Welcome to our Holiday Blog!

It's Official! Kent has the most Blue Flag Beaches in England! Thanet alone has Nine Blue Flags to boast about. A string of beautiful bays running from Ramsgate to Margate via Broadstairs afford perfect conditions for a wide variety of activities to please all ages.  Stunning Botany Bay is the one with the awesome chalk stacks that has featured in Visit Kent advertisements.  Others include Joss Bay - popular with surfers -  Westbrook Bay with a designated area for water skiing and Minnis Bay which has sailing and windsurfing clubs.  There are quiet sandy stretches for relaxing and many rock-pools providing hours of entertainment for children. Other amusing diversions include donkey rides and a seawater lido at Margate Sands and endless opportunities for enjoying the wonderful birdlife that inhabits the cliffs and sea shore. Beyond Thanet, Herne Bay and Tankerton have been awarded Blue Flag status for the first time this year.

There is quite a row going on between Eastbourne, Hastings and the Isle of Wight with all three claiming to the the sunniest resort in Britain. One of our colleagues has just returned from a weekend in the Isle of Wight and reported that she got sunburnt on the Sunday which adds some credence to Shanklin's claim. As to the other two, we are just happy they are both on our patch so we can certainly boast of having cottages near the sunniest spots on the South Coast. If the sun forgets to put his hat on, as he has for the past few weeks, there are still many reasons to visit Eastbourne and Hastings, not least the 2 new Galleries that have brightened up the Coast. The Jerwood has opened in Hastings to great acclaim, and The Towner brings contemporary art to Eastbourne, adding 2 sparkling new gems to the necklace of art galleries that range from Margate in the East and include the wonderful art deco De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and the Creative Quarter in Folkestone.

There is suddenly a lot of chat about Jubilee Celebrations in the area, I guess a year on from the Royal Wedding everyone is looking forward to another Royal Celebration. The village of Goudhurst has a charming plan to replicate the celebrations they held to mark the Coronation. A full scale model of the Houses of Parliament is being erected by the village pond where village children will sail their boats in an echo of the river pageant that is taking place on the Thames. Such a quaint idea that conjures up a charming image of English Country traditions. Next stop the Parish Hall for tea and cakes and a large TV screen showing the real Jubilee Pageant live on the Thames. Magic!

I am sorry to keep returning to Margate, but I just had to share the latest news about the Turner Contemporary which opened exactly one year ago. Apparently, it has become the third most visited Kent attraction, beaten only by Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral. Isn't that amazing? It's not as if Margate was particularly easy to get to, you have to make a special trip as it is not on the way to anywhere else (except maybe Denmark if you got blown away on a windsurfer). It really is extremely good news for the Gallery and, of course, Margate. The Gallery is celebrating its spectacular success with a series of special events including a special walk led by Hamish Fulton.

Both Kate and I were drawn to Margate at Easter. Kate was unlucky to visit on a cold and miserably wet day, while I experienced that irritating mix of sunshine and showers which plays havoc with one's internal thermostat. Neither of us wanted to miss the Turner exhibition at the Turner Contemporary Gallery which will be replaced in May by an exhibition devoted to the works of Tracey Emin.The exhibition is entitled "Turner and the Elements". Accordingly, the exhibits were grouped in different sections representing Air, Earth, Fire and Water while the last Gallery was entitled "Fusion". There is always something thrilling about seeing a familiar work up close and there are also some fascinating  studies that seemed surprisingly modern. We scarcely needed to be reminded that our view of the sea from the Gallery was the same as the one enjoyed by Turner on his many visits to Margate but it certainly added a distinct frisson to our appreciation of the masterful play of light on water and sunshine struggling through storm clouds. My family and I enjoyed lunch in the Harbour Cafe which has a great atmosphere and good food. After visiting the extraordinary Shell Grotto and having a stroll around the Old Town we had a splendid pot of tea and delicious cake at The Cup Cake Cafe in Market Square. The Old Town is showing signs of new life with several interesting shops selling Vintage gear and galleries displaying arts and crafts, not to mention the Cup Cake Cafe that seems emblematic of the nascent gentrification of the town. Sadly the rest of town is still suffering from dereliction with many shop fronts boarded up and many dismal amusement arcades looking far from amusing. I enjoyed a slight detour to sit in the Victorian Shelter overlooking the lido where T S Eliot recovered from his writer's block to write "The Waste Land". It was pleasing to note that work has already started on the dilapidated Dreamland site and I certainly look forward to the day when that is opened again as that is bound to inject a sense of fun and optimism into the area.We travelled by train and were startled to see fields of what appeared to be thick snow between Headcorn and Staplehurst.It turned out to be accumulated hailstones the size of marbles that fell furiously and briefly in a strangely confined area. T S Eliot was right "April is the Cruellest Month".

One of my favourite times of the year is the Brighton and Hove Food Festival. There really is something for everyone there, for all culinary tastes.

Last weekend was The Chocolate Festival (which I bravely stayed away from) but I attended last year for the highest quality, artisan chocolates. There were lots of tastings and flavours I couldn't even imagine ever eating with chocolate!

This weekend is the big climax to the fortnight the Big Sussex Market. It is the largest free foodie event in the south of England, with an average attendance of over 40,000 people. The Big Sussex Market plays host to over 70 stalls of growers, producers and restaurants. There's Beer and Wine tastings where you can learn more, or be a judge in the Cocktail Competition run by Mixology. If the kids are driving you crazy this half-term, get them down to the Brighton Dome for the Children's Food Festival - there's plenty of workshops and things to keep little hands busy!
The best thing about the festival is, it's free! New Road, Jubilee Street, Jubilee Square.

Fancy making a weekend of it? Try staying at Sea Salt Studio it sleeps 2 and is a short but pleasant walk away from the Festival!

