Blue Chip Vacations has released its top ten new Cornish properties for 2010 including stunning period houses, cosy cottages, chic coastal apartments and contemporary custom-built lodges, all of which are available for press visits and reviews.

1. By Farthi Best – New for 2010
Farthings is a stunning three bedroom cottage, which features a charming additional child’s room and bed.
Located right on the beach at Ready Money Cove in Fowey, Farthings house has good access to the National Trust Coastal Path, the beach, which is 30 yards away, and Fowey town centre.

Inside, Farthings has a beautiful open plan living, dining and kitchen area on the first floor, which has double doors that open up onto a balcony overlooking the sweet and secluded beach. A lovely wood burning stove keeps guest toasty and warm at night, and the flatscreen TV, DVD player and IPod sound system help to entertain in the brief moments away from the beach. The bedrooms are quirky and use the unique shape and features within this wonderful house to stunning effect.

Outside, Farthings has a hot and cold outdoor shower, perfect for washing off sand, and an enclosed courtyard, which acts as a perfect sun trap.

Farthings sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £788 (£131pp), or for three nights from £557 (£92pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/penzance/golden-sands.html

2. Grand Design – New for 2010
Curlew Point is one of those properties that could so easily have featured on Grands Designs. This amazing four bedroom house enjoys uninterrupted views of the South Cornwall Coastline and is only a short walk from the traditional Cornish village of Downderry, situated on the outskirts of Looe between Saltash and Liskeard.

Inside, the spacious living spaces each have access to the impressive balcony, which leads out to the lower decked and garden areas. A wood burning stove helps to make for a warm and cosy atmosphere during the winter months, and the 42” flatscreen TV, DVD player, CD player and IPod docking station provide plenty of entertainment at night or on wetter days. The open plan kitchen and dining areas each enjoy spectacular views. The bedrooms are large and spacious and the bathrooms have every convenience imaginable.

Outside, the property has direct access to the South West Coast Path. The beaches of Whitsand Bay and Seaton are both within a short walking distance, and Whitsand Bay Golf Course at Portwinkle, is close by.

Curlew Point sleeps eight and can be booked for seven nights from £788 per week (£98pp), or for three nights from £557 (69pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/whitsand-bay-downderry/curlew-point.html

3. Classic Cornish Cottage – New for 2010
Bryher Cottage is a beautiful barn conversion situated in the picturesque village of St. Mawgan. It has beams throughout, large bright and airy rooms, a toasty log burning stove and a fabulous 70 foot enclosed garden, which is a great sun-trap during the warm Summer months. A travel cot, high chair, stair gate, night lights, children’s cutlery and crockery are all provided, making this the perfect spot for a family getaway.

St Mawgan has a popular pub with a lovely beer garden and a great little village shop. For those looking to build sandcastles, swim, learn to surf or just relax, Mawgan Porth Beach and Watergate Bay – home to the Extreme Sports Academy and the Jamie Oliver inspired ‘Fifteen Cornwall’ – are within a five minute drive. Alternatively, the pretty harbour town of Padstow, home to Rick Stein’s sea food restaurants, is just a short trip around the coast.

Bryher Cottage sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £678 (£113pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/watergate-bay-mawgan-porth/bryher-cottage.html

4. Stunning sea views – New for 2010
28 Mount Brioni is a Mediterranean-styled self-catering house, which is situated in the village of Seaton on the coast of South Cornwall. It has stunning sea views and is thoughtfully designed to an exceptional standard, including lavish internal fixtures and fittings. Features such as under floor central heating, which is fuelled by a green ‘air exchange unit’, help to keep this property’s carbon footprint low.

Set in beautiful South-facing gardens and spectacular coastal surroundings, Mount Brioni is within yards of the Coastal Path. The beach is a 100 yard stroll away, where rock pools that are ideal for crabbing can be found. The beach is also a popular spot for anglers throughout the year.

