Imagine waking up to a dawn chorus as golden rays of the rising sun flicker across the sea ushering in a new day. Then imagine this as a location still within walking distance of Torquay’s vibrant and bustling waterfront and you would be forgiven for believing it not possible. The truth is that Kilimani offers guests a haven of tranquillity and privacy, perfectly located to explore Torquay and the surrounding area.

Old Lanwarnick Farm is a stunning new collection of five beautifully restored, boutique, luxury self-catering cottages near Fowey, Polperro and Looe, Cornwall.  Set in 34 acres of countryside within the charming 1,000 year-old hamlet of Old Lanwarnick, each property welcomes dogs and horses free of charge.

Recently the focus for Discovery Real Time’s House Wreck Rescue, this collection of 5-star, Gold Standard Award self-catering barn conversions are now available for bookings though Blue Chip Holidays. 

Read on for part 2 of Blue Chip's roving reporter - Ewan Davy's  trip to Weymouth and Portland in Dorset.  Today he explores Portland Castle and goes further afield, taking in the nearby village of Cerne Abbas with its famous chalk "Cerne Giant".

 

Sunday was a sleep in day, and why not. Indulgence is what holiday's are all about, and when the beds are as comfortable as those 510, it's hard to muster the energy to actually get up, but I did manage it.

Last weekend Ewan Davy took some time out from managing Blue Chip Holidays' PR to go and visit the fantastic new apartments at Ocean View in Portland. Not only are they Blue Chip's first holiday apartments in Dorset, but they are also in a prime position for taking in all the action of the 2012 Olympic sailing venue.   Read on for Part one of Ewan's trip to Portland. 

 Dorset Revisited...

It must be well over fifteen years since I lived in the dramatic, beautiful and historic county of Dorset, just twenty miles or so from Weymouth. Despite spending the bulk of my childhood there and occasional trips to Weymouth and Chesil Beach, I'd never been to the Island of Portland, so when the opportunity arose to stay there, I leapt at it.

Lying at the heart of the picturesque village of Tuckenhay, South Devon, The Old Bakehouse, valued at over £3 million, provides the perfect self-catering venue for a large family gathering. Sat on the River Dart, at high tide you can feed the local swans from the ground floor windows or sit on the landing stage and relax in the natural beauty of the creek. At low tide you can listen to the babbling sounds of the river as it washes over the rocks, or even go for a paddle. And, if the Dart's water proves to be a touch on the chilly side, you can choose to dip your feet into the luxurious outdoor hot tub instead!

Within walking distance of no less than four pubs, The Old Bakehouse is situated in a village described as Devon's best kept secret. Its views across the water and from its large historic walled garden are truly breathtaking. Look up the valley and the hill-side fields frame the timeless English countryside vista perfectly. Look down and the serene waterside position makes for a perfect nautical retreat. For anyone with a love of the natural environment, this tranquil spot is manna from heaven!

The Old Bakehouse, Tuckenhay - sleeps 14* and is currently available fromBlue Chip Holidays at a 40% discount!

Internally, the specifications of this property are unsurpassed. The spacious and well appointed living room overlooks the River Dart. Its impressive oak beams echo the age of the property, while the décor, flat screen TV and surround sound system lets slip the state-of the art technology which lies subtly beneath its skin. The stylish kitchen is elegant and well suited to cater for large house parties, while the dining area seats eight comfortably.

Blue Chip Holidays is offering a self-catering summer ‘sail' with a real difference - 10% OFF a week on a luxury 46ft yacht for bookings made before 31 July.

For qualified salty sea dogs Knightime, which sleeps six unskippered, can be chartered without a captain for £2,265 per week. But if you'd prefer a skipper to sail you to some of the South West's most secluded beaches, finest seaside restaurants, and hidden coves, this can be arranged for just £150 extra a day.

And while a RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore license is required to sail the yacht as a bareboat charter (without a hired skippered), the uninitiated can choose the bareboat option if they wish to stay moored in either Plymouth or Dartmouth for the week.  What more fitting place to stay for one of the South West's many sailing Reggatas?!

Rocklands, one of Newquay's newest and most exclusive self-catering apartment developments is currently available for week-long holidays through Blue Chip Holidays. Weekend breaks are also available from September onwards.

Commanding breathtaking views across Tolcarne Beach, and situated close to the heart of the thriving sand, sea, surf and foodie destination, this impressive cliff-top development overlooks both the Atlantic Ocean and Newquay. For the adventurous, surfing can be found just 133 steps from the front door, and after a hard day riding the waves, Rocklands even provides a surfing wet room so that you can wash down before relaxing for the night with a glass of something special!

Stylish, airy and contemporary in design, the apartments include under-floor heating to give the feeling of warm sand beneath your feet. Alongside luxurious bedding and seating areas, the apartments even have access to a communal rooftop hot-tub where visitors can while away the hours soaking in the sun whist enjoying the glorious sea vista.

For visitors looking to take a night off from cooking, Rocklands has its own restaurant. Alternatively Newquay boasts a series of highly regarded bars and award winning restaurants, including Jamie Oliver's Fifteen, situated just around the corner in Watergate Bay.

At The Beach - Contemporary living in a unique location makes for a truly different beach holiday experience.

Last week I was lucky enough to take a relaxing break at one of our most exciting new developments, called ‘At The Beach'. The properties are situated in the picturesque village of Torcross, which is in a truly unique location at the end of Slapton Ley, which is just a short drive from Dartmouth.

Aerial photograph of Slapton Sands with At the Beach on the beach's edgeTorcross, with its thatched cottages and friendly atmosphere, combines the rustic charm of an English village with the appeal of the beach. This unique package is sure to offer something to please even the most discerning of customers.

The beach, called Slapton sands, is a vast sand and shingle expanse which is a bar of sand separating the sea from the estuary or ‘ley', behind it. The area is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the habitat and the rare species which thrive in the unique conditions. This makes it an extremely popular area with keen twitchers, due to the impressive variety of feathered friends on display. The area is also popular with military enthusiasts as a recovered Sherman Tank is displayed which was originally lost to the sea during training exercises for the D-Day landings.

Today we signed  3 great new properties at the Peter De Savary development in Babbacombe .  There will be 2 period apartments, old fisherman's cottages, and a 4 bed detached cottage.

The Cary Arms is a local institution with a great location at the bottom of the cliff. It really is the perfect Inn On The Beach.  The views out across the bay towards Exmouth are wonderful with the local walks invigorating and providing dramatic vistas.