West Pitt Farm

What do to over Half Term

Sunday 15th January 2012

Just had a great day out at Dawlish Warren followed by lunch at Powderham Castle.  Took Holly and Sally, the dogs, for a run alone the beach.  With glorious sunshine today it was a pefect day out.  Dawlish Warren is only about 30 minutes' drive from West Pitt Farm. 

Dawlish Warren prides itself on being one of South Devon's top family beaches. Distinctive sand dunes and an internationally recognised nature reserve add uniqueness to this nine time European Blue Flag award winning beach.  Dogs are welcome at certain times of year.

Lunch at The Orangery Restaurant at Powderham Castle was excellent.  Althought the Castle is closed until April, outside you are welcome to explore extensive grounds full of natural rugged beauty and relax in the peaceful surroundings. The Castle is set in a fabulous Deer Park, on the edge of the Exe estuary, only a stone’s throw from Exeter.  There are amazing far-reaching views and wonderful wildlife on the estate on a deer park safari.

See www.visitdevon.co.uk website for more information about Dawlish, Powderham and other days out.

Posted in February Half Term by Susanne.
Tags: What to in Devon over Half Term, Dawlish Warren, Beach Day, Powderham Castle, February Half Term, Last minute cottages

Last Minute Discount

Sunday 30th October 2011

Couple only staying discount available for one of our larger cottages, The Carthouse, The Farmhouse, Lake View or Willow Tree.  If you are looking for a cottage with a little more space, excellent furnishings and facilities, perhaps with a woodburner, please do consider one of these cottages.  We are offering excellent discounts for a couple only staying for a short break or a week's stay.

Call Susanne for availability and a tariff  Tel 01884 820296

Posted in Autumn Breaks by Susanne.
Tags: Autumn Breaks, Winter Breaks, Last minute offers, Cottage with woodburner

Summer Holidays 2011

Sunday 31st July 2011

Jack Cavell, aged 7, was delighed with his catch at The Farmyard Pond while staying at West Pitt Farm's Holiday Cottages in July 2011.  He couldn't wait to tell all his friends when he returned home after his holiday.  Well done Jack!

Posted in Fishing by Susanne.
Tags: West Pitt Farm Holiday Cottages, Coarse Fishing in Devon, Holiday Cottages in Devon with fishing

Carp on Mallard Lake

Thursday 30th June 2011

"Thank you for a wonderful day's fishing at West Pitt Farm.  I will certainly be coming back.  Had in excess of 300lb of carp from Mallard Lake while fishing near the outlet pipe.  Lost the top of my pole that day too!!"   Keith from Bideford, Devon  June 2011

Posted in Fishing by Susanne.
Tags: Coarse Fishing at West Pitt Farm, Mallard Lake at West Pitt Farm

Excellent fishing at West Pitt Farm

Saturday 7th May 2011

Paul Warren from Wellington has reported his recent catches on Mallard Lake : "Sunday - 125lbs - 80 fish - of which 5 were crucian best 2lb 3oz - best carp 4lb 13oz - I used 14 elastic - size 16 hook.  Monday - 103lbs - 49 fish - 1 crucian 1lb 8oz - best carp 6lb 10oz - I used 18 elastic - size 12 hook.  I think this proves on the pole you catch more with lighter elastic and smaller hooks at this time of the year."

David Bell visiting West Pitt Farm Fishery for the first time last week: "Just a quick note to say thanks.  We have been at your ponds twice this week and were very impresed.  Having fished all over the southwest we have never found a cleaner or well presented fishery.  We have told all our fishing friends and will be back next Wednesday to have another go.  Thank you once again."  David Bell

 

Posted in Fishing by Susanne Westgate.
Tags: Coarse Fishing in Devon, Fishery in Devon, West Pitt Farm Fishery

The Carthouse

Saturday 7th May 2011

LAST MINUTE, DISCOUNT FOR A COUPLE ONLY STAYING.  West Pitt Farm's latest addition, The Carthouse, is available from June 2011.  This super newly converted barn can sleep up to 10 in 5 bedrooms.  With excellent attention to detail including beds and pocket sprung mattresses from Hypnos 'The Most Comfortable Beds in the World', high thread count linen and luxurious towels, the Carthouse offers a 5 Star experience.  Spacious living room and dining area leading to a south facing terrace with glorious views across the Culm Valley towards Sidmouth.  Fully equipped kitchen with all you will need for a super self catering holiday in glorious Devon.  LAST MINUTE DISCOUNT AVAILABLE ON THIS COTTAGE.  PRICES FROM £490 FOR A COUPLE ONLY STAYING TO £990 FOR 10 PEOPLE FOR THE MONTHS OF JUNE AND JULY 2011 - SHORT BREAKS AVAILABLE TOO.

