A new year in Demelza

It's a new year in Demelza and we're well and truly into the Cornish winter, with its wind, rain and very soggy land.

In November, we sadly said goodbye to Poppy, the pony.  Our daughter has been growing and has grown out of her, but she has been a great pony to give her confidence and to get her out hacking in the local area.  We will give the ground a rest and then start to look for a bigger horse in the Spring.

We also said goodbye to two of our lambs, as their time was up.  It was one of the first occasions where we really started to feel that the small holding lifestyle was working and we had the most amazing slow-cooked leg of lamb for Christmas dinner.  Yum, scrum.

The kids have settled well in to their new schools, it's a big year for Joby, as he has his GCSEs and with rather a lot going on in his life, he has become behind in his work, but he is knuckling down with extra lessons after school and I'm very proud of the young man he has become.  The next step for him, will be to start an apprenticeship in agriculture and he's already had some good practice, although nowhere near on a scale of the farmers around here.

The holiday let is going well.  In December it was nearly fully booked, which was a surprise, but the Poldark effect and the number of Christmas markets we have down here, seem to be attracting ever-increasing numbers.  Christmas shopping, strolling along the beach and maybe a spa day too, there is still loads to do in Cornwall and the scenery is just as stunning on a wild, windy day, with a lot more space to enjoy it.

Our ewes should be expecting some more lambs in the spring and so the cycle will begin again.  Having been here for over a year, I can safely say that Spring is without doubt the most beautiful time to visit Cornwall.  There is still a lot of wind and rain to go before we get there, but the daffodils and hyacinths are already making an appearance, a little hint of the delights that we can look forward to again.

Book yourself in for March or April and you may be lucky enough to see the spring lambs being born. 

So plans for 2016?  More lambs, more ducks, a greater selection of fruit and veg, expansion to the holiday let business, a new barn, greater competency with bees and to get out and see more of Cornwall's countryside and beaches.

Happy New Year to all our friends, family and visitors and remember 10% discount for friends and family if you book into our apartment.