Tag: garden

Kistinic Gatehouse in Brittany

| May 10, 2013

On our recent holiday to Brittany in France we stayed in two stylish holiday homes in the department of Finistere. I discovered Frenchberry whilst searching for family friendly holiday accommodation that provided that little bit extra. We have been treated to absolute luxury with each home and location we’ve stayed in.

We spent the first week of our holiday in the Kistinic Gatehouse just outside the medieval city of Quimper. The Kistinic Gatehouse is a charming house that comfortably sleeps six. It’s situated in the park grounds of the Kistinic Chateau where Frenchberry owner’s Claire and Andrew Bernard live. Our second week was spent by the beach at Lostmarc’h.

The Kistinic Gatehouse is a few minutes drive from Quimper where we enjoyed viewing the medieval architecture and cathedral, indulging in fine patisseries and leisurely meandering through pedestrianised streets. There’s something for everyone in the city of Quimper with a large range of shops and boutiques, restaurants and museums.

quimper

Stunning family friendly beaches with crystal clear water are less than a 30 minute drive away from the Kistinic Gatehouse. We visited Benodet for the day and had fun paddling, building sandcastles and walking along the coastal pathways.

Benodet

The Kistinic Gatehouse has been lovingly restored and renovated by Claire and Andrew. Each bedroom and bathroom are uniquely decorated and designed to a high standard.

Brittany Holiday Accommodation

There’s a private garden with outdoor table and chairs providing a tranquil spot for reading or enjoying a meal, complete with melodic birdsong.

Kistinic Gatehouse

We roamed freely within the 15 hectares of parkland surrounding the Kistinic Chateau. Imogen loved exploring the pathways and discovering the tracks in the woodland.

Kistinic Gatehouse

The lawned garden is perfect for children to play and run around in.

Kistinic Gatehouse

Having stayed in numerous French cottages and gites over the years, I can say that this truly surpassed our expectations and we will happily return here for future holidays.

Family Life

| May 7, 2013

The last few weeks have been extremely busy in our household. Aside from the usual business of general family life we’ve had some big decisions to make which affect us all.

A couple of weeks ago I made the decision to return to work part-time which is something I’m really looking forward to. It will be great to be back in the office working on projects again. Hubby and I have been researching and visiting nurseries to find one we’re happy with. We’ve settled on a nursery close to home which has great facilities for children and a wonderful environment.

Imogen is almost back to full health after more than a week of gastroenteritis which saw her with a very high fever for several days, vomiting, diarrhoea and mild dehydration.

The gastroenteritis struck the day we arrived in Brittany for our holiday, which was horribly too similar to our journey to New Zealand in January. Hubby had a couple of days of feeling under the weather and I was lucky to escape any ill effects. Thankfully we’re now getting out and exploring the beautiful countryside and coastline in Brittany.

A much happier little girl now she is better and out enjoying the great outdoors.

There is something about Brittany which continually draws us back. The beautiful view from our garden at Lostmarc’h near Crozon in Finistere.

Brittany

The Photo Gallery: Red

| March 20, 2013

This week’s Photo Gallery theme on Tara Cain’s blog Sticky Fingers is Red. Friday 15 March was Red Nose Day and so far over an amazing £75 million has been raised in aid of transforming lives across the UK and Africa. Well done everyone who took part!

I’m a big fan of the colour Red. Here are some of my favourite photos taken this year.

Imogen playing in her Grandparent’s garden in New Zealand.

Imogen and cousin Amber with their red table and chairs.

Native Pohutukawa growing in my parent’s garden in New Zealand.

pohutukawa

The Cable Car in Wellington City takes you up to the beautiful Botanical Garden.

Wellington Cable Car