Merry Christmas One and All!

Well Jack Frost and his gang certainly turned up today...Lantallack dressed for winter!  The birds are emptying the peanut holders daily...wrens, tree creepers, chaffinches of every kind, the lesser spotted woodpecker with his pink trousers and the ubiquitous robin, who guards his territory ferociously...the poor old blackbird, who can't quite make it to the feeders, waits anxiously for any bits to drop to the ground!  (In all honesty, we give him his own stash under the apple tree in the walled garden) Lastly, the resident pheasant has his own huge corn feeder by the back door and fights off any marauding sparrows that try and steal a tiny morsel.
  
Oh the joys of the countryside - Merry Christmas everyone!!

The First Frosty Morning of Autumn

Well, autumn is definitely here, but it felt like winter this morning at -2 degrees (according to Alan the gardener!)  The beech tree on the front lawn is shedding its leaves like mad and beech nuts are littered all over the grass.  It will soon stand like a majestic skeleton overlooking the valley.

The orchard was white with rime and I had to return to the house to pick up some gloves or my fingers would have dropped off!  The hens stepped gingerly out of their house rather than pushing each other out of the way to get to at their food, as usual! 

 The newly born calf seemed unperturbed and snuggled down into the frost as if it were some splendid duvet - his coat is already woolly and thick.

 

His mother is one of 8 cows that are ready to calve.  The black one on the left is about to pop!

 

 He has a mate - they seemed to like the cold and frolicked about in the crisp air.  I need to give them names ....suggestions please?

By the time I reached the bottom of the valley, I was frozen, but the sun was coming up above the trees as I looked back up towards the house.

 

Polly's Bower nestled amongst the trees and looked so inviting - wished I had time to stay there for a week!

The tables seem like a room extension outside...they're great when there's a wedding on - would like to see a marquee here at Christmas.  Now there's an idea - perhaps a party!

Don't Worry, Bee Happy :)

As quoted by our expert bee man, Trevor:

"I have seen many hives this summer that have started the same as yours, and I must say your hive is copybook. You should be proud that you have achieved such a strong hive to go into the winter!"

Well we are now happily handling our bees with a 'good and steady attitude'...here are some of the latest pictures, notice the shine on their bodies. Shiny bodies = healthy bees = yummy honey!

 

Mrs W in her green gloves with Mr W holding some of the brood!

 

Buzz Buzz Buzz!

 

 

Mr W trying to spot his Queen

Can you spot Sophia, our Queen Bee?

I see honeycomb

And just to mix the Birds and the Bees....here is a picture of some swallows, currently nesting in our dairy...hope they grow soon and fly to warmer climates before the winter comes:

Swallows about to leave the nest (tis late for September)

The Day Louis Came to Stay....

We had the pleasure of having Louis de Bernières and his partner Ilone to stay recently. Louis is a British novelist most famous for his book Corelli's Mandolin, alternatively called Captain Corelli's Mandolin...which of course we asked him to play:

We very much look forward to their next visit to Lantallack.

Bee happy!

We have been overwhelmed at the successful growth of Lantallack's bee colony. The honey bees have bombarded all previous bee-hiving records by increasing their numbers from 10,000 to about 45,000 in less than 1 month (according to experts this usually takes a year!!) Watch out Pooh Bear...honey times are a-coming!! It must be something in the pollen at Lantallack! :)

Merlin's Request...

Where's my Dinner?

Wild Mushroom Breakfast...

Went for a walk around Lantallack's fields this morning and found an abundance of mushrooms growing in  the middle hay field. Got them back to the kitchen fast and served them with some of our organic farmhouse eggs....delicious!

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The Wonders of Cornwall...

Cornwall has long been one of the most popular holiday destinations in England. As a result there is a flourishing tourist industry providing a host of accommodation options. It's not just Cornwall cottages to rent, there are camp sites, caravan parks and cornish holiday cottages to luxury hotels, bed & breakfast and guest houses.

So what brings people back to visit Cornwall time and again?

Well, the climate is certainly the mildest in the UK but our summers aren't the hottest! So it must be a combination of natural attractions and a renaissance in arts and food in Cornwall.
Cornwall's beaches are unrivalled elswhere in Britain for their beauty and variety. Beach towns such as Perranporth, Polzeath and Newquay are perhaps the best known of these, they are also excellent surfing beaches. In my opinion the most beautiful are the tiny coves that dot the coastline like Coverack and Porthcurno (home of the Minack Theatre).

