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.

Can you believe it's June already? We can't.

The weather has been warming our cockles and we are looking forward to the Summer ahead. June is the perfect month to visit our self-catering h0liday cottages if you haven't got dependant children or if you have pre-schoolers.

Enjoy visiting local attractions with fewer people than in the summer holidays, walk the beautiful lanes and footpaths that are brimming over with wildflowers, relax beside the pond, in our glorious conservatory or swim in the heated indoor swimming pool.

And benefit from a special seasonal pricing structure we've put in place for the month of June. Read on to find out more...

To give our guests maximum flexibility and affordability this Spring we have updated our calendars to include weekend and midweek short breaks in our self-catering cottages from 14th April to the end of May. There are Bank Holidays on both Monday 1st May (May Day) and Monday 8th May (for the coronation) and these dates are included as both start and end days so you can save on your holiday from work! 

Our smallest cottage Apple (sleeps up to 3 or 4 with a baby in a cot) starts from just £69 per night for a week in mid-April and is £91 per night for a four night midweek stay and £113 per night for a three night weekend stay. The best value per night break will always be a week or longer, but we hope these shorter stays will provide more flexibility and perhaps allow guests to tie a stay with us in with another location or two to create a mini-road-trip around the county or region. 

Following hot on the heels of last week's Visit England Glamping Accreditation Gold Award for our other accommodation business Blackdown Yurts, we are thrilled to announce that Halsbeer Farm has been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Traveller's Choice award winner. This award celebrates businesses that have received great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. It means that we are considered among the top 10% of visitor accommodation worldwide! How fantastic is that? 

I spent a happy few hours while on holiday myself in Cornwall over the Easter break browsing our Tripadvisor reviews from the last year. It really is great to know that our guests enjoy our accommodation and facilities so much. Read on to see a few quotes from the most recent reviews. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to leave a review after their trip, it really does make a difference to us, it's because of your great reviews that we've won this award. Thank you. 

With the approach of February half term my mind begins to turn to the next school holiday in April. The Easter holidays will soon be upon us so I thought it might be helpful to give a run down of remaining availability for April in our self-catering holiday accommodation in beautiful Mid-Devon. (Other months are available too!)

Our Devon holiday cottages provide a home-from-home experience with the added benefit of a heated indoor swimming pool, games room and light and bright conservatory for all of our guests to use. Situated in a secluded, rural valley in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Our daughter turned 13 this month, I was the same age in 1991 and I clearly remember my father sitting down to complete our family’s census return that year. He explained to me that they happen every ten years and that they are really important. I’ve always carried that with me and I actually get a thrill out of completing our census form. I understand that the government needs information about the current demographic of our country’s population to plan for future development and provision of services, but for me the real beauty of the census is that it helps to unlock the past...