Down in Torquay the daring Red Arrows Air Force display team are due to give us an amazing aerobatic display over the waters of Torbay. Someone told me yesterday they are also bringing a Vulcan bomber to fly past - exciting stuff! At West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/ guests have a front seat view of the show.

A glass of pink champagne in one hand, some poached salmon salad and an unrivalled aerial display from dashing British pilots.

What more could a girl want?

Received an email from Anna Maria Island - September is a great time of year to be in Florida, the island is peaceful and its very easy to get a table in the best restaurants at the drop of a hat

The West Wing Cottage, Torquay, UK

When visiting Torquay, make for the harbour to see the sailboats and cruisers.  If you love fashion, stop off at Hoopers, the exclusive department store overlooking the Marina on Torquay's seafront for a coffee and then check out the latest in designer shoes, bags and clothes.  A couple of doors down from there visit Maggie's, a shop that would be at home in both Bond Street or Rodeo drive.  Friendly personal service and the most beautiful range of luscious hand picked designer clothes & incredible costume jewellery. Sarah, the personal shopper, guides you through the collections and if you are just browsing she is happy just to chat about the clothes and the top designers they stock.  For the guys, sip a beer in a waterfront cafe and watch the world go buy and the sailboats slip into the marina before sampling the freshest local caught seafood at No.7 Bistro just along at the crescent.  Summer days in spent Torquay. Then go back to the peace and tranquility of West Wing Cottage  http://www.torquay.uk.com/ with its extensive lawns and gardens overlooking Tor Bay. Picnic on the lawn, laze in the sunshine and take the time to read the newspaper.  Evenings can be spent at the theatre, watching a movie or trying one of the local restaurants.

The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate, Carmarthenshire, UK

Wheatsheaf, Barley and Meadow Cottages to put up on U tube.  Just search for "Bwlch Tre Banau" which is Welsh for for gap through the hills.       You can take a visual stroll through the cottages and around The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate.     This morning we are taking a  drive over to the nearby historic town of Lampeter for lunch in the restaurant that won The Best Fish & Chips in Wales followed by a stroll 2 doors down from there to Conti's Ice Cream for their delicious home-made ices & a cappuccino or espresso.  Heaven!  Parking in the town is free and a walk through this pretty town reveals individual small shops, boutiques and bakeries .  Don't miss the traditional ironmongers, stepping back in time to our parent's era - I can never pass it without picking up some useful item for the Estate.   

Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA

Discerning travellers go to  Anna Maria Vacations for their superb group of properties on Anna Maria Island, Florida.  The island lies in the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida just below Tampa Bay.  Peaceful and friendly with great restaurants and easy access over either of 2 bridges to the mainland to Tampa and Orlando.  Take the children up to Busch Gardens or enjoy a couple of family days in Disney then return to the natural seaside pleasures of 7 miles of pristine white sand beaches and a gorgeous villa with its own private swimming pool http://annamaria.com/ A visit to The Sign of the Mermaid restaurant is a must during your vacation - sample their prize winning home made Key Lime Pie - it is sensational

Here in the UK, the British coastal areas of the southwest are preparing for their sailing regattas.  Dartmouth and Torbay are among the best and include a daring flying demonstration by the Red Arrows with an extraordinary display of aerobatics over the water. The West Wing Cottage is part of a 1923 coastal Lutyens's style Arts & crafts era mansion house that is perched right on the edge of the water.  A divine destination for the best of Britain.

http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Warm balmy Summer days make it such a pleasure to enjoy the beautiful hills and valleys of Carmarthenshire

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Book a vacation cottage and spend time with families and friends in this rural paradise.  There are amazingly good top restaurants within easy reach of the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate including The Angel Inn, The Carlton Riverside and The Lasswade.

Over in Florida they are right in the middle of turtle hatching season on Anna Maria Island.  Turtles lay their eggs in the beach and then cover them with sand and return to the sea. Guess who have booked a vacation property  though Anna Maria Vacations will have the chance to see a turtle hatching.  Just keep an eye on the local press for news updates.   There are a few vacancies left for the Summer so come on down to Anna Maria Island and enjoy nature, sunshine and some real southern style hospitality.  It's easy to organize, just click on http://annamaria.com/

The weather in the West of England is terrific.  Experts are predicting a great Summer this year and there has never been a better time to come on down to South Devon's glorious coastline to experience a truly great British vacation.

The West Wing Cottage is part of an elegant perfectly restored 1923 mansion house in Torquay.  Perched right on the edge of the water with no roads or houses between you and crystal blue waters of the wide sweep of Tor Bay, the cottage enjoys half an acre of gorgeous gardens and the best sea views you could find. http://www.torquay.uk.com/  Relax in a roll top bath, wake up to a view of the water from your bedroom's Juliet balcony and have a long lazy lunch on the expansive lawns overlooking the sea.  

