Exmoor Memories: There are no bilberries in Zambia

June 22, 20133 Comments

Everyone tells me how lucky I am to live in a wonderful place like Victoria Falls and that it true. Not everyone has the chance to live just 10 kms away from one of the natural wonders of the world.

However, I come from Tiverton, Devon and was lucky enough to be brought up just that same roughly 10 kms (perhaps a little further) from Exmoor and how well I remember that beautiful place. The heather and the bilberries spring immediately to mind. Picnics with my family overlooking the Devil’s Punchbowl, clambering over the stones at Tarr Steps and that wonderful drive over the moors to Lynton and Lynmouth, always asking my parents about the terrible floods and loving the ride from Lynmouth up to Lynton on the cable railway!

Or, over the moors and to Saunton Sands – miles of sand, great for swimming and surfing in the summer, wild and windy in the winter but lovely at all times. The allegedly haunted Saunton Sands Hotel high up on the cliff – “can we go there” – “no darling we’re having a picnic” And my mother’s picnics were wonderful on Exmoor.

The treat of treats? The drive back from Exmoor to Tiverton and stopping for ice cream in Dulverton, and oh what wonderful home made ice cream it was!

Talking of bilberries us kids used to compete as to who could pick the most! Who had purple lips from eating not packing? Me! Home and my mother’s wonderful bilberry and apple pie with clotted cream for dinner dessert! Wow! Those are some memories!

Richard Chanter

Director
Chanters Lodge, Livingstone,
Zambia

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Where to stay: The Bark House on the southern edge of Exmoor

March 27, 2013March 28, 2013

Discover the hidden treasures of greater Exmoor from the Exe Valley and the Bark House

A place where you can enjoy a traditional Devon welcome, where cream teas and dinners are served in cosy, cottage style surroundings. Every assistance is given to enable you to get the best from your stay, and to discover those corners of Exmoor and the West Country that appeal to you.

Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Bark House, in the comfortable lounge with open fire, where tea is served and a place to meet other guests, or enjoy mulling over the day. Breakfast and dinners are cooked to order with dishes using local produce from Bampton’s butcher, the local farm shop, and travelling fish monger.

Within easy reach of the Bark house is Anstey Moor and Winsford Hill, Dulverton and Bampton, National Trust properties of Piles Mill and Knightshayes Court, and some great places for horse riding, fishing, water sports, and walking. The Exe Valley is an excellent base to visit sites of historic interest such as Raddington Church, Sweetworthy, Tarr Steps locally, or further afield to Exeter, Dartmoor, and Hartland.

The Bark House is located in the Exe Valley, just south of Dulverton on the A396, and about 20 minutes from jct 27 on the M5. There is ample parking and we will help with baggage. Guests are welcome to bring their dog and there is an area for exercise.

The Bark House
Oakford Bridge
Bampton
Tiverton
EX16 9HZ

01398 351236

http://www.thebarkhouse.co.uk

barkhousehotel@btconnect.com

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Gallery: A Day at Knightshayes Court

February 25, 20131 Comment

We are currently working with Knightshayes Court – a beautiful National Trust property set in stunning grounds on the southern edge of Exmoor – on a range of exciting projects. Here are some photos we took last week when the sun was out and spring teasing us with a first glimpse of things to come!

A Letter from Exmoor: A Day Out at Knightshayes Court

February 20, 2013

BY JEN PERKS

Knightshayes was stunning in the spring sunshine on Sunday! Lots of spring bulbs which were absolutely beautiful, particularly the snow drops! First we decided to have a wander around the grounds and find one of the geocaches located on site. Tom, our son, enjoys a challenge and geocaching is an activity that gets us all out into the fresh air but with a purpose. This particular cache was located in a lovely spot, but we can’t say where or that would be giving it away! If you haven’t tried geocaching its a great family activity and you can visit www.geocaching.com for more information.

Following some fresh air we visited the house originally designed by William Burges for the Heathcoat Amory family. The house was absolutely amazing and full of very rich decoration and treasures! The butterfly trail was great for us, because it ‘slowed’ down the children and meant that as a family we could learn more about the history of the house. For me, the most interesting room was the Burges Bedroom which was redecorated in 2002 following the original Burges scheme by the National Trust. I think it
was probably partly due to the volunteer guide who was so enthusiastic and explained the design and furniture in such an interesting way. The story behind Knightshayes is fascinating and it’s definitely worth asking the guides lots of questions!
The children they enjoyed the animals throughout the house in various paintings, carvings and ornaments. Probably the piece the children were most interested in though, was the table in the drawing room with a central hole, which was originally designed to have a grape vine growing through it, so people could sit and pick and eat grapes! They thought this was a fantastic idea!
Thanks for a great day – we are members of the National Trust, but this was our first visit to Knightshayes and we will definitely return!