 

Kate had a super spoiling day on Sunday:

"As a mother’s day treat my sons treated me to Sunday lunch at the Elvey Farm restaurant near Pluckley. We had a fantastic meal , with great service. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone, wanting a “special” meal. They are open every evening and for Sunday Lunch.
We have since discovered that the restaurant has been voted runner up in the Best Kent Restaurant  in the Food & Drink Awards for 2012."
Other winners included Biddenden Vineyards for their Ortega Red wine.
My mother's day treat was the buffet lunch at the Raja of Kent, a really superb Indian Restaurant and the buffet is fantastically good value.

 

Kate had a spoiling day on Sunday:
"As a mother’s day treat my sons treated me to Sunday lunch at the Elvey Farm restaurant near Pluckley. We had a fantastic meal , with great service. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone, wanting a “special” meal. They are open every evening and for Sunday Lunch.
We have since discovered that the restaurant has been voted runner up in the Best Kent Restaurant in the Food & drink Awards for 2012."

We are so excited about the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but even better is that we now have the opportunity to get involved as the Olympic Torch Relay comes to the neighbouring counties of Kent and Sussex. The flame is due to spend longer in Kent than in any other county in the UK, so there's no excuse not to book up a holiday cottage over July 17 and immerse yourself in all the Olympic Games action before it leaves on July 21.

Taking place a few days before all the sporting action kicks off, the Relay provides a great excuse to have a holiday in the area — maybe just to see the torch or an even longer one if you were lucky enough to get event tickets. Many of the major towns in Kent have direct train access to London and you can travel from Ashford straight into Stratford in just over 30 minutes.

There are also plenty of other things to enjoy when in this pretty South East corner including the many National Trust properties to explore including Scotney Castle and Ightham Mote. Kent also lives up to its 'Garden of England' name and has beautiful public gardens and walking paths that show the county in all its glory.

We have over 200 properties across Kent and Sussex to choose from ranging from modern seafront apartments to cosy countryside boltholes.

Freedom Holiday Homes took part in a Travel Trade Show at the Cruise Terminal in Dover. Many Kent and Sussex attractions and Tourism Offices were exhibiting and it was particularly gratifying to see such a large contingent from Northern France. It was very well attended and we handed out a great many mini brochures. It felt like the right place to be and we were lucky to secure a table. Quex Park were exhibiting with their splendid Kent Crisps. These have mouthwatering local flavours including Biddenden cider vinegar and Whitstable oysters. Discover the Garden of England is a new marketing initiative from old friends from the Heart of Kent, Juliet and Debi, who had been baking up a storm with delicious little cupcakes decorated with pink flowers. Yum.

Yesterday Kate and Carol were invited to lunch at Number 75 in Tenterden.This is a most attractive restaurant and wine bar in the lovely tree-lined High Street. Bright yellow daffodils and purple, white and gold crocuses are heralding spring and brightening up the town after our long freezing winter. Carol enjoyed Aubergine Lasagne and Kate was nearly defeated by a generous portion of Coq au Vin, all very delicious and those of us chewing on an egg & cress sandwich felt quite envious.

The Rye Bay Scallop Festival is an annual event held this year from 25th February - 4th March. Did you know that there are over 300 varieties of scallop in the world? With that kind of information, why wouldn't you want to go to Rye and sample them for yourself!

Scallops are members of the oyster family and the term 'scallop' was derived from the French word escalope which means shell - not to be confused with a chicken escalope which is something entirely different! You can also tell the age of a scallop from the rings on its shell.

One eaterie recommended by our customers - that does serve scallops is  The Ship Inn at the bottom of Mermaid Street. It was built in 1592 originally as a warehouse but is now a country pub with old beams and wooden flooring. Dogs are welcome and the food is said to be superb.

Freedom Holiday Homes still have 4 properties available for the week:

RH1002 Hucksteps Row

RH1045 Providence Cottage

RH1054 Harbour Cottage

RH1110 Landgate Square Cottage

So, if you wanted an excuse for an impromptu getaway - now you've got one!
If you get the opportunity to try scallops with chocolate sauce, please do so for me!
Flick

 

Ever on the seeking of new knowledge and useless trivia that I know will one day come in useful for pub quizzes, I decided to do some reading up on Valentine's Day.

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and was established byPope Gelasius I in 496 AD. Legend has it that a certain third-century priest named Valentine, despite a ban by Claudius II, persisted in performing marriage ceremonies (Claudius was convinced that single men made better soldiers for his army). Valentine was thrown into jail where he formed a relationship with his jailor's daughter (some say he cured her blindness) and he signed his last message to her "From your Valentine,". St. Valentine was executed of February 14^th around the year 270.

In medieval European history, it was thought that February 14th was the date on which the birds started to mate. From Parlement of Foules a poem by Chaucer:
“for this was on seynt Volantynys day/ Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his mate.”

In the 1400’s on Valentine’s Day, the French royal court held a Cour Amoreuse, in which ministers met after mass in “joyous recreation and talk about love”. Love poems were presented before the ladies, who judged them and awarded a golden crown for the best one.

The first valentine on record was sent in 1415 by Charles Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. That message is on display in the British Library.

According to one particular website, “an ipod is a cool gadget and one of the most popular Valentine’s gifts these days” – I bet the writer of that article was a man! Personally, I still don’t quite conceive of the notion of giving a present on Valentine’s Day. Call me a romantic schmuck but still the idea of a homemade card or just spending some quality time together doing something nice appeals to me. It’s the thought that counts for me, not how much is spent on the latest gadget, or the glitziest pair of earrings.

