Maidenland

If you’ve ever wondered what a traditional Cornish holiday is like, they tend to go something like this;

After an overlong drive through pretty scenes of green pastures and thick woodland, along winding, hedge-lined country lanes, you feel like you’re one “are we there yet?” from pulling over. That’s when there’s a break in the bushes and the bright blue sea winks at you on the horizon. From annoyance to anticipation, the mood of the car changes in an instant, as your holiday-vibes find you once more.

Upon arrival, you explode out of the car all at once, eager to see where you’ll be spending the week. Surrounded by grassy meadows and tall trees, the stage is set for a blissful holiday just beyond the place known as ‘Peace’, and then a left at the sign posted ‘Quiet!’ After admiring the Georgian fairy-tale façade and the surroundings for a minute or two, you step over the threshold to a warm and cosy atmosphere that feels so much like home. With slate floors, large fireplaces, wood burners sash windows and creamy décor, Maidenland’s traditional appeal shines through.

After inspecting the property, the boys have bagsied their beds, the girls have finished unpacking and the chefs are eager to begin cooking in the fully-fitted kitchen. Then in no time, the table is set and dinner is served. There are smiles all-round as shepherd’s pie emerges from the oven, and everyone agrees that the pictures of the house don’t do it justice. After washing up, the kids scarper to the sitting room, to select a film to watch for the evening, whilst the parents retire to the living room, to continue their chinwags over a few glasses of wine. Everyone is catered for at Maidenland, as well as a welcome pack for the adults there’s one especially for the kids complete with games, bucket, spades and frisbee - and even a welcome hamper for your dog too!

The holiday seems to fly by – a mixed bag of all-day trips to Cornwall’s finest sandy beaches, a buzz of excitement surfing the waves, adventurous bike rides up the Camel Trail and gentle walks around Bodmin Moor. Then there are luxurious days of doing nothing at all – you wake up to the morning sun shining in through the windows, slip into one of the snuggly dressing gowns provided and step outside to the rich smell of pine and freshly-cut grass, then head for a dip in the outdoor heated swimming pool (pool towels provided). Best of all, you have the time and freedom to put your feet up in the comfort of the living room, and finally finish that book. Before you know it, evening comes, along with an al-fresco platter of Cornwall’s finest foods below the pergola. Sure enough, Maidenland offers the quintessential Cornwall holiday experience and so much more.

Before long, the bags are packed, the dogs reluctantly climb into the boot and you bid farewell to a holiday home like no other. But don’t fret – there’s always next holiday to return!

Step to entrance. Spacious living room with wood-burning stove. Sitting room. Spacious, beamed dining room with wood-burning stove and slate floor. Spacious, beamed kitchen with tiled floor. Separate toilet. First floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed and en-suite bathroom with hand-held shower over roll-top bath, and toilet. Two twin bedrooms. Single bedroom. Bathroom with hand-held shower over roll-top bath, shower cubicle and toilet.

• Wood-burning stoves - initial fuel included, thereafter available locally
• Electricity, full oil central heating, bed linen and towels included
• Travel cot
• High chair
• Two Freeview TVs (one 30", one 18")
• DVDs
• Microwave
• Washing machine
• Dishwasher
• Fridge/freezer
• Wi-fi
• Large lawned garden with patio and furniture
• Barbecue
• Ample parking
• Outdoor heated swimming pool (39ft x 16ft, depth 3ft to 7ft, open May-September)
• Welcome packs - for adults, children and dogs
• Pets free of charge
• No smoking
• NB: Three steps in garden