Bijou Boltholes

Offering spacious, luxurious holiday accommodation, Castlebar is ideal for families and friends wanting comfortable surroundings with excellent amenities in a very accessible location. Set back from the main road with gated access and plenty of parking, Castlebar is a substantial detached home which offers all the comforts one expects from a holiday home including Wi-fi and Sky TV. The entrance hallway features a cocktail arcade machine, and the ground floor offers contemporary living with a large living room and a spacious, well-equipped kitchen/dining room leading to a games room which overlooks the garden. There are also 2 bedrooms on the ground floor, one with an en-suite shower room. There are a further 4 bedrooms on the first floor, all of which have a Freeview TV. The master bedroom also has its own dressing room and en-suite bathroom. Enjoy a barbecue in the large enclosed garden, complete with a private hot tub and cycle store. There is an electric vehicle charging point available free of charge.

Thanks to its proximity to the road network and with so much to see and do within easy driving distance, Castlebar makes the ideal touring base. It is conveniently located close to the Fylde Coast and just 5 miles from the popular seaside resort of Blackpool. Poulton-le-Fylde is just 1½ miles away which has a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. There are also lots of family friendly pubs in the area as well as play centres for the children. Activities available locally include golf, fishing and horse riding, as well as plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling.

Blackpool, whose many attractions include the famous Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach, Sea Life Centre, Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Zoo and Sandcastle Water Park, is just 5 miles away. For a more laid back seaside experience, Cleveleys, 5 miles, has an award-winning seafront, and the cosmopolitan town of Lytham St Annes, 13 miles, is famous for its 5 championship golf courses and annual Proms. Other places within easy driving distance include Preston, 15 miles, and Lancaster, 20 miles. Lancashire’s beautiful Ribble Valley, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are all within an hour’s drive. For those who prefer to leave their car behind, there is a good public transport network in the area with buses from the main road into Blackpool. Alternatively, trains run from Poulton-le-Fylde to Blackpool, Manchester and Preston. Beach 5 miles. Shop 50 yards, pub 1 mile and restaurant 1½ mile.

Situated on the most accessible of the west coast islands and straddling the Highland Line, this spacious, detached, country house with large deck and its own hot tub, boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. Most rooms enjoy sea views, the 6 bedrooms each have a TV, and some have a DVD player. Chandlers is full of elegance and charm and enjoys a cosy snug area with comfy sofas and a bar, which can be stocked to your requirements. The music room has a grand piano, guitars and amps for budding musicians, while the impressive dining room can easily seat 20.
A popular destination for fishing, the inland lochs are popular with anglers for coarse and game fishing. Loch Fad offers the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout, and is only 3 miles away. Relax as you explore the gently, undulating hills, catch glimpses of the wildlife and marvel at the vistas. For such a compact island, Bute offers varied landscapes from the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island’s heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline. A haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, Bute has a wealth of wildlife to spot including feral goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay which is set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is the home of a large colony of seals.
There are many historical sites to visit including the standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St Blane, and the vitrified Iron Age Fort at Dunagoil. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute, and is open to the public along with its beautiful gardens, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the fabulous gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig.
There are many events throughout the year, including the famous annual Jazz Festival, the spectacular Highland Games, traditional agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals; whatever your interest it can be found on the Isle of Bute.
Catch the ferry for the 5-minute trip to Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula and explore Argyll’s Secret Coast where you have easy access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, or head north to Inverary and beyond. Take the ferry from Portavadie over to Jura and Islay, and Tarbert where you can explore Kintyre. The house is licensed for weddings and many extras can be arranged such as catering, prior to arrival direct with the owner. Beach 40 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.There is also a loch/sea just 40 yards from the property.

