A mid-November Friday afternoon saw us heading east up towards Tintagel, with the afternoon sun hurtling towards the horizon. We were super-excited to get away for a quick break, just myself and three of my friends. With one of them a new mum, it had been a long time - pre-lockdown - since we’d spent much time together.
Trebrea Lodge is a gorgeously grown-up pad with chic, stylish interiors and the four of us were super keen to enjoy the weekend, free of husbands, partners and children. As we pootled down the country lanes, we soon found the gated entrance to this stunning home. I jumped out and opened the gates, to discover the blissful, sandstone façade of Trebrea Lodge and the sweeping gravel driveway there to welcome us. Pulling up, we quickly retrieved the keys and let ourselves in. Lights had been thoughtfully left on for us by the housekeeping team, and the underfloor heating made things gorgeously toasty. For such a large home, it immediately felt cosy and welcoming.
We eagerly dumped our bags and reverting to children, we squealed as we ran from room to room, each as beautifully decorated as the next. We particularly loved the kitchen and the mustard yellow sitting room, found on the first floor via grand, red carpeted stairs. We had decided which bedrooms we would each have before we had arrived, so we each went off to find ours. Mine was located at the very top, a huge bedroom with four sash windows overlooking the front garden and out to sea, a super king-sized bed and a stunning freestanding bath.
I quickly unpacked and met everyone down in the kitchen, where we unpacked the shopping and chatted, ate a relaxed supper and adjourned to the sitting room where we lit the fire and caught up with all our news. Eventually, with eyes heavy, we all headed up to bed.
The next morning, we got up early and had a quick breakfast of coffee, juice and croissants. Since lockdown, we’ve enjoyed a new ritual of wild swimming when diaries allow it, and we’d heard great things about Bude sea pool. Being a semi natural pool, we left early to catch the tide just right – it needed to be out on such a blustery day, and we were lucky to catch it on the turn.
Bude Pool is just fantastic, set on the right-hand side of the beach, backed by huge, looming rocks. In summer, it must get very busy but being early on a cold November day, only a few die-hard swimmers were braving it so there was plenty of room for us. It took some time and not a considerable amount of deep breathing to eventually acclimatise to the water, but it was so invigorating and a perfect way to start the day. After about half an hour, we wrapped ourselves up and headed back to Trebrea Lodge, where we all made use of the baths and showers to bring us back to a normal temperature.
Cosy and dressed, we decided to head out for a bite to eat and made for nearby Trebarwith Strand and the Port William, a fab gastro pub with gorgeous views over the cliffs and out to sea. Here, we had fish and chips and crab sandwiches whilst gazing at the view, huge waves crashing over the rocks.
Afterwards, with tummies full, we drove to nearby Boscastle, home of witches and an impressive harbour, for an explore. We walked over the rocks to the head of the harbour, the sea choppy and wind blustery – it certainly blew the cobwebs away!
Walking back, we explored the fascinating shops before driving up to Boscastle Farm Shop to pick up provisions for the evening. This lovely spot, high on the headland, is fabulous for locally produced goods such as meat, bakery goodies, cheeses, fruit and vegetables as well as having a café on site which was really bustling when we arrived. There was also a host of lovely Christmas gifts on display, which we made the most of!
After we’d bought lots of goodies, we drove home and settled in for the evening, starting off with a gentle mediation in the sitting room with a flickering fire and a cup of warming ceremonial cacao for total relaxation, followed by a laid-back supper in the kitchen.
The games room was on our mind for the evening, so we set up some tunes on the cracking Bang & Olufsen system and played some pool (badly, but with much laughter). At the end of the evening, we retired to the sitting room to listen to music and enjoy a few drinks before heading to bed.
We all had a lazy lie in on Sunday morning, knowing it was just a few hours before we had to sadly leave, so some of us had baths whilst others explored the grand gardens, where tiered lawns afforded beautiful sea views. We met back together for a brunch champagne cream tea in the formal dining room – truly decadent with the fire flickering behind us!
Lunch time saw us packed and ready to leave. Although it had been a whistle stop stay, we all felt invigorated from our rest in our beautiful bedrooms, but more importantly we were so grateful that we’d had time together just the four of us in such a beautiful setting.
Trebrea Lodge is a gorgeously grown-up pad, perfectly nestled on the north Cornish coast with lots to places to visit in the area all just a short drive away; Boscastle, Tintagel, Trebarwith Strand, St Nectan’s Glen, Padstow and the Camel Estuary to name but a few. It’s the perfect space for friends to come together, complete with games room and a gorgeous sitting room, whilst the fabulously equipped kitchen will satisfy the pickiest of cooks, whether you do it yourself or hire your own private chef. Each of the bedrooms are beautifully designed, all en suite, so there’ll be no queues for the bathroom either. If you come in summer, the beautiful gardens are just lovely to while away an hour or two. This retreat is dog friendly too, welcoming up to two dogs, so your furry friends can come along too!
Feeling inspired? Take a look at Trebrea Lodge here.