So what are Freedom Holiday Homes doing this Valentine’s Day? Well, we have a number of lovely homeowners who have agreed to put some chocolates and a bottle of cava in their properties, if you book a mini break or a full week for the week commencing 10^th/ 11^th February:
http://www.freedomholidayhomes.co.uk/cottage-details/CB589
http://www.freedomholidayhomes.co.uk/cottage-details/EK207
http://www.freedomholidayhomes.co.uk/cottage-details/SX878

All of these properties sleep 2 and will give you that much needed time away, together.

Unfortunately I shan't be able to take advantage of such an amazing offer, in the height of romance, my partner is spending Valentine's in another continent on a free work trip so please tell us your stories of love to restore my faith in romance!

Flick

A little-known gem in Brighton & Hove is Volks Electric Railway. Situated on Madeira Drive, directly on Brighton’s seafront, it can boast the unique title of the ‘World’s Oldest Electric Railway’.



The railway opened in 1883, yes folks, 100 years before this author was even born, and was the brainchild of Magnus Volk –hence the name.

I call the Volks Railway the little-known gem because it may not be as fun as the Palace Pier, or as historic as the now-defunct West Pier, but it is a quaint and jolly useful piece of track running for just over a mile between the Aquarium and Black Rock (for access to the Brighton Marina complex).

The railway originally ran between the Chain Pier (West Pier) to the Aquarium by the Palace Pier. In 1930, no sooner had they sought to extend it westbound to Black Rock than the original connection to the Chain Pier was removed! The railway shut in 1940 due to the war, and re-opened in 1948, with updated cars purchased for the line.

The railway now closes for a winter break from 30^th September through to 1^st April. A return fare from start to finish costs £3.00 for an adult return, £1.50 for a child and £1.90 for a senior. Family SAVER tickets are also available.

So the next time you’re in Brighton, pop along and see for yourself; it mightn’t be the most famous of Brighton’s landmarks but you will be able to say you took a trip on the world’s oldest electric railway!

 

You'd never know it was a cinema from the outside. Housed in a Victorian Lecture Hall and with just a discreet blackboard announcing What's On and Coming Soon it gives little away. Step inside and it's a buzzy cafe serving delicious homemade cakes and coffees as well as hearty soups and beers and wine. Last night I went to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and it did not disappoint. It was very faithful to the book and has an excellent cast. The next few weeks promise many more cinematic treats with The Iron Lady, Carnage, The Artist (with irresistible Uggy the dog) and The War Horse amongst the films on offer. My sons prefer the neon lights and popcorn at the Odeon in Maidstone but we oldies prefer the more sedate comfort of the Kino with a glass of Merlot in hand. So civilised.

The Christmas Trees have been removed from our shop fronts and Cranbrook is returning to normal again. We have all been reflecting on our days off with family and friends and all the turkeys, geese, hams and puddings we have managed to consume. Kate reported that she had been to the Rochester Christmas Market and tells us it is well worth visiting with a really great atmosphere - lots of people dressed in Victorian costume, a Police band playing carols, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, mulled wine and cider and sizzling bratwurst. No need to go to Prague next year, Liz! Lynne had a great day at Folkestone Races. It is such a friendly course with the Paddock, Grandstand, bar and Tote all within steps of each other. Sadly no winners for Lynne but some exciting finishes to get the heart racing. Harriet went to the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith to see a musical version of The Importance of Being Earnest with Giles Brandreth as Lady Bracknell. It was utterly delightful and I recommend it if it comes to a theatre near you.

Happy New Year! From all the Freedom team, we hope you had a delightful festive season.

Here in Brighton, Christmas Day is always somewhat 'interesting'. The crazy Brighton Swimming Club hosts it's annual Christmas Day sea swim - but this year it was a somewhat quieter affair due to high tides of up to 6.7m and the council and club taking a decision to ban general public from taking part for health and safety reasons.

Still a crowd of thousands proudly watched the crazy over 100 members do their swim - although I can't help think it might've been slightly better conditions than last year -when there was snow on the ground and ice and freezingness everywhere!

Have you thought about your 2012 holiday yet?

There's an interesting queue forming at the Pearly Gates (or maybe t'other place) with the wonderful Christopher Hitchens (I shall miss his essays in Vanity Fair dreadfully, such an intelligent and humorous  man) closely followed by playwright and President Vaclav Havel and now Korean dictator Kim Jong-il. (I can only ever think of him singing "I'm So Ronry" in Team America).

Yes, we know you have enjoyed watching all the hot favourites on YouTube but have you checked out our Christmas Video featuring reindeer, penguins, sausages and a bottle of Creme de Menthe? Have a look - it is called "There's Still Noel in Freedom's Christmas Video". Watch it and help us win the Company Christmas Quiz!

 

Caroline writes from our Hove Office about a lovely day out in Sussex, it sounds divine - books and cake - the perfect ingredients for relaxation!

I was lucky enough to spend yesterday driving around the beautiful Sussex countryside whilst visiting a number of our properties, during my travels I stopped off in one of my favourite villages; Alfriston in East Sussex. Just 25 minutes from Eastbourne and only 7 minutes form two of our lovely properties (SX878 and SX829); Alfriston is your picture postcard Sussex village.

Having lived in Sussex all my life I fell in love with Alfriston many years ago – I even chose to go and have afternoon tea in one of its splendid tearooms on the afternoon of my 21^st birthday! The small village has everything you expect, a couple of pubs, a post office and stores as well as a number of small independent shops, my favourite being Much Ado bookshop. (http://muchadobooks.com/) For any book lover this bookshop is a must, I could spend hours (if I wasn’t on the company’s time) in there; they have a wonderful mixture of new and second-hand books, which are beautiful displayed in the former builders’ yard, plus numerous comfy chairs to browse the books from.

On a cold winters day I do not think there are many places I would rather be than Alfriston, with breath taking views of the downs, Christmas lights adorning the high street and a splendid variety of cake to choose from, for me it is pretty much perfect.

 

Burning of the Clocks is an annual event in Brighton to celebrate the solstice.

