This last week the husband and I have been spending all of our time in the same setting doing the same activities, as I’m sure everyone has. We’ve been laser focused on our property investment business, trying to close an exciting offer. I’m excited to say that as of late Thursday night we had our offer accepted on a property bursting with potential which I can’t wait to show you. I promise to do a whole blog post dedicated to it once the paperwork is signed. I’ve also been trying to finish my wardrobe up-cycle project this week, which to be honest, is taking far too long. As much as I love being the mother to two rescue sausage dogs, they malt hair like its going out of fashion. So imagine my dismay at checking my nicely painted wardrobe and spotting several black dog hairs in final coat of paint. FFS. Cue an aggressive sand-down, its now ready for another ‘final coat’. I WILL finish it next week.
If there’s one thing I’m thankful to the lockdowns of 2020 and now 2021, it is the time and space it has provided us, to cast our eyes closer to home, and discover a renewed appreciation for the greatness our United Kingdom has to offer. Weekend breaks in the UK, from the Isles of Scilly to the Isle of Skye, are serious contenders in the European leisure & tourism industry– and with sustainability at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now, trading holidays in far-flung destinations for escapes in Britain seems increasingly like a win-win.
There will come a time however, where we will return to work, return to cramped public transport and to traffic jams, and return to bustling cities. As the pace of life returns, it will become even more important to spend our weekends doing activities that rejuvenate and reenergise. We will rebound to complaints that our weekends aren’t long enough, and over time risk feeling worn out and, well, a bit meh.
If you want to make your weekend pass more slowly, neuroscientist David Eagleman, Stanford University professor and author of The Brain: The Story of You, reckons the key is to seek out newness — new settings and new activities. “When you go and experience something novel, it seems to have lasted longer,” he says, because you’re more focused on collecting the unfamiliar information into a memory. A weekend getaway, for example, will seem much longer than a weekend spent at home. A weekend spent at home, if you spend it exploring new parts of town, will feel longer than one where you hole up at home on a Netflix binge. Therefore I encourage you all to take some time to plan your weekends, when we’re able to of course. Enjoy the process, find solace in window shopping and planning the next adventure in a new environment. It can be just the trick if you’re feeling a bit disenchanted by the current state of affairs. Plus you’ll be connecting with small businesses who are desperately trying to keep their businesses afloat and plan for the future. I’ve created this list as a promise to myself, to explore my part of the world – the South West. A bucket list of all the places I want to visit as soon as Boris gives the green light. This week’s blog post is a love letter to Cornwall, an ‘I’ll see you soon’ note. And if you’ve never visited Cornwall, I hope this article inspires you to come say hi.
THE PIG-at Harlyn Bay, Padstow
Set within a 15th-century manor just outside of Padstow, THE PIG’s Cornwall property boasts a “25-mile” menu built around the likes of Newlyn Turbot and Porthilly Mussels, paired with organic vegetables and fresh herbs from their kitchen garden. For a sense of total immersion in nature, forgo a room in the Main House in favour of one of the Garden Wagons, set within the rambling grounds. In the summer, the crashing waves of Constantine Bay can be reached via a footpath through poppy fields. They also offer spa treatments at their Potting Shed spa. A place to disconnect and unwind.
Barbara Hepworth Museum, St Ives
As someone that loves a bit of art and the contemplation it evokes, I’m looking forward to being able to see Barbara Hepworth’s modernist sculptures in the garden of her St Ives home, where she lived and worked for more than 25 years, taking inspiration from the exquisite Cornish light. During the summer months, it provides a slice of quiet, away from the tourist-filled streets in St Ives harbour, where you can enjoy the sounds and smells of the ocean as you wander the garden.
St Michael’s Mount
Iconic Cornwall. There are a few places in Cornwall that are labelled as the “must visits” and St Michael’s Mount is one of them. Located in Marazion, St Michael’s Mount is only accessible at low tide, which only adds to the air of wonder and mystery of the place. The Castle has been home to the St Aubyn family since 1650, however the earliest buildings on the mount date back to the 1200’s, and may have been the site of a monastery from the 8th to the early 11th centuries.
Fallen Angel, Mousehole
Built in April 2015, Fallen Angel is a hidden gem overlooking the harbour of Mousehole, with the ethos ’the most romantic home for two’. Aside from what you would expect from any other high quality holiday stay, you can enjoy a bath (for two) in the oversized brushed steel bath overlooking the gardens, the shower with equally stunning views, underfloor heating and log burner. Every need has been considered, from power blinds you can operate from bed, to sweeping windows giving incredible views. Not to mention the fact that all of the neighbouring houses below don’t have windows facing back, meaning you can walk around in your birthday suit all weekend. Fallen Angel also offer a wide range of extras such as a private chef & seasonal local fresh fish platter deliveries to enjoy in front of the fire pit with a glass of bubbles.
Pedn Vounder Beach
Pedn Voudner is located next to Porthcuno – one of Cornwall’s most loved and picturesque beaches. I found an image of this beach online, and could not believe that the photograph had been taken in Cornwall. Of course, Cornwall is beautiful but this picture looked like it had been taken in Thailand – the white sands and turquoise waters have left me desperate to go and see it in the flesh.
the Scarlet Hotel, Newquay
You can indulge in all kinds of relaxing diversions at the Scarlet – cliff-top hot tubs, a natural reed-bed swimming pool and an Ayurvedic inspired spa. The Scarlet was designed so that almost wherever you are, you can enjoy far-reaching views of the beach and sea beyond. The bedrooms and suites feature free standing baths, walk-in showers, sea views and private gardens. Most importantly, the Scarlet is a hotel for grown ups and they allow dogs. Yep, you heard me. I can’t wait to sit in one of the cedar hot tubs with a glass of champagne, and look out over the bay with the fresh Atlantic breeze on my face. A luxury eco hotel- the perfect location in which to restore equilibrium.
Walk Lizard Point to Kynance Cove
This walk around the Lizard Peninsula, the southerly tip of mainland Britain, takes in dramatic cliff scenery, rare wildflowers and stunning beaches. Kynance Cove has a sandy beach and islands of serpentine stone. The bay attracted visitors in Victorian times and still captivates people today with its crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. I’ve attempted to visit a few times and always left it too late in the day and been put off by the crowds/traffic. However I swear to venture there this summer, and swim in that blue water.
The Eden Project
Yes I know, I know. Eden Project is a monolith of a place, and any question is it worth the hype. I’m aware of the controversy that surrounds this place, to those that don’t know, The Eden Project isn’t loved by a lot of Cornish folk. Still, I enjoy horticulture and find both Eden and the Lost Gardens of Heligon completely fascinating. I’ve visited LGH previously and absolutely loved it. Their collection of tropical plants is absolutely jaw-dropping.
Pebble House Hotel
With stunning natural beauty on the doorstep, this effortlessly romantic space, with 180-degree ocean views, is designed for the ultimate escape. An adults only hotel means that you are free to relax and unwind in peace. Situated in Mevagissey, one of the oldest fishing ports in the county and still boasting a working harbour. Be sure to wander down to the village for an evening drink, you might even be lucky enough to hear some sea shanties from the locals. Note – I have actually visited Pebble House, we stayed here on our honeymoon and fell in love with it. We want to go back.
Porthcurno Beach
Described by some as paradise, Porthcurno Beach, located in the far west of Cornwall has won many awards and it’s easy to see why. If you ever visit the incredible Minack Theatre, you’ll find yourself admiring the views and look down to discover gorgeous white sand washed by a sea that turns turquoise in the sun. With high cliffs on both sides providing shelter, Porthcurno beach is an oasis of stunning natural beauty.
Lauren Heart 