I wanted to bake a special cake for my lovely friend Helen's birthday a few days ago (Helen is a marketing whizz who helped redesign both the Halsbeer Farm and Blackdown Yurts websites for me) so I googled 'March birthday cakes' for inspiration. Up popped a gorgeous lemon and primrose cake - it seemed appropriate as I'd only just been sharing pictures of the gorgeous primrose bank along the drive here at Halsbeer in the stunning early Spring sunshine a few days earlier. This cake is perfect for March birthdays, Mother's Day (this year 30th March) and for Easter, any excuse really!

The original recipe was a Great British Bake Off one, featured on the Great British Food Awards website. Theirs was a monster 4-layer cake - bit overkill for my purposes - so I halved the recipe to make a standard 2-layer cake and I also reduced the time it took by cheating on a couple of steps. Much as I would have loved to make my own lemon and primrose curd and syrup I simply didn't have time so instead I bought a jar of good quality lemon curd and skipped the syrup. The cake didn't suffer for it, it was still moist and zingy. I did decorate it with some primroses and violas (edible) and celandine (not edible) flowers and a few sprigs of herbs that were starting to shoot in the herb garden, specifically a trailing rosemary that was already flowering, lavender and chamomile.    

Jump in to 2025 with a cottage stay at Halsbeer Farm in marvellous Mid Devon.

Happy New Year from everyone at Halsbeer Farm holiday cottages! We hope your holiday season was filled with warmth, joy and memories that will last a lifetime. As we step into 2025, we're so grateful for all of you who made last year special with your visits to our beautiful self-catering holiday accommodation.

Now is the time to start planning your next getaway and we’d love to help you make 2025 even more memorable. Whether it’s a peaceful rural retreat to recharge, a fun-filled family break, or a romantic weekend spent walking in the countryside, Halsbeer Farm is the perfect destination for your next escape. 
​
​Read on for a reminder of the features of our holiday cottage complex on the edge of Devon's beautiful Blackdown Hills Natural Landscape (previously Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and for a run down of our 2025 availability, which can also be seen live in the availability calendars on each cottage webpage, which can be visited by clicking on the images below.

​Time for the beach...
 
Sidmouth is one of our favourite beach towns to visit, with a great long beach and promenade, including some red sand up at the Jacob's ladder end (pictured below), great shopping and eateries along the sea front and in the pedestrianised centre. One of our faves.

Here's a link to the Beach Page on our website to get you inspired for your summer hols.

To give our guests maximum flexibility, short stays are now available in all of our holiday cottages with flexible start days for the remainder of April and throughout May (with the exception of Swallow in May half term which is still available for the full week from Friday 24th May). 

To check dates and prices visit the Book Now page where you can search availability according to your preferred arrival date, party size and length of stay. Alternatively look at each cottage's individual page to see live availability calendars. ​Click on the images below.

Three night minimum stay from £110 a night in Apple Cottage and from £150 a night in Cider Cottage, Swallow Barn and Hay Barn. 

The longer your stay the better value the nightly rate. For example seven nights in Apple from £70 a night, and in the three larger cottages from £90 a night.

Spring really is the best time to visit - April and May might just be my favourite months with wildflowers blooming and fresh new leaves unfurling. This is a view from up near Blackborough House looking towards Kentisbeare and Cullompton with our holiday cottages nestled in the trees at the bottom of the hill. 

The stunning Grand Western Canal near Halberton on the Swan's Neck Circular Walk of 2.5 miles. 

This year English Tourism Week runs from 15th to 24th March and our anniversary here at Halsbeer Farm holiday cottages sits bang in the middle of that on 21st March. I can't quite believe we will have been here eight years, living in the farmhouse and running the holiday cottages and Blackdown Yurts. 

We open for the season on Good Friday 29th March and are so excited to have returning guests coming back for Easter week celebrating a grandchild's birthday and a 50th wedding anniversary so big congratulations to them. We just love hosting family occasions here at Halsbeer Farm whether you take one cottage, two, three or all four. It gives us such a sense of pride and fulfilment to see people enjoying spending time together in the surroundings we have created and care for. 

We had a lovely surprise last week when a chap knocked at the door with an aerial photo (top) of Halsbeer Farm from 26 years ago before the farmhouse was extended and the cottages were converted and thatched. It also predates the installation of the driveway across the front field. Back in 1998 the only access was from the rear where the yurts are now located down into the farm courtyard between the house and Apple Cottage. At that time what is now the games room was a dairy and the pond was a slurry pond. The building which now houses the swimming pool was an open sided barn and there was a large dutch barn on what is now the front lawn.

