Brittany Holiday Cottage with Private Pool

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2012-01-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

With in half an hour of the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool is the Bar de Etel one of my favorite fishing locations.

My fishing buddy contacted me last week to ask if I wanted a fishing day down at Etel Tuesday just gone, the weather conditions were perfect with a coefficient of 88.

Low tide was at 11.30 am and the following high tide at 17.35 and we decided to start fishing at 10am and fish both aspects of the tide finishing at 19.00.

I popped too the Vannes decathlon which is only 25 minutes from La Forge and La Veille Maison first thing in the morning to see if they had any rag worm in stock. They had about 10 boxes but on inspection the boxes were all filled with manky looking worms that all appeared dead, one box was almost empty. Its so important to inspect the boxes before taking them away.

It was worth a try getting the worms as I always feel more confident when worms are on the hook, but my mate was popping down a local fish mongers to pick up some fresh mackerel.

When I arrived at Etel he announced he had also managed to get some live shrimp and some squid and had talked to the fish monger to find out that the locals were catching Pollock and the odd Bass.

With a view of getting into a turbot I decided to fish the final flow of the tide on its way out close in with the Mackerel. With no bites for either of us for the next 2 hours, the tide had turned and was now on its way in, I decided to switch tactics and try the live shrimp hooked just through the tails to keep them alive.

I had 2 bites in concession that looked like your typical flatfish bite but on retrieval the shrimp heads had been taken and the bodies remained. My mate switched to the shrimp also, casting out into the fast water and after 30 minutes had a stonking bite and brought in a 3 lb Wrasse.

Spirits improved after the catch and we concentrated on the shrimp only for it to go very quite again and we ended up finishing at 19.00 with just the one fish.

On the whole even though I did not catch I really enjoyed the day, the sun was out and I had to take some of my layers off as I got to warm in the afternoon.

Our next fishing trip will be in March.

There is always a beach rod available for guest staying in La Forge or La Veille Maison for those wishing to have a few hours fishing on the coast.

Brittany holiday cottage with heated swimming pool

2012-01-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

The chickens at the Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool had not laid any eggs for over 5 weeks, i thought it due to a moult but when i looked up why chickens stop laying the most common reason is that in the winter months they simply don't get enough sun light to stimulate egg production.

With that in mind over the last week I have allowed the chickens out to forage around in the garden and in doing so gave them more access to sun light. The chicken run is surrounded by trees and I guess during the winter months the trees are screening the run from what direct sun light there is because this week I had my first eggs after the chickens roaming free.

Children staying at La Forge and La Veille maison are more than welcome to look for eggs during there stay and feed the birds.

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool

2012-01-06T02:54:00.000-08:00

Just 3 miles from the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool is the market town of Baud, this Christmas my parents and daughter enjoyed the festivities in France with me.

For New years eve I booked a table at La Cheval Blanc a great restaurant within Baud just 5 min from La Forge and La Veille Maison. My father and I enjoyed a dozen oysters each which were really lovely.

For a video of the restaurant that night click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ncYQvYNcWU&list=UUmpNDosSYInVhWEkKhuH4lQ&index=1&feature=plcp

You only have to read the guest reveiws within the website of La Forge to see how much they have enjoyed La Cheval Blanc.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-12-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

Its been another great year for La Forge - the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool beating last years best of 21 weeks booked by achieving 22 weeks for 2011.

In addition La Veille Maison had its revival as a test run in the summer as the second holiday cottage available to rent and gain all weeks were booked that was offered.

In 2012 La Forge will be available to rent throughout the year while La veille Maison will be available from the May half term holiday until the start of September allowing more to enjoy this fantastic part of Brittany in the small hamlet of Kerbourbon.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2011-12-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

With the mild November we enjoyed at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool over, December brings with it some bright days but cold nights.

With that in mind I took delivery of 2 cords or fire wood to make sure this Christmas La Veille maison is warm and snug. The current price per cord is 200 euros, a cord or wood is 6 square meters of stacked fire wood. When i first arrived in 2006 it was 160 euros and at an exchange rate of 1.5 meant it was £106 per cord which at the time was very cheap, however with the exchange rate of 1.15 the new sterling price would be £174 which is a big increase in the cost of heating.

This month I have also bought an Eco fan that sits on top of my wood urning stove and pushes out 150 cubic feet of warm air out into the room. I borrowed my friends last week which pushed out 100 cubic feet and noticed my house got warm very quickly.

The cost of the eco fan was £118 being sent from Canada, if i had bought it in the UK it would have cost over £170. As La veille Maison is open plan, i have 180 cubic meters to heat up just in the living room and kitchen so its important to find an efficient way to heat the house.

A single cord should last 5 weeks so at 40 euros per week its still a relatively cheap way to heat the house and you cant beat a wood burner for creating a warm feeling.

For guest staying in La Forge in the winter months the wood burner within that holiday cottage is a very efficient way to heat the cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-12-06T16:04:00.000-08:00

One of my freinds who lives just 5 minutes away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool surplied me with this years live Christmas tree from his sons local school.

It was great getting it home to La Veille Maison and dressing it up with just the lights tonight, I'll wait for the arrival of my daughter who will be enjoying christmas at the cottage with me.

La Forge is still avialble to rent during the Christmas period and if any one does book the cottage it will be dressed for the season as well.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2011-12-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

One of the best things that I have bought for the benefit of the guest staying at La Forge and La Veille Maison, the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool was the chickens.

After 5 days I'm pleased to say that the west sussex seems to be well on the mend after injuring its leg last Thursday. When i first saw the chicken it could hardly stand up let alone walk.

After placing some food and water beside the hen, i gave it an hour and then placed it inside the chicken house to get out of the rain and to be left quite and warm.

The following day it remained in the chicken house but by day 3 it was back out in the run hoping around, today it was walking much more freely with only a slight limp. I'm so pleased that its recovery was so swift.

The children staying at the holiday cottages love feeding the birds and collecting the eggs each morning.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2011-12-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

La Forge the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool is available to rent all year and we offer a special 2 week deal for those guest wishing to celebrate Christmas and the new year in France.

The normal price per week is £599 bit if you book both weeks the cost is reduced down too £798 that's a saving of over £400 plus in addition a fresh organic turkey will be provided to get your Christmas off to a good start.

In addition the holiday cottage is decorated for the festive season with the warm log fire lit waiting for your arrival.

So that guest don't miss out on the celebrations I will me more than happy to discuss what the local restaurants are doing for Christmas and New years eve and make a booking on your behalf so you don't miss out.

La Veille maison is only available from the May half term until the start of September.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-12-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

During April, May and September guest staying within La Forge have private use of the swimming pool.

We were offering an early booking discount if you booked before 30th November for the 2012 season this has now been extended.

Book either La Forge or La Veille Maison and receive a 5% discount on the listed price.

In addition to the discount on the holiday cottages remember that if you book either holiday cottage you also benefit from a 20% discount on your Brittany ferry crossings.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-12-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

The chickens residing within the chicken run at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool are enjoying there new home, however not so much the current weather.

With no grass growing in the run its currently just a bog of mud and chicken poop, not very nice to go inside to collect the eggs, its amazing throw how quickly it does dry out in there, after 2 dry days the ground is dry and firm to walk on, I'm thinking about investing in some straw to put down within the run in an attempt to create a pathway to collect the eggs.

The west Sussex chicken, my favorite of the group has just injured one of its legs and currently has a bad limp.

Guest of the holiday cottages La Forge and La Veille Maison don't have to contend with the conditions I'm currently facing with the wet winter weather.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-11-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

This week at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool the weather has been dry and bright and as my new macro lens arrived for my Olympus slr digital camera i took advantage of the weather this morning to give the lens a try.

I just stayed within the garden at the holiday cottage yet still managed to find some heather in blossom and some toad stalls flourishing beside the boule court.

I will post more macro pictures over the next few months taken around the local area of La Forge and La Veille Maison.

Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool

2011-11-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

With a new chicken house built by my dad for the chickens residing at the Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool all are enjoying the extra room. The chicken house is 40 cms above the floor on legs therefore creating an increase in total floor space because the old house was at ground level and gives the birds a place to stay out of the rain.