28 Mount Brioni sleeps four and can be booked for three nights from £398 (£99pp), or from £418 (£104pp) for seven nights.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/looe-polperro/28-mount-brioni.html

5. Way impressive!- New for 2010
Wayside Cottage is a delightful single-story cottage, which is nestled on a country lane on a cliff above the beach at Cawsand. Inside, the living and dining rooms both possess impressive coastal views, while outside the real winner for this property is its large sea-front decking area and landscaped gardens.

Situated in the pretty village of Kingsand and Cawsand on the Rame Peninsula, Wayside Cottage is set in haven of peace and tranquillity. The beach is just a few minute’s walk away as is the village, which is blessed with pubs, narrow streets, charming colour washed cottages and a lovely selection of local shops.

Wayside Cottage sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £548 (£91pp), or for three nights from £389 (£64pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/kingsand-cawsand/wayside-cottage.html

6. Fore! Great Sea Views and Golf – New for 2010
9 Headland Point is a superbly located apartment that has fantastic sea views from the living room and patio area. Inside, the living area is styled with chic contemporary furniture and a modern open plan kitchen. The bedrooms are generously proportioned with large double beds that can be separated to provide twin beds.

Fistral Beach is just a 2 minute walk away, offering some of the best surfing conditions in the world. Also close by is Newquay Golf Course, one of the finest links courses in the area, offering 18 challenging holes with truly breathtaking views over Fistral Bay.

9 Headland Point sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £458 (£76pp), or for three nights from £326 (£54pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/newquay/9-headland-point.html

7. Goldrush! – New for 2010
Golden Sands is a fantastic holiday home situated just a few steps from the gorgeous Praa Sands near Penzance. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the sea and beach life, and there are plenty of water sports on offer close by.

Inside, the house is beautifully furnished. The living room has some of the best sea views in Cornwall, and the chic kitchen makes the most of natural light, provided via a clever room-length glass ceiling. The bedrooms are large, have beautiful seasoned wooden floor boards, and each has their own views.

Outside, the impressive large decked terrace is a perfect place to relax with a cool drink on balmy summer evenings. And, on arrival, guest are greeted with a traditional cream tea.

Golden Sands sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights or less from £718 (£119pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/penzance/golden-sands.html

8. Terraced stunner – New for 2010
18 Tregaskes is a stunning two-bedroom terraced house, which is situated just a ten minute walk from the beaches of Cooklets and Summerleaze, and the picturesque town of Bude on the North Cornwall coast.

The property has been beautifully appointed throughout combining exciting, modern architectural design with ecologically friendly features. Inside, the kitchen, dining and living areas are chic and contemporary, while upstairs, the bedrooms are large, funky and fun. The patio and rear enclosed garden are accessed from the sitting room.

18 Tregaskes sleeps four and can be booked for seven nights from £398 (£99pp), or for three nights from £284 (£71pp).
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/bude/18-tregaskes-parc.html

Bookings can be made by calling Blue Chip Vacations on 0844 5612001 or by visiting www.bluechipvacations.com

9. The Height of Coastal Chic – New for 2010
Harbour Heights is a beautifully converted 1930’s coastal house, which is perched on top of a hill above Victoria Pier overlooking the stunning, historic fishing harbour of Mevagissey. Recently refurbished, this five-star property matches its art-deco charm with chic contemporary features and furnishings.

Inside, the property has a large and spacious living and dining area, both of which enjoy impressive sea views. Loaded with the entertainment technology throughout, including a 50” Flat-screen Plasma screen, a Playstation 3 for gaming, HD movies, 5.1 Surround Sound System, Sky TV, Wifi and LCD TV’s & DVD players in every bedroom, even if the weather comes in, there’ll never be dull moment.

The contemporary high-spec kitchen has fabulous quartz work surfaces. Patio doors lead onto a side deck with stunning views over the harbour, and a six seat table for al-fresco dining. The bedrooms are of the highest calibre and the bathroom is made for indulgence, long soaks and hot showers.