Hundreds of volunteers parade the streets of Brighton with lanterns made at workshops to celebrate the coming of the light. At the end of the parade, all the lanterns are burnt, marking the burning of hopes and fears the heat of the fire brings up the new sun, and a new start for the following year.

The parade is built up from weeks of workshops of lantern building. There is a fantastic community spirit and whether you're eight or eighty; it's an event not to be missed.

Burning of the Clocks, Wednesday 21st December, 6.30pm. Begins at North Street, ends at Madeira Drive for the burning.

Before my countdown to Christmas could really start properly; I decided it was wise to recharge my batteries and get away for a romantic weekend with my partner, and our dog (although I'm not sure how romantic the latter really is).

Choice of property? SX891 The Little Barn, Uckfield. We chose this property because we live in Brighton and didn't want to spend half of our weekend travelling to and from our chosen destination; and the property looked particularly light for those impending cold dreary winter mornings that have recently descended upon us.

We arrived at the property at bang on 4pm (did I already mention we were eager to get there?) and were greeted by the owner - "Perfect timing!" she exclaimed - fab welcome. She led us through the enormous garden to the barn and there it was, quaint and pretty. The garden overlooks fields and there was a lovely seated area for the summer.

Inside the barn, there was a home-made cream tea waiting. The owner explained a few things about the workings of the barn and what was nearby and left us to it.

The barn is a large studio with an immaculate separate shower room. The owner had thought of everything from shower gel to a little Lindt ball left on each of our pillows. The sofa was comfy and great for snuggling on and the television turned so it could be viewed from the sofa, dining table, or bed.  The bed - how could I forget the bed! It was the hugest double in the world! I could lay across it width-ways and only just touch the edges with my arms outstretched!

Needless to say, with such cosy surroundings, and a mini-Yorkshire terrier needing minimal exercise; we did very little all weekend except have a walk over the fields on the Saturday morning with Delta the dog; head to the shop up a mile away for supplies later in the day; and lazily drive to a country pub about a mile and a half away on the Sunday for lunch!

My first experience staying in one of Freedom Holiday Homes' cottages couldn't have been better, now I just need to decide where I'm going on my next trip!

Flick

This week's Sunday Times Magazine featured a fine review of Cranbrook's Michelin starred restaurant, Apicius. Bob Tyrer (A A Gill is away) turned down the opportunity to eat in unspecified restaurants in Bromley, Whitstable and Faversham opting instead to sample the delights of Cranbrook. He describes our lovely town as "a pretty village with metropolitan tastes" going so far as to suggest that we would sit more happily in South West London than deep in the Weald where we belong! The restaurant scores highly for its inventive food and fabulous wine "I've never been so entranced by food" and our pretty town is commended for its "fine windmill, public school, high street crammed with small retailers, a muscular sandstone Church and a refreshing lack of 4x4s". It's always pleasing to read such super tributes to our lovely little town.

Caroline, our colleague in the Hove office, has really got into the Christmas Spirit and has sent us an inspirational description of Christmas in Brighton.

So it 'tis the season to be jolly, and where better to be than the South Coast of England!

The marvellous city of Brighton is, as always, brimming with Christmas spirit; the lights are up, Santa has taken up his residence in the Royal Pavilion and the City’s runners are primed for the Santa Dash this Saturday, here are just some on the events lined up for this year:

From now and until the 22^nd January 2012 go ice-skating in the grounds of the Royal Pavilion - or if you do not fancy that - my personal choice choose a nice spot in the cosy restaurant next door, get yourself a hot chocolate and watch other people skate (and fall over!)

Brighton’s gay men’s chorus (who now have a £1 million pound record deal) are in fine voice and are performing at the Brighton Dome on Sunday 11^th December 2011.

On Wednesday 21^st December, Brighton holds its annual ‘Burning the Clocks’ parade – a celebration of the Winter solstice - free to attend this is a beautiful and unique experience.

If you feel up to a pre-dinner stroll on Christmas morning then why not wander down Brighton’s promenade and watch the brave souls of Brighton Swimming Club take their annual dip in the sea at 11am (rather them than me!)

Of course Brighton is not the only place to be in Sussex this Christmas; across the county there is plenty to see and do including:

Ashdown Llama Park in the heart of the forest where you can meet Father Christmas’s Reindeer!

On the 17^th and 18^th December step back in time and experience Christmas 1830s style at Petworth House.

And to aid the New Year hangover why not take a trip to glorious Arundel, and have a festive swim in their heated Lido. Make a day of it and follow your swim up with a trip to the Castle or Arundel Wetlands.

Right I am off to consult my diary and pen in a few of these activities!

Merry Christmas!

 

Margate has many reasons to be happy. The Queen, looking very pretty in pink, visited the other day and really raised the town's spirits and then The Dreamland Trust found it had been granted the £3 million it had requested from the Heritage Lottery Fund to go ahead with its restoration. Exciting indeed. If all goes according to plan Dreamland will reopen in 2013 and will recreate the thrilling atmosphere of bygone eras by the seaside. Meanwhile the Turner Contemporary Gallery continues to attract visitors from far and near. It is currently housing Rodin's The Kiss as well as some paintings by a 9 year old Turner as part of the "Nothing in the World But Youth" exhibition. The Gallery has been credited with spearheading a regeneration in Margate with The Old Town already sporting new galleries, shops and restaurants. Let's hope this new found confidence spreads and sustains throughout the town as there is still a marked air of desolation along the seafront. I am reminded that this is where T S Eliot was inspired to write in his epic poem The Waste Land "On Margate Sands/I can connect/Nothing with Nothing" and the Victorian shelter where he penned these words still stands looking out over the sandy shore.

