Perfect moments on our ‘works’ trip down the Helford River

Published on October 25, 2016 On B&B, Beach, Cornwall, days out Cornwall, Eating out in Cornwall

We took a bit of time out to celebrate a great season, Ben leaving us for France and Rachel having worked with us for 4 years now.

I always have a passion to visit West Cornwall, it’s so different from our bit of Cornwall. A day there can feel like I’v been away for ages.

My nephew, Ben, has been with us since spring. Our guests and couples will have been gifted with his handsome smile and beautiful manner. Just like everyone at Lower Barns, he’s answered the phone, taken enquiries, received deliveries, welcomed guests, had his photo taken, taken photo’s and videos, been on social media, served drinks and food at weddings and a whole load more. And with Ben it’s been ‘loads’ more, while he’s helped Mike with building and creating to make our dreams come alive. He is a multi-tasking master and puts together a playlist that always has us dancing in the kitchen.

My sister, Jodie, moved to France with her family when Ben was 7. Having him with us has been a real treat and we all wish him well on his return to France as a new chapter begins in his young and vibrant life.

It’s unbelievable that Rachel has been part of the team for 4 years now. Many hours sat at the big table with flip paper, coloured pens, laptops, phones and plans. These great years have seen the creation of Nook and Cranny, local, regional and national awards, two new websites, hundreds of social media and blog uploads, thousands of photo’s taken, competition winners, elopement weddings with cats and dogs and the happiest, loveliest guests and couples coming to stay with us.

Our focus is always about being the absolute best that we can be, aiming for excellence and brilliance and doing it with creativity, innovation, laughter and plenty of challenge in the mix. Our day of rivers, kayaking, history, art, stories, food, drink and fun inspired all of us. A day to be together differently, to allow our minds to wander and have a lot of fun while learning something new too.

If you fancy this trip to see the sights but don’t fancy kayaking, Helford River Cruises have a lovely little boat that launches from Budock Vean, taking groups of 2 to 12 people. Our kayaking group was with Koru Kayaking and there were just 6 of us on 3 kayaks as well as Tim, our guide, but they can accommodate 12 or more people. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is either, if you fancy a trip give them a call and take their advice. They are good with watching the weather and want to make sure you have the best time.

I had to heavily persuade Rachel to get in the water for a little bob around before we finished and it was worth it!

We drove back along the coast past beautiful Swanpool, where Mike had lived when his family first moved to Cornwall, went across the Helford River on the ferry and followed this pretty coastline and it’s villages with beautiful gardens to the Roseland Peninsula, through Tregony and back along the lanes to Lower Barns. A very pretty route on a sunny afternoon. I even had to stop the car when a saw a tree just covered with glistening, ripe cherries.

All the fun and fresh air made our thoughts turn to food and we stopped at the Hubbox at Pentewan for the most delicious burgers and some wine in the evening sun by the beach.

A spectacular day of perfect moments that I shall not forget, thanks guys.

I will share what we saw and learnt that day in my next blog. For now, I just want to say thank you to everyone we cross paths with and wish Ben the best of luck and love in France, where they are lucky to have you.

Love Janie x

P.S. If you fancy an autumn or winter trip to Cornwall, we have an Easy Breezy Days and Stays Special Offer, staying in Nook or Cranny for 2 nights bed and breakfast for £270. Book direct with us for this offer 01726 844881 or email janie@lowerbarns.co.uk, dates have been specially reserved that are not available without calling or emailing.