Ive also laid a few paving slaps down for the house to rest on and I've noticed this prevents the water dispenser to keep clean.

The only problem I encounter with the chicken run is that during the winter months its so muddy in there and is really smelly due to a mix of wet mud and chicken poop.

The chickens have been a great asset for the holiday cottage in that children staying in La forge or La Veille Maison and interact with the birds and collect the fresh eggs each day.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-11-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

La Forge the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool has just reached a new milestone with 22 weeks booked for this year.

Of the 4 properties that the previous owners owned La forge was always the first to be booked, I guess being beamed through out and oozing with character it makes a wonderful holiday destination. In addition to its inherent attributes I always spend fresh money each year making improvements so that it meets the expectations of my guest staying within the property.

It has always been a policy to ask guest what changes if any should be made and I always take on board suggestions to improve each year, its such a lovely feeling when guest first walk through the doors to hear them say this looks wonderful and in a lot of cases better then was shown via the pictures on the website. Its what makes running a holiday cottage for me a real pleasure and I will always endeavour to make sure guest enjoy there stay at La Forge.

I am looking forward to my next guest stay starting 10th November for 8 nights as she has stayed in La Forge on several occassions, staying here under the 2 previous owners before me, so it will be lovely to see her reactions on the improvements made.

The good news now is that from this year La Veille Maison is also available to rent for a limited season so more people are able to enjoy this wonderful part of Brittany that I fell in love with.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-09-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Just 5 minutes away from La Forge, the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is Camors adventure forest. Guest staying at either La Forge or La Veille maison can obtain a 10% discount on the price per person taking part.

I popped down to the adventure forest last Friday and did the entire course for the first time, it took about 3 hours to complete and some parts were extremely hard, especially once I started the black course but I thoroughly enjoyed it all.

The zip wires are always a favorite and I enjoyed them all.

For a video of Camors adventure park click here.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-08-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today along with the guest currently staying at La Forge (the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool ) we popped down to the Bar de Etel for a spot of beach casting.

Yesterday I drove to Lorient which is about 25 minutes from the holiday cottage to buy some additional fishing equipment in the Decathlon store and pick up some rag worms. Unfortunately they did not hold the normal worms that I would have bought ( The Demi mure, red box) but only had the jumbo and small rag, so I decided to try the supermarket near Crach to buy some bait.

The reason I don't buy the Jumbo is because at 5.50 euros a box I find them rather expensive...what a mistake that turned out to be because when we arrived at the super market 'Intermarche' they did have the worms I wanted but at the extortionate price of 7.20 a box, by then it was to late if we wanted to catch the tide and avoid further driving to the Decathlon store in Vannes so we headed of to the fishing venue with just 2 boxes each, I would normally buy 4 for my 2 rods.

As my daughter was with me and the guest staying at the cottage took his 13 year old son I opted not to fish the full run of the incoming tide. High tide was at 3pm and we started fishing at noon. The coefficient was really low today at 32 yet I was still picking up weed for the first hour at which point less and less weed was being hauled in on each retrieve.

I used my favorite rig, very simple a running ledger with a 3ft hook length on an Aberdeen no1 long shank and fished the rag worm about 80 meters from the shore on both rods. Around 2pm I had my first bite of the day and caught a 1lb Bass in lovely condition. I was waiting to switch from using rag at long range to Mackerel at 30 meters at slack tide for the Turbot but while helping out the guest a large wave hit the rocks where I had placed the mackerel and all was lost. I ended up finishing fishing at 3pm because the bait run out, but all was good as I caught my supper and my daughter was getting restless.

Although the tide was quite week it was not a pleasant day to fish with high winds creating some large waves and rain for most of the 3 hours.

The guest staying at La forge took advantage of the spare beach caster and reel that I have available to use.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

2011-08-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Just 25 min away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool is the city of Lorient and each year it holds its ' Festival Interceltique' one of Brittany's biggest events.

From 5th - 14th August over 2000 bands play within the city centre, I popped down with my daughter on Wednesday 10th for the afternoon and early evening. For a glimpse of the event click here.

Guest staying at La Forge and La Veille Maison have been enjoying the pool all week, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday with the weather being so hot and sunny.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2011-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Over the last 2 weeks a Dutch family have been enjoying there holiday at La Forge, the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym. Within the family were 3 young lads ages between 16 & 12 and all were keen to workout in the gym.

Due to all the preparation work within the gym building and getting La Veille Maison ready for this years holiday season I had not been in the gym for a couple of months.

The hardest part about being away from the gym is getting restarted and it was a real pleasure training with the Dutch boys almost every night as it got me back into a regular routine.

They left the holiday cottage last Saturday and I have now continued to train, my first leg workout was very painful during as the muscles were screaming out that this felt strange....lifting weights again, I surprised myself in that I managed to do 140 kg for 5 reps, 5 days later it was our second leg workout and I managed 7 reps with 150kg, I'll soon be back up to 8-10 reps with 160kgs. Being natural you don't tend to loose much strength if your out of the gym for a while which is another great reason not to touch steroids.

The gym is available to use for all guest staying at La forge and La Veille maison and your welcome to train alone or more than welcome to have me as a training partner.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-08-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

Just 20 minutes away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is the medieval city of Hennebont which is on the way to Lorient.

Marking its 16th anniversary the city of Hennebont held its Medieval festival again this year on the 30th & 31st July.

I decided to pop along on Sunday to watch the events and it was a glorious hot sunny day, Hennebont was packed with people and I thoroughly enjoyed the day there, the only regret was I arrived at 12.30 pm and missed the grand parade of every one in costume.

For a look at the event, click here.

La Forge and La Veille Maison are ideally situated to enjoy all the delights Brittany has to offer within the Morbihan region.

La Forge is available to rent all year where as La Veille Maison is available to rent from May half term 2012 to the start of September that year.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-07-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

Just 25 minutes away from the Brittany holiday cottage with Private pool is the medieval city of Vannes, grown over centuries to a large city but still contains in the centre its historic past with its watch towers on ramparts and the 2 entrance gates at either side of the old town.

Last week the city held its medieval festival running over 3 days and the city centre was the busiest ive ever seen it, with thousands lining along the route of the procession that takes place several times per day. For a video of the event click here:

Both sets of guest staying at La Forge and La Veille maison enjoyed the event as did everyone there.

Next year La Veille Maison will be available to rent starting from the May half term through to the start of September, where as La Forge is available to rent all year.

Brittany holiday cotage with heated swimming pool

2011-07-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had the arrival of both sets of guest staying at La Forge and La Veille Maison the Brittany holiday cottages with heated swimming pool.

The first guest traveled over night using the Brittany ferry Portsmouth to Southampton route and arrived at La Veille maison for 10.30 am while the second group traveled via Cherbourg and arrived at 11pm.

It was a bright sunny day and the first set of guest enjoyed the swimming pool throughout the day.

The swimming pool is available on a private basis during April, May and September and for next year shared between the May half term and the start of September.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-06-26T02:19:00.000-07:00

Within the group currently staying at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is a keen Salmon fisherman from Wales.

He had an evening on the L'evel a few days ago and caught 2 Salmon parr both about 7 inches long and last night I popped over too the Blavet with him just north of Baud following a report from a friend that he had seen alot of fly fishermen fishing around one of the locks that contains a pair of fish ladders.

We did have a week of heavy rain last week and the guest explained that when the rivers are full of water thats the time to fish for the Salmon. We arrived 5 days after all the rain and the river was back to normal however that did not stop him from having a few hours of fun, catching 2 chub of 3lbs on a dry fly and having half a dozen more takes to get the blood rushing.

It was a wonderful evening as it had been bright and sunny all day with temperatures reaching 28 degrees and fish were rising all the time with plenty of insect life around.

For a video of the first fish caught see: Fishing the blavet

La Forge is just a 10 minute drive to the river Blavet which was voted the best course fishing river of France in 2006.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-06-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago within the group staying at La Forge, the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool was a keen fly fisherman who went out most evenings to fish the Tarun and L' Evel rivers that are located within the hamlet of Kerbourbon.

