We drove across Tregonhawke Cliff just as it was getting dark on the Friday evening. The wind was howling, and the waves were crashing against the cliffs next to us. As we pulled up to the drive at Verdun, we could see that the lights had been left on for us and looking through the windows, we could already feel the cosy warmth from inside.
The little pathway was all lit up, leading the way to the glass front door. It was magical. As we stepped inside, we were welcomed by the most sumptuous hamper full of fresh, local goodies. We were already planning our breakfast for the following morning with the bacon and eggs, before we had even put our bags down!
Once we were all settled in and had taken a moment to soak in the beauty of Verdun, we of course had to explore further. Walking from room to room, our bodies immediately started to relax and unwind as the underfloor heating warmed our toes. We couldn’t believe how spacious it was inside; it’s the perfect amount of space for two and total luxury. Opening the wardrobe to pop our bags away, we were delighted to find two soft and gorgeous quality robes and two pairs of slippers. We became increasingly more excited to try out the hot tub in the morning – even if it was raining!
We sat down with some evening snacks on the beautiful Loaf sofa together, and we honestly felt like we had fallen onto a cloud. It was a real welcomed treat to enjoy such luxury. It was too dark to see the view out of the windows, but it was exciting knowing that it was waiting for us in the morning.
When we woke the Saturday morning, we rustled up a proper cooked breakfast to feast upon with the wonderful goodies that had been left for us in our hamper on arrival. The bread was so fresh, and you could tell that the eggs had come from happy, local chickens with their bright orange yolks. The kitchen has everything you would need for a couple’s getaway. There were even a few surprises that we found, like a juicer. So, we whizzed up the pink grapefruits that had been left for us and made some juice to go along with our breakfast.
The weather was certainly stormy, but that didn’t stop us venturing out to explore what the rest of the cliff had to offer. Coats on, we took a short walk down to the lovely Cliff Top Café and warmed ourselves up with some good, local food. Small yet perfectly formed, and the wonderful colours inside this café really brightened up the weather outside. We took a stroll further down the cliff to watch the waves crashing and the wind blowing the clouds right across the sky. There is something magical about such tempestuous weather, and watching the horizon change with the day.
After a delicious lunch, we decided it was time to brave it in the hot tub! The wind had eased off and there was something thrilling about the contrast of dipping in the hot tub with a little sprinkling of cold rain landing on your skin. We wrapped ourselves up in the soft robes and headed to the top of the garden. The view was even more awe-inspiring from up there and we felt totally spoilt. Having the little summer house just a step away from the hot tub was ideal; we could enjoy the radio playing whilst we relaxed and soaked up the beautiful and peaceful views. It was such an extraordinary sensation to ‘hot tub in the rain’.
Later in the evening, after a quick freshen up and soak in the out-of-this-world rainfall shower, we took a short drive down the road to the Little Fox Hotel. They have the marvellous Aspects Bar and Restaurant, which was filled with warmth and comfort from the second that you walked through the door. We ordered the belly pork (which was divine!) and the steak sizzler, which filled the room with the most glorious aroma. My other half said it was one of the best steaks that he had ever tasted. We sat at the table closest to the wood burner, the flames flickering away whilst we devoured our food, which created the most homely and intimate atmosphere.
Awakened by the Sunday morning sunshine peeping through the windows, we felt so at peace in our bubble of tranquillity. The relaxation of knowing that the day was ours, and that the beautiful South Coast and deep blue sea was merely steps away from our front door, was divine. We rustled up some bacon and eggs (sunny side up!) and slowly woke ourselves up from dreamland with a good, strong coffee from the super easy-to-use Dualit coffee machine.
Wrapped up snug in our fluffy, soft robes and slippers, we trotted up the garden to the hot tub with two glasses and a bottle of bubbles in hand. The views of the cliff from so high up were breath-taking and the sea was kindling its own symphony, crawling gently to the shore. The sunshine made the sea glisten, the sky was a tremendous shade of blue and we positively didn’t want to leave.
Making the most of the sunshine, we took our lunch outside to the table and chairs and enjoyed some Al Fresco eating. We couldn’t believe how long it took us to finish up eating all the delicious foods that had been left for us in our welcome hamper. The bar of sea salt chocolate was still going strong – but not for long!
Every desirable detail of Verdun has been placed with love and care and the balance between luxury and home comforts could not have been more perfect. What a truly special and unforgettable way to enjoy the Valentine’s weekend together.
Feeling inspired? Have your own romantic getaway at Verdun here.