Also on the coast are some of the Duchy's most enchanting fishing villages and harbours; Looe, Portloe, Mevagissey, Tintagel, Cadgwith, Zennor and Mousehole are but a few. It's not just the villages that have something to offer those sightseeing. The towns (and city!) of Cornwall are rich in history and attractions of their own. Take Padstow with it's picturesque harbour and Rick Stien, Falmouth - a working port and charming shopping town. There is Truro, the only city in Cornwall where the cathedral still dominates the skyline.

For industrial herritage Redruth has few rivals. Once at the centre of the industrial revolution and the mining industry Redruth and Camborne have spent many years in decline but are finally bouncing back.
Penzance is one of the largest towns in Cornwall and has plenty to do and see. From the sub-tropical Morrab Gardens to the bustling fishing port of Newlyn you should find something of interest. It is also here that you can take a day trip to the Isles of Scilly plus it's within walking distance of Marazion and St Michael's Mount.
Bored of towns then check out the stately homes and gardens of Cornwall. The National Trust is very active in Cornwall and along with a host of independently owned tourist attractions you should find plenty to see and do.

Gardens worthy of mention include; The Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Eden Project, Trelissick and Trebah. Stately homes include; Lanhydrock house, Prideaux Place and Pencarrow.

Another unique draw of Cornwall is it's ancient past. The moorland countryside of West Cornwall and Bodmin Moor are littered with megalithic monuments such as standing stones, barrows and stone circles. Less ancient ruins that abound in Kernow are the leftovers of the mining industry, in many places these share the same sites the ancients chose to build on creating strange juxtapositions.

Lantallack's Cottages are the perfect base from which to explore all of these places and more...and after a busy day, come back and unwind by the pool with a glass of wine and watch the evening sun set across a beautiful valley.

Buzz Buzz Buzz...I wonder why he does...

Finally! The bees at Lantallack have arrived and were buzzing happily around their new home in the vegetable patch (a warm spot close to the solar-panels).


They are settling nicely and have been approached with whispers, kind words and even gentle singing from Lantallack residents...well we want to honey to bee sweet (ha ha!)

A more regular update and pictures will be posted soon, but in the meantime, here are a few things to know:

Ten things to do to help honeybees

Honeybees are under threat worldwide because of virulent viruses against which they have no natural defences. Nearly all colonies in the wild have died out and without beekeepers to care for them, honeybees could disappear in a few years. Dr Ivor Davis, master beekeeper and past president of the British Beekeepers' Association, suggests 10 things you can do to help.

1. Become a beekeeper

Beekeeping is a most enjoyable, fascinating and interesting hobby – and you get to eat your own honey too. Every year local beekeeping associations run courses to help new people to take up beekeeping and even help them find the equipment they need and a colony of bees. Training programmes continue to allow enthusiasts to become Master Beekeepers. For information on courses visit the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA) website. 

2. Help to protect swarms

Swarming is a natural process when colonies of honeybees can increase their numbers. If you see a swarm contact the local authority or the police who will contact a local beekeeper who will collect the swarm and take it away. Honeybees in a swarm are usually very gentle and present very little danger. They can be made aggressive if disturbed or sprayed with water. Just leave them alone and wait for a competent beekeeper to arrive.

3. Plant your garden with bee friendly plants

In areas of the country where there are few agricultural crops, honeybees rely upon garden flowers to ensure they have a diverse diet and to provide nectar and pollen. Encourage honeybees to visit your garden by planting single flowering plants and vegetables. Go for all the allium family, all the mints, all beans except French beans and flowering herbs. Bees like daisy-shaped flowers - asters and sunflowers, also tall plants like hollyhocks, larkspur and foxgloves. Bees need a lot of pollen and trees are a good source of food. Willows and lime trees are exceptionally good. the BBKA has leaflets on bee friendly trees and shrubs. 

4. Buy local honey

Local honey will be prepared by local beekeepers. This keeps food miles down and helps the beekeeper to cover the costs of beekeeping. Local honey complies with all food standards requirements but is not mistreated to give it a long shelf life. It tastes quite different to foreign supermarket honey and has a flavour that reflects local flora.

