It seemed almost too good to be true: a stunning, family-run farm sprawling across 35 acres of wildflower meadow, nestled in a peaceful valley just a quarter of an hour from the coast. But Bosinver in St Austell is indeed a reality and we had the pleasure of spending three delightful nights there. It's a place where the whole family can unwind, relax and have fun, it resembles a serene little village with 20 charming cottages to choose from.
Our party of five (me, my partner, our two young children aged three and 18 months, and my mother) loved it. In fact, my mum was so taken with Bosinver that she's already planning our return next year and has extended the invitation to my brothers and their families. Choosing our favourite aspect of Bosinver is a challenge.
Our cottage (Jack's Barn) was roomy, cosy and felt like a home away from home the ideal spot for us all to chill out and for our boys to wind down after an action-packed day. The cottage was equipped with everything we needed - the team ensures every guest is well catered for. We were provided with a pram, travel cot, a bed guard and a child carrier upon arrival, which meant we didn't have to stress about packing the car to the brim.
Meeting Farmer Dave for the daily animal feeding was a highlight of our holiday at Bosinver. The owner, along with his wife Nanny Pat, is adored by the children and even has his own fan club! Every morning at 9.30am, Farmer Dave would open the barn doors, releasing chickens, cockerels, ducks and doves ready to eat breakfast seed from your hand.
The goats would follow shortly after, eager for their morning meal. Our boys were thrilled to be surrounded by these gentle creatures. We also enjoyed collecting eggs, feeding the sheep, and pony rides.
But Bosinver isn't just about farm life. There's a fantastic heated swimming pool available for guests - you can book a slot for your family and arrange swimming lessons too. A wonderful soft play barn helps tire out little ones before dinner and bedtime.
Other amenities include a large Wendy house, trampoline, playground and a superfast tube slide, which we all loved. Best of all, all these activities are included in the cost of your stay no hidden extras. During our three-day stay, we found no need to leave Bosinver at all.
One sunny afternoon, we took a delightful stroll around the grounds, taking in the Gruffalo walk. We greeted the horses grazing in the meadows and were captivated by a fragrant sensory garden. We even participated in Wild Kids, an afternoon activity that included wood chopping (our one year old joined in too), making mud pies, water play and toasting marshmallows.
Bosinver is a place where adults can enjoy all the activities that children partake in - we certainly did. But it also offers ample opportunities for child-free relaxation. The site boasts a gym and a splendid spa treatment room offering massages, facials and other soothing treatments ideal after a day spent hiking through the fields.
If you don't fancy cooking, you can purchase delectable home-cooked frozen meals from Hannah at Cornwall Private Chef, taking the stress out of dinner time. However, it was the small details that made this holiday one of the most cherished we've ever had as a family. The way Farmer Dave always found time to greet our children, or the surprise of opening our front door to find a chicken waiting to bid us good afternoon.
Complimentary tomato plants were available for guests to take home from the reception. Paul, the eldest son of Farmer Dave and Nanny Pat, was always ready to assist us with anything we needed. He even recommended a serene beach for a morning paddle.
The holiday at Bosinver was filled with creating beautiful memories, and we would return in a heartbeat..