I have just read, with horror, that Beachy Head lighthouse is likely to lose its distinctive red and white stripey livery. This would be utterly frightful and must not be allowed to happen! A campaign called Save Our Stripes is hoping to raise sufficient funds to pay for the specialist contractors to paint it, Crown Paints have pledged to provide the paints and the World Lighthouse Society and Association of Lighthouse Keepers are backing the campaign. A worthy cause indeed.

Kate visited the French Market in Staplehurst yesterday. It was a perfect day for an outdoor market and was very well attended.  The atmosphere was great and very French - cue accordian music - with lovely, yummy food. We look forward to them returning with more French goodies and demonstrations.

Last week I was off and had to be in London for an appointment. Thought I'd take advantage of being there to check out the new Shopping Centre at Stratford - Westfield -  which happens to be the entrance to the Olympic Park. Took the Jubilee Line from London Bridge and it is a very easy journey. I thought the High Speed train from Ashford or Ebbsfleet was the way to go to the Olympics next year but now I am not so sure. Either way, we are splendidly close. The Shopping Centre is a useful alternative to Bluewater - massive and full of shops/eateries and entertainments. I couldn't quite understand the air of feverish excitement amongst the many teenage girls and the sign saying 'There are no more Justin Bieber wristbands, please do not ask' meant nothing to me. But when I picked up my map of the Centre I understood: the teenage heartthrob was due to switch on the Christmas lights that very evening. I made my excuses and left.

I have said it before and I will say it again - we have some wonderful places to visit in our lovely neck of the woods. Last Friday I benefited from my mother's misfortune when I accompanied my brother to Glyndebourne to see Handel's Rinaldo. Poor mother languished in the William Harvey hospital with a broken leg while I was treated to a most enjoyable evening. Glyndebourne really is a very special place and this opera, first performed in London to rave reviews 300 years ago, was well worth seeing. It was a most extraordinary production with St Trinian's style schoolgirls, an amazing rubber suited dominatrix and a completely mad professor causing explosions in the school lab. It was hugely entertaining and the music and singing were superb. I am not sure what Handel would have made of it but I am sure he would appreciate the way his glorious music was still giving so much pleasure so many hundreds of years later. Next year I am hoping to go to Glyndebourne again without having to push my mother down the stairs.

Wendy and I worked on Saturday morning and watched with growing interest as crowds appeared and thronged the streets. When the office closed I took a stroll up the High Street to see all sorts of attractions and activities and many people dressed up in costumes to represent different eras. It was a very successful day with delicious hog roast outside the butcher's (served with apple sauce of course) and archery in the Churchyard (did young boys balance apples on their heads I wonder?).

Having just seen William Nicholson's painting of the Swimming Pool at Chartwell, alongside one by Churchill of the same subject, it was timely to be invited to view an exhibition of William Nicholson oil paintings in a gallery in St James's. An old college chum of mine has produced a very fine and impressive Catalogue Raisonee - published today. She was a wonderful guide telling me the stories behind the well chosen paintings that illustrated his wide ranging oeuvre. In 1909 he bought a summer house in Rottingdean so many of his landscapes depict the South Downs but there was one of Shingle Street in Suffolk. Pat told me that she had stayed in one of the pictured Coastguard Cottages and now I see they are looked after by Suffolk Secrets! In addition to landscapes (one of which belongs to David Bowie!), there were several beautiful still life studies including Gertrude Jekyll's boots and various gorgeous flowers in pretty jugs.

I don't get out and about to see properties much, so it's always exciting for me when I do get to.

I was priviledged last month to see the delightful Sea Salt Studio http://freedomholidayhomes.co.uk/cottage-details/SX892

This is the first of our Brighton properties and is located a stones-throw away from the seafront. Far enough out of town that it's not in a noisy area, this studio is just adorable. The thing I liked best about it was its stable-door entrance - allowing bright sunshine in on warm days; and the fact that there's a secure parking space out the front of the property - a rarity in Brighton!

You can have a short coastal walk, either East towards Brighton Marina where there is a cinema, bowling alley, plenty of restaurants and shopping outlets; or West into Central Brighton, with is cosmopolitan mix of history and culture.

If I didn't live in Brighton, I'd certainly want to stay in this property for sure!

 

When we visited Chartwell for our homeowner lunch I knew my husband would be interested to visit so decided to arrange a family outing at half term before it closes for the winter. It really is worth a second visit - and probably more. I saw many things I had missed first time and was able to enjoy studying some things I had skimmed. Churchill really was a remarkable man, not just a first class politician and world class statesman, but an artist, a literary giant, a bricklayer, a successful racehorse owner and clearly a wonderful host. I hadn't had a proper look at his Nobel Prize first time around, what a beautiful piece of artwork that is! and there were so many medals, cups and other prizes that showed what an amazing all rounder he was. The gifts he received are all on display from humble fish hooks to vulgar ashtrays to intricate silver cigarette boxes and all sorts of other offerings. Churchill's children gave their parents a completely marvellous present for their Golden Wedding Anniversary: a golden rose walk (many still in glorious bloom in late October) accompanied by a fabulous book composed of paintings of golden roses by many leading artists of the day. These included Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell from Charleston and his good friend Sir William Nicholson. n the Studio there were 2 studies of the swimming pool hanging one above the other. One by Winston Churchill and one by William Nicholson. An interesting challenge to spot which is which. We had a great wander round the grounds and then an excellent lunch at Strada in Sevenoaks - we can highly recommend the Pollo Cacciatora on the special £6.95 lunch menu, brilliant value and absolutely delicious.

This is the perfect time of year to enjoy walks in the country. The glorious Autumnal colours, the cool, crisp air and some dazzling bright sunshine have created ideal conditions for heading outdoors. Kate reports that last weekend she went to The Devil's Kneading Trough at Wye. This is surely one of the most spectacular spots in Kent with far reaching panoramic views over the expansive Wye Valley. Utterly gorgeous! But don't forget the fabulous outlook from Goudhurst and Riverhill near Sevenoaks takes some beating. There are many places to marvel at the stunning reds, golds and coppers of this season of mellow fruitfulness, not least Sheffield Park, Scotney Castle and Bedgebury Forest.