He just fished the evening rises and caught on every occasion, catching small brown trout and Salmon Parr. the biggest fish was a 1 1/2 trout towards the end of the holiday, all fish were returned.

He also had a crack at the chub around the bridge of l'Evel and caught a pair around 3 or 4 lbs.

He said he enjoyed the fishing as it was a challenging venue to cast and explained that the presentation of the fly was paramount to get the take.

The Tarun is just 100 meters from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-06-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

After a week at La Forge the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool a lovely couple from Devon departed and a new set from Wales arrived to start a 2 week holiday at the cottage.

The couple from Devon enjoyed the markets at Aurray and Hennebont and of course meal at Le Cheval Blanc situated in Baud.

La Forge is available to rent all year for guest to enjoy the best of Brittany.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2011-06-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

With great weather today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool I decided to pop down to the coast for a spot of fishing. I decided to give the mark about a mile up stream from the Bar de Etel, as the last time I was there the coefficient was running at 115 with a very high tide and it ended up being unfishable with the tide running so strong, even so 3 fish were caught. ( that particular day this mark was chosen as it looked to dangerous to fish the Bar de Etel).

Today the coefficient was at 62 with a moderate high tide at 1pm. I arrived at 9am and had 2 rods fishing by 9.30, both rods were used on the normal set up of a single hook length of 4 ft tide to a swivel that was connected to the main line with a free running break away ledger of 150 grammes. I expected today to be a very different experience than my first visit to be shocked to see my weights being swept 50 meters upstream within 10 minutes and on every retrieve expected to loose my tackle because it was getting snagged every time and on each retrieve the weight and hook was covered with weed.

By 12pm I had enough and moved around to a sheltered bay and no longer suffered the gear being swept away. I used rag worm and fished until 2pm when I gave up having no bites at all, through out the day.

For guest staying at La Forge or La veille Maison, there is a beach caster and reel available to use.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2011-05-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

This year at La Forge the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool we have been fully booked throughout April and May and guest have enjoyed some wonderful weather at the holiday cottage.

We still have a couple of weeks available in July and August which have recently been reduced in price:

1 week starting 2nd July, normal price £1049 now reduced down too £749

1 week starting 27th August, was £1049 now reduced down too £949

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-04-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

There are currently 2 special deals available at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool, they are: Firstly enjoy 9 nights for only £400 starting 21st April, departing 30th. Normal price for a week is £549. The second deal is we have 2 weeks available starting 4th June staying in La Forge, normal cost per week is £749- now reduced down to £549 per week. Both special deals enjoy private use of the swimming pool and garden for guest staying at La Forge the Brittany holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-03-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today I popped into the chicken run at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool to discover the smallest bird not looking at all well, normally it would be the fastest bird in the flock but today it remained stationary and allowed me to stroke it and pick it up.

Over the last 2 days the weather has changed and temperatures have dropped from the gorgeous week we enjoyed last week at La Forge with a few days of rain. Deciding to act i took the youngster inside and placed in in a box with bedding, food, water and a heat source and fingers crossed the bird will pull through.

I bought 5 young birds 4 weeks ago, a lot earlier in the year than previously and have now had 2 birds to fall ill. I also bought a single bird that was just about to start laying and that has been producing an egg a day for the last week.

Next week the first guest arrive at the Brittany holiday cottage and there children will be able to collect at least one egg per day.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-03-24T03:50:00.000-07:00

Just 20 minutes away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is the medieval town of Hennebont with its embattlements over looking the river Blavet. As it was a bright sunny day on Tuesday I pooped down to the Blavet and took the following video to give you a look at what was voted the best course fishing river in Brittany, I was situated about 2 miles north of Hennebont.

The Blavet runs from here up to and through Pontivey which is again just 20 minutes away from La Forge. For a short movie of 3 of the local places to fish around La forge click this link.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-03-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

With clear blue sky's today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool I opened the swimming pool today and jet washed the pool terrace ready for the arrival of the first guest staying at La Forge on 7th April.

It was a beautiful day and I was surprised to see how much colour I had caught working out in the garden of the Brittany holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-03-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Just 5 min away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is a lovely private 2 acre lake stocked with Carp, Pike, Zander, Perch and Ive been told some really big Eels.

The cost per day is 10 euros or 5 euros for an evening per angler allowing 2 rods per person.

The good news with the lake being private is that no rod licence is required and being only 5 min from La Forge is a great place to pop along for a few hours of fishing after enjoying a day out.

To see a film of the lake click link

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2011-03-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Just 100 meters from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym is the river Tarun which contains a good head of wild trout, the river joins the river Evel after 1km from this point.

Guest staying at La Forge have taken trout on the fly, asits a narrow river with alot of trees along the back a short rod is esential and care taken with your casting. I bought a small 1.8 meter spinning rod that I use on the river, it was the shortest rod I could find and I use a preserved small fish set up to cast and wobble on the retrieve.

You need a fishing licence to fish in France just as you do in the UK but once you have your licence you can fish any river system and cross farmers fields to access the river. The spinning rod is available to use for the guest staying at the holiday cottage if you fancy a go.

For a look at the river Tarun click this link.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-02-26T06:20:00.000-08:00

This week at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool my daughter and I popped down to the market at Aurray on Monday and the market at Locminie on Thursday to buy 4 of the 6 new birds required for the holiday cottage.

On Monday we bought the 2 turkeys both brown in colour and both females, after the noise of male bird last year, the mornings should now be very quite and quest staying at the holiday cottage wont hear the birds at all. To see the birds click this link.

Anyone booking La Forge to enjoy Christmas will receive a complimentary turkey to enjoy, last years bird was the most delicious bird Ive ever tasted being fed on sweet corn, so it should be a real treat.

On Wednesday we bought a pair of the chickens bred for meat, the idea is to let them produce eggs while the guest stay at the cottage and in the Autumn to enjoy a free range meal. The other 2 hens to be bought are to remain as egg produces throughout the year and will remain at the Brittany holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-02-26T04:35:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday the Circus was in Baud which is just 3 miles from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool, click circus link to see the video that was taken on the day( Circus ).

Tickets were 9 euros per person and we had a great time with the entire show lasting around 2 hours. Your find throughout the spring and summer 3 different circuses moving around from town too town, so its always possible to catch a show during your stay at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

2011-02-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

Just a short drive away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool is the picturesque town of Aurray where on a Monday morning a lively market can be found.
Today we popped down for a wonder to see that we were in luck to see a guy selling small livestock and we purchased a pair of young female turkeys for just 3 1/2 euro's each, the guy said that they would be ready to eat in 3 months but then that was what I was told last year and at 6 months the bird was still small, so Ive now got 10 months to get them ready for Christmas.

Any guest booking the 2 weeks at Christmas will be given one of the birds as a complimentary gift to enjoy a wonderful dinner. Last years bird may have been small but I think it was the best Turkey Ive ever tasted, being fed on corn for the last 3 months.

We have yet to but the chickens, as I'm after a particular type that are only sold as youngsters I decided not to buy a pair of 24 week old birds today, that way in a couple of weeks I'll but 4 youngsters and hopefully all will get on well.

La Forge is available to rent all year round and the private heated swimming pool is open from the start of April until the end of September.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-02-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

Market day within Baud is always on a Saturday and yesterday my daughter and I left the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool to see if any chickens were being sold. I had a feeling it might be to early in the year for young birds to be available and sure enough the guy was not there at the market.

Today we sowed new grass seed in the chicken run so that when the new birds arrive the run will be covered in fresh grass to give them a good start in addition to there feed, although I guess within 2 months of the new birds arriving not a single blade of grass will be left.

We are looking to buy 4 chickens and 2 turkeys, 2 of the chickens will be bought for meat with the view that we may get some eggs from them while the holiday cottages are occupied, then in the Autumn they will go into the pot.

The turkeys are for Christmas, one for my table and the other as a complimentary gift for anyone booking La Forge for the festive season. The holiday cottage will be decorated for the festive season.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2011-02-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

After 3 weeks working in the UK my daughter and I returned too the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym on Saturday and enjoyed a very easy journey.

