The 2024 season was lovely, the 37th year of our family offering holiday cottages in an amazing setting in a wonderful part of the Devon countryside!

Easter with egg hunts, white rabbits, fun and games was followed by a gentle May which brought us lots of sweet hay, such a delight. In the past there have been times when good hay has been scarce, which is why we keep in the posh dried grass, but the rabbits and in particularly the guineas do enjoy it, so they now always get a little bowl of it to go along with their bundle of hay, plus some straw, some dry feed and a variety salad each day…..

May day in Great Torrington saw the historic May Fair and carnival festivities, such an extra special place in the hearts of all Torritonians near and far. We have fond memories of dancing the floral dance in the square back along. Now we watched the grandchildren maypole dancing. May Fair day saw the train on the Tarka Railway at the old railway station take passengers on a return trip down the line for a few hundred metres, a great milestone and something that was remarkably pleasing to be part of.

The swimming pool opened in good time for May half term, as always was enjoyed for swimming and as a suntrap.

All this time saw new kittens arriving, baby bunnies, mice and chicks as well as two-day old goslings, 2 girls who were not only great fun as fluffy little yellow fellows, but who now as rather elegant birds are doing great work keeping at bay the predators who have been pestering our hens and ducks over the last year at bay. To replace the birds lost to buzzard/fox/weasel we have introduced a different variety of chickens and ducks, great characters some of them are, all with their own little ways….

We continued to welcome new arrivals throughout spring and early summer, most excitingly in mid July, when over a fairly short period a good 16 or so of the most beautiful rabbits were born. Rex/Lionhead crosses presented in glorious combinations of silky coats to fluffy, bearded too, great colours including this rather special brown and with a number of great characters amongst them. The March piglets grew up and went back to their farm and two black beauties joined us instead.

September into October saw us furtively following pregnant Posie cat around the village and especially in Sandie’s gardens because we had no idea where she was planning to nest. The 5 little ones were found at last hidden away in a straw barn!

No pumpkins this year, we had dozens the year before, but October half term was filled with kittens. The youngsters were all playing together while the grown-ups enjoyed the sociable gardens.

In the meantime the village was busy with coffee mornings, beetle drives, barbecues, fetes, dances, harvest and candle lit carols at Christmas in the historic tradition of Devon farmers.

Torrington itself saw the arrival of some new eateries in town and Anne and Chris‘s Honey Wood Orchard’s cider is well established.  The Commons all around Torrington continued to delight, and RHS Rosemoor Gardens was as special as ever. We can see the lights of their winter glow, the chickens and ducks even can see this amazing spectacle. It really does look twinklingly colourful.

With very best wishes for a joyful, happy and healthy 2025 from us all at Torridge House Cottages.