on size, specific breed or total number of pets allowed per guest. There is at least one very positive review from a guest who was clearly pleased to have been able to bring her dogs with her to this vacation property.

3 bedroom – Oceanview Townhome PETS OK!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

There are hundreds of options for pet-friendly vacation rentals. Many properties will not list anything regarding pets so if you are dying to take the rental, sometimes you’ll just have to ask. Try not to be too hard on those who refuse pets. Many owners have unfortunately been burned by irresponsible pet-owners who make it harder for the rest of us. Take your pet with you but please, leave a good impression!

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.