We caught the 8.15 Brittany ferry from Portsmouth sailing too Caen and arrived in France at 3pm after enjoying a lovely breakfast on board before being able to sleep in the cabin we booked for 4 hours.

Caen is only 210 miles from the Brittany holiday cottage and at 80 mph for most of the journey arrived in Baud at 6.10 able to get some food shopping in before getting home.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-01-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

This week at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool I started buying all that is needed for the rental of La Veille Maison for July and August, buying 4 sets of new duvet covers and duvets plus all the bed protectors and pillows.

The list is quite long of all the things I need, including 2 additional single beds, all the utensils and cutlery for the kitchen and a new hoover.

In addition I'm buying a carpet washer to give all the carpets a wash each season to spruce them up.

La Forge is available to rent all year and in April, May, June and September the pool is for the private use of guest staying at La Forge Brittany holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-01-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

With 8 weeks booked in the last 2 weeks the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool has 10 weeks booked now and should be on target for at least 19 weeks for 2011, it would be lovely if the new record of 2010 of having 21 weeks booked would be beaten this year.

La Veille Maison has already 2 weeks booked and enquiries are starting to come in for the remaining weeks left at that cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2011-01-18T03:19:00.000-08:00

Over the last week the weather at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym has been very mild, to the extent Ive not had to light the wood burner at night. The portable kerosene heater that just kicks out 4KW has been sufficient to keep La Veille maison nice and warm.

If ever it does get very cold the combination of both heat sources makes the job of heating La veille maison very easy, as its all open plan with 180 cubic meters to heat in the living room its a lot harder to keep warm than la Forge.

Within La forge the cottage is kept warm with a wood burner and central heating if required.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2011-01-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

This year at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool the Lorient Celtic festival is being held between 5th-14th August, its a great place to visit during the festivities and is highly recommended.

La Forge is currently booked for 2 weeks from 6th August, so if you book the week before you can still enjoy the opening day of the festival, while La Veille Maison is currently available to rent through out the festival period and as the change over day for La Veille Maison is on a Friday again you could enjoy the opening day of the Celtic festival as well.

See website for availability for La Forge Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool and within the home page is a link to take you to the availability calender for La veille Maison.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2011-01-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

Trained legs this evening at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym to find my left knee quite sore so just did 5 sets of squats just going up to 100kg.

I will train chest and triceps within the gym tomorrow.

This weekend La Forge has received 5 booking enquiries for the new season, looks like its going to be another good year at the Brittany holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

2011-01-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

With Christmas behind us now the website for the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool starts to show increased traffic for those looking to book there French vacations at the holiday cottage and the booking's start coming in. See website for availability.

The first booking arrived last Saturday for 2 weeks in June, for the months of April, May, June and September guest staying at la Forge benefit having the swimming pool for there own private use.

The pool is opened at the start of March and the heater is switched on after the second week so the swimming pool is ready to use for the start of April. The opening and closing of the swimming pool does have flexability depending on request of guest wishing to stay at the Brittany holiday cottage located just outside the market town of Baud in southern Brittany.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2011-01-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

As it was a lovely bright day yesterday at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym I went out for my first power walk taking some letters to post in Baud, a total walk of 6 miles. All around La forge are small roads twisting and turning around the Breton countryside to enjoy long walks or for a ride on a bike.

Then today I popped into the gym to train back, biceps and abbs. Started to feel strong again and really enjoying getting back into the flow of training each day.

The gym at the Brittany holiday cottage is right next door so no excuses not to train and with workouts only lasting 40 minutes are easy to fit in.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2011-01-03T09:48:00.001-08:00

The guest currently staying at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool have enjoyed 2 days of golf during there weeks holiday at La Forge.

Both games were played at the Saint- laurent golf course which is just 30 minutes away from the Brittany holiday cottage. The cost for around of golf was 37 Euros during the low season and 53 Euro's from 1st April until the end of September. The prices do reduce if you book more than one day of golf at the course.

The guest said it was a really enjoyable course, but said it was not an easy course and would favour someone that plays with a low handicap.

Scattered around the holiday cottage are numerous golf courses, to enjoy and in low season the cottage is only £250 per week to rent while you enjoy low cost games.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-12-31T08:55:00.000-08:00

Popped into the gym today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool for a great leg work out, doing 6 sets of squats up to 120kg followed by a couple of sets of straight leg dead lifts to work the leg biceps.

Looking forward to my next chest work out as my shoulder is feeling so much better, just goes to show that training around and injury seems to be better than not training at all.

The gym at the Brittany holiday cottage is available to use all year.

Brittany holiday cottage with pool and gym

2010-12-31T03:59:00.000-08:00

I stopped to speak to the guest currently staying at the Brittany holiday cottage with pool and gym yesterday and they told me they had enjoyed a great game of golf that day and the previous night had a wonderful meal at Le Cheval Blanc.

Tonight for the New year festivities they requested that I pre-book a meal at a local restaurant and they will enjoy a special set menu, drinks included at La Taverne which is located just 2 miles from the Brittany holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

The guest arrived yesterday at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and were welcomed with a roaring log fire on arrival.

Supplied with fire wood I talked them through how to use the wood burner and showed that with a slide of a switch the fire went from roaring down to a calm burn and back up again.

I explained that the most economical way to keep the cottage warm is to keep a fire burning slowly throughout the day, once the thick stone walls are warm the cottage retains its heat for a long time. I gave the cottage a boost at the start of the day with the central heating to make the whole process easier, the guest have said they will let me know if they need the central heating during there stay at the holiday cottage.

They have brought there golf clubs and are aiming to enjoy a few rounds of golf during there week at La Forge.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-12-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

After a week of dieting at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym, I gained 2 lbs when I weighed myself Monday morning....not good, but then I would hate to know how many calories I ate on Christmas and Boxing day...looking at it on a positive note if I had not been dieting I might be 7 plus lbs heavier.

The diet restarted this Monday following the Christmas gluttony.

Trained chest and triceps yesterday and increased the weight I'm benching by an additional 10 kg, still my shoulder hurts but its getting better week by week.

Looking to buy some new equipment for the gym at the Brittany holiday cottage for 2011, ideally a leg curl/leg extension machine.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Today was the clean day at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool getting La Forge ready for the arrival of the guest this evening.

The guest staying at the cottage arrived at 7pm after driving from Caen taking a Brittany ferry to cross via Portsmouth and took advantage of the 20% discount on the ferry crossing by booking La Forge.

Book La Forge or La Veille Maison and receive a 20% discount on your Brittany ferry crossing making staying at the Brittany cottage with private pool even better value for money.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Just the other side of Chapel Nerve which is 3 minutes away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool lives a friend who looks after Elsa when ever I'm away and it was my turn to look after their animals today for a week while they are away.

With a dog, 2 goats, 3 hens and 3 ducks to look after I tend to be there for 45 minutes each day giving them all food, fresh water and the dog and goats some time.

As a bonus for me I get to collect all the eggs while they are away.

I will buy some new hens for the holiday cottage in February so children staying at La Forge or La Veille maison can collect fresh eggs each year. I will increase the height of the fence to prevent the birds wondering the garden as I do not want a repeat of this year losing a bird to a cat or fox.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

2010-12-27T03:34:00.000-08:00

This year at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool, the pool was closed at the end of October and just to finish on the jobs involved with running the pool, I'll run through how the pool is closed.

Firstly it is given a good clean, making sure if any algae is present it is wiped of the walls and then thoroughly hovered. Before this Ive timed it that the chlorine in the pool has gone and the heater has been off for a week and the temperature is around 10 degrees, I then cover the pool with the winter cover and then introduce a double dose of Chlorine tablets to kill any thing that's present in the water.

The pump is then just put on a timer to run between 12am - 7am taking advantage of cheaper electricity then a few weeks later i reduce it further down to just 4 hours per day.

That's it, very straight forward and when the pool is opened in March ready for the start of the swimming pool season its crystal clear.

The heater is switched on 2 weeks before the start of April or my first booking at La Forge.

The swimming pool is open between April and September at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool but can be extended into October if requested.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

As it was boxing day at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool today it was time to cook the turkey.

