I always take myself away for a week in November. The run up to Christmas is horribly busy at work so this is a lovely chance to curl up in a cottage for a week, read lots of books, watch lots of dvds and, in recent years, forego eating lots of sweets in favour of lots of walks in the countryside. I tend to drag someone along for the first weekend and then have the rest of the week to myself - it's bliss. I'm going tomorrow and am v. excited.
In previous years I was jammy enough to be able to use my staff discount on the holiday cottages the organisation owns. It was a very handy 50% off if you booked 10 days in advance so I just used to book the week off and go to whichever of the places that were left that I liked best. Had some truly lovely holidays that way (well, except for the time when I broke the car and was stuck in the middle of Yorkshire all week with no car and no mobile signal. That was a bit stressy).
A teeny cottage designed by John Nash, just outside Bristol
A slightly bigger cottage (I was in the right hand side) overlooking a castle in Wales. It snowed - fun!
Swanky, yes? I had the apartment on the first floor, on the right hand side. It was gorgeous.
Unfortunately the discount has gone down to 35% this year and as they're quite classy places, they don't come especially cheap. So this year's venue is a nice private cottage in Herefordshire. The exterior pic isn't the most exciting but it looks gorgeous inside and apparently it has free wi-fi which is a rather nice touch. Fingers crossed I can blog whilst I'm there.
ps - there are at least 20 charity shops within a 10 mile radius. Woop!
Oh wow - lucky you! Something like that sounds like just what I need - have a fab time, and good luck with the bargain hunting! x
ReplyDeleteI'm always in love with england's house, they r look warm yet oldschool. amazing.
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xoxo
I think it looks really cute!!!
ReplyDelete:D
Gorgeous! Lucky you, 35% is still a great save.
ReplyDeleteEverywhere you've been looks so gorgeous.
xx
Ohhh lovely, thats such a good idea. I love spending time on my own and being totally chilled. Have fun and get thrifting xx
ReplyDeleteWow what a nifty staff discount. All those houses look stunning. It sounds like pure bliss to relax, read and read, snuggle up and watch dvds and so on. 20 charity shops?? wow, have fun! xx
ReplyDeleteHave a great time, Alex.
ReplyDeleteYou can maybe walk to the charity shops and get your exercise AND bargains at the same time!
Oh Alex, you are so lucky. I have always wanted to do this, but you are right, cottage rental is expensive. And I can't drive either, yet the point of such a thing is to be out in the country, not in town. One day. Have a lovely hol xx
ReplyDeletebeautiful home, ur so lucky!
ReplyDeleteOh I'd love a cottage break - would love to stay in some of the ones you've rented :)
ReplyDeleteSally x
Have a wonderful time, Alex! The cottage looks fabulous, how lucky you are.
ReplyDeleteHereford is fab for charity shops, loads of bargains to be had and don't forget it's still legal to shoot a Welshman in Hereford with a bow and arrow providing it's on a Sunday (or so locals have told me). xxx
Oh wow it looks amazing, I love cottage holiday, I try to have one just me and the hubby for a few days in Autumn but didn't get this year with horrible work commitments ~ bah! Hope you have the best time it is my idea of heaven :)
ReplyDeleteKandi x
Oh that sounds absolutely perfect! What a great idea. I bet you'll get through a fair few books! Good luck in the charity shops, can't wait to be jealous about your finds!
ReplyDeletexx
I would love to stay in a cottage, I can imagine it being such a relaxing and cosy setting. Please take some photos whilst you are away.
ReplyDeleteAND at least 20 charity shops pretty much sums up heaven to me! x
ALEX
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could travel and visit these charity shops.
If you can make it to Nailsea or Bristol I'd love to see you xoxox
That sounds like heaven!
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling of being stuck in Yorkshire and having no car and no signal but that's part of why it'll always be my home and have a place in my heart :)
Have a wonderful time :)
Ooh I'm jealous it sounds like bliss. I think it looks like a really cute little place, take some photos to show us the inside please. Hope you find some CS treasures. x
ReplyDeleteThat John Nash cottage is sublime! I so love old English cottages/house/estates!!! What a lovely perk,to get any discount at all ids awesome!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a splendid time to be had! I hope you can blog too,doll!
XXXXX love!!!
That is amazing. I'm more than a little bit jealous of this revelation. And very annoyed that you didn't invite me :)
ReplyDeleteHope the wi-fi access works out - I want to see things!
OOO You Lucky girl!! Have fun, please take picture to share with us xxxxx
ReplyDeleteSharron xxx
What a generous workplace (even with the 35% off) and how lucky of you to be able to take advantage of it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! I LOVE that you go away for a week by yourself! That just thrills me. I can imagine myself doing something like that...oh thrills. No man, no baby, just me, and how many charity shops close by?? Hullo! Yes please, do blog from your cottage and I will live vicariously through your vacation!
ReplyDeleteheart: Kimberellie
I'm so jealous! Char mentioned this in her letter to me and I can safely say I need a break right now! Your job is probably the greatest job there is, how do I get to work where you are?! xxx
ReplyDeleteThe cottage that you're going to looks really sweet! Maybe not as grand looking as the others, but you don't always want grand anyway, right? Have a lovely time! x
ReplyDeletewow they all look gorgeous! I'd love to just cut myself off from everyone and everything for a little while to relax - have an amazing time :) x
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect - have a brilliant time. xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.weshopthereforeweare.co.uk/
Dear Alex, they all look absolutely gorgeous. What a lovely break! I look forward to seeing your finds. Let me know when you're back and I'll send your parcel. Have a fabulous time xx
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