For the past two Sundays, the BBC's Antiques Roadshow has been broadcast from the gorgeous grounds of Hever Castle. Hever's origins date back to 1270 and is probably most famous for being the childhood home of Henry VIII's second wife, the beautiful and tragic Anne Boleyn. In 1903 William Waldorf Astor invested huge amounts of money in restoring the castle and enhancing the accommodation with the creation of a "Tudor Village". He also excavated the grounds to create a massive lake and the beautiful Italianate gardens as well as a maze. It is well worth visiting and many of those who queued with their treasures in June this year were thrilled to find themselves sitting on a fortune!

We are always delighted to hear news of the irrepressible Tom Hart-Dyke. Last year he gave a most inspiring talk at our homeowner event and those of us who have visited Lullingstone Castle and seen his highly original World Garden will always prick up our ears when we hear his name spoken. He must be thrilled to bits that one of the rare plants - a Banana Passion Flower - he collected in Darien Gap just weeks before being kidnapped in 2000 has flowered for the first time. He is now off to search for more rich and rare plants in the Cape Verde Islands. We wish him every success and much look forward to seeing new and unusual blooms in his wonderful garden next year.

Parents looking for things to do next week should have a look at the Hop Farm at Paddock Wood which opens every day for "Skeletons and Scarecrows" by day and Fright Nights after dark! Plenty of spooky fun for children.

October half-term can be a minefield for families. Long-gone are the scorching summer days and outdoor activities in short sleeves - so what can you do in Sussex this half-term?

Depending on your style, Wilderness Wood in Hadlow Down can be a great day out for the kids to get to grips with nature. It ticks all the green boxes too being family-run and sustainable and on Sunday October 23^rd, there's a day of free workshops so well worth the trip!

Brighton's annual White Night returns with a bang on October 29^th. This festival celebrates the clocks going back and holds a host of activities, from village fetes, to dancing flash mobs, to glow in the dark treasure hunts! There really is something for all, and certainly where I'll be this Halloween!

For Science lovers out there, The Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux has Telescope Tours daily at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm and a Fantastic Science Show at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. On Tuesday 25^th October there is a half-day workshop, entitled 'Eyes on the Universe' where you can find out more about how to study the heavens around us. Make and use your own telescope and sundial as well as learning how to use the large telescopes on site.


Hopefully this has given you a few ideas on good days out for half-term! I shall report back on White Night after I've found my treasure at the treasure hunt!

Flick

 

A Walk in the Woods the like of which you have never seen! From 22nd to 30th October experience The Electric Forest at Bedgebury. Eat at The Pineatry and enjoy the fantastic lights and sounds to accompany the magical trail.

Freedom Holiday Homes hosted its annual Homeowner Lunch at Chartwell on Sunday. A fascinating National Trust volunteer called Guy gave us a very interesting insight into the house and its formidable owner. Winston Churchill bought Chartwell in 1922 without his wife's approval! What a fabulous setting with endless views of the gorgeous Kent countryside. No wonder he loved it so much. Guy primed us to view the house first and foremost as a much loved family home. It more than lived up to his promise with every room recreated as it would have been in the 20s and 30s, apart from those that are filled with memorabilia including gifts from Stalin, Adenauer and Roosevelt and other relics from the war like the Union Flag that was raised in Rome when liberated by allied troops. Amongst all the historic artefacts are personal mementos many with poignant stories such as the death of baby Marigold in 1921. Churchill's love of painting has been well documented and there are hundreds of examples of his works throughout the house and studio. All the owners who attended and took the tour found it totally rivetting. Air Marshall Sir Freddie Sowrey, owner of The Stables at Heron's Ghyll, brought photographs of himself with Churchill during the war. It was humbling to be reminded how much we owed brave men like Sir Freddie and Guy who fought in the air force and navy to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. As Guy pointed out, our company name has a particular resonance in the inspirational home of Sir Winston Churchill. As always, we left the day thinking where next? But, luckily, we live in a region rich in history and beauty so we know we'll have another thrilling story to tell in 2012!

Kate attended a course at the Friars, Aylesford which she reports is a beautiful, peaceful location with free entrance to lovely tranquil grounds. The course itself was a great reminder about all the marvellous things Kent has to offer - 350 miles of coastline and many Castles, Museums, gardens and walks in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is easy to forget the attractions on one's doorstep!

The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury has reopened at last! It was closed 2 years ago and has been rebuilt on a grand scale. HRH The Earl of Wessex officially opened the brand new theatre on the 5th October and the winter programme has something for everyone! From The Madness of George III to The Nutcracker and Sherlock Holmes to The Pub Landlord, there's a huge range of drama, music, dance and comedy on offer.

The ever so smart wedding I attended in the beautiful county of Wiltshire is featured in this week's Hello! magazine. One of the more famous guests is on the cover, her husband was an usher. The Church in the lovely market town of Wilton is built in Italian style complete with campanile. After a beautiful service we repaired to the bride's family home for a glorious afternoon in the garden. Endless champagne, delicious nibbles and beautiful people made for a perfect day. After several sorties to London, I ended up wearing a dress I bought in Cranbrook, which just goes to show how great our shopping is in little old Cranbrook. It was a useful reminder that Wiltshire is a fabulous county with gorgeous scenery and much to do and see. We stayed near Stonehenge and many friends took the opportunity to visit Salisbury. It was certainly a memorable weekend.