The image above was taken in April 2017 by some guests who took all the cottages to celebrate a big birthday party. It shows just how much the farm has changed since 1998. 

Before half term I spent a great couple of days at the West Country Tourism Conference in Exeter. Not only did I get to enjoy some fabulous Devon pasties for lunch courtesy of Chunk, I also heard from some very inspirational speakers from within the hospitality industry and related sectors.

​The first speaker (Amanda Winwood, founder of Cornwall-based skincare brand Made for Life Organics) was so inspirational and really got me thinking about holidays, wellness and inclusivity. She talked about the importance of our “mental wealth” - a combination of our mental health and our mental wellness. In today's fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety seem to be constant companions, taking time for oneself has become more crucial than ever. One avenue to achieve this balance is through holidays. We need to keep that mental wealth topped up. 

Did you know that the words hospital, hospitality, hostel, hotel and hospice all have the same route word in Latin? Me neither until the question and answer session following Amanda's talk where one of the other conference participants pointed that out. As a fan of etymology I just had to look that up. They all arise from the Latin word 'hospes' - meaning guest or visitor and curiously also meaning the one who provides lodging for a guest or visitor i.e. a host. For more on this check out this post from Merriam-Webster dictionary which explores the origins of these words further.

​Holidays are somewhere you go to feel well - to have a break from your normal routine, to relax in beautiful, restful surroundings, to allow you to recuperate, perhaps from an illness or a bereavement or a stressful time at work - to regenerate one's self. 

Thinking back through history it makes sense that hospitality and hospitals are related - in the past patients would be recommended to stay by the sea or go to the mountains for the clean fresh air or to visit a spa for the healing waters. It's not really any different today - people still go on pilgrimage to beach resorts and the countryside, and to spa hotels for the life-enhancing benefits they bring through the effect of natural beauty on our minds and the opportunity for a nice rest or for healthy exercise for our bodies or both.

​Hospitality is not merely about providing accommodation; it's about creating experiences that nurture the mind, body, and soul of guests. Self-catering cottages offer an environment where guests can personalise their stay to suit their well-being needs. From cooking nutritious meals with locally sourced ingredients (or indeed enjoying a delicious meal out nearby) to practicing yoga on the patio, going for a rejuvenating walk in nature, or stopping to read for a while with a coffee or herbal tea in the conservatory or on the balcony overlooking the pond. Our cottages can become sanctuaries for holistic rejuvenation your way.

One of the hallmarks of hospitality is inclusivity and at Halsbeer Farm inclusivity and accessibility is a top priority for us. Our accommodation is designed to welcome guests of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges, disabilities and illnesses. Our three largest cottages have ground floor bedrooms with ensuite shower wet rooms suitable for those guests unable to climb the stairs to the first floor. For more information about the accessibility of our cottages and facilities see our Accessibility page. And if you have specific needs, for example you might need equipment delivered to assist you during your stay, for example oxygen or mobility aids, then that's not a problem, we've taken delivery for guests in the past, please just ask. 

While at the conference I also learned about an organisation called  Countryside Mobility. They provide off-road mobility scooters, also called trampers, for anyone who has difficulty walking to be able to safely enjoy some of the most scenic locations in the South West. It's run by the charity Living Options which is based in Exeter.

​The closest places to Halsbeer Farm where trampers are available along with accessible toilets and parking are Killerton National Trust (pictured with thanks to Living Options/Countryside Mobility for the image), Powderham Castle, Haldon Forest Park, Hestercombe Gardens and Seaton Wetlands. Slightly further afield are the National Trust's Castle Drogo and Parke and Stover Country Park.

Plus I sat with the lady who runs Exmouth Beach Wheelchairs. They have increased the number of chairs they have available and have also recently installed a hoist. They are hoping to source funding for a Changing Places toilet on the beachfront at Exmouth to make their offering even better than it is already. ​

Devon's lush countryside, breathtaking coastline, and tranquil moors provide the perfect backdrop for a healing retreat. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Guests staying in self-catering cottages have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Devon, whether it's hiking or cycling through wooded trails, walking part of the coast path or enjoying time on the beach, or simply enjoying a peaceful sunset from the comfort of their cottage's patio. Nature becomes a therapeutic companion, offering solace and serenity to weary souls. Spending time in green and blue environments has been shown to be really good for us.

In today's hyper-connected world, true relaxation has become a luxury. Here guests can disconnect from the digital noise (although we do have good WiFi and Smart TVs if you need to stay connected for work or to stream your favourite box set) and reconnect with themselves. Curl up with a good book by the fireplace in the conservatory, unwind with a swim in our heated indoor pool with beautiful views of the countryside, listen to the beauty of the birdsong or gaze at the starlit sky.

