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.

I love the look of this stuccoed wall…

Here’s the scoop on what’s behind the wall…

“If you haven’t been to the Cottage Garden at 70 St. George St., you are truly missing out. A shop for home, garden and the soul, the courtyard with its gurgling fountains will draw you in, and then you’re hooked. Offering beautiful, useful and comforting wares, including handmade wreaths and tiles, clean-burning soy candles, tasteful gifts, a variety of bags, solar paper lanterns, Vintage Home Scents and great pillows. There’s a steady stream of tourists already enjoying this shop, so put on your walking shoes and get down there.”

Get more travel and tourism info on this historic city…

More images and more about the town itself once I get unpacked and decompressed from the 8.5 hour drive home!

My first thought about this St. Augustine Florida vacation was that I should have allowed a few extra days. Between having clear sunny days and a beach at my door, historic sites to visit in and around town, and lots of interesting shops to peruse, 4 days was just not enough time to do the city justice.

Castillo de San Marcos – Construction began in 1672.

Village shops on pedestrian-only streets.

Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor – a great place to stop for lunch!

More coming as soon as I get reorganized!

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

Travel often means crowds. Crowded airports and planes, crowded tourist destinations, and crowded restaurants. Crowds also often mean germs – many of which may be totally new to your immune system. Unless you want to travel with a face mask and breathe through an oxygen tank, the best you can do before travel-time is to build up your immune system as much as possible before you leave, and use a few handy travel items to ward off germs that may try to ruin your vacation. Here are a few you might find useful…

This 10″ Travel UV Wand stores unobtrusively in a purse or duffel bag, and kills up to 99.9% of the H1N1 virus, E-coli, mold, and fungi.

Tests performed by an independent antimicrobial testing laboratory showed the wand destroyed 99.9% of the H1N1 virus after a five-second exposure when held 3/4″ above the contaminated surface. Also capable of killing MRSA, mold, and dust mites, the UV-C light penetrates viral and bacterial membranes and destroys their DNA, rendering the microorganisms incapable of reproduction and survival. Unlike liquid disinfectants, UV-C light can sanitize keyboards, upholstered furniture, cell phones, or any delicate surface that harbors germs.

A great idea for travel AND for home use! Who knows what “evil” may be lurking on your toothbrush?

This compact Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer from Violight uses proven germicidal UV technology (the same kind trusted to sanitize hospital instruments) to eliminate up to 99% of the millions of germs that can accumulate on your toothbrush, including streptococcus and listeria. The battery-powered device sanitizes a single toothbrush in less than seven minutes, and packs easily in a suitcase or toiletry bag.

This Traveler’s Bed Bug Thwarting Sleeping Cocoon is made specially woven fabric that is impervious to bed bugs. The sleeping cocoon’s tightly wound polyester threads are spaced only 1-micron apart (a span that’s much smaller than bed bugs) to prevent 100% of bed bugs from penetrating the fabric.

The durable polyester threads are impervious to bed bugs’ teeth yet the fabric remains soft, pliable, and breathable for optimal sleeping comfort in a hotel bed. The sleeping cocoon creates an enclosed sleeping environment from the shoulders to the feet, the hooded top protects your head and neck yet allows you to breathe naturally, and the entire unit folds to fit in the included tote for ease of travel.

I bought one of these units about 2 months ago and it will be going in my suitcase for my upcoming week-long vacation. I’ll plug it in when I get there, turn it on, and forget about it…but it will give me another chance to NOT have sinus issues in a new environment.

The Mold and Germ Destroying Air Purifier eliminates up to 100% of airborne bacteria, mold, viruses, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen without making a sound or using a filter. The device uses natural convection to silently draw airborne impurities into its patented ceramic heating chamber that instantly destroys the microorganisms with 400\u00BA F heat. In tests, it destroyed 100% of bacteria and mold regardless of the microorganism’s size. The air purifier remains cool to the touch and the heat it produces will not affect room temperature.

