There’s a real air of excitement here at Blackdown Luxury Lettings as we get ready to welcome guests to our holiday houses for groups with private pools. It’s been a long time, too long - especially as we’ve been waiting to show you our latest addition, Herons Bank, a stunning house in Devon that sleeps 14 and has an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.

But here we are, all geared up, all ready, delighted to be opening up again. We’ve done all our risk assessments, got our Good To Go Certificates to reassure you that we meet industry standards and are complying with government guidelines, so as long as you all do your bit too, things should be fine and you’ll all have a wonderful holiday. Family attractions and pubs and cafes are opening up now but it won’t quite feel ‘normal’ – but don’t worry, you don’t need to go anywhere. Just get yourselves stocked in and hanker down in a world of your own at one of our lovely large group holiday houses.

Of course, it would be great if some of this cloud shifted and the sun came back and actually, last time we checked it was looking like it’s going to be much brighter next week so fingers crossed, you’ll be able to fire up the barbecue* when you stay at our luxury group accommodation in the West Country. The thing is, apart from the outdoor barbecues, it doesn’t really matter what the weather’s doing when you stay with Blackdown Luxury Lettings because our big holiday houses have so much to keep everyone occupied – swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, games rooms, play area for the children; there really is something for all ages.

Take Millgrove House; it sleeps 12 and has a private covered pool, a hot tub, games room, and a big garden with a play area for the little ones. It’s set on a quiet lane with glorious Somerset countryside all around, yet the county town of Taunton is just a few minutes drive away and the M5 is within easy reach. Treat yourselves to a stay in this beauty for the end of the summer holidays whilst availability lasts.

Then there’s Wayside, a modern country house out in the Blackdown Hills with views that stretch on for miles and miles; there’s snooze space for 13, a covered pool, hot tub, sauna, games room, BBQ lodge, children’s play area and outdoor tennis. Wayside is all booked for the summer but come and stay later in the year when the roads are quieter, come for Christmas or New Year, but be sure to book soon as to have those dates available is unusual for us.

Foxhill Lodge is out in the hills too, with staggering views over the Culm Valley. This lovely converted barn is set on a working farm on the borders of Devon and Somerset, but it’s not all mud and muck – far from it! There’s a heated pool, BBQ lodge and games room, and inside it’s just so homely, with interiors created by professional designers.

And Herons Bank. We love Herons Bank. We were hoping to welcome people to this beautiful house months ago, but sadly, things didn’t quite go to plan for anyone this year. Anyway, we’re here now, we can do it, and boy oh boy, we are so delighted to be welcoming our first guests to Herons Bank this weekend! Modern and luxurious throughout, this large group holiday house sleeps 15 and is set in a private location near the mid Devon town of Cullompton. The views are phenomenal, there’s an amazing spa hall with a heated pool, a hot tub and sauna, and a games room with a full size snooker table.

Again, summer’s booked right up, but there is availability for later in the year, so if you fancy a holiday in Devon come on down! Maybe you have a big birthday to celebrate or a hen weekend to organise, in which case Herons Bank will tick all the right boxes. Don’t forget we take corporate bookings too, so if you’re looking for a different kind of setting for self catering corporate hospitality or team building check this one out.

So, excitement is mounting, just a couple of days to go now, so let’s do this, let’s do this together. Let’s stick to the government guidelines and bring back large group holidays in the UK! Have a safe journey to your Blackdown Luxury Lettings holiday house – we can’t wait to meet you! Happy holidays ahead!

Barbecues. We have to share this with you – if you’re after top notch meat give Stillmans a call. They’re our local butchers and they can deliver meat to your holiday house. Order steaks to sizzle on the barbie, a huge joint for Sunday roast, thick slices of bacon for breakfast, pork chops for dinner, whatever you want. Take a look at their website and order online.