Outside, Harbour Heights has a large elevated sun deck with seating for sun loungers, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Harbour Heights sleeps six and can be booked from £618 for seven nights (£103pp) or from £438 (£73pp) for a three night stay.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/mevagissey/harbour-heights-house.html

Bookings can be made by calling Blue Chip Vacations on 0844 5612001 or by visiting www.bluechipvacations.com

10. Penthouse passion – New for 2010
No. 52 Bredon Court is an impressive penthouse apartment with views over Newquay Golf Course down to Fistral Beach and out to sea. The apartment has two balconies; one from the living area and one from the bedroom, giving stunning sea vistas day or night.

Inside, the living and dining areas are stylishly finished with chic furniture and fittings. The sitting room has enviable views and a grand double height apex ceiling, which pours light in during the day. The bedrooms are large, comfortable and beautifully appointed.

52 Bredon Court sleeps six and can be booked from £508 (£84pp) for seven nights or from £361 (£60pp) for three nights.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/newquay/52-bredon-court.html

Make the most of underoccupancy offers! Cornish Horizons are promoting a 20% discount for 2 people off ALL WEEKS at Creek View Cottage sleeping six overlooking the waterfont at Little Petherick near Padstow, Cornwall.

The first floor balcony and sunny decked terrace of this well equipped contemporary Cornish cottage look right out over the tidal waters of the Saints Way as it opens into the Camel estuary at Padstow. Whether you enjoy messing about on the river or just want a romantic break, Creek View Cottage (sleeps up to 6) provides a delightful vantage for watching the wildlife, breakfasting in the morning sunshine, or raising a glass of something chilled and marveling at the glorious sunsets.

Example: seven nights commencing 19 March was £267, now £214 for 2 persons with Cornish Horizons (01841 533 331 www.cornishhorizons.co.uk).

Graphics and property information: http://www.cornishhorizons.co.uk/6_saints_way_waterfront_holiday_house_padstow.htm

Sleeping 6 in 4 bedrooms, Kubu is a contemporary, spacious Cornish bungalow newly available near the heart of St   Merryn, Padstow where Rick Stein has just taken over the local village pub, the Cornish Arms. The village also  boasts a homemade pasty shop, village store and surf shop, with seven glorious sandy beaches all within five  minute’s drive – one for every day of your Easter holiday week! Cornish Horizons (01841 533 331 ) are offering seven nights for up to 6 people at Kubu from £358 commencing 28 March and  £470 commencing 04 and 11 April

Property details and graphics: http://www.cornishhorizons.co.uk/kubu_st_merryn_padstow_self_catering.htm
Caxton FX Helps Overseas Property Owners Demolish Their Fees

Banks and online currency companies overcharge for making simple overseas payments. One provider is bucking the  trend by offering free transfers and bank-busting rates.

Overseas property owners spend a bundle for the upkeep of their property. Local taxes, ground rent, service  charges and utilities bump up monthly transfers and online payment systems (as well as your high street bank),  want a piece of the action.

Not only do banks and some online payment services often charge around £25 pounds or more just to transfer your  money, they can also charge commission, normally adding around 1.5% to the already uncompetitive exchange rate  given. This means you’ll find your hard earned money being whittled away for no good reason. For example, using your high street bank account/online payments service to transfer multiple monthly bill payments could cost you an  extra £1062 per year*. That’s the cost of eight return flights to Valencia or paying the mortgage off earlier on  your home abroad**.

FastPay allows you to make payments around the world with no fees or commissions and offers bank-beating exchange  rates. Use it day or night, 7 days a week; it’s an easy and cost effective way to transfer money overseas.

Caxton FX FastPay offers competitive exchange rates and no fees or commission for transfers of £100 to £10,000.
FastPay enables currency payments to be made at any time and live rates offer an opportunity to take advantage of  currency volatility. FastPay customers are also able to track progress of their payments online, meaning you can  see when the beneficiary receives their payment. As 96% of all FastPay customers would recommend the system,  you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your money is travelling better.

*
High Street Bank/Other online payments service
Transfer fee (£25 per transaction, based on 3 separate payments per month) = £75
Commission at 1.5% (based on 3 separate transactions of £300 per month) = £13.50
Total bank charges for a year = £1062

Caxton FX
Transfer fee = No charge
Total bank charges for a year = 0

**flight price based on two people flying from Gatwick to Valencia return with Easy Jet. Departing 6th June 2010  and returning 15th June 2010 (£123.70 = 1 rtn flight).

