The West Country is home to some of Britain’s finest nature reserves, where a rich variety of wildlife can be seen at any time of year.   Somerset is probably one of the best places in Britain for watching the magnificent starling murmerations that take place during the winter months.  If you’re a Springwatch fan, you’ll have heard Chris Packham waxing lyrical about this wondrous display at sunset and sunrise.  Hundreds of thousands of starlings create a swirling mass in the sky before swooping down to roost in trees and reed beds.   By the end of February these amazing birds will be off to their breeding grounds – why not visit Somerset and see them before they disappear?

Turnbridge House near Glastonbury – This stylish and spacious property, close to an abundance of nature reserves, is a perfect rural retreat for a weekend away.

The Dairy, near Cheddar – This super-comfortable former dairy was once part of a working farm in the village of Draycott, which lies between the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels.

The Granary, Edington- Situated in  a small, village  between Glastonbury and Bridgwater, and on the edge of the Somerset Levels, the Granary is an excellent base for exploring this beautiful part of England.

To find out exactly where the starlings are currently ring the Avalon Marshes Starling Hotline on 07866 554 142 and listen to the answer message, or email starlings@rspb.org.uk

We can’t be the only ones lamenting the fact that it’s a long wait until summer.   They say a change is as good as a rest, so wouldn’t it be nice to have a few days away to recharge the batteries during this seemingly interminable winter?  Feel the fresh air on your face, stroll along a deserted beach, put your boots on and trek to the pub for lunch, cycle through muddy puddles and savour the aroma of damp dog.

 It will soon be Valentine’s Day – why not treat the one you love to a romantic weekend in Devon?  Ok, yes, it’s February and it might be cold and wet, but these character cottages are bound to warm the cockles of anyone’s heart. 

Situated in a quiet location just outside the village of Cheriton Bishop, Mounson Lodge has lovely views across a large lawned garden towards North Dartmoor and Heltor Rock.   There’s a real woodburner in the open plan living area, perfect for snuggling up and enjoying a romantic evening with a nice glass of wine.  Days can be spent exploring the moors or visiting Exeter, just ten miles away, where there are some excellent attractions and shops.  Your dog is welcome to come along and play gooseberry too!

Surrounded by countryside walks and within easy reach of the coast, this picturesque area is ideal for a short break during the winter months.  Swallow’s Nest is one of a pair of converted barns situated in the pretty hamlet of Kentisbury Ford close to the edge of Exmoor.  Designed and furnished to a high standard, each cottage has its own private patio.  While you’re in the area, pop along and visit Verity, Damien Hirst’s controversial statue overlooking Ilfracombe harbour or take in a show at the Landmark Theatre.

By the Way Cottage a pretty converted barn nestles in the heart of the Otter Valley close to Aylesbeare Common and the East Devon Way, from which the cottage takes its name.  Although it sleeps four, couples can stay at a discount in low season.  All rooms are stylishly furnished and the lounge features a woodburner.  Wi-Fi is available too. With excellent walking territory and the RSPB Reserve practically on your doorstep, this is one for dedicated lovers of the outdoors and their dog.

After the final book in the Faraday & Winter series, which saw the suicide of DI Faraday, crime fiction writer Graham Hurley starts a new series with DS Jimmy Suttle who moves to the West Country from Portsmouth for a quieter life and is soon in charge of an increasingly complex and frustrating murder case. DS Suttle is all too conscious that time, the pressures of the job and the wreckage of his private life are lengthening the odds against any kind of result.

Western Approaches sees DS Suttle, Graham Hurley’s main character, get to grips with the darker side of life in this seemingly beautiful and idyllic part of the world. It was rowing with the local club on the estuary at Exmouth that gave Graham his starting point for the story, which sees Suttle investigate the death of a wealthy loner who turned up out of nowhere and buys his way into the town’s popular rowing club.

Graham and his wife, Lin, live on the Exe Estuary and rowing is a sport they both love – “It is a wonderful marriage of fresh air, fantastic views, great mateship, superb birdlife and the odd brush with death,” he says.

Why not stay at one of our cottages near the estuary and explore for yourself the picturesque setting of this new thriller.

A stylish ground floor apartment, Sea View is located within a row of elegant houses dating back to the 1900s and which feature prominently on Exmouth seafront. Doors from the lounge/diner open onto a private patio and enclosed lawned garden, leading to The Esplanade with two miles of glorious sandy beach just yards away!

Exe View is a superb property just 250 yards from the stunning, sandy beach with dunes, esplanade, safe bathing, water sports and sailing facilities. This is a perfect base for exploring the numerous delights of Exmouth and East Devon. The property is beautifully designed and furnished to a very high standard.  

On the opposite side of the Estuary is the pretty seaside town of Dawlish. Lockwood is an attractive detached bungalow with its own secluded and enclosed garden. Cyclists and walkers can follow the wonderfully scenic route from Dawlish to Exeter, which runs alongside the Exeter Canal and the River Exe.

The Cedars is a modern, well-presented semi-detached house on the edge of Ashcombe Woods, in a quiet residential area within walking distance of Dawlish town centre and the beach.

If you would like to book any of our properties search our live availability for the latest prices.