Last year at the holiday cottage I ate one of the chickens I had, but cooked it the same as shop bought only to find because it was not full of water and was very lean I over cooked it. With that in mind I slow cooked the Turkey at just 200 degrees for 3 hours, basting every 30 min, it was covered in bacon and for the first 2 hours was also covered with foil.

The bird was smaller than i hoped once all the feathers were taken off and weighed only 6 lbs, it was cooked to perfection and tasted wonderful,very different from any I have bought in the shops before. It looked and tasted very much like a game bird.

Next Christmas I am offering a complimentary Turkey for anyone booking the Brittany holiday cottage with pool over the Christmas week period.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2010-12-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

I have just got back too the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool after spending a wonderful Christmas day at friends living just the other side of Baud.

We had a spectacular Christmas feast with the table full of food, finished with several deserts and Christmas cake, its on days like this, that makes you realize how lucky you are to have such good friends.

I'm home now with the fire lit in La Veille Maison, feeling very stuffed watching ' Murder on the orient express'.

La Forge is available to rent all year.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-25T01:41:00.000-08:00

Its Christmas morning at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all past guest staying at La Forge a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

I'm looking forward to greeting the new guest that arrive next week to see in the New year in France at La Forge and the new season ahead.

La Forge is currently booked for 4 weeks next year which at this point was the same as last year , we then went on to achieve our highest level of bookings of 21 weeks for 2010.

The Brittany holiday cottage is available to rent all year and we do provide special long tern rental rates in the low season for those wishing to stay longer than 2 weeks.

Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool and gym

2010-12-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

Its Christmas eve at the Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool and gym and as the shops will be closed tomorrow and Sunday I popped down to the local Carrefour in Baud to stock up on last minute bits for the festive season.

It was really enjoyable walking around the super market seeing all the festive delights tempting people to over indulge over the weekend.

La Forge is available to rent all year and we offer a special deal if you book the 2 weeks to see in the new year as well as for Christmas.

Book Christmas 2011 at the Brittany holiday cottage for 2 weeks and recieve a complimentary free range turkey as well as a 20% discount on your Brittany Ferry crossing.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-12-24T03:38:00.000-08:00

After a days rest I will hit the gym again today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool, it feels great to be back into a regular routine.

The diet is going well, although I did slip up yesterday, hopefully one day will not make a big difference on this weeks results, I will weigh myself Monday morning. My starting weight at the beginning of the week was 16st 10lbs.

My upper body is feeling nice and sore this morning after the 2 upper body work outs this week and my arms feel nice, full and tight.

I'll do 6 sets of squats today followed by 3 sets of straight leg dead lifts for my leg biceps, very light.

As its a bright sunny day at the Brittany holiday cottage I'll train around 3 pm so the gym will be warm and I would have had sufficient food in my system to give me the energy to train. Ive never had good weight work outs in the morning, I always feel so much stronger after a day of eating by the evening.

Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool

2010-12-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

With just 2 days to go before Christmas at the Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool the time had come to dispatch the Turkey, its a job that I never relish and always get upset afterwards, but at least I know it was quick and the Turkey had a good life being free range and enjoyed a good diet.

This part of having birds is all part of rural French living in my mind and its the same as growing your own veg, planting fruit trees and becoming more organic. All of which I do.

Next season my intention is to buy 3 hens for eggs for the children staying at the holiday cottage to enjoy and 2 turkeys, one for my Christmas next year and the other to gift anyone booking La Forge for the 2 weeks at Christmas next year.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

With a bright sunny day here at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool I decided to spend a little time in the garden clearing up and then popped along to Pontivey this afternoon to visit a friend in hospital there.

Its the first time I have been to the hospital and it was very easy to find with good car parking, my friend said the difference he see's in comparison to hospitals in the UK is in France if your not well they keep you in and don't send you home until they are sure your well, unlike the UK where it seems the idea is to empty the bed as soon as possible, that's assuming your given a bed in the first place back in the UK.

Pontivey is just a 20 minute drive from the Brittany holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-12-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

After finishing the decorating in the twin bedroom of the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym I decided to venture back into the gym again.

Back and Biceps tonight, did 5 sets of wide grip pull downs up to 80kg using a 60 inch bar behind the neck, followed with 5 sets of slightly narrower grip, front pull downs with 100 kg on the machine.

It felt great getting back into a split routine system this week, allowing more effort for each muscle group, then went onto just 5 sets of alternate dumbbell curls.

The diet is going well having eaten under 1800 calories each day this week, my stomach feels less bloated already, judging by the amount of food I am eating now, I guess although just eating good food Ive been eating around 3000-3500 calories per day.

I'll just diet and do the gym work for now and start the cardio in the new year. I'm currently 16st 10lbs, I need to get down too 12 1/2 stone by September.

The gym at La Forge is open all year for guest to train.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-12-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

Despite the shoulder injuring still giving me jip I decided to pop in to the gym at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool this evening to train chest and triceps.

Its the first session that Ive split in the last 5 weeks and will recommence training 3 different workouts from now onwards. The diet started yesterday and Ive started writing down every thing I consume throughout the day eating 1850 calories yesterday over 4 meals, I went to bed at 12pm and was a little hungry, I guess my stomach needs to shrink down.

I thought it prudent to start the diet before Christmas to stop me piling on more weight and to make the whole process of loosing the 4 stone easier for September.

The training session this evening was short and sweet and I could only bench press 60 kgs, but it was good to get back into the gym tonight.

The gym at the Brittany holiday cottage is available for all guest to use.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

With just over a week before the next guest arrive at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool I finished painting the ceiling of the twin bedroom today.

It's the final room of La Forge to be decorated as the whole house now has been painted and refreshed over the last 12 months. The most important part of running the holiday cottage for me is making sure its clean and presentable at all times so I'm always checking the walls in between guest stays to see if they need sprucing up due to scuff marks.

La Forge has now been booked for 21 weeks this year a new personal best, increasing occupancy each year, my goal is to hit the magical 25 weeks booked for next year.

The holiday cottage is available to rent all year.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-19T14:50:00.000-08:00

If you enjoy kite flying you would have been in your element today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool with strong winds through out the day.

Down on the coast you can find kite boarding and kite buggy's zooming along the beaches or surf especially along the rugged coast towards Quiberon.

The Brittany holiday cottage with private pool has something for every one.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Well I managed to get up at 7 am this morning at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool with the determination to get down to Etel for a look at whats taking the bait.

With 8 layers on my upper body and 4 on my legs I felt confident I would be really snug no matter how cold it got down on the coast. I drove to Vannes first and popped into Decathalon with the aim of getting some rag worm, what a waisted trip that was, just 1 box of large worms left and when opened it looked like the dead had been removed and what was left was half a dozen worms at the outrageous cost of 5.50 euros. You would think if they had removed the dead and were aware it was short the price would have been reduced, but no, so I left without the worms with just the mackerel for bait.

I arrived at Etel at 10.30 and was pleased to see no one else was fishing and the sea wall had been reinforced creating a shelter out of the wind for me, high tide was at 3pm and the coefficient was 57.

I fished one rod out in the main channel about 100 meters out and fished the other only 20-30 meters out.

The sea was rough and the waves high, I had to keep my rods up high to reduce wave motion rather than my preferred set up of having my rods low and parallel with the shore.

I guess it does not matter how many layers you have on if you get wet, you just cant keep the cold out and with heavy rain all morning I was drenched and cold for most of the trip and by high tide and no bites I packed up. If only I had some worms....that's what I kept telling myself.

Etel is just a 30 min drive from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and is just one of many great looking fishing locations.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-17T02:10:00.000-08:00

With out the rag worms I could not motivate myself to get up early this morning and now regret the decision as its a beautiful day at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool.

So its mackerel for lunch today, the bait I had bought to use today.

It all comes down to confidence, I have always caught fish when Ive used worms and although a bright sunny day I know that it will be freezing on the beach and for me to suffer the cold I want to have the best chance of catching.

I will have another attempt next week at going fishing and try to buy the worms the day before or on the day if its a later high tide.

