A Magical Place and Wonderful For Families
Review Submitted: July 6, 2010
Date of Stay: May 2010
Butterwell Barn is a wonderfully romantic and mystical property that lies nestled in an ancient grove, by a natural spring, overlooking the glorious isolation of the windswept moors. Within easy reach of mythic Arthurian sites, pagan zones and fabulous beaches, there is a deep, silent sense of mystery that surrounds this entire region. The charming warmth and rustic romance of the cottage, the glorious views...(from an living area that is literally elevated high in the tree tops)... and the relaxed hospitality of Sue and Arthur make Butterwell Barn the perfect place to escape.
Recommended for:
Families with Young Children
Owner's Response: Thank you, Kary, for such a poetic review. I don't actually find it mystical or mysterious living here, but yes, it is romantic! Around the edge of the moor, groves of trees such as ours can mark the ground where once there was a smallholding, the sheltering trees having long outlasted the habitation. There is a swing hanging from a branch and in summer, a hammock slung between two trees. The wide lawn has patches of shade and plenty of sunshine with lots of room to run around or spread a rug for a peaceful picnic. Also plenty of daisies for daisy chains! Many birds visit the garden, from the occasional owl at night or a family of black and red spotted woodpeckers, to nuthatch, goldfinch and the tiny coal-tit that nests in an old stone wall,
As for King Arthur - Butterwell is within a few miles of Tintagel, where you will find a wild and wonderful headland with far reaching coastal views in either direction and ancient ruins, believed by some to be Arthur's Camelot. Dozmary Pool, a shallow pool, like a mirror on a suny day, lies on the moor south of the A30. It is the fabled site of the sword in the stone. At low tide, a little sandy beach below the castle headland is reached by a flight of wooden steps. Here in summer you may see house martins nest on the rocky cliffs, just as they did before houses provided a less salty habitat. There are several caves around the beach, including one that reaches right through to the west side of the headland - it is possible to clamber through and see the waves on the other side but wear seashoes - there is a big puddle!
For pagan zones, read the ancient archaeology of Bodmin Moor. On the moor and its hinterland can be seen stone circles, hut circles, barrows, quoits, standing stones and holy wells as well as the amazing piles of enormous rounded stones which top the tors on Bodmin Moor. Rough Tor nearby and the Cheesewring further south, are both good examples of these. Climb Rough Tor on a clear day and Cornwall is laid before you, the moor running south, Dartmoor in the distance and to the north, the sea. Or just park in the car park below and play poo-sticks on the bridge over the stream. On winter afternoons, half an hour before the sun sets, hundreds of thousands of starlings weave and wind their way in swooping flocks towards the nearby woods where they roost overnight. They twist and swoop into dark shapes in the sky as they avoid predators such as sparrowhawks, peregrine falcons and hopeful buzzards.
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Helpful votes: 5/5
