The only downside to our week in this lovely cottage in such a beautiful location, was the one day of light rain in a week of, otherwise perfect, hot sunshine & blue skies! We were so lucky to pick this week in May that turned out to be the turning point in Spring temperatures, but even if the weather hadn't been so perfect, Apple Tree Cottage & Orchard Retreat had plenty of home comforts and entertainment options to keep us well occupied. Books, DVD's and games were all available, plus the new Badminton court & table tennis are really going to be a hit with future guests.
This tranquil streamside setting, with the fantastic fields to wander through, admiring the trees and complete carpet of Wild Garlic was just idyllic, Barney really loved his morning walk and often a quick catch up with his new mate, Moon.
Apple Tree Cottage is beautifully appointed with a well equipped kitchen, plus the sharpest knives we have ever experienced in a holiday cottage, such a relief to be able to slice tomatoes without squashing them!! Comfy sofas, quality beds and a huge bathroom were all icing on the cake, not forgetting the barbecue, which was well used during our week here!
The on site micro shop is a real boon, we made purchases of the delicious local ground coffee, which since we had forgotten to pack any, was a real life saver! Plus really good local charcoal, which was great for the first impromptu barbecue and for the next 3! Next time we hope to make use of the on site wood fired pizza oven!
Vicky, Nick, Maddy & Moon all gave us an enthusiastic & friendly welcome, we felt at home from the word go & thank you so much for the welcome goodies, such a lovely thought, (your home produced apple juice was really delicious).
We hope we can stay at Orchard Retreat again soon, the location is great, easy access to Exeter, the coast and all the lovely woodland & forest walking in Mid Devon. Bickleigh Mill is well worth a wander around & there are numerous National Trust Properties within easy reach. Castle Drogo with it's fabulous views and fantastic access to the Fingle Bridge Gorge walk, much of it alongside the river, is a must and the added bonus is the Café at Drogo serves really good snacks & meals. A visit to Tiverton to walk the towpath or catch a horse drawn boat along the Grand Western Canal, with it's ducks, swans & wildlife is a really great way to while away a few hours.
Thank you all so much for making our stay so great, Nicky, Terry & Barney