As the sun shone through on a crisp February morning the excitement of a weekend away at Nolands Ho! in north Devon grew. The view of the sea and the beautiful coastline as we drove down into Westward Ho! instantly made our family smile from ear to ear and we all knew that the weekend ahead was going to be filled with fun, laughter and family time.
Nolands Ho!
Sitting in a prime location, this modern striking house in north Devon sits in a fantastic location and, of course, the garden and veranda offer front row seats to soak in the view across the Northam Burrows to pebble ridge and the sea beyond. No matter the season this view will delight and delight it did with the boys simply saying 'Wow' and 'Wow' again as their eyes lit up as they entered Nolands Ho!
As you step inside this dog-friendly house you will find four modern rooms that are filled with light and designed to delight by the owners - they really have thought of everything! Two of the king bedrooms also have modern shower en-suite rooms with one also enjoying bifold doors that offer the best view out to the coast. As our three boys negotiated who had which room, our dog Otis made himself at home, his happy waggy tail exploring the house and finally settling in front of the log burner whilst myself and my husband poured a glass of wine and soaked in the view.
The joy of this fun house for our boys became apparent within minutes …. the games room! Hearing the boys laugh and compete as they played table football was a welcome change to them screaming down their XBOX headsets! They played for hours in what became their weekend den and the chess playing has continued now we are back home, and solitaire has been purchased! The games room is filled to the brim with options for old and young and will be a hit for any family who books this fabulous coast retreat.
Saturday
The sun had disappeared behind the clouds when we woke but the colours and view took on a new perspective which had to be enjoyed from the hot tub with that all important morning brew! The hot tub became our family meeting point as our Collie enjoyed the run of the garden and a plan was hatched to walk into Westward Ho!. The boys’ eyes lit up when they spotted the amusement arcades, with the 2p slot machines becoming the source of some competitive family fun, and of course Mum won!
After all the excitement there was only one option for lunch and that was fish and chips enjoyed sitting on the slipway people watching. As we headed back along the beach, we all chatted and played breathing in the sea air, letting the Saturday fun continue with a spot of pebble skimming into the sea. As we arrived back, the Six Nations kicked off and the sitting room area became our mini stadium enhanced by the fabulous SMART tv and of course the toasty warm log burner! We decided on family pizza making for dinner, so we all sat around the large marble table and rustled up a family feast that was simply delicious, with the night finishing with a family card game.
Sunday
We woke to a glorious sunny day and yet again the hot tub and views had to be enjoyed until the boys woke and we all enjoyed a good old-fashioned fry up. With the sun beating down there was no other option but to head out via the private path leading out to the beach, passing the ponies grazing on Northam Burrows. Once again we climbed over pebble ridge and started to walk along the beach, this time away from Westward Ho! The coastline is simply spectacular, and the view captivated us all we walked and talked for a few miles. For the walk back we headed up into the sand dunes and that could only mean one thing …. sand dune surfing, a family favourite!
After all the fun, tummies started to hanker some food and luckily we found Pebble Ridge Kitchen (a locals favourite). They had a fabulous menu, from snacks to main meals and not forgetting the homemade cakes… they cater for all! After refuelling, the troop set off home across the Burrows and enjoyed watching a spot of golf! The house is literally next door to The Royal North Devon Golf Club with the practice green being in front of the house. As we arrived back we all knew it was time to return home but we could all agree on thing, Nolands Ho! had been a fabulous sea side break and one we would not forget!
It’s fair to say that Nolands Ho! really delivered, allowing us as a family to really connect away from the hustle and bustle of family life with the whole family agreeing that we’d been to a five-star property, and no one wanted to leave.
