Who do you go to, when you’re planning your travels? The experts! Whether it is a friend that has been there, the tripadvisor-type database of experience, Wandering Educators (naturally!), or experts in the region to which you’re headed, it’s always a good idea to learn from the experts. This is especially important when it comes to finding great accommodations, for this is your home base, while you’re traveling. We always rent a house or apartment, but finding good ones can be a hassle.

Newquay Cliffs. Wikimedia Commons: Pablo BM

I’ve been planning a trip to Devon and Cornwall, and found an expert I’d like to share with you. Marsden Cottage Holidays has been finding great luxury accommodations in the area for over 40 years. They meticulously have chosen to represent over 350 Visit England graded properties. When you interact with them, they can make personal recommendations to you, based on their experience and your interests. It’s the perfect mix of travel and genius.

Recommendations will differ, of course – whether you’re after adventure, are traveling with your dog (and looking for places where they can run free), have a full family agenda, prefer the beach, want to walk, or cycle, or participate in any of the numerous sports, watersports, and activities the area features.

Tintagel. Wikimedia Commons: Wigulf

One of my favorite properties is the Gearing, Marwood Farm, located on the fringes of Exmoor National Park, in Devon. This beautifully restored barn is so clean and comforting, with such incredible green views (and a Jacuzzi spa pool), that you’ll want to head there first.

Another along the barn lines is the magnificent Wheatley Barn, part of a Cornish working dairy farm. There’s an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub, as well as an outdoor play area for kids. Why leave? The spacious kitchen and welcoming rooms embrace you.

But my heart was stolen by Williams Cottage. It’s a romantic cottage, perched atop a cliff, overlooking the sea. I half imagine myself as a heroine, watching the rocky shore during storms, ready to run down to rescue shipwrecked passengers; and half imagine finishing my great, epic novel in those clean white rooms. Even doing the dishes here is romantic, with a wide sashed window view. The cottage is filled with bits of whimsy - starfish, old wooden boats with ticking sails, and driftwood; but the views from each window make my soul sing.

A39, Exmoor. Wikimedia Commons: Kicior99

Here’s how the website for Marsdens Cottage Holidays works – it’s pretty easy.

Click the Section on Find a Cottage, and input your information – be sure to check off the features you’d REALLY like. You can also search by top destinations in Devon and Cornwall:

Top Destinations in Devon
•    Croyde
•    Woolacombe
•    Ilfracombe
•    Braunton
•    Combe Martin
•    Lynton
•    Lynmouth
•    Instow
•    Appledore

Top Destinations in Cornwall
•    Bude
•    Newquay
•    St Austell
•    Looe
•    Boscastle
•    Wadebridge
•    Camelford
•    Tintagel
•    Truro

or by favorite searches, including:
•    Pet Friendly
•    Luxury Cottages
•    On One Level
•    Near A Pub
•    Close to the Coast
•    Short Breaks
•    For Couples
•    Large Groups
•    Good for Surfing

Enjoying the surf at Woolacombe. Wikimedia Commons: Trish Steel

Special advantages from Marsden Cottage Holidays include a discount on top surfer Sarah Whitely’s surf school, Walking on Waves. Be sure to check their blog for recommendations for great places to eat (!), explore, and current events.

Great Hangman to Holdstone Down. Wikimedia Commons: Becks