Posted in Last Minute by Susanne Westgate.
Tags: Last Minute Cottages, Luxury self catering cottage, Group accommodation, Sleeps 2-10

EASTER SHORT BREAK

Saturday 16th April 2011

LAST MINUTE COTTAGE  Lake View Cottage

Super 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom cottage sleeps 7-9 is available from Monday 25th April.  Tariff from £450 to £650 depending on numbers.  Couple only staying discount available.  CALL Susanne for more information tel 01884 820296 or email susannewestgate@yahoo.com

Posted in Last Minute by Susanne.
Tags: Last minute cottage, Easter Week, Holiday Cottage with swimming pool

Planning a party or family get together

Sunday 3rd April 2011

Our large cottages at West Pitt Farm are perfect for birthday celebrations, anniversaries and family get togethers. Lake View Cottage has a large hall where up to 18 can be seated for a meal.  Food deliveries from local farm shops and supermartkets can be arranged prior to your arrival.  We have several suggestions for local chefs should you be keen to have a meal prepared and served for your special occasion.  See our "Planning Your Stay" section on the website.

Last weekend a family stayed for a 60th birthday and with ages ranging from a 2 to 92 years there was something for everyone at West Pitt.  The glorious weather helped too to make the weekend a great success.  The grass tennis court became a excellent croquet lawn.

For their special meal, the family arranged for Denis and Patrick, The Two Frenchs Chefs from Wellington, to prepare and serve a super menu tailored to their requirements.  Starter: Creme vichysoisse served with sauteed spinach and truffle oil and chicken and herb ballotine with mango and avocado salsa and tomato.   Main: roast chump of local lamb with creamed potatoes and red wine sauce and a mediterranean vegetable crumble with basil infusion.  Dessert: flambéed banana served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream and raspberry crème brulee with glazed fresh figs

"Hi Denis, Just a note to say how delicious we all thought our meal was on Saturday evening. You probably know that we enjoyed it, I think, from all the empty plates that came back to the kitchen!   The evening was really successful. Thank you again."  Mary Ferguson

Posted in Catering for an Event by Susanne.
Tags: Group accommodation, Cottages for family get gethers, Cottages for birthdays and anniversaries, Perfect for a 50th birthday

The Carthouse

Monday 10th January 2011

A new barn conversion, The Carthouse, will be available at West Pitt from 27th May 2011. This super newly converted barn will have 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms providing accommodation for 8-10 people. With fabulous views across the Culm Valley, The Carthouse offers excellent facilities and will be a super new additon to West Pitt Farm. For more information contact Susanne on tel 01884 820296 email susannewestgate@yahoo.com

Posted in New for Summer 2011 by Susanne Westgate.
Tags: Barn Conversion, Luxury Holiday Cottage, Sleeps 10

Fishing at West Pitt Farm

Thursday 6th January 2011

Lakes are now clear of snow and ice and OPEN AGAIN for fishing.

Posted in Fishing by Susanne Westgate.
Tags: Fishing

Holidays for large groups

Monday 22nd November 2010

If you are looking for a special property for a large party, perhaps for a family anniversary, celebration, several families holidaying together or a hen weekend; at West Pitt we have two large cottages which can be combined to sleep up to 18.

Planning dates with family or friends, choosing the right property and facilities, finding a caterer for your stay and activities to suit everyone can be daunting and time consuming. At West Pitt we help with planning and by providing suggestions and information on all aspects of your stay from making sure there is space to gather together around a dining table for a special meal, super market deliveries, private catering, travel and things to do.

Guests recently at West Pitt for an anniversary said "A huge thank you for a fabulous week's holiday. The Farmhouse and Lake View Cottage combined were perfect and created an idyllic environment for us to get together and enjoy each others company. The kids loved the pool, the games' room, the play area and long walks surrounding West Pitt. We enjoyed great days out at Escot and Bicton and would have had more had the kids not loved just simply being at the cottages. We would also like to thank Scott from Scoff Catering and would highly recommend his services. Thank you." Jenny and Roy from Petersfield

Posted in What our guests say by Susanne Westgate.
Tags: Group Holidays, Hen Weekends, Large Cottages, Big Cottages

Aiming for self-sufficiency

Saturday 20th November 2010

Looking for a greener holiday in the heart of Devon but expecting quality accommodation and facilities, West Pitt Farm may be the holiday for you. We are producing our own electricity following installation in October 2010 of an 11kw wind turbine set on the hilltop about 500 yards from the cottages. It should provide sufficient power to make our heated swimming pool carbon neutral. Future projects should allow West Pitt to become self-sufficient for all its electricity. Our new cottages are insulated and equipped to Carbon Lite standards, far in advance of current building regulations. Low energy lighting thoughout. Our water comes from our own borehole and wastewater is treated and returned to the ground via soak-aways. Find out more about our cottages and environment on the website pages.

Posted in News by Susanne Westgate.
Tags: Self-sufficent, Wind Turbine, Environment, Green Holiday