I have found some lovely places to fish from the beach near the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and will be happy to assist to help guest achieve tight lines.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

Just 25 min away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is the coast and looking at the time tables for this week tomorrow is an ideal day to pop down to Etel to fish. High tide is at 2pm with a coefficient of just 44, so it won't be a repeat of my last trip with a coefficient of 112 that caused us not to fish for the main part because the water was running to fast.

The nearest Decathlon store is in Lorient just 25 miles from la Forge and I pooped along this afternoon to buy the rag worm. As soon as I opened the fridge door in the store I knew there was going to be a problem, on inspection of just the 4 boxes of small rag left, all the worms were dead and looked a mess. The shop also had 3 boxes of large worms and they were alive and looked ok but at 5.50 euros a box are very expensive and from past experience are not good value for money, I'm able to get more full hooks of worms using the smaller worms buy buying 4 boxes at 4 euros each rather than 3 boxes of the large.

With the worms being rather disappointing I left with just a few items of tackle and opted to buy a couple of fresh mackerel instead at the local super market for just 2 euro's.

If I can get up early enough I might have a go at digging for a few fresh worms at low tide.

I am eager to fish tomorrow as I am normally not in France during December and am looking forward to finding out what fish are around for me to catch.

All types of fishing can be found around the local area of the Brittany holiday cottage be it; course, game or sea fishing.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

This year we have guest staying at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool from 28th December to celebrate the new year in Brittany and to enjoy the French festivities.

Unfortunately Le Cheval Blanc was fully booked for the 31st but La Taverne restaurant which is just 2 miles from la Forge is still available offering a set menu inclusive of drinks for just 62 euros per person. The evening starts at 8.30 and finishes at 2 am to see in the new year and being only 2 miles from the Brittany holiday cottage it is possible to walk back after a great night out.

We still have the week available to celebrate Christmas at La Forge, decorated for the festive season if you book the week.

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool

2010-12-14T02:29:00.000-08:00

I have been running the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool now for 5 seasons and each year its been a great experience, meeting new guest and making new friends.

Each year the bookings have increased with a new record for this year having reached 21 weeks booked, the average holiday cottage has between 10 - 12 weeks, so La Forge is doing extremely well.

Why do i think its doing well, well firstly I think because its a beautiful property to start with in a wonderful location, I fell in love with La Forge and La Veille Maison as soon I walked through the doors. I think another reason why its doing so well is because each year I make improvements to the house, the garden and its facilities.

I think if your proud about your service then it shows and people pick up on this and hence book.

I always listen to every guest staying at the holiday cottage and if I ever hear a good way to make an improvement then I always implement the idea.

This year a larger television has been installed in the cottage, a new terrace layed around the swimming pool, new exotic plants introduced in the garden and bedrooms redecorated.

My aim is simple to make sure every guest that stays at La Forge has a wonderful holiday and enjoys the best that Brittany has to offer.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-09T04:55:00.000-08:00

I woke up today to see a crisp frost on the ground at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and as I went out to feed the turkey was delighted to see a clear blue sky and the sun shining brightly.

Its my first December in France and its been a lot warmer than I was expecting reaching day time temperatures of 9 degrees which is great in comparison to the freezing conditions currently being enjoyed in the UK.

The holiday cottage is available to rent all year and I am looking forward to greeting the next guest arriving at La Forge on the 28th December.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-08T01:59:00.000-08:00

With just the turkey left at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool looking after the bird is no trouble at all. I don't even shut the bird away each night because it roosts up a tree above the chicken run, all I do is provide fresh food and water each day.

The only concern I do have is cats coming into the garden, as I lost a chicken to some kind of animal in November, the good news is that the Turkey is quite vocal and on 2 separate occasions has called out if a cat was around. I let the dog out and she chases it away.

Next February I will buy 3 new chickens and 2 turkeys at the local Saturday market in Baud so that children staying at the holiday cottage can collect eggs each day during there holiday and 1 turkey will be given as a gift for anyone booking La Forge for the Christmas of 2011.

Book the Brittany holiday cottage for 2 weeks at Christmas and take advantage of our 2 week special booking deal, see website for details.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

Just 3 miles from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is the market town of Baud and last Saturday the Christmas lights throughout out the town were lit and as usual the decorations look wonderful.

The holiday cottage is currently booked for one week starting 28th December but we still have the week available to celebrate Christmas.

La Forge is available to rent all year.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-07T02:15:00.001-08:00

Situated in the small hamlet of Kebourbon this Brittany holiday cottage with private pool enjoys the beautiful Breton countryside but is only 3 miles away from the market town of Baud.

La Forge is available to rent all year while La Veille Maison during the months of July/ August, book either property and receive a 20% discount on your Brittany ferry crossing, making the holiday cottages even better value for money.

The Brittany holiday cottages are ideally situated to explore the delights of southern Brittany.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

New for the 2011 season at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is that during July and August La Veille Maison will also be available to rent, along side La Forge, therefore the swimming pool will be shared during those months.

For details of La Veille Maison see the link on the home page of the website, change over day for La Veille Maison will be on a Friday.

La Forge is available to rent through out the year and apart from July/ August the pool is for the private use of the guest staying at the holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

The weather has changed again this weekend at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool, after a very cold week last week and one day of snow, we have had rain this weekend but temperatures have risen to around 10 degrees.

With Christmas just around the corner, I was up the ladder today putting up the Christmas lights on the holiday cottage. Over the previous 2 years I have used a fishing rod to fire several lines over the big tree in the garden to hoist the lights up over the tree, it worked well but each year lights were getting damaged when I took them down.

This year we still have the Christmas week available to rent at La Forge, the week after has been booked for a party of four to celebrate the new year at the cottage and in France.

The guest staying at the holiday cottage have requested that I make a reservation for them at Le Cheval Blanc to see in the new year.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-12-03T06:33:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool to be welcome to a blanket of fresh snow. While the UK has been suffering from the severe weather over the last week, its been bright and crisp each day with just frozen ground in the mornings.

Ive kept nice and warm with my log burner providing the main heat source each day.

The Brittany holiday cottage has a very efficient wood burner that keeps the cottage nice and snug during the winter months.

The cottage is still available for the Christmas week but has been booked for the new year.

La Forge Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is available to rent all year.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-12-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Before it got dark and the temperature plummeted I decided to visit the gym again today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym for a leg workout.

After 3 weeks away from the gym I am still taking it easy just doing a total of 6 sets of squats for a maximum weight of 120kg for 8 reps.

I then did 4 sets of crunches for my abbs on the swiss ball and that was the workout finished, just 30 min, job done.

For guest staying at La forge or La Veille maison the gym is available for there use during there stay and I am always on hand to give advice or assistance if required.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-12-01T09:27:00.001-08:00

With the ground frozen in the garden today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym I ventured into the gym for an upper body workout.

With my shoulder injury still giving me jip I opted to bench press a very light weight with the view its better to train light than not to train at all. I just used 40 kg on the bar and completed 5 sets, then went on to do 5 sets of wide lat pull downs, followed by 4 sets of dumbbell curls and finishing of with 6 sets of tricep push downs.

Initially my shoulder screamed out but by the third set of bench pressing it felt so much better, but I felt it more prudent not to increase the weight.

The gym at the Brittany holiday cottage is open through out the year as is La Forge.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-11-29T02:21:00.000-08:00

With just the Turkey left at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool I thought I lost it last night, because we had snow in the morning I decided to close the coup to keep it warmer only to find the bird not in the run or the coup.

I searched the garden for 15 minutes in the dark trying to find him but with no joy and returned to the house thinking I might have lost him to an animal or he had escaped the garden.

Thankfully at dawn I heard his call and went out in the garden to see where he was, to my surprise he was perched about 7 feet of the ground on a branch of a tree over hanging the chicken run.

Knowing how much my dog lost in weight trying to keep warm while in a kennel one year, I think I will catch the turkey today, clip his wings and close him in each night in the coup.

I did think he would be a lot bigger than he is but I guess being free range he might not put on as much weight as farmed birds, I am hoping what he lacks in size will more than make up for in taste.

Next February I will buy a new group of birds, buying 3 chickens for eggs and a pair of female turkeys, with the aim of gifting a bird next Christmas to who ever has booked La Forge.

