Travel over land and sea to these cute cottages. Andy Cooper checks out the latest hotspots by the coast.
The Millbrook Inn at South Pool has always been one of my favourite pubs, but there was always a sense of sadness when leaving at the end of an evening. It always seemed a shame to have to leave such a fine establishment behind. But now, thankfully, salvation is at hand.
That’s because the pub – which nestles in this gorgeous village at the top of a creek in Devon, has just announced the opening of two beautifully restored cottages, Land and Sea, offering luxurious accommodation to visitors exploring the stunning South Hams region.
For decades the Millbrook Inn has been a well-loved gem for travellers and locals alike, exuding character and ambience. These stunning new cottages, just a few feet away from the pub offer the perfect excuse to pause, stay and savour everything this beautiful destination has to offer. Like the Millbrook Inn, they are both dog-friendly, ensuring no family members are left behind during your stay.
Land accommodates up to four guests in its two beautifully appointed bedrooms. There are two meticulously designed bathrooms, one with a freestanding bath and shower, an impeccably equipped high-spec kitchen and an artfully curated interior with original art. There’s also access to a private, sun-soaked garden, and convenient private parking.
Sea is the second jewel in the Millbrook Inn’s crown, continuing the theme of excellence. Designed for five guests, this cottage offers two super king bedrooms (one convertible into a twin) with en-suite shower rooms, spacious open-plan living areas with French windows and garden access, a comfortable sofa bed in the living room, a high-spec kitchen with modern appliances, direct access to a serene private garden, and private parking for added convenience.
Land and Sea are both equipped for a self-catering break and the two cottages can interconnect to accommodate groups of up to nine people, but guests are encouraged to dine at the Millbrook Inn just across the road for an exceptional experience.
And a stay in one or both of the cottages is, of course, the perfect excuse to pop over the road for an exceptional meal at the pub itself, where head chef Iain Dawson and his team put seasonal ingredients at the forefront of all they do.
Go on these coastal adventures.
SKY HIGH ADVENTURES AT HOTEL
With dark nights at this time of year, The Beachcroft Hotel on the beach in West Sussex is launching a new stay for winter to allow guests to enjoy the International Dark Sky Reserve of the nearby South Downs National Park.
The stay includes a Dark Sky Guided Walk with Pied A Terre Adventures led by a hugely experienced and qualified local guide, who will help guests experience the vast open skies, as well as share information on the fascinating natural history and geology of the area and teach some night navigation skills. Walkers listen for nocturnal wildlife, soak up the 360 degree panoramas, spot Sussex villages, local landmarks and the coastline.
beachcroft-hotel.co.uk/special-breaks/dark-skies-experience/
WHEELY GREAT WAY TO SEE THE COAST
Wild camping and experts Wild With Consent have announces a new partnership with the brand new East Anglia 350; a new route which has launched for 2024. Together, they have created three bespoke self-drive 4×4 defender experiences allowing guests to get off-grid legally and explore all corners of this captivating the eastern region.
The new 350-mile driving route enables guests to explore the wild Norfolk Broads, unspoilt coasts of north Norfolk and Suffolk and wildlife-rich Breckland countryside. With expansive flatlands, patchwork fields, waterways teeming with diverse wildlife and windmills dotted across the landscape as well as fascinating medieval villages and historic landmarks along the way, East Anglia is a treasure trove for those wanting to get off the beaten track.
Grace Fell, founder of Wild With Consent, comments, “We are very excited to be teaming up with EA350 to provide a new way to get off-grid, away from the crowds and under the skin of this very special region.”
wildwithconsent.com; eastanglia350.com
ISLAND OPENING FOR HOTEL COLLECTION
Another Place – the collection of active-oriented lifestyle hotels that creates new guest experiences from stargazing swims to treehouse baths – has announced its first hotel in Scotland.
Terms have been agreed to add The Machrie to the Another Place collection. The hotel is located on the Isle of Islay, “the Queen of the Hebrides” and consists of 47 bedrooms and lodges, along with a world-renowned championship links golf course built along the beach at Laggan Bay, with rolling dunes and abundant wildlife.
The planned acquisition follows the success of a month-long pop-up in August 2023. This collaboration crystallised the opportunity of The Machrie’s incredible location and property for the Another Place brand, which focuses on introducing guests to memorable experiences in wild and elemental settings, before coming inside to good food, drink and company.
Says Another Place founder and executive director, Will Ashworth: “The Machrie is the perfect fit for Another Place, providing a stunning island setting for active yet relaxing breaks, from wildlife boat trips to whisky tasting, sea loch oyster shacks to surf spots.”
THREE TO TRY…
Here’s three lovely products Coast loves this month for life on the beach:
SUPERBLY STYLISH
If you’re looking for stylish shoes and boots for your feet whilst on your coastal adventures then look no further than the amazing range from Vionic, including the comfortable Ashburn boot (£180).
The Vionic range offers everything from slip-ons to slingbacks and you can be assured of stepping out onto that coast trek or relaxing on your staycation with stylish, practical footwear in tow. See the full range at vionicshoes.co.uk.
SEE RED FOR A BRILLIANT BACKPACK
The all-new Adventure Waterproof Backpack from Red is truly the Swiss Army Knife of bags with an exceptionally durable and uncompromising design that has your back even in the most challenging conditions. Red’s new bag is the ‘go-to’ accessory for everything from daily commutes to daring adventures. The 30L rucksack has bags of appeal, with the recycled 420D custom-built waterproof fabric impermeable. It is available in Obsidian Black, Storm Blue, and Olive Green colours. red-equipment.co.uk
BROUGHT TO HEEL…
Iconic Tasmanian brand Blundstone has been making boots for women since 1870 and their world-renowned reputation for designing stylish yet practical boots reaches new heights with the all-new women’s high heel series which here at Coast we love!
Blundstone has delivered an undeniably stylish and uncompromisingly comfortable high-heeled boot – available in black, brown and pearl white – which taps into Blundstone’s Comfort System and XRD® Technology to make these boots a breeze to stride out in and keep wearers on their feet throughout the day and well into the night. blundstone.co.uk
