We've no names for the new girls yet, or their lambs, so any suggestions?????
Monday, 28 March 2011
New Sheep.
We've got a few additions to our small flock of lawnmowers. Bob, Lambkin and the Wyrd Sisters (and their lambs) have been joined by three rather posh pedigree Hampshire Down sheep together with their lambs.
We've no names for the new girls yet, or their lambs, so any suggestions?????
We've no names for the new girls yet, or their lambs, so any suggestions?????
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Safari in Devon?
Phil and I are planning our first child-free holiday for 18 years! We're off to Kenya later in the year to spend some time with some friends and, the highlight of our trip, to head out on a camping Safari to the Masai Mara and Nakuru.
The idea of safari got me thinking about what we have right on our doorstep here in Devon. Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks are blessed with dramatic scenery and a huge diversity of wildlife. I've been doing a bit of research and have come up with a couple of interesting ideas for guests.
On Dartmoor, Dartmoor Nature Tours offer guided walks, at a lesiurely pace, including butterfly walks, bird tours and funghi forays with a guide who has lived and worked in the area for twenty years.
On Exmoor, Exmoor Wildlife Safaris can offer something slightly different. They drive guests through old green lanes and tracks over moorland and through woodland in the heart of Exmoor (in long wheelbase Landrovers) where you may see ponies and deer in their natural environment. The drivers have good knowledge of the wildlife on Exmoor. The trip lasts about 3 hours and is suitable for all age groups - perfect for non-walkers!
For those who prefer something a little less strenous, why not try Exmoor Zoo, Dartmoor Zoological Park or Paignton Zoo - all within easy driving distance from The Barton and always popular with our guests, particularly those with younger children.
The idea of safari got me thinking about what we have right on our doorstep here in Devon. Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks are blessed with dramatic scenery and a huge diversity of wildlife. I've been doing a bit of research and have come up with a couple of interesting ideas for guests.
On Dartmoor, Dartmoor Nature Tours offer guided walks, at a lesiurely pace, including butterfly walks, bird tours and funghi forays with a guide who has lived and worked in the area for twenty years.
On Exmoor, Exmoor Wildlife Safaris can offer something slightly different. They drive guests through old green lanes and tracks over moorland and through woodland in the heart of Exmoor (in long wheelbase Landrovers) where you may see ponies and deer in their natural environment. The drivers have good knowledge of the wildlife on Exmoor. The trip lasts about 3 hours and is suitable for all age groups - perfect for non-walkers!
For those who prefer something a little less strenous, why not try Exmoor Zoo, Dartmoor Zoological Park or Paignton Zoo - all within easy driving distance from The Barton and always popular with our guests, particularly those with younger children.
Monday, 20 December 2010
Winter ... Brrrrrrr (part 2)
Well, what can I say. Brrrrr.....!
We've had the most amazing wintery weather here in deepest Devon - admittedly along with most of the rest of the country. We've had frozen pipes and water troughs, impassable roads and no post or newspapers for several days, but I have to say that everywhere looks truly beautiful - almost like Narnia!
We've had some snowed-in guests, who eventually got home safely, and we're looking forward to welcoming our Christmas and New Year guests. Hopefully things will be a bit less icy in the next few days. But, it is lovely looking at the cottages decorated with snow:
A very Happy Christmas to all our Guests, past and present!
We've had the most amazing wintery weather here in deepest Devon - admittedly along with most of the rest of the country. We've had frozen pipes and water troughs, impassable roads and no post or newspapers for several days, but I have to say that everywhere looks truly beautiful - almost like Narnia!
We've had some snowed-in guests, who eventually got home safely, and we're looking forward to welcoming our Christmas and New Year guests. Hopefully things will be a bit less icy in the next few days. But, it is lovely looking at the cottages decorated with snow:
A very Happy Christmas to all our Guests, past and present!
Friday, 3 December 2010
Another Celebration
We've certainly had our share of celebrations at The Barton Granary & Brimbles this year! We were particularly honoured that the Copas family chose to celebrate Monte and Doreen's Diamond Wedding Anniversary with a family party at the Granary. Our heartiest congratulations go Monte and Doreen on their fantastic achievement of 60 happy years of marriage!
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Divine Lemon Posset Pots
The most requested desert from guests that I cook for is Divine Lemon Posset Pots.
Almost all of the recipes I cook for guests are my own, but I'm ashamed to say that this recipe first came to my attention whilst reading a Mary Berry cookery book (anyone who knows me knows that I devour cookery books as bedtime reading), but I have adapted the recipe for my own use. Here goes:
To serve 4
300ml of double cream
75g of unrefined caster sugar
The grated rind and juice of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons of kirsch (or brandy)
Heat the cream, sugar and lemon zest in a large pan (a skillet or non-stick frying pan) over a very low heat until simmering. Once simmering point has been reached, stir continuously for a couple of minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and leave to cool until lukewarm
Mix the lemon juice and kirsch (or brandy) with the lukewarm mixture and stir until smooth
Pour into ramekins or wine glasses, transfer to the fridge or a very cool place and allow to set
Serve with biscotti or almond biscuits, and maybe with some raspberries or strawberries on the side.
So, now I've shared the recipe, it will disappear from my menu unless requested!!!!!
