Higher Menadew Farm Cottages, Cornwall
Higher Menadew Farm Cottages, Higher Menadew, St Austell, Cornwall
Lovely cottages, very friendly owners, lots of on site stuff to do and close to tons of days out options - a fabulous base for a relaxed family holiday!
Simply relax and unwind ... that's what I did when Aggie and I bowled up at Higher Menadew after a busy day on the road - busy FEW days on the road.
Set in peaceful Cornish countryside the cottages are exceedingly comfortable, welcoming and superbly equipped and are ideally situated for Cornwall's attractions and activities. Anita and Andrew are incredibly friendly and helpful hosts and somehow ensure that the place feels like it should when you leave a week later - like your familiar with it. They have children of their own and are well aware that for everyone to have a great family holiday there are two important factors: the children are happy and safe and parents ought to be able to relax and unwind. Higher Menadew with it's fabulous onsite amenities provides for both!
The Holiday Cottages
These superb cottages are graded 4 & 5 Star "Gold" and have also achieved a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
Designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind the cream tea to greet you is an immediate hit - or was with me! Then you can enjoy the exposed wooden beams, classic wooden floors and comfortable furnishings, as well as all the mod cons that ensure that you don't miss your homely comforts. Wood burners provide for cosy evenings in - full central heating and double-glazing make the cottages perfect for a break any time of year.
The kitchen is fully equipped ready to prepare any meal. Washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets are thoughtfully supplied - as are the child friendly tumblers, bowls and plates to help make meal times easier! A dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and fridge/freezer, or fridge with freezer compartment, come as standard. A tumble dryer is centrally located for your use.
All cottages have double or full sized single beds; some are on one level. It must be said that both Aggie and I slept like babies - the beds are fabulous. Cottages with stairs are equppied with stair gates if required - also handy to block off external doors! For little ones quality wooden cots and stable and safe highchairs are provided (please note cot linen is not supplied).
There are quality LCD flat screen TVs - important for CBeebies; and, there are DVD players to enjoy the offerings of the DVD library.
You will find lots of info and maps in the Information Area - where you will also find a freezer filled with award-winning delicious curries for a local take out - imagine the joy!
The cottages are ideally suited for those with allergies. None have fitted carpets; duvets and pillows are allergy friendly. Please note that there is a no smoking policy and no pets are allowed.
Things to Do
We love feeding the animals and feed time at Higher Menadew is quietly civilised, thanks in the main to Farmer Andrew's gentle way and his explaining the intricacies of animal feeding. I learnt two new things - see what you pick up! There are chickens to feed and search for eggs from, ducks again to feed and watch waddling about and Ozzie and Ollie, the friendly resident pigs, who will scoff your scraps. Meanwhile, Becks and Archie, the resident pet Labradors, are available for walks around the farm.
For energy busting time there is plenty. The indoor 5m x 10m swimming pool, heated to 30 degrees (that means even I would get in) is simply lovely and spotlessly clean. Armbands, floats and rings are supplied - you will all jump in happy; swimming lessons come courtesy of you!
The giant outdoor trampoline complete with safety netting provides for happy bouncing outdoors, the climbing frame and the big safe grassed area allows for adventurous pursuits of your own making. During rainy days the games room has table tennis, table football, air hockey and a dedicated area for younger guests of 5 and under with a playhouse, play-table and toys.
Days Out
Higher Menadew's central location is ideally situated for Cornwall's attractions and activities. The Eden Project is virtually on your doorstep. Beautiful beaches, truly magnificent coastal scenery, and picturesque fishing villages such as Charlestown, Fowey, Mevagissey and Looe are nearby, as are many glorious gardens and country houses including the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan, the superb Lanhydrock Estate and Pencarrow.
Should you wish to walk the coastal path ask Anita and Andrew all about it, they have almost completed it. You can cycle along the Camel Trail, golf, fish, partake in water sports, visit adventure parks, Bodmin Moor or investigate Cornwall's ancient Celtic heritage for starters. Andrew and Anita are more than happy to share their knowledge and advise on suitable places to visit - just ask.
If you wish to eat out there are some excellent pubs and restaurants, including those in Charlestown and Fowey, and for that special occasion you could try Jamie Oliver's Fifteen at Watergate bay or Rick Stein's in Padstow.
Availability
Short Breaks are available during out of season months - perfect for a little R & R if you have kids that aren't in school! Do ask for your preferred date as flexibility is available for the days that you arrive to the length of your stay.