Size: 10 1/2″ height by 8 1/2″ diameter and weighs about 2 pounds. Coverage for rooms up to 550′ square feet.

The Number One thing you can do to increase your chances of not getting sick is to keep your hands away from your face. Make it a rule.

No rubbing your eyes, no scratching your nose…and plan to limit a host of other habitual face-touching unless you KNOW you have just thoroughly washed your hands. Once you know that the majority of germs enter through areas on the face, it makes sense and easily becomes a new habit, to keep your hands away. No one want to be sick.

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!

And here’s your stunning & unequalled panoramic view of Dingle Bay and Iveragh Peninsula:

This might be a good time to have a second look at the Dingle Fisherman’s Sweater we talked about back before the holidays!

This 1.5 acre property bounds the Foreshore on Dingle Bay and consists of open plan living with 5 ensuite bedrooms and just under 3000 square feet of living space.

A Spectacular Oceanfront Residence!

This light filled and spacious property has been completed and fitted out to the highest of standards throughout. The internal living accommodation is open plan with floor to ceiling windows as well as double doors leading to a patio area overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The property offers a wealth of privacy & peacefulness while the views are second to none.

The property, which was built in 1998, has been finished to a very high standard is only a short two-minute stroll to Kinard Beach.

This property takes full advantage of the spectacular views with a large open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area with lots of windows (double-glazed), and French doors to let in light and fresh, ocean air.

Spend some time on your the local beach and then head into Dingle Town and its amenities – a mere ten minute drive.

Asking price for this property is $738K US.

For more images or to contact the owner, visit Viviun.com

Here are some of the top-selling products from 2011, and a new addition or two for 2012. If you’re planning a little Spring Break escape as I am – now is a good time to start thinking about beach accessories you’ll want and need.

Developed for military use, this Sandless Beach Mat is impossible to cover with sand.

Used in military applications to contain sand and dust when helicopters land and take off, the mat is made from two layers of patented woven polyurethane that instantly filter sand to the beach as soon as it falls on its surface. The specially woven polyurethane acts as a one-way filter to prevent sand from reemerging through the bottom of the mat.

The 64′ sq. mat, (available in two sizes) also eliminates dirt, dust, and water from its surface, ensuring a perpetually clean outdoor expanse for camping or watching a concert.

Winner of a Gold Medal at the INPEX Invention Show, this is the only folding beach chair that swivels 360º, allowing you to always face the sun without getting up! I call it “The Smart Chair.”

The Suntracking Beach Chair swivels smoothly on steel ball bearings that are sealed by a rubber gasket to keep sand and dirt out. The chair reclines to three positions, a removable pillow provides head and neck support, and an integrated canopy offers shade or flips behind the chair when you are sunbathing.

I take my dog with me on every vacation. Leave it to the folks at Hammacher Schlemmer to consider the needs of a Black Lab on a hot beach!

This Canine’s Instant Sun Shelter provides a 4′ wide shelter that sets up in seconds to protect a canine from sun, wind, and rain. It opens like an umbrella and stakes to the ground with the included six metal anchors, ensuring stability on blustery days.

The durable 210-denier polyester canopy blocks 99.7% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays for a UPF rating of 50+–the highest attainable. Two side panels unfold and stake to the ground to prevent sun, wind, and rain from penetrating the flank, and two screened windows unzip to allow refreshing cross breezes.

Taking a book – or ten – to the beach with you this year? Block the glare and avoid the headache with a pair of these Clarity Enhancing Sunglasses.

Unlike traditional sunglasses that darken your vision, these use optical technology developed by NASA to make objects appear more vivid while blocking 100% of UV rays and shading eyes from sunlight.

Based on the glasses designed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to protect astronauts’ eyes from solar radiation, the polarized lenses filter blue and violet light rays that can impair vision, yet allow sight-enhancing green, yellow, orange, and red light rays to reach your retina. As a result, objects appear more distinct and distortion is greatly diminished. The stainless nickel-silver frames have a gunmetal finish, adjustable, non-slip nose pads, and spring hinges.