Almost all of the recipes I cook for guests are my own, but I'm ashamed to say that this recipe first came to my attention whilst reading a Mary Berry cookery book (anyone who knows me knows that I devour cookery books as bedtime reading), but I have adapted the recipe for my own use. Here goes:
To serve 4
300ml of double cream
75g of unrefined caster sugar
The grated rind and juice of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons of kirsch (or brandy)
Heat the cream, sugar and lemon zest in a large pan (a skillet or non-stick frying pan) over a very low heat until simmering. Once simmering point has been reached, stir continuously for a couple of minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and leave to cool until lukewarm
Mix the lemon juice and kirsch (or brandy) with the lukewarm mixture and stir until smooth
Pour into ramekins or wine glasses, transfer to the fridge or a very cool place and allow to set
Serve with biscotti or almond biscuits, and maybe with some raspberries or strawberries on the side.
So, now I've shared the recipe, it will disappear from my menu unless requested!!!!!
Winter ... Brrrrrrr
I'm sorry that I've been very slack in updating the blog. Life has been somewhat hectic here at The Barton, but things are starting to slow down now, just in time for the Christmas onslaught!
The good news is that we've finished all the improvements and building work.
The swimming pool now has a new liner; the children's play area (complete with climbing frame) is now finished - a big thanks to all who helped us lay 400 square metres of turf; The Granary has a new water pump - which will mean that when the cows all decide to drink at once, the water supply for our guests will not be interrupted; there is now direct access from Brimbles to the garden and a new small patio area, thanks to a new door in what was once the downstairs twin bedroom; and we have converted the carriage house into a store room for maps & guidebooks, DVD's, outdoor games and wellington boots for guests to borrow. Additionally, thanks to a terribly sophisticated bit of kit that I don't really understand, we are, at last, able to offer free wifi access (subject to acceptance of terms) to all of our guests in Brimbles and The Granary!
Photographs will follow on the website and the blog.
Coming soon ..... we have special offers for breaks in January and February - keep checking our website for details.
The good news is that we've finished all the improvements and building work.
The swimming pool now has a new liner; the children's play area (complete with climbing frame) is now finished - a big thanks to all who helped us lay 400 square metres of turf; The Granary has a new water pump - which will mean that when the cows all decide to drink at once, the water supply for our guests will not be interrupted; there is now direct access from Brimbles to the garden and a new small patio area, thanks to a new door in what was once the downstairs twin bedroom; and we have converted the carriage house into a store room for maps & guidebooks, DVD's, outdoor games and wellington boots for guests to borrow. Additionally, thanks to a terribly sophisticated bit of kit that I don't really understand, we are, at last, able to offer free wifi access (subject to acceptance of terms) to all of our guests in Brimbles and The Granary!
Photographs will follow on the website and the blog.
Coming soon ..... we have special offers for breaks in January and February - keep checking our website for details.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Summer days.... drifting away...
Well.... we're approaching the end of the summer holidays! Where has the year gone?
Sadly, the weather has not been so good over the past few days, but our guests earlier in the summer experienced the very best that Devon has to offer during balmy days - beaches, moors, etc. And some of our guests were lucky enough to have crystal clear night skies enabling them to enjoy the annual Perseid meteor shower.
We are closing during September to refurbish the swimming pool and to add one or two new facilities for visitors to The Barton. We are currently preparing the site for our new play area and the builders are moving in to turn one of the carriage houses into a boot/map room where guests will be able to borrow wellies, maps and guidebooks and outdoor toys. We are also hoping (subject to BT granting permission) to offer free Wifi in both of the cottages (using a very sophisticated bit of kit that neither Phil or I really understand!!).
Also, the interior of Brimbles will be undergoing some changes. We are moving the playroom to downstairs and creating a back door offering direct access from Brimbles to the garden and new patio area.
All very exciting - check the website for new photos as the new facilites are finished.
We are really delighted that several of our past guests have already booked for next year. If you'd like us to hold some dates for you for a couple of weeks (past or new guests) just contact us via the website.
Oh and yes!! After several requests from guests I will be sharing the recipe for Divine Lemon Pots on this blog very soon!
Enjoy the rest of the summer............
Sadly, the weather has not been so good over the past few days, but our guests earlier in the summer experienced the very best that Devon has to offer during balmy days - beaches, moors, etc. And some of our guests were lucky enough to have crystal clear night skies enabling them to enjoy the annual Perseid meteor shower.
We are closing during September to refurbish the swimming pool and to add one or two new facilities for visitors to The Barton. We are currently preparing the site for our new play area and the builders are moving in to turn one of the carriage houses into a boot/map room where guests will be able to borrow wellies, maps and guidebooks and outdoor toys. We are also hoping (subject to BT granting permission) to offer free Wifi in both of the cottages (using a very sophisticated bit of kit that neither Phil or I really understand!!).
Also, the interior of Brimbles will be undergoing some changes. We are moving the playroom to downstairs and creating a back door offering direct access from Brimbles to the garden and new patio area.
All very exciting - check the website for new photos as the new facilites are finished.
We are really delighted that several of our past guests have already booked for next year. If you'd like us to hold some dates for you for a couple of weeks (past or new guests) just contact us via the website.
Oh and yes!! After several requests from guests I will be sharing the recipe for Divine Lemon Pots on this blog very soon!
Enjoy the rest of the summer............
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