5. Ask your MP to improve research into honey bee health

Beekeepers are very worried that we do not have enough information to combat the diseases that affect honeybees. Pollination by honeybees contributes £165m annually to the agricultural economy. Yet the government only spends £200,000 annually on honeybee research. Beekeepers have costed a five-year, £8m programme to secure the information to save our bees during which time pollination will contribute more than £800m to the government coffers. Even the Defra minister, Lord Rooker, who holds the purse strings to finance this, has said that without this extra research we could lose our honeybees within ten years. Write to MPs in support of the bee health research funding campaign.

6. Find space for a beehive in your garden

Many would-be beekeepers, especially in urban areas, find it difficult to find a safe space for their colony of bees. If you have some space contact your local beekeeping association and they could find a beekeeper in need of a site. It is amazing what a difference a beehive will make to your garden. Crops of peas and beans will be better, fruit trees will crop well with fruit that is not deformed and your garden will be buzzing!

7. Remove jars of foreign honey from outside the back door

Believe it or not but honey brought in from overseas contains bacteria and spores that are very harmful to honeybees. If you leave a honey jar outside it encourages honeybees to feed on the remaining honey. There is a good possibility that this will infect the bee and in turn the bee will infect the rest of the colony resulting in death of the colony. Always wash out honey jars and dispose of them carefully.

8. Encourage local authorities to use bee friendly plants in public spaces

Some of the country's best gardens and open spaces are managed by local authorities. Recently these authorities have recognised the value of planning gardens, roundabouts and other areas with flowers that attract bees. Encourage your authority to improve the area you live in by adventurous planting schemes. These can often be maintained by local residents if the authority feels they do not have sufficient resources.

9. Learn more about this fascinating insect

Beekeeping is fascinating. Honeybees have been on this earth for about 25 million years and are ideally adapted to their natural environment. Without honeybees the environment would be dramatically diminished. Invite a beekeeper to come and talk to any local group you support and give an illustrated talk about the honeybee and the products of the hive. They might bring a few jars of honey too Honeybees are a part of our folklore and are one of only two insect species that are managed to provide us with essential services.

10. Bee friendly

When kept properly, bees are good neighbours, and only sting when provoked. Beekeepers wear protective clothing when they are handling bees. If a bee hovers inquiringly in front of you when unprotected, do not flap your hands. Stay calm and move slowly away, best into the shade of shed or a tree. The bee will soon lose interest. It is worth remembering that bees do not like the smell of alcohol on people, the "animal" smell of leather clothing, even watchstraps. Bees regard dark clothing as a threat – it could be a bear! Bees are sometimes confused by scented soaps, shampoos and perfumes, best avoided near the hive.

Summertime, And the livin' is easy...

With Iceland apparently having discovered an inexhaustible supply of volcanic ash with which to fill UK airspace as payback for the cod wars, there seems little alternative these days than to travel to Cornwall to spend your summer holidays, and why not unwind in one of the beautiful cottages at Lantallack?

Self-catering and luxury are concepts not often found together, but in Lantallack's cottages you will find little havens away from it all. Firstly, the view. The panoramic I've gazed at for the last 24 years, and probably the only thing that hasn't changed in that time. It really is breath-taking, particularly on a summer's evening with a glass of Mâcon-Villages in hand, watching the swallows swoop over the pond for a last minute supper before bedtime.

Polly's Bower and Pippin Cottage both date back to the early 16th century. Each has a secluded patio garden with views across undulating hills and wooded valleys, and a beamed living room complete with fireplace. Tucked away down a lane teeming with Bluebells, Campion and Honeysuckle in the Summer, the cottages are in walking distance of a couple of good pubs and Landrake's village shop. The dramatic beach at Whitsand Bay is only a ten minute car ride away.

Canape Lawn

Marquee Lawn

 

Through the Pergola

 

View of Polly's Bower from Pod

 

Pippin Cottage

 

Polly's Bedroom

 

View from Lantallack House

 

Wisteria Walk

 Marquee on Lawn Terrace

Simply Dressed Wedding Tables - With a View!

 Simply Dressed Table

 Door to the Pool

 Fancy a Dip?