A beautiful three storey character cottage sleeping 8 in central Padstow is celebrating it’s refurbishment with an amazing 40% off all weeks until 26th March! The top floor sitting room has stunning views over the estuary and is worth every one of the four stars awarded by VisitBritain.

Cornish Horizons (01841 533 331 www.cornishhorizons.co.uk ) are offering seven nights self catering at 12 New Street for up to 8 people for only £279 (was £464) including linen and towels, pets welcome. Offer ends 26 March.

Full details and graphics: http://www.cornishhorizons.co.uk/12_new_street_self_catering_padstow_cornwall.htm

Romantics who whisk their loved ones off to Cornwall for a Valentine’s break, may be surprised to discover that the county is a well kept secret in winter. Deserted beaches, visitor attractions with no queues, and celebrity restaurants with availability for dinner will all appeal to couples in search of a peaceful stay in Cornwall when the countryside and the weather are arguably at their most wild and beautiful.

Dramatic, bracing walks along the South West Coastal Path, across moorland and through numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Trust properties, may all be enjoyed without encountering more than a handful of other people. And it’s possible for dog owners to walk their pets along deserted beaches, from which they are banned during the summer.

Attractions such as The Eden Project are as fascinating in winter as in summer, plus there’s an ice skating rink for visitors to enjoy until 21 February (£5 for 40 minutes, including skate hire).

Couples can treat themselves to a meal in Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen in Watergate or one of Rick Stein’s restaurants in Padstow without having to queue!

And for cosy accommodation for couples, www.cornwallscottages.co.uk has a great selection of welcoming holiday homes in unspoilt locations across South Cornwall, the majority on the Roseland and Lizard Peninsulas, both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

These include:

BEACH HILL COTTAGE: Complete with wood burning stove and cosy sofa, and situated just across from the AA rosette restaurant at The Lugger Hotel, this beautifully converted former fisherman’s cottage is located in the centre of the unspoilt village of Portloe and is perfect for a Valentine’s break. The picturesque harbour is just metres away and the South West Coastal Path is only a short walk. Three nights over the Valentine’s weekend cost £209.

VINEYARD COTTAGE: a tranquil retreat for two close to Philleigh on the Roseland Peninsula’s only working vineyard, close to walking trails and ideal for wildlife spotting. Drive to Pendower Beach in just five minutes, to the Eden Project in half an hour, or snuggle up in the first-floor lounge, complete with timber beams, and enjoy views over the vineyard while savouring a bottle of the local wine. A three-night short break over Valentine’s weekend costs £229.

WIGGY’S COTTAGE: This charming, 200-year-old cottage situated in a quiet street in St Mawes has been tastefully modernised to provide a perfect bolt-hole for Valentines. And, with a number of excellent pubs and restaurants just a stone’s throw away, as well as the harbour and ferries to Falmouth and Truro, visitors may leave their car in the allocated parking space for their entire stay. The price of a three-night break over the Valentine’s weekend is £223.

Ever wishfully looked at those big luxury holiday homes right on the beach and thought you could never afford one?… not so! Try asking for out-of-season under occupancy discounts.

Porthcothan House overlooking Porthcothan Bay in Cornwall is a VisitBritain Gold Award wining, Five Star period farmhouse sleeping 11 with sweeping drive combining rural and sea views close to the foodie heaven of Padstow. Luxury touches include handmade beds, goosedown duvets and a steam room for two. Cornish Horizons (01841 533 331 www.cornishhorizons.co.uk ) are offering 7 nights at Porthcothan House from £1320 low season to £3400 high season. Special Offer Tip: book during low and mid season and get a massive 25% discount for parties of 5 or less – pets also welcome!

