Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Self-catering holidays made easy

If you don't want to have to cook on holiday, we have found UK self-catering properties which also offer meals? For a self-catering cottage in Devon with meals laid on, click hereChatsworth holiday cottages, DerbyshireFor that lord of the manor feel, hire the Hunting Tower on the Chatsworth Estate. This 16th-century landmark is thought to have been a banqueting house as well as a place for ladies to relax while watching the hunt. For your own banquet you can hire the chefs from Chatsworth House (from �55 a head). For a cheaper option, pop down to the Chatsworth Farm shop and pick up their ready meals made using estate produce.? 01246 565379, chatsworth.org. The Hunting Tower sleeps four from �1,064 a weekBluebell Croft, ArgyllThe food options at the self-sufficient Bluebell Croft in the village of Strontian, on the north shores of Loch Sunart in the Scottish Highlands are endless. Self-catering guests can order suppers of comforting casseroles made with croft produce (from �7.50pp) prepared by owner and award-winning chef, Sukie. Her husband, Bill, offers tuition in the art of smoking food and runs foraging courses so you can feast on berries from the hedgerows instead of standing by a stove. That said, you probably won't mind cooking when abundant fresh produce and meat from the croft can be delivered daily to your door. There is a hot tub with stunning views of the mountains.? 01967 402226, bluebellcroft.co.uk. Rose Cottage sleeps four from �600 a weekHell Barn Cottages, DorsetIncongruously named for a happy holiday retreat perhaps, but the catering options at these rural Dorset cottages in the village of Chideock, near Bridport, are an even more unlikely fusion. Owner Shigeaki Takezoe is a Japanese chef and will produce authentic Japanese menus for guests (from �12pp). Local company Manna Kitchen (01305 851551, mannakitchen.co.uk) also delivers meals, with mains from �3.65pp, plus �10 delivery on orders under �45.? 01297 489589, hellbarn.co.uk. From �200 a week for a studio for twoBlaenglanhanog Holiday Cottage, PowysSample the good life 1,000ft up in Wales's Cambrian mountains. Blaenglanhanog is a 250-year-old drover's cottage near the village of Carno, owned by Liz and Jeremy, who run a small-holding next door. Buy the veggies and freshly baked bread, cakes and jams produced by Liz on her log-fuelled range or try her coveted elderberry salad dressing, harvested from local hedgerows and neighbours' gardens. If dressing your own salad gets too much then you can take advantage of their Eat with Us option: a two-course meal of home-produced food served in the dining hall of their home costs �15pp.? 01686 420712, carnocottage.co.uk. Sleeps six from �270 a weekBarsham Barns, NorfolkTired from that bracing walk on the Norfolk beaches? Then you might appreciate the services of local chef Kelby Light who will deliver classy dinners for reheating (from �16.50pp) or cook in your luxury barn near Walsingham while you wind down in the steam room. He'll cater for children's parties, make paellas for groups or sort your picnic hampers. ? 01328 821744, barshambarns.co.uk. Little Barsham sleeps four from �730 a weekNatural Retreats, nationwideLuxury eco-chic property specialist Natural Retreats has an on-site concierge who will pander to your every whim, including booking restaurants, chefs and food deliveries when you don't have the energy or inclination to do things for yourself. Its complimentary food hampers are generously packed with local gourmet goodies too. It has properties in six UK locations, including Cornwall, the Yorkshire Dales and John o'Groats.? 0844 384 3166, naturalretreats.com. A three-bedroom property sleeping six near Richmond in the Yorkshire Dales costs from �658 a weekSelf-cateringFood and drinkFood & drinkShort breaksWeekend breaksFamily holidaysguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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