The owners have done an exquisite job bringing Coillemore House back to life. It’s been completely renovated and awaits visitors to enjoy its wonderful interiors and extensive gardens, in a truly spectacular situation. The location really cannot be overstated. Coillemore House sits just above the village of Balmacara on National Trust for Scotland land and enjoys views of the sea and the Isle of Skye. Across the tidal waters of Loch Alsh lonely Sgurr na Coinnich stands tall on the island. The house is over 150 years old and is bursting with character. Attractive is one word to describe Coillemore, it’s pleasing on the eye, and the more time you spend at the house the more difficult it is to leave. You have the added benefit of a private, wood-fired hot tub during your stay- please note that this is heated via a stove and so takes longer to warm up than a conventional hot tub. It’s a charming place, and perfect to spend time away from the rigours of modern life. There are wonderful local walks straight from the doorstep (guides to which will be in your welcome pack). You’ll be surprised that even though some of Europe’s best sights are on your doorstep at Coillemore, once you’re at the house you’ll struggle to head off and explore - it’s that nice.
During your stay, when you do manage to get yourself in the car for some west coast adventures, the choice is overwhelming. There’s world-class hill walking in literally every direction, the Kintail Sisters are several miles to the east and are a highlight of any Munro-bagger. Also beyond Eilean Donan Castle at Dornie is the road to Glenelg, which is well worth a trip for the brilliant Inn, Arnisdale on Loch Hourn, more hillwalking and the jumping off point for wild Knoydart adventures. To the north of Coillemore, following the minor road through National Trust land, often passing the semi-wild Highland cattle that roam the Estate, you’ll reach wonderful Plockton on Loch Carron. Options open up beyond for even more exciting adventures of the rugged, romantic Highland interior, with the Bealach na Bà enticing many over to Applecross. Both Torridon and Shieldaig are spectacular but easily accessible and very popular with visitors.
The real draw though for many staying at Coillemore House is the Isle of Skye, that island out the window, you’ll be over the sea to Skye in a little over 5 minutes from the house and spoilt for choice once again. The south of Skye, the Sleat peninsula, is the quietest part and worth exploring for fine food and drink. The centre and west is brimming with peaks, many the finest in the UK. The legendary Cuillin Ridge awaits, after hiking hills there’s whisky to taste, why not try the world famous Talisker? Fairy Pools to see and lunar landscapes to gawk at up in the north of Skye. Your must sees are The Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and of course the lighthouse at Point Neist. There’s so, so much to see. A week won’t be nearly enough. Coillemore House is simply fantastic, there’s character, comfort and luxury at every corner. Beach 4½ miles.

This lovely barn is on the edge of the family farm, which has been superbly restored in 2021 and extended to provide great family sized accommodation with space for everyone to enjoy. Ideal for families staying together with two separate staircases to the first floor, a large south facing patio with 15ft swim spa, as well as a lawned garden for fun family games.
Just 5 miles from the sandy beaches at Chapel St Leonards and within 15 minutes’ drive you have the traditional seaside resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe, Fantasy Island, Butlins, Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve and The Lincolnshire Wolds. A footpath through the field takes you to the village pub where you can have food, and is a 10-minute walk away, before you return to soak in the swim spa after a busy day out. For those wishing to enjoy a very popular gastro pub there is one at Skendleby approximately a 10-minute drive away.
You can even bring your family pets, with up to three dogs welcome, but please be aware there could be cattle or sheep in adjacent fields. There are very good walks from the door with the area also being very popular for cyclists. Beach 5 miles and pub 1 mile.

This impressive, detached late Victorian merchant’s house enjoys a delightful outlook across the River Torridge to the pretty port town of Bideford with its pastel-coloured houses alongside a tree-lined quay. The house has been completely refurbished in a light and airy contemporary style whilst retaining much of its original charm and character. Equipped to a very high standard and arranged over three floors, there is plenty of space for family and friends to gather, but also to escape to a quiet corner. Pretty gardens surround the holiday property and offer plenty of space for al fresco dining, summer barbecues and for the children to let off steam. The panoramic views from the living areas and many of the bedrooms are breathtaking, and with a fenced 18ft 6in outdoor heated swimming pool, York stone patio with mood lighting, fire pit and teak furniture, hot tub and sheer indulgence of the cinema room with 50in plasma TV, HD projector and 84in screen, surround sound, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PS3, together with two satellite boxes, it will be hard to leave this unique property.
On the doorstep there is plenty to see and do with the famous Tarka Trail 2 minutes’ walk away for walking or cycling. Alternatively, meander around the many delightful shops, pubs and restaurants that Bideford has to offer, with its regular pannier and waterfront markets, all within a 10-minute stroll of the property.
Visitors can take a boat trip to the nature reserve at Lundy Island or explore many pretty fishing villages including nearby Clovelly and Appledore. Instow is just 2 miles away and is a pretty, unspoilt seaside village with large stretches of sandy beaches and dunes, fishermen’s cottages, shops and a good selection of pubs and restaurants specialising in locally caught seafood. The wide, golden sandy beach of Westward Ho!, popular with surfers, is just 3 miles away with Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe a short drive across the Taw Estuary.
There are numerous NT properties in the area including Arlington and Hartland Abbey, as well as the RHS gardens at Rosemoor and Docton Mill. Hartland Quay and Lighthouse are well worth a visit and for family fun, the Big Sheep and the Milky Way Adventure Parks are close by. Golf, riding, fishing, surfing, mountain boarding, karting and high ropes are available locally and the wild beauty of Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin moors are all within easy driving distance, as is the famous Eden Project. With so much to discover in this lovely part of North Devon, this is the perfect holiday choice. Shops and pub within ¼ mile.

