Everything from the impressive drive to the photographs of the farm that adorn its walls and which were taken by professional photographer Peter Crumpler, is unique to Dorset Farm in Cornwall.

I’m sitting in the conservatory writing this article shortly before leaving the tranquil setting of this delightful Cornish farmhouse bed & breakfast, and believe me, it’s going to be hard to leave.

As I sit here, only a few yards away there’s a lesser spotted woodpecker chiselling away at the nuts in one of the bird feeders. Between where I sit and the open fields that stretch all the way to distant Dartmoor I can see perfectly manicured lawns and blushing Azalia and Rhododendron bushes. To my right I’m looking at a hugely impressive pair of lime trees, and the other side of the stately drive, the most magnificent 200-year-old oak tree.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the green fields are grinning back at me, is it any wonder I’m reluctant to leave the Cornish paradise known as Dorset Farm?

What else can I tell you? Semi-retired farmer Jon Bennett and his wife Vi have been the most superb hosts during our stay. They might be relatively new to running a B&B after a lifetime spent managing various successful farms, but they could have been born for the job of running the most impressive bed and breakfast my wife and I have ever stayed in.

Actually, to say that Jon is semi-retired is something of a misnomer. He works harder than any man I’ve ever known. He and his team have worked tirelessly to transform a traditional 33-acre working farm into a nature lover and walkers paradise, restoring hedges and fences, installing a drainage system on the land, and cleaning up the beautiful stretch of the River Tamar owned by the farm.

Offering both farmhouse bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation, Dorset Farm nestles in beautiful countryside near Launceston, the one-time capital of Cornwall. From the farm you can enjoy the best of both worlds – great access from the A30, Exeter, Newquay or Plymouth Airports coupled with the tranquillity of an old Cornish farm.

Dorset Farm has acres of space stretching right down to the River Tamar which you are free to wander at your leisure. In their woods you’ll discover signs of days gone by in the old Launceston to Bude canal along with a wide variety of wildlife (we saw an owl, foxes, rabbits, bats and evidence of deer). You can watch its wildlife from the comfort of their newly installed hide with its extensive views over woods and river.

Nearby there are numerous fascinating attractions to visit covering everything for garden lovers such as the Eden Project, to surf beaches at Bude and Newquay.

Dorset Farm offers three rooms, each with en-suite facilities and superb views across the lovely Cornish countryside. Their superior room (in which we stayed and which we can thoroughly recommend), has a Victorian feel to it with a sumptuous bath to soak away the cares of the day and a separate power shower housed in a cubicle large enough to hold a small party. There is also a freeview TV in each room.

After a great night’s sleep you can listen to the dawn chorus (with the window open), then go down to a traditional farmhouse breakfast made with organic local produce and finished off with Vi’s homemade marmalades and jams, guaranteed to set you up for the day ahead.

The farm’s conservatory is a real sun trap, and in addition there is a guests’ lounge with comfortable sofas in which to relax.

Dorset Farm is open all year round so why not think about out of season stays. They’re cheaper and for wildlife lovers there’s more chance to see that elusive deer or the kingfishers, partridges, rabbits and other flora and fauna. 

Prices are £60 for the double or twin rooms (per room NOT per person) and £70 for the superior room (again per room not per person).

There’s plenty of things you can do while enjoying your stay at Dorset Farm without having to get into the car and drive miles and miles. There are numerous farm walks, fishing, painting and sketching, photography, cycling, just sitting and dreaming, bird watching, reading and more. They even have their own hide which you are free to use to perhaps spot deer, squirrels, birds, foxes and lots more.

Have a painting day with an artist
If you are into photography, local photographer Peter Crumpler will meet you at Dorset Farm and guide you on a memorable day’s photographic shooting. This is particularly suitable for the beginner or those wishing to improve their skills. You can visit a wildlife sanctuary and meet otters, owls, deer and a wide variety of ducks and peacocks close up. You can also visit the coast, historical locations or the woodlands according to your preferences. Later in the day you can enhance the photographs taken on your expedition using their computer so you have a souvenir of everything you have done saved onto CD or DVD. The organisation of the day is very flexible and is tailor-made to your ideas and wishes. Prices start from as little as £125 per family for a full day. A camera can be provided or of course you can use your own.

Have a painting day with an artist
What better way to improve your painting skills – at whatever level – than with a local artist. Your artist will join you after breakfast and together you will plan the day – discussing what, where and how you are going to work. If the weather is inclement you can still use their indoor facilities to produce something to be proud of which you can take home and hang on the wall at the end of your stay.

Go fishing
Dorset Farm has a frontage of about a kilometre along the River Tamar which makes for a perfect day’s fishing. They can arrange licences for you if you wish and show you the best spots to enjoy your sport.

Play Golf
There are a number of good golf courses locally so don’t forget to bring your clubs with you!

All in all, we were delighted with our stay at Dorset Farm (www.dorset-farm.co.uk) and can’t wait to return. Perhaps we’ll see you there!!

Editor, Third Age.