LANYON COTTAGES
Tucked away along a winding country lane in a secluded corner of West Cornwall, the away-from-it-all vibe of Lanyon Cottages lulls the busy mind into a dreamier space. The cluster of granite-faced properties nestles amidst acres of farmland, while one of Cornwall's most beautiful sandy beaches is just a few miles away.
The three properties are a wonderful blend of original historic features and modern creature comforts; think rustic farmhouse kitchens and snug living rooms with open fires, roll-top bathtubs and chic furnishings. The cosy Coach House, which sleeps four, is perfect for an intimate hen weekend, while Coswyn Barn, which sleeps 14, appears made for a chilled-out get together for a larger group - the long kitchen table calls for spirited chatter over the chink of glasses. With accommodation for 12 in Lanyon Manor, the venue offers the flexibility for a small celebration with your nearest and dearest through to a large-scale affair for up to 30 of your pals. What's more, the properties come with the use of a private wood-fired hot tub and a heated outdoor pool for a heady dose of luxury.
Lanyon Cottages' 'sophisticated hen weekend' packages include two nights accommodation, a hamper brimming with local goodies from Simply Cornish Hampers, use of the private wood-fired hot tub and the outdoor heated pool, an archery lesson in the grounds and a choice of a surf lesson or massage. Prices start from �288 per person based on full occupancy, and meals can be arranged for an extra charge. Get set for an indulgent break in the country.
www.lanyon-holiday-cottages.co.uk
When in west Cornwall...
Hit the surf. Available as part of Lanyon Cottages' package, a surf lesson with Global Boarders (globalboarders.com) at Godrevy Beach serves up an exhilarating fix of fresh sea air and endorphin-fuelled fun.
Visit St Ives. It might be a mooch around the boutiques and galleries, a day on the beach or a bar crawl around the famed seaside town. Treat yourselves to dinner at Porthminster Beach Cafe (porthminstercafe.co.uk), a spa session at St Ives Harbour Hotel (stives-harbour-hotel.co.uk) or a tea party at Madeleine's Tea Room (teashop-stives.co.uk).
St Ives Harbour Hotel Spa
Have a massage. Lanyon Cottages will arrange for a therapist to give you a blissful massage in the comfort of your weekend retreat. Round off the relaxation with a dip in the hot tub - with a chilled glass of Cornish bubby.
Forage and feast. Hit the great outdoors - and learn about the culinary treasures to be found in the hedgerows and on the shores - with a wild food foraging experience from Wild Walks Southwest (wildwalks-southwest.co.uk). Choose from a leisurely walk and tasters to an afternoon's experience culminating in a three-course meal full of foraged ingredients.
Wild walks Southwest
Take tea with a twist. The Vintage Cream (thevintagecream.co.uk) lays on fabulous themed tea parties in the comfort of your party pad; think '50s 'Rock 'n' Roll', '20s 'Fabulous Flapper', 'The Alice in Floralland Tea Party' or 'The Original Vintage Tea Party' with an optional vintage hair workshop.
For country rambles and spoil-me surrounds...
LOWEN
This extraordinary house sits at the top of a secluded valley between St Austell and Mevagissey where Bosinver Farm Cottages' cluster of cosy dwellings meets lush pasture grazed by horses, swathes of woodland and wild flower meadows. A chicken may well peck its path before you as you wander the nooks and crannies of this award-winning rural retreat, which offers a farm, swimming pool and zip wire amongst its charms.
'Lowen' is Cornish for 'happy' - and it's difficult to feel anything but cheery when you step inside the house. The south-facing property is flooded with light and beautiful views across the valley. An eclectic medley of brilliantly bold furnishings and artwork by Cornish designer-makers and artists creates a rainbow of uplifting colours and quirky details.
Piled high with snug linens and fabulous furnishings, the four bedrooms, which sleep eight people, are designed with comfort in mind. Outside, lounge furniture, a fire pit and a secluded hot tub are perfectly positioned to drink in the valley views while enjoying merry moments with your pals beneath a blanket of stars.
The luxury, style and mod cons comes with a sustainable ethos, which makes Lowen the ideal spot for a truly green hen weekend. Built from sustainable and locally sourced materials, Lowen is a zero-carbon energy self-sufficient property that harvests its rainwater and utilises energy from the sun and the ground - the perfect pad for a stylish, sustainable - and truly unforgettable - weekend.
www.bosinver.co.uk
For candlelit dinners and hot tub heaven...
LOWER BARN
Arriving at Lower Barn is like being given a warm bear hug. Set amidst a tranquil and picturesque spot near Mevagissey, you're instantly enveloped in the welcoming ambience of the boutique guesthouse and start to relax in the cosy interiors, which positively brim with character.
The four individually styled suites come with deluxe bathrooms and sink-into-me beds topped with snuggly bedding, while the bright, bold splashes of colour and fabulous attention to detail exude the style of a boutique hotel.
With miles of idyllic countryside and coastline on the doorstep, it is a serene setting to unwind and spend quality time with the girls. A range of therapies, including Indian Head Massage and Reflexology, and treatments such as facials and manicures, are available in the garden tipi. The friendly owner, Janie, serves up sumptuous candlelit dinners either on the terrace on warm summer's evenings or in 'The Shack', a cosy and atmospheric setting to toast your impending nuptials. Don't forget to sink into the hot tub and watch the stars. It beats a gyrating stripper any day.
www.bosue.co.uk
When in mid-Cornwall...
Throw a vintage tea party. Enjoy a decadent afternoon tea party in the uber glamorous setting of Upton House (upton-house.com) in Fowey. Think cucumber sandwich hearts, Bailey's cupcakes and macaroons washed down with champagne served in teacups.
Discover The Lost Gardens of Heligan (heligan.com). Wander the enchanting climes of these famous gardens and tuck into a cream tea in the tearooms to the chirp of birdsong.
Go for a spa session at The Cornwall Hotel and Spa (thecornwall.com). Soothe the pre-wedding stress by wiling away a few hours in this deluxe spa; choose The Ultimate Cornish Trilogy for blissful rejuvenation from head to toe.
Fashion a fascinator. Make some fabulous finishing touches to your wedding day outfits - and have fun to boot - at a fascinator-making workshop with milliner Holly Young (hollyyoungboutique.com).
Get crafty. Based in St Agnes, Aggie Arts (aggiearts.co.uk) offers a range of crafty activities for hens. From bunting, felt purses and bags and silver metal clay jewellery making through to wine tasting and pasty making - there's a hands-on option to suit whatever your whim.
Take to the water. Explore the dramatic coastline and secluded creeks of the Cornish coastline with Koru Kayaking (korukayaking.co.uk), which offers private guided kayak adventures for hens.
HEN PICKED
Presenting the bride-to-be with a treasured memento of the celebration is fast becoming a staple ingredient of hen parties. Amongst a wide selection of lovingly handcrafted gifts, stationery and jewellery, Cornwall-based Pretty Things From Pickle creates fabulous personalised hen party books. With a design tailored entirely to your specifications, fill the pages with messages, funny photos and fond anecdotes for the most covetable of hen keepsakes.
www.ptfpickle.co.uk
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright WED magazine 2013
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