Planning Your Stay
Blackbird boat is at the end of a bumpy country track, go slowly if you're in a sports car!
If you're at blackbird for a long weekend, you'll probably not want to leave! But if you have a week or more, there is unlimited things to do nearby.
There is a Waitrose and lots of other shops in Holsworthy, 5 minutes drive away, so you can stock up on everything you need before you arrive, or pop out for essentials you have forgotten.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Blackbird is fully kitted out for your holiday (except food! have a look at our handy shopping suggestion guide).
KITCHEN AND COOKING
- Electric oven with induction hob
- Microwave
- Under counter fridge with freezer compartment
- Comprehensive set of cooking equipment including pans, sharp knives and untensils
- Serving dishes, glasses, plates and cutlery for a multicourse meal for 2 people
- Stick blender
- Coffee - Bodum cafetiere
- Outdoor table and chairs
- Firepit, logs and grilling rack to BBQ
- We provide a small amount of cling film, foil, baking paper, a few black bin liners, tea towels a hand towel, washing up liquid, dish cloths, sponge and washing up brush, salt and pepper mills, as well as a few loo rolls.
NB: For people staying a week or if you think you will use a lot of consumables then we would recommend you add them to your shopping list.
We do not permit wax candles on board, however we have provided some LED candles for guests to use.
EQUIPMENT
We have built in plenty of clever storage for your bags to keep the boat ship shape.
Woodburner - The fire will be set for easy lighting should you need it (the boat is very well insulated so you shouldn't ever feel too cold). We will leave firelighters, kindling, and logs for you to light more fires, more logs can be found under the deck seat. Please only stock the fire one or two log at a time to avoid overheating.
NB: Never leave the fireglove, matches or firelighters (or indeed anything at all) on top of a lit/hot woodburner, it obviously gets extremely hot!
The Boathouse also has a 2200w hairdryer and Bluetooth speaker.
We supply a decent pair of binoculars and a couple of wildlife books for you to use while youre staying with us.
LINEN
The bed has been made up with our signature 400 thread-count, Egyptian cotton bedding with a feather duvet and two down surround pillows per guest
Each guest is provided with a generous waffle bathrobe, a large bath sheet, a hand towel and an orange swim towel for the beach - PLEASE do not take white towels to the beach.
NB: We reserve the right to charge reasonable additional laundry and or stain removal costs if necessary.
NB: If you book for 14 nights or more a complimentary clean and linen change is provided on the eighth day.
BATHROOM PRODUCTS
The bathrooms have a selection of luxurious REN bathroom products for you to use during your stay. These products are available to buy on request.
AUDIO VISUAL
On the Boat: Music player with bluetooth radio player and AV-In jack. We suggest you download any music/podcasts you would like before you come due to the not great 4G reception. There are no TV/screens at all at Blackbird - Stare at the water or bring a book!
UTILITY
Clothes airer
Mop, bucket, broom, dustpan and brush, Henry hoover (tbc)
Chubb combination safe big enough to hold a standard laptop (tbc)
THINGS TO DO
Explore the Coast & Moors
Blackbird is in the heart of the North Devon countryside commonly known as Ruby Country- the land between the moors, bordered by Exmoor, Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor.
To the north and west lies the Atlantic coast in all its splendour. You can surf the nearby beaches in the morning and walk the moors or go on (and off!) road cycling late into the evening. North West Devon is considered to be one of the most un-spoilt rural environments in England.
NEARBY BEACHES
Bude – 20 mins drive
Sandymouth – 25mins drive
Widemouth Bay – 20 mins drive
GUEST FISHING
The lake is well stocked with fish for you, so bring your rod and see what you can catch - there is nothing quite as satisfying as catching, cooking and eating your supper! Please note we do not provide or hire out fishing equipment.
DOGS
As Blackbird is on a lake that is teeming with wildlife, we do not allow dogs
MOBILE AND INTERNET
There is patchy mobile reception and no internet provided at Blackbird, although you may get some 4G reception, why not take this opportunity to switch off and enjoy the natural world around you?