Over £5,000 raised for Cystic Fibrosis Trust...

Lantallack hosted a spectacular Fund-raising weekend in May and after a delicious 3 course dinner, awesome auction, rambunctious raffle and fun-filled Open Day, plus lots of bounces on the castle and bites of hog roast babs, we managed to raise a brilliant £5,700 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. My cousin, Vicky, who died of the disease 17 years ago, would be more than proud, I'm sure!

The lovely Ashton Family enjoying cocktails and canapés on Lantallack's Ha-Ha 

(For more pictures of the weekend, please go to www.clairetregaskis.co.uk, and type in the password 'lantallack'. All proceeds made from purchases of photos will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust)

A few more pictures of Polly's Bower...

Lantallack's Wonderful Fund-raising Weekend

Beautiful Cornish Wedding Venue Opens for a Fundraising Weekend

Raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Saturday 15^th and Sunday 16^th May 2010

Lantallack, a new and idyllic wedding venue in the heart of south east Cornwall, will be opening its doors to the public for the first time on the weekend 15^th-16^th May, hosting a fabulous charity fundraising weekend in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Set in over 40 acres with stunning views across wooded valleys and Cornish apple orchards, Lantallack really is a place for the free-spirited, offering something different and special.

The Ladies’ Barber Quartet, a fabulous female group of a cappella singers from Plymouth, kicks off this exciting fundraising event on the evening of Saturday 15^th May. Cocktails, canapés, and a delicious 3-course dinner, by the Round Kitchen, will be followed by Wurlitza, an exciting local group of musicians, performing their original soundtrack to the classic 1928 black and white film, ‘Piccadilly’. This fantastic event has already sold out!

On Sunday 16^th May, however, Lantallack will host a fun-filled family day. Opening at 12pm, the Ladies Barber Quartet will sing again to start proceedings. Entry costs £2.50 (including parking) - children under 14 free.

The Open Day co-insides with a wedding fair that brings together the best local wedding specialists whilst giving couples the perfect opportunity to experience the stunning surroundings that Lantallack has to offer.

From wedding dresses to wedding cakes, flowers to favours, menus to marquees plus professional photographers and free hair and beauty treatments, you’re guaranteed to find something to inspire you on the day.  There will be top advice from a range of specialist suppliers and the chance to win a weekend for two in Lantallack’s romantic bridal suite, Polly’s Bower. Also up for grabs is beautiful boutique Parisian dress, kindly donated by Born Hectic Events.

Hatch Marquee Hire will be showcasing one of their stylish bell-shaped ended marquees and there will be a delicious Hog roast from the celebrated butchers, Brays of Tideford. There really will be something for everyone, with mouth-watering homemade cakes, a licensed bar and bouncy castle for adults and children alike!

If you're looking for unique, quirky and inspirational wedding ideas or simply a fun afternoon out, make a date in your diary now!

All proceeds and monies raised will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

What a lovely feature...!

Hot off the press this morning, Lantallack features brightly in 'Get Married in Cornwall' (an exclusive magazine or brides and grooms looking to tie the knot in the South West)

Please tell us what you think... Lantallack in Get Married

LANTALLACK WEDDINGS OPEN DAY (IN AID OF THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRUST)

From wedding dresses to wedding cakes, flowers to favours,

From wedding planners to vintage cars, menus to marquees,

Fantastic photographers and video-makers;

You’re guaranteed to find something to inspire your wedding day.

From stunning bridesmaid’s dresses to funky bands

From creative hairstyles to flawless make-up demos,

A delicious hog roast and Beautiful Bars

Will tickle your tastebuds and quench your thirst.

There will be time to try, touch and taste before you buy

Which will make the planning of your day simple.

In friendly and relaxed surroundings you can chat

To a selection of fabulous and stylish wedding suppliers.

All this is happening at Cornwall’s newest idyllic wedding venue,

Lantallack will be open on 16th May, 2010 from 12 – 5pm

Entry is £2.50 per person (children under 14 free)

And every single penny is going to The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there!

NEW FOR APRIL 2010 - COTTAGES AND WEDDINGS

Lantallack Cottages

In April 2010 we will have 2 beautiful cottages to let...both with stunning views over the  surrounding countryside.  Take a look at what we have been up to!