The town really came alive this weekend when scores of bands and singers took over the streets and pubs to perform free for delighted visitors and residents. I only caught a few acts as I ambled down to town on Sunday afternoon to see what was going on. Joined a friend outside the George from where we could listen to a fun band playing favourite tunes from the musicals while enjoying a cold drink in the stifling heat. We could have been in the tropics. Then a tiny slip of a girl called Rosie Horne started belting out in The George, she had an amazing voice. Apparently both The George and The White Horse ran out of beer on Saturday night such was the demand from the crowds of music lovers. We were advised by one of the organizers to move over to The White Horse to catch Funktabulous, a session band that has played with Tom Jones, Queen and other world famous performers. They lived up to their name and provided another irresistible excuse for a cold drink sitting at an outside table watching the world go by and enjoying the wonderful warmth of the late afternoon sun. It was clearly a great success and I wish I had seen more of it. There were jazz bands and ukulele players that played outside while the 3 town pubs hosted lively indoor events. Certainly they were lucky to have this glorious heatwave. Incidentally, Kent registered the highest ever recorded temperature (29.9) for October on Saturday.

I went to a Tourism Seminar the other day in Chatham. Chatham is applying for status as a World Heritage Site and the five towns situated on the River Medway (Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham and Strood) are applying for City status as a new city of Medway. This area has been targeted for regeneration and the riverside has been greatly enhanced with marinas, waterfront dining and new housing complexes with amazing views and facilities. Chatham's naval and military heritage has been brilliantly preserved in the magnificent Historic Dockyard, Upnor Castle, Fort Amherst and the Pembroke Barracks. Rochester has a splendid castle and Kent's other majestic Cathedral. It is already a marvellous place to explore.

It's official - Sussex has the sunniest road in the UK!!

According to press sources earlier this month in the Telegraph the sunniest road in the UK is Burton Road, Eastbourne which saw an average 1934 hours of sunshine in the past year which is 42.8% MORE than the 1345 hours average. Eastbourne frequently wins the sunniest place in the UK race which is usually a close run thing with Bognor Regis.Not to rest on it's laurels Kent frequently see the hottest temperatures.So don't sit in the gloom - come and join us in this fabulous part of the country!

Tiki, an Alaskan Malamute, hit the front page of the Kent Messenger last week when he saw off burglars attempting to break in to the William Caxton Pub in Tenterden. As my sons were playing cricket in Tenterden we had decided to have Sunday lunch at the pub so we had the pleasure of meeting Tiki. What a splendid creature! Only a few months old but already very large and obviously intimidating but very friendly to we diners. Boys managed to take several wickets off Egerton and miraculously the rain held off. Not so lucky at Lords where rain stopped play at a very exciting juncture.

Cranbrook in the news again! The Ghurkas were back in force in Cranbrook on Saturday morning asking everyone to sign a new petition. Their original campaign started in Cranbrook before being spearheaded by Joanna Lumley and achieving excellent publicity. The approach to Joanna Lumley was made by a local Cranbrook resident who rightly suspected that the Absolutely Fabulous star would be sympathetic to their cause.

The Co-op at Cranbrook was the chosen venue for the latest Compare the Market.com TV advert. Shoppers were surprised to find part of the shop closed off with occasional shouts of "Simples" though no sign of a well dressed meerkat anywhere to be seen. We will be interested to see the finished advert but doubt it will be possible to identify Cranbrook!

Caroline in the Hove office is very involved with local history activities and has written to describe the following events taking place in the city. Heritage Open Days are taking place across the country this week from 8th - 11th September 2011, and Brighton and Hove are staging one of the largest events, with over 100 free attractions across the city, these include tours of the Theatre Royal, The Royal Pavillion Stables and many many more.

A major part of Brighton and Hove's Open Door event this year is the My House My Street project, which has been put together by a group of volunteers at The Regency Townhouse in Brunswick Square. The project, which has involved over a year's worth of research and data collation, and has produced histories for ten streets across the city (Tidy Street, Over Street, Kemp Street, Robert Sheets, Queen's Gardens, Charles Street, Waterloo Street, Upper and Lower Market Street and George Street.) These histories chart the development of the street, who lived there and when, their architectural significance and any other interesting information that cropped up during the research process.

On Sunday 11th September the My House My Street team will be in the ten streets talking to members of the public and residents and to also provide tours of the streets. The team have also produced posters for every house in these streets which show every resident that has lived in that house since 1841 to roughly the 1960s/70s.
Sounds like a fascinating weekend to explore the streets of this vibrant city

I have been invited to an ever so smart wedding in a couple of weeks time and am beginning to panic about What To Wear!! Needless to say I haven't a single thing in my wardrobe that is suitable. Most shops seem to have their Autumn stock in now but have you noticed how dark it is? all greys and blacks and drabs, not at all suitable for a wedding. We have some great shops in Cranbrook - I bought a lovely slinky dress reduced from 175 to 10 pounds! who could resist that? of course it won't do for the wedding but look at all the money I've saved! Had a hopeless time in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday as it was boiling hot and I could only bring myself to try on the linen - and of course there were still some great Summer bargains - so I am pretty much OK for a Winter Sunshine break but still nothing for the wedding. Now the weather has deteriorated so I guess the woollen gear will look more appealing. Maybe I'll have a day at Bluewater, there are hundreds of shops there including a John Lewis and a Marks and Spencer, so let's hope I will find the perfect outfit (whatever that may be). Wish me luck!

Lynne saw The One Show on BBC One last night and it was broadcast from Dover Castle with the gorgeous Dan Snow and someone else. The programme was a timely reminder for all families wondering what to do during the Summer Holidays - a visit to Dover Castle is a thrilling journey through history bringing all eras to life. Of particular interest are the underground secret tunnels which played a vital role in Britain's defence during World War Two. The towering White Cliffs will have you humming along with Vera Lynn.

