BOUTIQUE COTTAGE

SELF-CATERING IN STYLE

Gone are the days of leaky showers, creaky beds and bare kitchens – the new brand of self-catering is all about luxury. Jeremy Seal discovers some of the best places where you can enjoy some natural peace and quiet

THE cottage holiday, so long about making do, muddling through and perhaps having some fun in the process, is undergoing something of a transformation. The key under the mat – or the flower pot, as it invariably transpires – is on the way out. Other “charming” staples of the self-catering experience now well beyond their sell-by date include boiler instructions to baffle Enigma code-breakers, ancient bus timetables, beds to fill osteopaths’ appointment books and black-and-white TVs from the 1970s.

If all this sounds familiar, you might have been wondering why you paid good money to eat salad from a saucepan, while listening to a budget CD player killing your favourite album.

The long overdue news is that self-catering is now, in an increasing number of places, being given a serious makeover. Expect fluffy towels and power showers, kitchens to silence the likes of Gordon Ramsay, and the latest home-entertainment systems. In other words, don’t expect to pay for linen or logs.

Service has suddenly become all, with a new breed of small-scale operators who make a professional point of being on hand. Many are also there to supply information about the area, which they know like the back of their hand.

While some cottage owners are simply there to greet you, others may offer to stock your fridge before you arrive. Beautiful interiors, comfortable lodgings and hosts a phone call away are all there to make your stay more enjoyable. Many operators also offer a mix of mid-week and weekend breaks, so you don’t even have to stay a whole week.

So, take a look at our top-five heavenly havens, from Cornwall to County Kerry, and plan your perfect escape.

01 Crooklets View

Bude, Cornwall (Newquay Airport)

This stylishly restored Victorian house sleeps up to 14 people, and overlooks Bude’s surfing beaches. The owners, who manage a portfolio of properties in the area, were really helpful and even did our shopping before we arrived.

After emailing them our list, which included fresh fish, we were not disappointed. They provided a superb bass, which had been caught that morning. With top-notch local food and plenty of exciting places to explore nearby, such as King Arthur’s crag-top castle, Bude is a great destination both for families and couples.

THE COST

From £750 (€1,110) per week, through Breakwater Holidays, tel: +44 (0)1288 355755, www.breakwater-holidays.co.uk

ALSO CHECK OUT

Bangors Organic, tel: +44 (0)1288 361297, www.bangorsorganic.co.uk. This unique “bed and organic breakfast” offers a 100% organic breakfast and dinner, and is accredited by the Soil Association.

02 The Olde Rectory

Whitbourne, Worcestershire (Birmingham International Airport)

This luxury retreat comprises six properties, the largest sleeping up to 10 people. Nestled down a country lane, it’s the perfect place to relax, and the friendly owners are always on hand to help you arrange activities, from quad-biking to fishing and beauty treatments.

They will even supply you with locally made gourmet food, and authentic local beer or cider.

THE COST

From £365 (€541) for two people for two nights. Tel: +44 (0)1886 822000, www.olde-ectory.co.uk

CHECK OUT

The Malthouse Restaurant, Ledbury. Tel: +44 (0)1531 634443. This cosy restaurant serves up modern European cuisine and uses many local and organic ingredients.

03 Sheen Falls Lodge

Kenmare, County Kerry (Kerry Airport)

The magical 300-acre grounds of Sheen Falls Lodge contain, along with the main hotel, three luxury self-catering properties, the largest sleeping up to 10 people. With full access to the hotel’s lounges, restaurants, bars, library and spa, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hotel staff will help you organise bike hire, riding trips and salmon fishing on the river Sheen. Rooms are cleaned daily, and you’ll find a hamper of fresh food on arrival.

CHECK OUT

Hike a chunk of the 215km Kerry Way, Ireland’s longest and most popular signposted trail. Passing through Kenmare, it’s a touch of the great outdoors.

THE COST

From €620 per night. Tel: +353 (0)64 41600, www..sheenfallslodge.ie

04 Bradley Hall

Near Ashbourne, Derbyshire (East Midlands Airport)

Bradley Hall’s Yew Tree Nook is the perfect place for a decadent stay. One of two self-catering apartments, it is actually a converted 17th-century wine cellar. Laid out in opulent style, it sleeps up to six, and has all you’ll need for a memorable experience.

The property is the ideal base to explore the beautiful Peak District National Park.

THE COST

From £300 (€444) for Fri-Mon. Tel: +44 (0)1335 370222, www.ashbourneselfcatering.com

CHECK OUT

Pay a visit to The Original Farmers’ Market Shop, 3 Market Street, Bakewell. Tel: +44 (0)1629 815814, www.thefarmersmarketshop.co.uk. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 11am-4pm.

05 Ladybower Apartments

Ladybower Reservoir, Derbyshire (Manchester Airport)

Created in the former pumphouse of Ladybower Reservoir, these two unique apartments are set against a superb backdrop, offering fantastic views of the Peak District National Park. The rooms feature all mod cons, including a DVD player and dishwasher, and the owners are never far away should you need anything extra for your stay.

Whether you’re walking, exploring the woodland and wildlife on your doorstep, or simply going to ground, the apartments are the perfect place to come back to.

THE COST

From £475 (€703) per week (sleeps four). Tel: +44(0)1433 651361, www.ladybowerapartments.co.uk

CHECK OUT

The award-winning Yorkshire Bridge Inn, across the road, is also run by your friendly hosts.