Situated between wild Dartmoor and the holiday town of Paignton, Newbarn Farm is the perfect base for exploring dozens of attractions. The farm really does have everything: glorious views, barbecues, even a football field. There are lots of special touches to make your holiday magical, and adults will love the breathtaking views.

As you meander down the private drive to Newbarn Farm, you’ll discover just how special it is, and a haven you’d never expect to find just a stone’s throw away from so many amenities. Newbarn Farm is home to several holiday cottages, each with its own character and charm. Renovated to a very good standard, each cottage is extremely thoughtfully equipped, and is ideal for families, for friends to get together, as well as couples, and offers all the creature comforts to help you relax after exploring Devon. If you want a ‘good for the soul’ living experience, the complex is close to an abundance of fine dining and is relatively close to Michelin Star restaurants. It is central to a plethora of food fairs and shows, which after having visited, you can relax outside, barbecue some steaks, open some claret and champagne and watch the hot air balloons float across Dartmoor. When you have pampered your palate, take a walk from the property, with or without your dogs, and admire the sea views. Just before you go to bed at the end of a perfect day, look up to the night sky, ablaze with stars arching across the world and sliding down over Dartmoor, then wake up in the morning to the plaintive cry of a buzzard, the call of a pheasant, or watch the deer and trace the occasional fox slinking along the hedgerows.
Ideas about what to do on holiday include experiencing wild Dartmoor and enjoying Devon ice cream in Paignton. Or take a birdwatching trip from the harbour. You can do nothing or everything from your holiday base at Newbarn Farm which is situated on the south coast of Devon. It is in an ideal location for fishing with well-stocked, tranquil lakes easily accessible. The county promises to leave a lasting impression, and with breathtaking scenery; it is the perfect place to introduce the family to carp and specimen fishing. There are a number of lakes at the property and payment is available per day, or you can get a 24 hour ticket to go night fishing. Walkers and hikers can also enjoy the wild and rocky coastline, which is ideal for birdwatchers, dog walkers, or just to enjoy some peace and quiet. South Devon has much to offer including Paignton with its steam railway, which will take you to Dartmouth. The award-winning Paignton Zoo makes a great day out for the whole family, and there are sandy beaches at Goodrington and Paignton. Take a trip to Brixham and nearby Dartmouth to see the castle and take a boat trip around the bay. Torquay has a theatre with many shows, the Living Coasts (a coastal zoo) is ideal for a family day out, and there are also many NT properties close by including Agatha Christie’s summer home Greenway. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Degnish Farmhouse sits proudly alone within a 1100-acre working hill farm at the western end of Loch Melfort and has spectacular panoramic sea and adjacent island views. Surrounded by abundant wildlife, including otters, seals and birdlife and with easy access to golf, horse riding, sea kayaking, fishing and sailing, this comfortable south-facing detached holiday property offers a perfect retreat in a glorious setting.
The house has been lovingly re-built to a very good standard, with underfloor heating, double glazing and an emphasis on the wonderful views.
Ideally based for exploring the west coast, there are plenty of ferry trips nearby to Mull, Arran, Gigha, Islay, Colonsay or Tiree. The bustling harbour town of Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, is a scenic drive north and is home to an array of shops and restaurants. Inveraray Castle, historic Kilmartin Glen, and the Crinan Canal make for wonderful days out. Ardmaddy Castle and Gardens are 3½ miles over the hill, and can be accessed on foot, by 4-wheel drive or via the road to Seil Island. Guests enjoy free access to the gardens and are also welcome to use the estate’s tennis court. Small motor boats can be hired at Ardmaddy. Free fishing can also be arranged on the estate’s well-stocked hill loch.
There are plenty of hill and forest trails for mountain biking and leisurely walks, or visit one of the magnificent local gardens. Whilst there is the farm and miles of coastline to explore, there is also an enclosed garden and covered outdoor BBQ area ensuring the safety of younger children whilst allowing the grown-ups to enjoy an al-fresco lunch. Shop and pub 5 miles.