This is 'Polly's Bower' a 300 year old apple crushing barn which is being converted into a romantic hideaway for 2.  We have kept all the original beams:

                        Before                                 Getting There!      

The accommodation will be open plan, with beautiful oak floors throughout, a contemporary bathroom and kitchen, superking vi-spring bed, wood-burner and french windows to take in the view:

Pippin Cottage will also be available from April 2010...with the same stunning views across hills and wooded valleys and with the same glorious sunsets:

To find out more, please go to our website www.lantallackgetaways.co.uk

Lantallack Weddings

From April 2010, Lantallack will open to hosting fabulous weddings...to download our brochure and for further information please go to www.lantallackweddings.co.uk

Alastair Sawday's 'GO SLOW ENGLAND'

The second edition of Alastair Sawday's book 'Go Slow England' is now available.  We were lucky enough to be  invited by Alastair to appear in this lovely book.  Click here to read our review in The Guardian.

And just so that you can really get a feel of what it's like to stay at Lantallack...here our some of our visitor's comments!

'Thanks so much! I had a brilliant time!! Panoramic view, beautiful setting and such a fun family!'  Milli , France

'Fabulous place to come back to after burning the midnight oil.  Loved the possibility of pianos and waking up to Bach.  Lovely place, lovely people' Judith, St. Albans

'Thank you for your warm welcome - delicious cream tea and yummy breakfast.  Wonderful!' Geoff, Surrey

'More than a room with 2 grand pianos, we found a lovely home - with the smell of fresh primroses' Thomas, NewYork

'Memorable visit - comfort, consideration, a lively friendly atmosphere and the challenge of an excellent breakfast each day'  Michael, Warks

'Unforgetable!  Very special.' Susie, London

'Everything about our stay has been wonderful.  The Walker family are all very welcoming - we felt completely at home.  And the setting is superb; the room is great - we will be back!'  Mark and Annelies, Netherlands

'Fantastic Poached eggs!'  Paul, London

'To the nicest, kindest B&B owners in the world; for hospitality far and beyond the call of duty and general all-round fabulousness! Many, many thanks and see you next year.' Richard and Laura, London

'Magic' Ken, Padstow

'We've had a wonderful week here - lovely hospitality; couldn't have asked for more!  Loved it all.' Ann, Hants

'So generous!  Beautiful home, beautiful food - the best B&B we've ever stayed in!  Thank you.' Mike and Anita, London

'Fleeting first visit - but hooked!' Peter, Salsibury

'Thank you so much for your warm welcome to your delightful home.  Never had breakfast by candlelight before!'   Sally and David, Prescot (on the occasion of power cut!!)

'Marvellously welcoming hospitality.  Lovely touches, beautiful place' Jenni, Gloucestershire

'What a great place in which to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary!  From the first glass of wine on arrival to our Sunday breakfast - thank you for making us so welcome.  We will be back!'  Richard, Oxford

'Merveilleux sejour dans une merveilleuse famille dans une merveilleuse maison' Monique, France

'You offer a little sanctuary here.'  Kim, London

'What a wonderful place - a great inspiration.  We really appreciated your warmth and for making us feel so comfortable.  The attention to detail in the rooms made me feel really spoilt.  Nothing was too much trouble...' Alison, Taunton

'We only stayed one night, but I wished it was longer.  Such lovely people and a beautiful warm house.' Terry, London

'Cosy room, tasty breakfasts, roaring fire and welcoming hosts.  Everything a great B&B should be.  Hurrah!'  Charlotte and Matt, London

'The welcome, the view, the poached eggs, Polly the pig, Piran and Merlin, the 10-foot hedgerows, the bacon and sausages, the pool, the ride in the landrover, the marmalade, the hush at night - all human life and other forms are here and they are wonderful.' Richard, London

'Thank you so much for a wonderful stay.  Rare hospitality and wonderful atmosphere - and a fantastic breakfast!'  Mick, London

'Fantastic!  We've decided to retire and move in...!'  Hugh and Pippa, Gloucs

'Lovely place with beautiful views.  Best bed I have slept in, in years!  Great people and it has felt like home.' David, London

'A few sentences cannot possibly sum up the wonderful few days spent here.  A huge thank you for everything! "Cooking just doesn't get better"....'  Liz, Chester