Thinking of the glorious South Wales Scenery then make for the hills of Carmarthenshire and stay near the western tip of the Brecon Beacons http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/  Wheatsheaf Cottage http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/the-properties/porthyrhyd-llanwrda/wheatsheaf-cottage.html has everything you will need for a perfect family holiday.  The most comfortable beds, best quality linens, fluffy white towels, brand new traditional style kitchens and bathrooms and superb views.

Do you want to visit the West Country and Devon's South Hams this year?The sun is shining and the sea is crystal blue, come on down to Torquay to spend some quality time with your family. The West Wing is newly opened and part of a historic 1923 mansion house in a half acre of completely private gardens right on the edge of the water. A unique property with best quality linens and fluffy white towels, elegant new furnishings and a decor that reflects the 20's with a modern twist.

Thinking of going to the Brecon Beacons? http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ for the best holiday cottages that South Wales & Carmarthenshire have to offer. History, superb views and 104 private acres of gorgeous countryside including parkland, meadow, woodland, hillside and riverside to explore. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Travelling further afield then don't miss out on Florida. Over 30 island vacation properties to choose from. Want to be on the edge of 7 miles of peaceful white sand beach, have a holiday villa with its own private swimming pool. Visit our website at http://annamaria.com/

Opening on June 20 2009 this property has the best sea views in Devon. Perched right on the edge of the water overlooking the Torbay coastline that curves magnificently out towards Berry Head lighthouse to the right and Teignmouth to the left. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Travelling to the USA this year? There are some superb new properties for vacation rental on http://annamaria.com/ Sunrise Cottage, Sunset Cottage, Palm Villa and Great Palms are beautiful island homes that are now available for you to spend your vacation on one of Florida's most beautiful islands.

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Carmarthenshire is one of the UKs most beatiful counties and the five star Bwlch Tre Banau Estate views cannot be rivalled. Imaginatively landscaped estate in a rural setting in the heart of the county, their 3 holiday cottages opened this year to provide the chance to enjoy the best Carmarthenshire has to offer. Family holidays, get togethers for friends or couples will find plenty to do or can just relax in splendid surroundings. 2 people travelling, that's just fine or parties of up to 16 can also be accommodated.

Talking of Devon, down in Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the weather is sunny and warm and the sea sparkles in the bay. Sailboats and tiny fishing boats dot the water. Although I say Carmarthenshire is divine, the South Hams area of Devon also enjoys superb scenery and the views from the West Wing Cottage are panoramic - looking out over the crystal blue waters of the bay from the seafront gardens is an experience not be be missed. The restaurants in Torquay are superb - No 7 Bistro for delicious fish & shellfish feasts and superb service - walk down to the seafront marina to sample their delights - it is a good idea to phone first for a reservation as tables book up fast. Crab, lobster, John Dory, locally caught fish from the nearby fishing port of Brixham - a stones throw around the bay. In the summer a small boat shuttle service runs between Brixham and Torquay and you can sail right across Torbay in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Before travelling down to Devon, we spent time at The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate working on the grounds, the orangery and the greenhouses. Everything is growing -shrubs are bursting into flower, the roses and the grapevines are in leaf and climbing and there were two beautiful black & white wagtails cavorting in the courtyard in the sunshine yesterday. What a terrific place, it never fails to amaze me.

What a superb morning, the sun is streaming in through the window. Guests arrived at Wheatsheaf Cottage yesterday and I took them over some new laid eggs for their breakfast this morning. Today Ann & Robbie are travelling up from the westcountry for a little R & R. If the weather stays like this there is nowhere better in the world than The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in Carmarthenshire.
http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

Over in Florida hibiscus are starting to bloom in the gardens http://annamaria.com/the pool heating will be switched off and the weather is really starting to warm up. Pelicans and white cranes are seen on the beaches and soon will be the start of the loggerhead turtle seasons. Nature really is amazing on the island - sea grapes, palms and sea grasses fringe the beach and boaters are out in the intercoastal and the Gulf of Mexico enjoying the sunshine.

At West Wing Cottage on Devon's coastline in Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the driveway has just been repaved with brindle pavers and it is lined with daffodils, shrubs and trees emerging from Winter into Spring. The lawns are greening and the flowers in the borders appearing. I never fail to be bowled over by the expansive view of the water that unfolds as you walk through the French windows onto the terrace.

Up near the Brecon Beacons, in Carmarthenshire, on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate the carp pond is fed by spring water and at this time of year the water iris are starting to grow around the edge, protecting the fish from the heron. They should be starting to come to the surface soon to feed. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ The pond is also home to a myriad of wildlife including a couple of frogs who languish in the shallows enjoying the spring sunshine. When you walk by they hide under the nearest stone or just freeze, thinking that you can't see them if they don't move, floating suspended in the water.