We are so lucky to live in the Garden of England. The locally grown apples and cherries are superb. Now Quex Foods in Birchington have produced a range of Kent Crisps using local potatoes and distinctive Kentish flavours which will appeal to the most discerning palates. There's Oyster & Vinegar, Ashmore Cheese & Onion, Sea Salt & Biddenden Cider Vinegar and Plain Sea Salt and they can be bought at farm shops and delis throughout the county. Yum!!

It is always fun to have a great day out in London, and always such a relief to come home again. I was up in London on Monday enjoying a delicious lunch at Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden followed by a visit to the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House. An exhibition of Toulouse Lautrec and the Moulin Rouge tempts one to an evening of absinthe fuelled decadence, but the other rooms contain a more uplifting collection of familiar paintings, particularly by impressionist and later artists so I returned safely home for a more sedate evening in front of the telly. It was Chris's turn yesterday meeting friends for a matinee of Ghost followed by Tea at the Ritz. She tells us that Ghost is truly terrific with amazing staging and special effects. Tea at the Ritz - need I say more? It is one of those special experiences that everyone deserves at least once in a lifetime. It's back to reality today with PG Tips and a custard cream the best we can do. The train to London takes less than an hour from Tunbridge Wells and only one hour from Staplehurst and it is worth noting that when there are more than two people travelling you can qualify for a Group ticket and take advantage of considerable savings on the fare making that Tea at the Ritz seem far less extravagant!

Liz took advantage of her weekly trip to the Tesco Supermarket in Tenterden to visit Smallhythe Place which is just a mile down the road. Ellen Terry spied the stunning medieval house on a visit to the area in the late 1890s and vowed to live there some day. Her dream came true in 1899 and she lived there till her death in 1928. It now houses a museum that recalls her great beauty and theatrical talent. A barn in the garden has been converted into a theatre that stages some wonderful productions and there are also annual al fresco performances of Shakespeare plays in the garden. Donald Sinden lives nearby and is a great supporter of and sometime performer in the theatre. The Donald Sinden Theatre is situated in Tenterden at the Homewood School where you can catch all sorts of superb entertainments as well as a film club. A break in one of our Tenterden cottages would be ideal for indulging in a slice of culture.

It is always a pleasure to read the comments that happy customers make on their returned questionnaires but it is even better when they take the trouble to send a handwritten letter expressing particular delight. Carol has just received such a letter thanking her for the vouchers enclosed with her confirmation details. She used them all and particularly enjoyed the steam train from Tenterden to Bodiam Castle and the delicious food at the Globe and Rainbow in Kilndown where Freedom Holiday Homes customers are given a complimentary bottle of wine to accompany their meal. "You live in a beautiful part of England and I hope we shall be able to revisit the area." We look forward to welcoming them back.

What a fabulous weekend I have just enjoyed being wonderfully entertained at the most marvellous venues. On Saturday night I enjoyed Verdi's La Traviata in the most magical setting of Bayham Abbey. As part of the Lamberhurst Music Festival, The Garden Opera Company staged a superb production amidst the atmospheric ruins of the Abbey and we were able to enjoy a picnic and a glass of wine in the moonlight. On Sunday we bashed down to Rye for afternoon theatricals in the garden of Lamb House. The Lamb House Players are a terrific ensemble of young, attractive actors from the RSC and National Theatre Company. Another great picnic, delicious cold wine and brilliant sunshine! We are so lucky to have such super events on our doorstep.

After years of decline as a tourist destination, there are suddenly so many reasons to visit Margate. The Turner Contemporary is an amazing addition to the sea front, capturing all the wonderful light that so inspired the artist JMW Turner. It is free to visit and has a splendid cafe from which you can watch the ever shifting vista of the sea and sandy beach. The derelict Dreamland Amusement Park is scheduled to reopen in 2012 and promises to delight and thrill a new generation of fun seekers. There is also the unsolved continuing mystery of the Shell Grotto, who built it? when? how? and why? It is an utterly fascinating place that will leave you bewitched, bothered and bewildered!

Once again the biggest FREE seafront airshow in the world takes to the skies this Thursday (11th August, 2011) in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Airbourne has now been running for 15 years and attracts an estimated 800,000 visitors over the 4-day period Thursday-Sunday. There is a mix of fast jets, freefall parachutists, helicopters as well as spectacular aerobatic displays from the likes of the famous Red Arrows performing this year on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Back on earth there are a wide range of displays from the armed forces as well as trade stands and fun fair attractions. The 4 days end with a breathtaking firework display lighting up the sky on the Sunday evening centering on the pier as a focal point.

New for 2011 and working alongside Radio Airbourne on 87.7FM will be Airbourne TV which will enable all the action to be seen on the 3 big-screens located along the seafront. Check out the official website for full details and flying times.

Rye is one of the most picturesque coastal towns in East Sussex and offers everything you could want for a holiday. One of the famous Cinque Port towns there is a wonderful harbour with an array of differing vessels and it is still very much a working port where you will see fishermen coming in with their daily catch.

The town has a beautiful high street with many ancient buildings, beautiful beamed pubs, quaint cafes and some really fabulous eateries. The town is so well maintained it really takes you back to a by-gone era.

If you book a self-catering cottage in Rye you will also discover that the are many exciting places to visit which are just on Rye's doorstep including the wonderful golden sands of Camber, Winchelsea beach or even a rural adventure taking in villages such as Peasmarsh (where Sir Paul McCartney lives), Iden, Broadoak or perhaps Brede.

We have a number of wonderful holiday homes in Rye which we can't recommend enough!

After a lot of hard work we are pleased to launch the newly redesigned Freedom Holiday Homes website. We hope you like it as much as we do! If you have any comments on the usability of our new site we'd love to hear from you, so please do contact us with any suggestions or improvements you would like to see.

Many thanks from the Freedom Holiday Homes Team.