The Brittany holiday cottage is available to rent all year and the pool is ready to use from the start of April and closes normally at the end of September.

Brittany holiday cottage with pool and gym

2010-11-28T02:13:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning feeling some what cold at the Brittany holiday cottage with pool and gym only to discover a layer of snow on the ground. I would normally fill up the wood burner just before bed and have it slow burn through out the night but last night I was warm enough with out the fire being lit hence why it was cold this morning.

One of my best buys last year was an oil burner stove which turned out to be fantastic because I just came down this morning, switched it on for instant heat.

This is my first full December ahead that I am staying in France and I'm looking forward to the cold winters nights with my wood stove to keep me warm.

La forge also has a very efficient wood burner that has no difficulty keeping the cottage nice and snug in the winter.

The Brittany holiday cottage is available to rent all year, see website for availability and special offers.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-11-24T02:40:00.000-08:00

I woke up today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym with a frost on the ground but bright and sunny.

Ive been back now in France for just over a week and the diet has started, eating mainly Tuna, white fish, vegetables and jacket potatoes. Although my weight has not dropped I feel so much leaner just over the last week and it was great to get back in the gym.

The gym at La Forge is available to use all year for the guest staying at the Brittany holiday cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-11-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

The swimming pool at La Forge is opened in March each year ready for the start of April and the start of the good weather. We have just had a 2 week booking starting 7th April until 21st, so depending on your children's school you could still enjoy a week in La Forge for the final week of the Easter holiday.

During April and May the cost per week is just £549 however if you book 2 weeks enjoy a reduced price of £375 per week.
I have been at La Forge/ La Veille Maison now since March 2006 and every April so far has enjoyed some wonderful weather.

The Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is open all year long, see website for availability.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-11-23T02:25:00.000-08:00

After returning to France on 15th November to the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym I woke up the next day with a stinking cold, I felt it was in my system the week before but just concentrated on working hard. Then arrived back in France, relaxed, for the cold to hit me hard the next day.

It was frustrating for my training because while in the UK I did not enter a gym, prior to going back to the UK my right shoulder was really aching during a workout and I felt a couple of weeks rest would do it good. I finally got back into the gym at la forge last night and had a gentle full upper body workout, I find if I have a few weeks off its best to break into the training with some caution to keep the injuries away. I only benched press 50 kilo last night and my shoulder was sore, I am hoping that the next workout will be much better.

The gym is open all year round at the Brittany holiday cottage and is available for the guest of La Forge and La Veille Maison to use.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-11-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

After a few nice weeks working in the UK I returned to the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool on 15th November to find a pile of feathers scattered on the path. After a phone call from a friend who was looking after the birds while I was away I was expecting to see the results of either a cat or a fox.

I had left with just 2 birds remaining, my favorite hen and the turkey, I had not clipped the wings of the hen allowing her to jump over the gate of the chicken run to explore the garden during the day, unfortunately for her, allowing her to leave the protection of the run.

I am now just left with the turkey, who was always bought for the dinner table, for this Christmas. I have decided that for Christmas 2011 I will buy 2 Turkeys in the spring one for me and the other to give as a gift for anyone booking La Forge for Christmas.

I think for next year I will have 5 birds in total, 3 hens for eggs and the 2 turkeys. I will buy female Turkeys next year as I am a little disappointed on the growth of the male bird and I wonder if a female would have been a lot bigger.

The holiday cottage with private pool is available to rent all year, just click on website for more details.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-11-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

With 21 weeks booked this year for the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool its been a great year for bookings and I have met some wonderful people staying at La Forge.

The latest week to be book is from 28th December allowing the guest to see in the new year in France.

We still have the week for Christmas free, why not book the week and enjoy a festive holiday at La Forge decorated for the festive season. The normal cost per week is £549 as a last minute booking price enjoy the week for just £400.

Brittany holiday cottage with heated pool

2010-11-05T03:40:00.000-07:00

La Veille Maison is a heavily beamed cottage that's been beautifully renovated and recently decorated throughout. The cottage is oozing with character and is situated next door to La Forge. The cottage is available to rent just for the months of July and August, for details of availability see La Veille Maison link on website.

Book La Veille Maison and recieve a 20% discount on your Brittany Ferry crossing ( 30% if holiday and crossing booked before 15th Nov 2010).

The ground floor is open plan with a modern fully fitted kitchen and spacious, attractively furnished sitting room, which includes a large wide screen TV.

On the ground floor are 2 double bedrooms, one with a king size bed the other with twin beds, family bathroom and toilet.

On the first floor is another double bedroom with beautiful exposed beams, a king size bed and en suit facilities.

Outside in the garden is a private terrace, the heated swimming pool, BBQ, a Boule court, children's swings and a chicken run so your children can check for fresh eggs each morning during your stay.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-11-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym was booked for the October half term and the guest had requested that the pool remain open.

It was family of 5 and all the boys aged 15 plus enjoyed the gym most days, including a leg work out with myself on the Thursday evening. It was nice to train with them as it encouraged me to do that little bit extra performing 9 reps with 160kg on the squat and it helped motivate one of the guys who had always steered clear of training legs.

They also enjoyed a day out at the Camours adventure park which is only 5 minutes away from La Forge and of course enjoyed a great meal at Le Cheval blanc.

We are still taking bookings for 2010 and currently Christmas and new year weeks are still available at the Brittany holiday cottage, fully decorated for the festive season.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-10-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

As the weather has been great at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool I decided to go fishing again last Saturday with a friend down at Etel.

High tide was at 18.30 with a coefficient of 111, I was surprised my friend suggested going that day as he had said on an earlier occasion that he preferred to fish tides with a coefficient of around 60 and from past experience Ive not had much joy with strong running tides.

We arranged to meet at 11 am, I arrived at 10.30 to be greeted with hugh waves hitting the beach and this was an hour before low water, I thought it would be un-fishable at high tide due to being to dangerous and it was agreed to try another location further up the estuary.

We dug for bait for the first 2 hours and started fishing just after 1pm, the tide had just turned and had started running back in, as we had not dug up much bait we decided to use Mackerel fillets for the first 2 hours to conserve the bait. On his 3rd cast my friend hooked into and landed a 3lb Conger eel, which I thought was a great sign of what was to come.

At 2.30 the tide was really running fast and a 6 onze break away could not hold bottom and we were casting up tide to be dragged down tide in a matter of 10 minutes. My friend decided to move around to a cove just 150 meters from where we were fishing to get out of the current, I remained and 10 minutes later had my first bite on lug worm to catch a small wrasse.

My mate came running around to say he had some great bites one after another and I agreed to join him after loosing both sets of tackle on a snag on the retrieve after being swept along by the current.

After setting up both rods again, I started fishing on a very uncomfortable rocky out crop and missed a bite, my mate had said now that he has missed 7 or 8 bites and after 45 minutes I decided to return to the initial fishing site and he followed.

The tide was however running so strong that I decided to wait until high tide at 18.30 in the hope the current would drop off to conserve the bait and tackle. My mate decide to pack up and I carried on, the tide did not loose its power until 7.30 when I began fishing again just before it got to dark and I caught a small Pouting.

All though we were a mile away from the Bar de Etel I could here the rumble of the waves breaking all day and although we did not catch much enjoyed the days fishing in a safe location.

My next planned sea fishing trip will be in November, when I'm hoping to do a night tide down at Etel.

Etel is just a 40 min drive from the Brittany holiday cottage with pool.

For guest staying at La Forge I do have additional equipment to lend if you wish to have a fish and am always willing to join you for a days fishing, if required.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-10-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

At the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool we are offering a 30% early bird discount on your Brittany Ferry crossings if you book prior to 15th November a holiday at the cottage for this year or next.

It makes booking La Forge great value for money to enjoy the best Brittany has to offer.

The Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is available to rent all year.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-10-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Just 40 min away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is my favorite fishing venue at the 'Bar de Etel'. It was a bright sunny day and high tide was at 3pm so I decided to have a crack at the Bass, catching 4 in total of which one was a keeper.

