The latest colour supplement from West Country cottage specialists, Helpful Holidays, features 32 special self-catering properties spread across the region from far west Cornwall to Somerset. Sleeping two to 18 guests, many are new to the agency for 2015 increasing their portfolio to nearly 765 places to stay; pets are welcome at many.  

Prices start from £262 for a low season week in Bell Cottage (ref S68, graded 3 stars), a charming single storey retreat for two set within an old walled garden near Penryn, South Cornwall. At the top price level is Week Farm (ref E100, graded 5 stars), a stunning Georgian manor house set in 98 acres of grounds and gardens near Bath sleeping 18; it's priced from £3,480 (£193pp) per week rising to £5,600 (£311pp) during the peak summer period and £6,275 (£349pp) for Christmas.

Inside Week Farm has been renovated with great attention to detail combining original flagstone floors, huge sash windows and oak beams and floors with luxurious, contemporary furnishings in linen, sea grass and soft blues. It has three reception rooms and seven luxurious bedrooms with six bathrooms; there's also a detached games barn and hot tub for 12 with splendid country views. This stylish and elegant house offers a very special setting for significant anniversaries and memorable family gatherings all year round; concierge, maid service and professional catering are available by arrangement and pets are welcome.   

Other highlights include:

The detached Farmhouse and Cottage at Higher Combe Farm (ref L285, graded 4 stars) near South Pool in Devon's South Hams together sleep 12 in four double and two twin rooms making it ideal for a group or extended family taking a holiday together. A path from the parking area leads to each front door but they share a beautiful enclosed garden. Both properties have lovely views, living rooms with woodburners, dining areas and kitchens, albeit the cottage is on a smaller scale; the handsome Farmhouse also has a beamed/vaulted sun room with a dining table seating 12 so all guests can eat together. Prices start from £932 (£78pp) for a week's stay; pets welcome.  
   
Set on the hillside above Devon's South Sands beach, Lazylands (ref L275, graded 4 stars) has stunning long views through the trees to the Salcombe estuary. Sleeping 11 the spacious, modern detached family house is built on three levels to take advantage of its elevated position. Inside both the stylishly furnished dining and living rooms have sliding doors opening out to the sun terrace to admire the view; there's also an open fire in the living room. Prices start from £1,187 (£108pp) for a week's stay.

Full of history The Walronds (ref G44, graded 4½ stars), a Grade 1 listed late Tudor house in the heart of Cullompton, East Devon, once belonged to the Abbey of Buckland but was sold in 1564 following the dissolution of the monasteries. Its structure has changed little since a 1605 rebuild following a fire and it's now beautifully restored retaining spectacular moulded plaster ceilings, vast ornamental fireplaces, mullioned windows, a barrel ceiling, pannelling and knobbly elm/oak floors complemented by rich fabrics, comfortable furnishings and modern comforts. Sleeping nine, the first and second floors make a fascinating place to stay completely private with their own entrance and peaceful walled garden. Prices from £864 (£96pp) for a week's stay.    
 
Pilgrim Corner (ref F85, graded 5 stars), a chocolate box thatched cottage sleeping eight, is on a quiet road in the oldest part of Minehead, Exmoor's coastal resort. Charming and quirky inside, it's full of period features with ancient oak beams, window seats, a sloping ceiling in the dining room and a farmhouse-style kitchen; the four ensuite bedrooms are named and themed. To the back of the cottage is an enclosed garden with a summerhouse and traditional cedar hot tub with changing cabin hidden at one end. Prices from £506 (£63pp) for a week's stay, pets welcome.     

Ivy Cottage (ref L186, graded 5 stars), a thatched,  detached Grade II listed house for six at Kingston in Devon's South Hams combines 17th century knobbly walls, big oak beams and winding stone stairs with smart modern furnishings. The sizeable living room has an open fire in the inglenook while there's an oil-fired range cooker plus electric oven with induction hob in the cottage-style kitchen/breakfast room; prettily planted enclosed garden at the back.  Prices from £420 (£70pp) for a week's stay.   

Everyone taking a break with Helpful Holidays will receive a free 'What shall we do today?' booklet containing over 80 money saving vouchers for use at a huge range of leading visitor attractions throughout the West Country. It also gives information on local farmers' markets plus recommendations for the best beaches, coast and country walks, places to eat and quirky events.

For a copy of the new supplement and the main brochure call Helpful Holidays on 01647 434063; or search, check availability and book online at www.helpfulholidays.com.

Helpful Holidays topped the Which? Travel recommended provider poll for the third year running in 2014 and has been placed in the top two for a national British Travel Award for the fourth year in succession. The agency is also a Gold Trusted Merchant by Feefo and won The Sunday Times travel editor's choice award at the Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards in 2013.

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For press enquiries, images and a copy of the new supplement please contact:
Pat Edgar, PR Matters, Tel: 01494 764932 / 07836 786043; PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com 

December 2014