It’s always such a treat to stay at one of the fantastic properties in our portfolio so we were delighted to have the opportunity to stay at Swallow Barn - a charming, cosy barn sleeping four, situated on the Cornwall and Devon border and close to the historic town of Launceston. February seemed like the perfect time to visit; to soak up the serenity of the beautiful lake and grounds in the winter and explore the gorgeous surrounding countryside at its most peaceful.
The barn
Nestled in a tranquil setting in the breath-taking countryside, arriving at Swallow Barn is a delight. One of a collection of charming barns situated at Netherbridge Lake, with seven acres of grounds to explore, the first thing you’ll notice on your arrival is the unforgettable outside space. Woolly sheep graze around the lake, peace and quiet is all around and there are picnic tables dotted around; a lovely spot for an al fresco lunch in the warmer months. From there, you can enjoy a leisurely walk down to the banks of the River Tamar. And we can’t forget to mention the wonderful opportunities for stargazing here! The beautifully clear night sky is perfect for wrapping up warm and spending an hour or two admiring the starlit sky.
On arrival we drove down the path to the large parking space beside the lake and grounds. We grabbed our bags and wandered to Swallow Barn, stepping inside to find a cosy and tranquil retreat. The barn itself is full of charm with exposed stonework and beams, and it was such a lovely, cosy place to hide away after a day of exploring.
As you enter the barn, the two bedrooms are situated on this floor, with a lovely double bedroom beautifully furnished with solid oak furniture and a very comfortable bed, which made for a very peaceful night’s sleep. We set off downstairs to find the warm and welcoming open plan living and dining space, and a gorgeous kitchen with a Heritage range oven. The owners had kindly left a cream tea and some Netherbridge Lake sea salt and caramel fudge which was a lovely touch!
Outside, Swallow Barn has a gorgeous hot tub, ideal for magical evenings under the stars, and a seating area, perfect for breakfast under the summer sun. There’s also a shared games room on-site, with a darts board, DVDs, air hockey and table football. Great fun for a rainy afternoon!
We found that Swallow Barn was absolutely perfect for a long weekend away and would be ideal for a longer getaway too, ideal for those seeking peace and tranquillity whilst also being close to popular places to visit such as Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor and the north Cornwall coast, and offering plenty of opportunity for adventures.
Our holiday itinerary
We spent two blissful days exploring. Less than half an hour drive will take you to the thriving market town of Tavistock. We wandered around, stopping for coffee, and venturing into the independent shops. The market was taking place when we were there, so we had a lovely time picking up a few locally produced treats.
From there, we drove onto Dartmoor National Park for a refreshing walk. I don’t know about you, but I find Dartmoor such a soothing place to visit, with its gorgeous scenery and peaceful views. A magical place any time of year, it has a certain serenity during the winter, and we blew the cobwebs away for sure!
On Sunday, we wandered into Launceston to visit the majestic castle and enjoyed another peaceful walk at Lanhydrock, which is only a half an hour drive from the barn.
If you’re looking to explore the coast, Swallow Barn’s wonderful location is perfect for easily accessing the north coast of Cornwall, with its unforgettable coastline, golden sands of Bude, Polzeath and Crackington Haven, and fascinating villages of Tintagel and Boscastle.
Holiday recommendations
Food and drink: We picked up breakfast and dinner supplies at Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, a wonderful farm shop only a five-minute drive from the barn, offering fresh fruit and vegetables, a bakery, a deli and all sorts of other treats. There’s even a jam room where you can watch the team create their jams and chutneys with their own homegrown ingredients. In Tavistock, we enjoyed brunch at Taylor’s which was delicious!
Places to explore nearby: Dartmoor National Park and its pretty towns and villages, the golden sand beaches of north Cornwall, Bodmin Moor, Boscastle and Tintagel.
Tip: Swallow Barn is one of a collection of charming properties at Netherbridge Lake, a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere for a group of friends or family. Take a look at Kingfisher Barn, Otter Barn, Badger Barn, Swift Barn and Owl Barn.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, have a read of our blog on the best things to do in Launceston, and get planning your next holiday in north Cornwall. Enjoy…
