West Country cottages with some availability in August

So, you would like to spend a few days in August in the West Country in a holiday cottage?

That south western corner of the British Isles is always warmer for longer than the rest of the country. Summer seems to linger so that the prospect of glorious days on the beach and lazy days sitting on a deck chair in a Devon, Cornish or Somerset cottage garden sounds blissful.

August is the month with highest summer demand so that unless booking ahead, finding a cottage to rent with some availability becomes a little like hunting for a needle in a haystack. The beaches of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset are a magnet when the sun shines.

West Country paradise in August

There is a greater chance of finding a rural idyll in the West Country during the final summer month, somewhere a little inland with a short drive to the coast. West Country cottages can be exquisite gems, especially weathered old stone cottages surrounded by mature gardens that complement the house. Some of the period cottages that have ramblers around the porch, a flower edged path to the front door and stepping stones across the lawn to an orchard, are a dream.

It can be a mistake to select properties according to their facilities when there are gorgeous cottages brimming with character and years of care and development. Beauty feeds the soul and becomes a daily pleasure on holiday in a way that a hot tub or swimming pool cannot even begin to compete with.

The pretty coastal cottages in Cadgwith in Cornwall, or beamed farmhouses in Devon are a privilege to stay in. These properties of yesteryear come with memories and history which is often summarised in a visitor’s book.

West Country barn conversions as holiday accommodation

Converted barns abound in the West Country and although modern in appearance are a marriage between an old building and a new interior. Many have been specially developed as holiday accommodation and are furnished tastefully in a practical manner. There will be no clutter, no personal knickknacks, just useful lamps to set mood and complementary pictures on the walls. The barn conversions offer incredible space and big picture windows for those West Country views. Beams and vaulted ceilings add character. Do browse some of the holiday barns and country cottages listed below to find your own West Country hideaway in August.

August Dates for your diary when looking for a cottage holiday:

• Blackdown Hills Beer and Music Festival is on during the second week of August.
• Watchet Music Festival, on north Somersert coast, takes place in the last week of August.