East Penrest. Organic Farm Holiday in 5 Star Barn

We have been returning to East Penrest farm every year for more than ten years. We always enjoy staying in the superbly converted barn which is very comfortable, warm and well equipped. We like the Tamar valley because it is peaceful with many beautiful walks, some directly from the farm itself. It is also within easy striking distance of beaches on both north and south coasts. There is also a quiet pub with good food just down the road, athough we enjoy cooking in the very well equipped big kitchen area. The Rider family will tell you about the good local butchers and vegetable shops. Our children have also learnt a lot about farming by watching and helping. The Rider family make a particular point of involving visiting children, and this is a special part of staying at East Penrest. Our children have seen lambing in the spring and moving bullocks around the fields in the summer. For younger children there is a grassy play area just outside the barn and hours of fun with the dogs and cats. The barn is particularly well-suited to larger groups, either extended family gatherings (we cooked a special birthday meal at the long dining table, which can seat up to 12) or perhaps two families with children of similar ages. There is plenty of space for adults to relax while the children have fun together nearby. We have stayed at East Penrest with the families of several of our friends. But we also know other families who come here solo to enjoy the space and quiet.

We had a marvellous autumn break walking on the farm and travelling quickly to events around Cornwall and Devon when city based friends and colleagues were snowed in at home in London & the Home Counties. The fresh air, country scenery and warm welcome made it more than a home from home for city dwellers

We have enjoyed the fantastic hospitality of Jo and James at East Penrest for the past 6 years. There is now no discussion on where to go for holidays! I don't think we could get by without having our batteries recharged in this beautiful place. The Barn is comfortable and well equipped,with a fab aga!!! The children are very well catered for with toys and play areas outside and under cover.We have trouble getting our lot to go out anywhere as there is always something to do and the dogs and Inky the cat are constant sources of entertainment! From the moment we arrive to freshly baked scones, homemade jam and clotted cream, to the moment we reluctantly drag ourselves away, Jo and James make us feel special and nothing is ever too much trouble.There is an excellent library for both adults and children should the weather be less than perfect, and with internet access the teenagers are happy!!For the more enegetic a wander down to the river is a must or just sit by the pool and watch the wildlife we have seen otters and Kingfishers! If you want peace,relaxation,and to spend time with lovely people in a little bit of heaven this is the place to be!!

East Penrest is a magical place, it has a warm welcome provided by Jo and James and the Barn itself feels like home instantly. Everything we needed was thought of, including a christmas tree for us to decorate and ample logs for the woodburner. The lounge is a haven of comfortable sofas and huge supply of books and the kitchen is one of the best equipped for a holiday cottage that we have come across. The weather only added to the magical atmosphere with deep, fresh snow carpeting the farm and valley. Long walks with the farm dogs Jess, Patch and Shep being followed by the latest batch of black and white kittens followed by hot chocolate and crumpets by the warmth of the fire. The Barn is in a lovely part of Cornwall with easy access to the coast and to National Trust properties or the Eden Project but for us it is enough to stay put in a beautifully converted Barn to recharge our batteries before facing the world again, it is always hard to drag ourselves away from here. Truly, it is a piece of heaven.

I am convinced that visiting East Penrest should be available on prescription. On arrival at this beautiful organic farm, cares and concerns of London life immediately dissipated, as I breathed in the fresh air and was warmly welcomed with Jo's delicious home made scones and jam. The barn is breathtakingly beautiful, and has been restored by Jo and James with evident love, care and attention to every detail. The warmth of the welcome included beautiful wild flowers, a basket of freshly laid eggs from the farm's chickens and delicious home made marmalade. When the sun shines you can throw open the huge barn doors and listen to the birdsong and watch the rabbits in the orchard. In the evening you can cosy up in front of the wood burner, surrounded by books and antiques that make you feel like a guest in someone's very exceptional home. Walking over and around the farm and down to the river is beautiful, with or without the lovely sheep dogs in tow. Woods filled with daffodils and bluebells and buzzards soaring overhead. An enchanting and timeless place to visit, and the piano, and huge candle lit dining table next to the aga demands that I come back next time with friends.

We have been to East Penrest 7 times now, every 2 years since our youngest was 5 and now she will leave for university. We all feel that East Penrest is a very special place and part of our children's childhood. Although we travel the world and we live in the us, East Penrest is like coming home, once experienced East Penrest, Jo, James and the dogs will have a very special place in your heart.

We came to the barn mentally and physically tired and went away restored. The Barn has a wonderfull feeling of calm and tranquility, this is matched by the welcome and care given to us by James and Jo, nothing is too much trouble. The Barn was beautifully prepared, being pristine clean and with fresh flowers and still warm scones with cream and homemade jam and apple juice waiting - after a long journey this was oh so welcome. We have already booked to go back again and cannot wait!

It's our fifth time in five years staying at East Penrest and it never disappoints. I could spend an entire morning on the sofa just watching the birds at the bird feeder at the huge picture window. Even with the farming activities scaled down, we still got to see newly born lambs and enjoy roaming the hills and vales of the farm. The kids have lots of space to run around in and love to watch the sheep, collect eggs and pretend they can control the dogs - Jess, Patch, Shep and Pickles. Jo and James are always welcoming and the barn provides us with enough space for a family of 9 without anyone feeling on top of one another. The barn has wellies and waterproofs galore, as well as buckets and spades to borrow for a trip to a nearby beach and plenty of wheeled vehicles to keep all kids (and one teenager) more than happy. The girls are already planning the return trip and no doubt we'll be back at Easter next year. It's a fantastically relaxing way to spend a week with family in an altogether different setting from every day life, and it's one we'd like to continue.