Winter at Spreacombe: calm on the outside but what is happening behind the scenes?
A gentle January, hello from all of us here at Spreacombe Gardens, our collection of self catering holiday cottages near to Woolacombe.
Our guests often tell us that they value the peace and quiet of Spreacombe but we wouldn't want you to think that we were ALL snoozing over the winter period.
Spreacombe is never truly still; like ducks gliding across a pond there is always movement beneath the surface; here is a glimpse into our life, preparing everything for the season ahead.
The Farm; Update
We have had an ongoing project replacing some of our fencing. The great news as far as I'm concerned is that this has included a large gate in the Georgeham Field which was broken so difficult to open. This is part of our walking route so is making a big difference to me already.
The sheep are currently on the higher land and it's hopefully a low input season for us until they get closer to lambing. Hay and mineral licks are given to the sheep at this time of year to supplement the winter grass which is low in calories.
We hope that they are all pregnant, Spring will be the telling time!
Spreacome Gardens : Holiday Bookings
January is our time to pause, reflect and gently reset. It is the gap between our season close, which leads to our wind down, holiday and then Christmas) and the season re-opening for guest at Easter.
Behind the scenes, plans are gently taking shape, improvements are underway and small details are being refreshed - all with the aim of making your next stay even more relaxing and comfortable.
Bookings are coming in, especially from returning guests with a particular cottage request and from groups that want to secure the majority of the site.
After a recent marketing refresher, you may notice more regular updates on our social media channels and the occasional email for those on our VIP newsletter list. We keep our emails infrequent and useful, sharing availability, seasonal news and the occasional special offer.
If you’d like to stay in touch, please sign up via the link below
Sustainable, with EV Charging
Our on-site EV charger proved a real success last year. Many guests commented on how convenient it was to charge their car while relaxing in their cottage, rather than setting alarms to beat the queues at public chargers along the coast. We even switched it on over the festive period for visiting family and friends, giving them peace of mind for their long journey home. It’s a small but important part of our offering.
We are quietly busy in the woodlands, having planted a few hundred new trees. The new trees are mixed broadleaf, mostly replacements for ash trees, and other casualties, that we have had along the way. As we are filling in gaps, the planting has been dotted around the estate so you will see groupings of saplings in lots of different places.
The planting program is not complete, with more to be done, especially in the pond / lake area.
Winter and Wildlife at Spreacombe
I think that coastal areas get quicker and wider variations in weather. Yesterday we had bright blue sky enabling me to take some photographs. Last night. I was lucky enough to photograph the aura borealis from just outside the house. Today, if I’m being totally honest, is grey and windy, if I was on holiday, I would be looking to wrap up, have a brisk walk and a long coffee shop stop or pub lunch by an open fire.
While walking our dog Lexi at dawn recently, the valley was still wrapped in dusk and I could hear the soft calls of owls echoing through the woodland. We believe it’s a tawny owl, a familiar resident that has nested here for several years. Walking at lunchtime I could hear the woodpecker in the woods and some smaller garden birds.
We’re looking forward to taking part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend. Last spring, we tried a bird-song identification app and were amazed by how many different species it picked up.
Planning Your Next Self Catering Holiday in North Devon?
Spreacombe Gardens offers peaceful, self-catering holiday cottages in North Devon, just a short drive from Woolacombe’s award-winning beach and the South West Coast Path. Set in a private valley, our cottages are ideal for guests looking to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy the best of coast and countryside.
Most of our cottages are dog friendly, with woodland walks straight from the door and miles of beautiful North Devon coastline nearby.
We may be peaceful — but we’re always preparing, improving and quietly looking forward to welcoming you back.
If you’re searching for holiday cottages with EV charging near Woolacombe, Spreacombe Gardens offers on-site charging for guest use. It’s one less thing to think about, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your stay.