I arrived a little later than I would have liked at 12 pm and started fishing with 2 rods using 3 rag worms crammed on an Aberdeen no 1 long shank hook. I cast one rod out into the current at the mouth of the estuary while the other was cast straight out at around 100-110 meters to be in the main current.

I caught 3 small Bass which to be honest the bites were hard to see with the strong tidal run and with weed on the line was not noticed until they broke the water. Then around 10/15 min before high tide I received my best bite, nice and direct and struck into a noticeable fish, what a difference and joy it is to actually feel a fish kick and after a few minutes I landed a 1 1/2 Bass.

After high tide the actioned stopped and with just one box of worms left I went down to 1 rod and cast out as far as I could and let the tide take out all my line on the reel, I thought I had 2 bites with each try but what seemed ages to retrieve all the line in all I caught was a great deal of weed.

I do have a spare beach caster available for guest staying at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool if they wish to have a fish for supper.

The larger Bass run between October through too January.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-09-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

The training at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym is going well, for the last 2 weeks since being back from the UK I have been hitting the gym on a 3 day on, 1 day off system.

I'm feeling very strong and have started trying to get the weight of, my short term goal is to below 15 stone for Christmas, then having 9 months to loose the additional 2 1/2 stone.

The aim is to loose the initial weight through diet and weights, then in the new year start the cardio.

I weighed myself today and I'm currently a lean 16 st 7lbs, I feel this new way of training, hitting the weights more frequently is creating a leaner me.

The gym at La Forge enables any one staying at the holiday cottage with private pool a great workout.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-09-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

It was my birthday Sunday at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and as a treat I decided to venture some where new.

I have been too Quimper before and pictures of that beautiful city can be found within the gallery of the holiday cottage web site, but just 10 minutes away is Benodet. France magazine listed its top 20 beaches throughout France a few years back and Benodet was one of them as was Carnac.

The weather for September has been bright and sunny as per normal so a trip down the coast was fantastic, as soon as I arrived I could understand why it made the top 20. It looked very clean, the sea safe and a great spot to walk along the coast.

Being at the end of the holiday season the beach was empty apart from several fisherman but along the path way we passed loads of people enjoying the Sunday afternoon enjoying the coast and sea air.

We had lunch in the restaurant beside the main beach which I would recommend for every one to try.

Its an additional great recommendation to make for future guest staying at La Forge for a great day out, hitting the beach as well as Quimper.

The current guest staying at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool are looking to go to Benodet tomorrow after having an enjoyable day out in Vannes today.

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool

2010-09-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

The weather during September at the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool has been great again, with most days being bright warm and sunny. Ive spent several days out on the terrace soaking up the sun and guest staying at La Forge have enjoyed the garden, pool and BBQ area.

New guest arrive tomorrow for a weeks stay at the holiday cottage then there is a 3 week gap before the next guest arrive on 23rd October. For the first time ever the swimming pool is remaining open throughout October and heated, why not enjoy a week or longer at La forge during October and take advantage being away from crowded tourist times.

The Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool is open all year.

2010-09-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

As the guest left the Brittany holiday cottage with pool today I decided to let the girls have a rummage around the garden. The hens are producing 2 eggs per day with an average of 5-6 that are double in size and double yokers per week.

The turkey is also putting on weight, I'm feeding them with corn every day in addition to the chicken pellets.

New guest arrive this Saturday at La Forge so I have 3 days to enjoy the garden and pool myself at the Brittany holiday cottage with pool.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

2010-09-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Just 25 minutes away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool is the medieval town of Josselin with its spectacular Chateau. The holiday cottage is ideally situated to see all the delights Brittany has to offer.

September for the 4 year running is enjoying some great weather and with the pool open and heated through to October La Forge is a great place to stay.

2010-09-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

After a week back in the UK working I returned too the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym and enjoyed getting back into the gym. This video was taken on Thursday 16th September 2010 and was my last set of 8 sets finishing on 160 kg for 7 reps, I still had a little fuel in the tank but training alone I could not risk any more.

In my prime I used to do 3 reps at 220 kg, I feel I might get up to 180 or 190 kg within the next few months, if I do get up to that weight I'll get it tapped.

For guest staying at the holiday cottage the gym is at their full disposal and I am always around to provide assistance or advice.

The weather this week has been wonderful again at the Brittany holiday cottage and its great to be home again.

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool

2010-09-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

Training at the gym located at the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool is going very well.

I started using the Udo's oil about 6 weeks ago and feel really strong again, I have changed the way I train in that I have gone back to how I trained in my twenties, hitting the gym 5 or 6 times per week on a 3 day split. In my early thirties I read that you should only train each body part once per week in order to grow, I did but in the wrong way as I lost my condition, going back to the more frequent training I feel alot leaner and have indeed lost 8lbs in the last 4 weeks.

The weights I'm currently lifting are: 160 kg squat for 8-10 reps
100 kg Bench press for 8 reps
60 kg barbell curl for 8 reps
100 kg pull downs for 7 reps

The gym at the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool allows for any ability to enjoy a good work out.

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

2010-09-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful week we have had at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool, the weather has been glorious and guest have made full use of the swimming pool.

On several nights they have enjoyed a swim under the stars, as the pool is heated the difference between the night air temperature and that of the water is a lot and the pool feels like a warm bath when you jump in.

The swimming pool season runs until the end of September at La Forge but this year guest have requested that the pool remain open until the end of October so why not enjoy the delights of a private heated swimming pool in October and come away for a very cheap week at just £350 for up to 6 people and enjoy the delights La Forge and Brittany have to offer.

For details of availability check out the availability calender on the Brittany holiday cottage with pool web site.

Brittany holiday cottage with pool and gym

2010-08-30T00:48:00.000-07:00

One of the most important aspects of running the Brittany holiday cottage with pool and gym is listening to the guest, over the last couple of weeks some have said that Spike the Cockerel was a little too vocal in the mornings.

This week while my daughter was with me we decided to release Spike in the near by woods rather than do the deed, he can fly so with luck he will enjoy some time in the wild.

I had bought 2 ducks for eggs only to find out they were 'boys' and this week we had them for dinner. They were georgeous but with the amount of time needed to pluck I would only have them for a special occassion in the future assuming I bought 'boys' by accident again.

We have now gone down to the 2 hens and the Turkey, of which I have decided to have for Christmas. With just the 3 birds the cost of food will reduce dramatically.

I was shocked when I went into the Chicken run on Saturday to clean the coup to hear the Turkey 'cock-a -doddle- do' ,while Spike and the 2 male ducks were in the run the Turkey remained quite, now they have gone its showing the girls its the new 'man' on the block.

The latest guest staying at La Forge are enjoying collecting the eggs each day.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-08-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

New guest arrived today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym and were welcomed by a bright sunny day. Some went into the gym to check out the equipment while the pool was being cleaned then it was a swim in the afternoon.

The guest also enjoyed a night time swim this evening in the dark which is always recommended as a great experience.

The swimming pool at La Forge is open right up til the end of October and heated throughout the open season.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-08-27T03:01:00.000-07:00

Just 25 miles from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym is the city of Lorient, each August Lorient holds its annual Celtic festival, this year it started on the 6th and ran through until 15th.

We popped down to the show on the 13th and had a really great time, the whole city center was taken up by the event with market stalls, artist, performers and bands playing every where.

If you have a look on the Brittany cottage web site you can see the videos taken on the day of some of the bands.

Guest staying that week at La Forge also went along on the 12th and said it was a great day out and they were very impressed with the event.

If so desired its easy to fill every day of your holiday at La Forge with events in the area to enjoy if your looking for a more active holiday at the cottage.

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

2010-08-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

For the last 10 days my best mate Tony has trained with me at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym and its been great for me allowing me to train at 100%. What a difference someone watching you makes, I did 8 reps of squats at 160kg and their was still some juice in the engines.

We trained 3 days on followed with a day off but after a great effort from Tony on his first leg day he could not walk for 4 days so the next leg workout he took it easy. I must admit it was partly my fault his form was great and his legs are really cut and I thought he trained them so I allowed him to work hard....too hard and although funny watching him walk I felt a little guilty.

The gym is available to all guest of La Forge to use and I am always willing to train with guest or just show them the ropes at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool.