This year’s trip was centred
around a surprise holiday for Jo (Helen’s sister’s) 70th birthday celebrations.
Her son Phil rented Addicroft Mill which was down a hidden and very narrow lane
near Rilla Mill, Bodmin. A stunning location for royalty to reflect on while
eating breakfast and patiently waiting for a second cup of coffee.
Apart from considerable acreage
there was a large heated swimming pool, sauna, woodfired hot tub and tennis
court.
Internally the accommodation had large rooms with superb finishes and fittings that were modern but melded
well with the building. It takes a bit of imagination to recognise that the
wooden mechanisms of the mill would sit well with a bronze bath.
The house is owned by Jack
Harries who makes YouTube travel documentaries (see https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTqEu1wZDBju2tHkNP1dwzQ).
The video is worth watching. Given the work involved in refurbishing and then
maintaining the house short documentaries must be a lucrative business. Mind
you there is still lots of work to do with the water wheel somewhere near the
top of the list.
The trip was all about family
sharing some good time together – which is all too rare. We took turns in the
kitchen and I had a rewarding day cooking a beef wellington. It did not last
long…
We did manage to get out for a
couple of trips. All were up for a visit to King Arthurs castle (Tintagel).
Although Helen and I have been before (see August 2017 blog - https://hallingholidays.blogspot.com/search?q=tintagel)
I was keen to see the new access bridge. It is a very clever slim cantilevered
design.
Unusually the middle isn’t joined
other than by a couple of pins to maintain alignment. The deck was also unusual
with slate edges providing a non-slip surface to compliment the castle’s
structure. The weight would also help to dampen any movement as walkers bounced
across.
It is eye catching from many angles.
Although the bridge removes the
need for traversing down and up almost 150 steps, the path down to the bridge
was steep. The exercise was enhanced by a detour to the toilets (requiring seriously
more down and up). This could be the reason our intrepid travellers look rather
pleased with themselves at having finally arrived on the island.
One in particular felt particularly at home with a sword in his
hand (even if he is on tip toes).
We also squeezed in a quick visit
to Port Isaac home of Doc Martin. This was our third visit. (See the link above
and https://hallingholidays.blogspot.com/2011/07/20sw-england_17.html).
Sailing is clearly a few hours off and I suspect studying in the school atop
the cliffs would be a challenge given the view’s obvious potential to
precipitate daydreaming.
Our only other trip was to
Padstow. The tide here also sees a considerable number of marooned boats. The town
was heaving with visitors, so Helen and I headed for a walk out of town while the rest of
the team opted for some time on the beach.
The walk included some
magnificent views and at the end of a long walk around this bay we were
rewarded with a Cornish tea on one of the (angled) cottages in this shot. A
sign advised that in this part of the world jam goes on first ahead of the
clotted cream (just in case you are not in the know).
Visits aside, the focus of most of
the week was time at the Mill with swimming, hot tubbing, football and playing “Five Crowns”
a card game introduced to us by Steve and Jilly. A contrasting mixture of
frivolity and quite reflection. TV was a wonderful absence.
It is difficult not to chill when
you wonder around woodlands like this.
Where views, ever changing
shadows and bird calls were the only distractions. A week where we all slowed
down and rejuvenated our batteries and souls. Just brilliant!
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