Halsbeer Farm provides ample opportunities for mindful relaxation. And if you need a little extra help why not book a therapeutic massage or facial with my friend Sarah at The Cedar Room in Kentisbeare. If there are more than a few of you she may set up her spa room here for the day to do multiple treatments. ​

Our self-catering cottages embody the perfect marriage of hospitality and wellness. Here, guests can escape the stresses of everyday life and embark on a journey of renewal. With a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, nature, mindful relaxation, and self-catering convenience, our cottages offer a holistic approach to holidaying that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. So why wait? Treat yourself to a transformative experience at Halsbeer Farm and embrace the healing power of holidays.

UPDATE: This stay has now SOLD. See you in 2024!

​Swallow Barn has unexpectedly become available again for half term week commencing 20th/21st October 2023.
Swallow is one of our beautiful converted barns and sleeps up to six people in a ground floor accessible kingsize room with ensuite shower wet room, a first floor master with kingsize four poster bed, ensuite walk in shower and balcony, and a first floor twin with full size single beds and ensuite bath with shower over.

One of Swallow's best features is its spacious, light  and lofty living room (pictured above) which looks out onto the front lawn. 

Swallow enjoys shared use of Halsbeer Farm's heated indoor pool, games room and conservatory with wood burner and reading library.

Seven night stays are available with arrival on either Friday 20th or Saturday 21st October: £805 (was £905) which is a bargain £115 per night and just under £20 per person per night for a party of six.

​Visit Swallow Barn's webpage to book

​2024 stays bookable now!
 
This half term break is the last remaining availability this year. We close after half term until Christmas which is already fully booked as is New Year. 

2024 dates are now bookable on our website or contact Katie by email or phone to discuss your requirements for next year. 
 
We open again on Good Friday 29th March 2024.

Wishing you a lovely Autumn. 

Our local village music festival Altitude returns to the Blackborough Beacon  on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July 2023. We unexpectedly have two cottages available again so we've put together a special package for you to be able to enjoy the festival for free while staying in our holiday accommodation.

Book a stay of between 3 and 7 nights' duration from Friday 28th July and receive free Friday and Saturday day tickets to the festival for those staying in the accommodation. Not only that but the stays themselves have also been discounted.

Cider Cottage sleeps up to 6 and is now £1295 for a week long stay (was £1395) or £975 for three nights from Friday 28th July, including free Altitude tickets worth up to £360 (Ts&Cs apply see below).

Apple Cottage sleeps to 3 and is now £770 for a week long stay (was £845) or £570 for three nights from Friday 28th July, including free Altitude tickets worth up to £180 (Ts&Cs apply see below). 

In addition to the festival you can enjoy our heated indoor pool, games room and relaxing conservatory overlooking the duck pond during your stay along with everything else Devon has to offer. 

About Altitude:
Altitude is a community festival with fantastic music held in a field in Blackborough on the edge of the Blackdown Hills. Set up by three friends seven years ago, this small but perfectly formed festival also has fabulous food stalls, a huge bar, two stages and a disco tent, loads of kids entertainment and more. This year's Saturday dress up theme is beach party.

There is even a scratch choir popping up which will rehearse on Friday afternoon and again Saturday morning before performing on Saturday lunchtime in front of a live audience. We absolutely love Altitude to bits and would love to share it with our cottage guests. All profits from Altitude go to the local community and charities such as Devon Air Ambulance. 

Terms and Conditions:
Bookings must be made via our website or via Katie on [email protected] or 01884266699. 
Mention must be made at the time of booking or immediately afterward if you intend to take up the free Altitude Ticket Offer. Put a note on the online booking or email/call Katie to let her know.
If you fail to mention that you will be taking up the offer tickets may not be secured for you. 
Tickets will only be provided once payment for accommodation has been received in full. 
The number of tickets provided will match the number of people staying in the accommodation to a maximum of six in Cider Cottage and three in Apple Cottage. 
The type of tickets provided will be adult, teen or child according to the ages  of the people staying in the accommodation. 
The tickets are non-transferable and no monetary alternative is available.
A shuttle bus may be arranged to collect and return you from our accommodation to the festival site, however should you wish to take your own car to the festival an additional parking charge will be payable to the festival organisers.
In addition to these Ts and Cs you agree to adhere to any Ts and Cs and rules/guidance provided by Altitude Festival to ensure your safe enjoyment of the festival and the safe enjoyment of others. You also agree to adhere to our normal Ts and Cs which are found here.