The weather has been really hotting up and this is the year that the Brits are actually going to enjoy holidays in the UK.  Where better than England's glorious South Devon coast or heavenly South Wales countryside. http://www.torquay.uk.com/ 

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

The 3 bedroom Barley Cottage on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate  on the western tip of the famous Brecon Beacons is just an hour from South Wales peaceful coastline that has several of the most beaches in the country.  Ealk out of the cottage door for exploring, riding, walking, picnics, waterfalls and swimming should keep all the family busy.  There is an abundance of wildlife, incredible views

Going further afield for your sun, sand and beach? http://www.amisland.com/http://www.amisland.com/  Anna Maria Vacations have some of the best properties on Anna Maria Island on Florida's west coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

Thinking of going to the Brecon Beacons? http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ for the best holiday cottages that South Wales & Carmarthenshire have to offer. History, superb views and 104 private acres of gorgeous countryside including parkland, meadow, woodland, hillside and riverside to explore. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Do you want to visit the West Country and Devon's South Hams this year?The sun is shining and the sea is crystal blue, come on down to Torquay to spend some quality time with your family. The West Wing is newly opened and part of a historic 1923 mansion house in a half acre of completely private gardens right on the edge of the water. A unique property with best quality linens and fluffy white towels, elegant new furnishings and a decor that reflects the 20's with a modern twist.

Travelling further afield then don't miss out on Florida. Over 30 island vacation properties to choose from. Want to be on the edge of 7 miles of peaceful white sand beach, have a holiday villa with its own private swimming pool. Visit our website at http://www.amisland.com/

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Summer is here! The infrequency of the blogs has been caused by some marvellous weather here in Carmarthenshire. I have been out and about on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate enjoying the scenery and the sunshine. Yesterday we relaxed in the garden and were serenaded by the birds, the distant lazy hum of the bees in the Catoniasta by the pond and the smell of new mown grass - there is nothing better in this world. A few clouds drifted by the the azure blue skies and Stripe and Spot lazed in the shade.

Love the West Country? If you enjoy Devon and in particular the incredibly beautiful South Hams area try http://www.torquay.uk.com/ our newly opened West Wing of a 1923 mansion house. Half an acre of private garden to enjoy perched on the top of a cliff on the edge of the crystal waters of Torbay.

Want to try further afield, we have some new properties http://www.amisland.com/ including Great Palms, Palm Villa, Sunrise Cottage and Sunset Cottage. Anna Maria Island lies off Florida's west coast on the sparkling Gulf of Mexico.

What a superb morning, the sun is streaming in through the window. Guests arrived at Wheatsheaf Cottage yesterday and I took them over some new laid eggs for their breakfast this morning. Today Ann & Robbie are travelling up from the westcountry for a little R & R. If the weather stays like this there is nowhere better in the world than The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in Carmarthenshire.
http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/


We came back from Devon last weekend and spent time working on the grounds, the orangery and the greenhouses. Everything is growing -shrubs are bursting into flower, the roses and the grapevines are in leaf and climbing and there were two beautiful black & white wagtails cavorting in the courtyard in the sunshine yesterday. What a terrific place, it never fails to amaze me.

Talking of Devon, down in Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the weather was sunny and warm and the sea sparkled in the bay. Sailboats and tiny fishing boats dot the water. Although I say Carmarthenshire is divine, the South Hams area of Devon also enjoys superb scenery and the views from the West Wing Cottage are panoramic - looking out over the crystal blue waters of the bay from the seafront gardens is an experience not be be missed.

Over in Florida hibiscus are starting to bloom in the gardens http://www.amisland.com/ the pool heating will be switched off and the weather is really starting to warm up. Pelicans and white cranes are seen on the beaches and soon will be the start of the loggerhead turtle seasons. Nature really is amazing on the island - sea grapes, palms and sea grasses fringe the beach and boaters are out in the intercoastal and the Gulf of Mexico enjoying the sunshine.

The carp pond is fed by spring water and at this time of year the water iris are starting to grow around the edge, protecting the fish from the heron. They should be starting to come to the surface soon to feed. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ The pond is also home to a myriad of wildlife including a couple of frogs who languish in the shallows enjoying the spring sunshine. When you walk by they hide under the nearest stone or just freeze, thinking that you can't see them if they don't move, floating suspended in the water.

Down at Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the driveway has just been repaved with brindle pavers and it is lined with daffodils, shrubs and trees emerging from Winter into Spring. The lawns are greening and the flowers in the borders appearing. I never fail to be bowled over by the expansive view of the water that unfolds as you walk through the French windows onto the terrace.

On Anna Maria Island in Florida http://www.amisland.com/ it is time for the white flamingos to arrive in the bay. They don't stay around for long and the flock is an incredible sight to see. Take aboat trip with Captain Don Meilmer out around the island and explore the intracoastal waterway. Ask him to take along a barbeque grill and cookout on a sandy beach or small island. Just pick up a few steaks, a salad and some crusty white mountain bread and you have a feast to enjoy in the sunshine. Washed down with a cold beer or a glass of Californian wine, this is outdoor dining at its best. Anna Maria Island is all about the sunshine and the water.

Choosing a holiday by the sea or in the countyside need not be an issue. Spend some time in both places http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Carmarthenshire is home to 3 holiday rental cottages near the Brecon Beacons is South Wales. Easy access from the motway and set in stunning countryside with unsurpassed views.

For unrivalled sunshine and a relaxed and friendly environment http://www.amisland.com/ you cannot beat Anna Maria Island on Florida's west coast. Fly direct to Tampa. The island lies in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast and is accessed by either of 2 bridges from the mainland.

Torquay's premier vacation rental, The West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/ has one of the best positions on the South Devon coastline.

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Our guests have been enjoying some really good weather recently. All the trees and shrubs have been bursing into bud and house sparrows are nesting in the eaves. I thought the swallows had arrived early but on closer inspection it turned out to be the sparrows. We have been clearing out the wood store and I sorted out some chunks of oak that had been trimmed off when making large beams. We used them on the fire last night and the heat they throw out is enormous. Nothing like relaxing in front of a glowing wood fire at the end of a busy working day.