This family-friendly home offers style, comfort, and an incredible amount of attention to detail has been given when furnishing each room, to ensure guests have all they need to enjoy their stay. On the ground floor, the area combines a new and fully-equipped kitchen/dining room with a stunning solid wood floor. The spacious dining area has a family table and chairs arrangement that seats up to ten guests. The kitchen has a fabulous Rangemaster Classic delux range cooker, the whole area benefits from underfloor heating.The property boasts a lovely blend of modern-luxury and original furnishings. Family artwork of local landmarks throughout and thoughtful touches all combine to give the house its special character. The first floor hosts the family living quarters, which provide stunning views of the adjacent beach and village. On the second floor, there are two beautiful double rooms, both with French doors leading on to a terrace that overlooks the sights of Pendine Sands. To accompany the two double rooms is a further bedroom which holds a set of bunk beds. To accompany the sleeping quarters there is a luxury family bathroom - with a walk-in shower/wetroom. The third floor is home to the master bedroom, which includes an elegant en-suite equipped with a large shower. Original features of exposed wooden beams and the picturesque views on offer make this been a truly special setting.
Outside, discover a large stunning terrace, with elegant glass railings, equipped with a family Jacuzzi - which seats up to seven, a charming summer house, two separate seating areas with a cube table and chairs arrangement, there is also a gas barbecue on the terrace for al fresco cooking. Across from the property, there is a large enclosed grassed garden - perfect for children to play.
Sitting proudly above Pendine Sands and the village of Pendine, Edith Villa provides the ideal opportunity to escape for a seaside break, with the local shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs being just a stone’s throw away. Morfa Bay Adventure is a great outdoor residential centre and specialist adventure activity provider, offering a wide range of activities and outdoor experiences.
The Boathouse Museum has a long history associated with the water trade of the estuary but became famous as the home of Dylan Thomas from 1949 to 1953 - the last four years of his life. He worked in the boatshed, writing some of his most famous works while looking out over the water, and the influence of this ’heron priested shore’ is evident in his work.

Kingates Farm nestles between the beautiful villages of Whitwell and Niton, on the southern point of the Isle of Wight. This wonderful holiday cottage includes many facilities to enable you to explore, unwind and indulge yourself in stunning surroundings. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the location offers guests amazing panoramic views of rolling hills, nearby white cliffs and the coastline. This self catering holiday property have been converted from original farm buildings and offer spacious accommodation, enclosed gardens and paddocks with direct access to foot and cycle paths.
The Stables is a perfect romantic break for two. This detached, single-storey property has vaulted ceilings, a well-equipped kitchen and a cosy wood burner. You can enjoy a peaceful nights’ sleep in the super kingsize bed, and the en-suite boasts a roll-top bath and large walk-in shower. Step out of the large patio doors to a private seating area with a barbecue and enclosed garden with far-reaching views to watch the abundant wildlife.
A welcome hamper will be waiting for you on arrival with fresh milk, butter, eggs, homemade bread and local produce (extra supplies and/or dietary alternatives available on request). All produce is locally sourced where possible and you are welcome to seasonal fruit or vegetables from the main garden.
Friendly, sociable adult dogs (over 12 months old) are welcome on holiday too but NOT left alone unless totally happy/settled in and agreed with owner in advance, while making use of the pool. They have their very own pet hamper with a microfibre mattress, towels, natural shampoo, toys, treats and pet ID tag.
There are further gardens, walking paddocks and a central outside hot and cold water hose for muddy dogs, boots or bikes. The owners, who live on-site along with their dogs and animals, are available should you need any help. You are welcome to join them for a walk or cycle to the nearby St Catherine’s Oratory or ‘Pepperpot’, as its known locally, with many options to venture further afield should you wish.
Outdoor pursuits on the island are well catered for and include horse riding, fishing, cycling, paragliding, water sports and golf. There are numerous attractions to discover for all ages. Pay a visit to Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday residence, Osborne House and its gardens, Blackgang Chine, the oldest themed attraction in the UK, the famous Needles, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Tapnell Farm Park, Carisbrooke Castle or the sailing towns of Yarmouth and Cowes. There is plenty to discover and keep you entertained. There are local takeaway options if you fancy dining alfresco and making the most of the wide valley sunset glow. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.
The Stables can be booked together with Farm Cottage (ref UK11246) to accommodate up to 6 guests.

Overlooking the Cardigan Heritage Coast above the magical old smugglers’ cove of Cwmtydu (NT), this exceptionally well appointed property is ideally placed for enjoying the harbour and sandy beaches of popular and picturesque New Quay resort. With its sheltered garden, decked area, sauna, games room and hot tub, Four Seasons is perfect for year round family get-togethers and sits just 3 miles from delightful Llangrannog. Seal and dolphin watching boat trips, red kites and buzzards are all found in the locality – an outstandingly lovely haven for beach lovers, bird watchers and walkers alike. A honey farm and cheese making are among the area’s numerous delights and fishing, golf, riding, water sports, tennis and even dry slope skiing are available nearby. St David’s and its little gem of a cathedral, the lively resort of Tenby, Oakwood, Folly Farm and many other Pembrokeshire attractions and theme parks are an easy day trip as are trips to Ireland from Fishguard. Tree and decorations are provided for Christmas and New Year bookings. Local farm produce shop nearby, shop and PO 50 yards, pub 2 miles.