On Anna Maria Island in Florida http://annamaria.com/ it is time for the white flamingos to arrive in the bay. They don't stay around for long and the flock is an incredible sight to see. Take aboat trip with Captain Don Meilmer out around the island and explore the intracoastal waterway. Ask him to take along a barbeque grill and cookout on a sandy beach or small island. Just pick up a few steaks, a salad and some crusty white mountain bread and you have a feast to enjoy in the sunshine. Washed down with a cold beer or a glass of Californian wine, this is outdoor dining at its best. Anna Maria Island is all about the sunshine and the water.

Torquay's premier vacation rental, The West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/ has one of the best positions on the South Devon coastline.

Choosing a holiday by the sea or in the countyside need not be an issue. Spend some time in both places http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Carmarthenshire is home to 3 holiday rental cottages near the Brecon Beacons is South Wales. Easy access from the motway and set in stunning countryside with unsurpassed views.

For unrivalled sunshine and a relaxed and friendly environment http://annamaria.com/ you cannot beat Anna Maria Island on Florida's west coast. Fly direct to Tampa. The island lies in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast and is accessed by either of 2 bridges from the mainland.

The weather has been superb and there has never been a better time to spend time in Torquay. Sparkling seas, spring flowers in the gardens, primroses in the hedgerows and some great restaurants. Just love Devon http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Carmarthenshire is also a great place to spend a week or just short break. Rivers, waterfalls, gorgeous countryside and a friendly welcome. Excellent restaurants, some pretty small towns to explore and many attractions to keep everyone happy. Just an hour to spectacular south wales coastline. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

Thinking of warmer climates, try Anna Maria Island in Florida USA http://annamaria.com/ for gorgeous villas with private swimming pools and direct beachfront apartments.

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Our holiday cottages on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate have recently opened and are attracting a lot of interest. Sarah, her husband and their new baby arrived for a week's stay and they say they love the peace and quiet of the location. The baby is adorable, what a lovely family. I took them over some new laid eggs from the chicken house - they are hard to come by at the moment as Bob wants them all for hatching. Our first chick arrived yesterday and a number of the other shells show signs of hatching. We are hoping t see goslings, ducklings and chicks over the next week or so.

Woke this morning to the sunshine streaming in through the window. Spring is certainly here. Everything is growing and the gardens and parklands both on the Estate http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ and at the house on the headland overlooking the sea http://www.torquay.uk.com/

The sea air is crisp and clear, the sunshine is warm and the gardens are sheltered and warm. Just the perfect day for a picnic on the terrace with the most beautiful views out over the water.

Torquay justly deserves the name the English Riviera. Elegant villas and houses on the hillsides, a huge south facing bay of sparkling waters facing the English Channel, the exclusive Hoopers Department store, award winning restaurants and it fringes some the most beautiful countryside known as the South Hams. Add in plenty of beaches to visit, attractions such as the newly restored ancient Torre Abbey, The Riviera Centre's heated swimming pool, gardens, theatres, a colourful marina. Newly opened West Wing Cottage has the best position of any rental you can find all along the south coast. Just yards from the water's edge with half an acre of lawns and landscaped gardens, the cottage is one of Listed Heritage's latest properties to be opened for holiday rentals. Bookings can be made direct on the web site at http://www.torquay.uk.com/ The company also cottages on the Bwlch Tre Banau estate available for holiday rentals.
http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

The finishing touches on the West Wing Cottage are underway. Equipping the kitchen, polishing the furniture, checking all the decor and now selecting the lamps, pictures and fixtures. Always the most fun part after the builders have left. Plenty of polishing and cleaning, making up the beds with fresh new 400 thread count cotton sateen linens and pristine white quilts and waxing the oak floors to an even sheen. As beautiful as the cottage is, it has to be said that for the first few minutes when you arrive all you will be looking at is the incredible uninterrupted view out over the sparking waters of Torbay with its drifts of sailboats and the distant headland of Berry Head curving out to the West. The sheltered bay is protected and is known as a warmer microclimate, allowing all nature of plants to flourish including the Torbay Palm Trees. Spring comes early to this area. The Winters are shorter and Summers are long and balmy, with hazy sunfilled days to be spent lazing in the extensive private gardens that extend out to the waters edge.

This is a new venture for us in Devon. We have 3 gorgeous cottages on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in Carmarthenshire on which we have lavished much care and attention http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/the-estate-views.html and The West Wing Cottage down here in Torquay will be no exception. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

If you are thinking of travelling over to America this year for a few weeks, take a look at Villa Serena on http://annamaria.com/

If you love seaviews, want to be right on the seafront with no roads and a half acre of private gardens on the waters edge,stay at the Westwing Cottage. Just 100 metres from the sea, the cottage has panoramic views out over beautiful Torbay. To the left is the elegant town of Torquay, and to the right the South Hams area of Devon extends into rolling green hills and superb beaches stretching along the coastline. Check it out at http://www.torquay.uk.com/

The owners have several other gorgeous cottages in rural Carmarthenshire that you can view at http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/