TASTE OF CORNWALL PACKAGE AT RETALLACK RESORT & SPA

ONE WEEK IN A 4 BEDROOM LODGE INCLUDING
DAILY COMPLIMENTARY LUNCHES AT SELECTED LOCAL RESTAURANTS INCLUDING
RICK STEIN’S FISH & CHIPS AND JAMIE OLIVER’S ‘FIFTEEN’
ONLY £299 PER PERSON

VALID UNTIL JANUARY 31ST EXCLUDING CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
Based on 4 people sharing a 2 bed lodge. Single room supplement £75

Take your taste buds on a mini gourmet break to Retallack Resort & Spa in Cornwall and enjoy the resort’s fantastic value ‘Taste of Cornwall’ 7 night package from only £299 per person.
Including daily breakfast packs, daily lunches at selected local restaurants including Rick Stein’s fish & chips in Padstow, the Glasshouse Restaurant in Wadebridge, Tresanton Hotel, Trevose Golf Club and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen at Watergate Bay, this gourmet break is not only fantastic value for money but will also allow you to taste the very best of Northern Cornwall whilst visiting many of the areas beautiful attractions.

Build up an appetite cycling along the famous Camel Trail or spend a day at the Eden Project, walking around the amazing Biomes and perfecting your moves on the Christmas skating rink. Take a bracing walk along one of the many coastal paths before lunching at the Trevose Golf Club with spectacular views over the sea and visit the stunning Watergate Bay for plenty of fresh air before enjoying lunch at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant Fifteen.
Spend a day at the quaint Cornish town of Padstow and visit the historic Prideaux Place en route to lunch at Rick Stein’s famous Fish & Chip shop and wander around the City of Truro before a trip on the King Harry ferry to the Roseland Peninsula and lunch at the Tresanton Hotel.

Should you fancy a glass of wine or two with lunch Retallack can arrange chauffeured vehicles or taxis at an additional cost. If you wish to arrange alternative visits to those suggested, Retallack’s Concierge sevice is on hand to offer suggestions.

Retallack Resort offers 5 Star Self Catering accommodation – each lodge is decorated to the highest standards and complimentary state of the art leisure facilities include a modern indoor swimming pool complex with steam room, sauna, gym and fitness studio, ‘Retreat’ spa offering Thalgo and Decleor treatments, cafe and bar, kids club, outdoor tennis courts, 9-hole pitch and putt golf course and children’s adventure playground.

RETALLACK RESORT & SPA – THE PERFECT BASE FROM WHICH TO ENJOY CORNWALL’S CHRISTMAS EVENTS

4 bed lodges from £350 for 3 nights or £450 for one week
2 bed lodges from £295 for 3 nights or £249 for one week

December is a lovely time to visit Cornwall and stay at the 5 Star Self-Catering Retallack Resort & Spa. The rugged Cornish coastline is ideal for brisk winter walks whilst picturesque towns such as Padstow and Truro are free of crowds and full of Christmas cheer with Christmas markets, ice-skating and carol concerts galore. Retallack Resort provides the ideal base from which to enjoy and explore Northern Corwall’s many winter treats.

If food is your thing then Cornwall is the perfect place. At Christmas, every cook wants to provide friends and family with a memorable feast so what better way to get your culinary skills up to scratch than with a 2 day Christmas cookery course at Rick Steins in Padstow. Beginning on December 1st, guests at the cookery school will learn to make the perfect roast goose and all the trimmings as well as a range of traditional and contemporary Christmas desserts. Steins restaurant is also offering a special lunch based around prime Cornish seafood including lobster, crab and turbot throughout the winter months, for only £28.50 per person.

A little further down the coast at Watergate Bay, Jamie Oliver’s restaurant Fifteen is running a special ‘Wild Cornwall’ three course lunch menu until December 18th. Featuring produce from Autumn’s larder and fresh Cornish produce from the land, sea and air, diners will have the opportunity to try some fantastic traditional ingredients. For those who feel like letting someone else do all the hard work this year, Fifteen is also offering a Christmas day five course feast for £85 per adult and £45 per child and a four course Boxing Day lunch menu priced at £50 per adult and £25 per child.

For some fun in a truly awe inspiring environment, the nearby Eden Project will offer visitors a huge range of fantastic winter activities including skating, curling, lantern processions through the magical biodomes at night, festive food, carol singing, Cornish choirs and a Christmas tree made from recycled plastic bags! The winter festival will also offer singing, storytelling and rediscovering the importance of the gifts of memories.

Retallack Resort offers the ideal winter break, allowing you to experience Cornwall’s Christmas festivities whilst enjoying a cosy home from home. When you’ve exhausted the Christmas cheer, enjoy a glass of mulled-wine in the resort’s café-bar, make use of the fantastic leisure facilities which include an indoor swimming pool complex with steam room, sauna and gym, book in for a spinning class or aqua aerobics for adults and Aqua Babes with the kids or simply enjoy a treatment in the Decleor spa.

For more information please visit www.retallackresort.com or call 01637 882 400
Retallack is 8 miles from Newquay Airport and 10 miles from Bodmin Parkway train station

CHRISTMAS IN CORNWALL

20% OFF A CHOICE OF LUXURY VILLAS AND APARTMENTS

Travelsmith Holidays are offering 20% off a selection of 4-night breaks in Cornwall over the Christmas period.

Just a stone’s throw from Watergate Bay and the Jamie Oliver inspired Fifteen Restaurant, the luxury Beachcombers Apartments are available from 23rd December from £229 – normal price £290.

Bay Retreat Villas, a collection of 28 stylish and contemporary 2 bedroom cottages in St Merryn Holiday Village, just down the road from Rick Stein’s recently opened gastro-pub, are available from £299 – down from £390.

Or Porth Veor Villas and Apartments, a select development of deluxe 2 bedroom villas and apartments set in the grounds of the Porth Veor Manor Hotel overlooking the beach at Porth. Here guests can book Christmas Day Lunch at Beaucliffes ‘fine dining’ restaurant in the Manor. Just a 30 minute drive away is the Eden Project. They are also available from £299 – down from £390.

It’s during December that Padstow is at its most magical, with its festive fair bringing sparkling Christmas lights to the tranquil harbour. Visitors can experience a traditional Christmas market in the idyllic seaside town on Cornwall’s North coast, over a long weekend during the 4th, 5th and 6th of December 2009.

After the resounding success of its first year, Padstow’s Christmas Festival is back, promising an array of seasonal treats with Christmas lights and decorations, fireworks, seasonal food, festive cookery demonstrations and late night shopping. This year’s Christmas market boasts stalls laden with Cornish goodies and at the heart of this years festival will be an outdoor ice rink for all to enjoy.

The ice rink is a new addition for 2009 and will be open all day Saturday and Sunday offering a great way to make the most of a winter’s day. The harbour side will play host to the 3,000 sq ft ice rink and after a session on the ice, visitors will be able to warm up with a hot chocolate and a mince pie in one of Padstow’s many cafés or bistros.

The festival’s food and drink stands will be celebrating all things Cornish; expect wine tastings, seasonal food, mulled wine and festive cookery demonstrations. Sample the best of Cornwall’s produce from the town’s local suppliers or enjoy a celebratory meal in one of Padstow’s renowned restaurants or traditional British pubs.

Many of the town’s eateries will be running special offers throughout the event, including The Basement – a café built within ‘The Drang’, a small shopping area on the Quay – which will be offering a three course evening menu for £22, as well as lunches for under £10, throughout the festival.

The town’s most well known chef, Rick Stein, will also be attending the festival, signing copies of his latest book, Far Eastern Odyssey, for visitors at Stein’s Deli. The Seafood Restaurant will be offering a three course lunch menu for £28.50, St Petroc’s Bistro will offer a three course lunch menu for £17.50 and there will also be a seasonal cookery demonstration at Padstow Seafood School on the evening of Friday 4th December.

With scenic estuary views, an appearance by Father Christmas, carols around the Christmas tree and live music, visitors can soak up the party atmosphere whilst escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests can explore Padstow’s boutique retailers after hours for artisan jewellery, crafts, fashion and homewares for that perfect Christmas gift. The celebration will finally culminate with a special Christmas service and carols at the historic St Petroc’s church in the old town on Sunday 6th.