Artisan Farmhouse

Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Sleeps: 7

Unique Features

• Unique art holidays under the wing of renowned Trompe L'oeil artist Janet Shearer
• Art courses for all levels of artists from beginners through to aficionados
• 18^th Century farmhouse B&B accommodation nestled in the peaceful Cornish countryside
• Just a stone's throw from the wild north coast beaches of Cornwall

The Property

UniqueTrompe L´oeil Art Break in Cornwall

This 18^th Century luxury farmhouse is the perfect place to get away from it all and hone your painting skills. Enjoy art breaks in an inspirational setting under the expert tuition of Trompe L'oeil artist Janet Shearer. Whether you are looking to treat your other half to an alternative romantic weekend; inspire your family to get creative together, or are just looking for a little 'me' time, then we can arrange a bespoke art break to suit your needs with themed courses available for all levels of budding artists - from first-time painters to art aficionados.

Courses for 2010

• 15-19 March (Mon to Fri) Beginners Trompe l'oeil
• 16-19 April (Fri to Mon) Advanced Trompe l’oeil
• 23-27 April (Fri to Mon) Beginners Trompe l'oeil
• 30 April - 3 May (Fri to Mon) Beginners Trompe l'oeil
• 10-14 May (Mon to Fri) Advanced Trompe l’oeil
• 11-15 October (Mon to Fri) Beginners Trompe l'oeil
• 12-15 November (Fri to Mon) Advanced Trompe l’oeil
• 26-29 November (Fri to Mon) Beginners Trompe l'oeil
• 6-10 December (Mon to Fri) Advanced Trompe l’oeil

Inside

• Style: Cosy farmhouse cottage decked out with contemporary flair: neutral tones of wood and slate, with a mix of traditional and modern décor enhanced by the owner's art.
• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Downstairs - one double. Upstairs - one double en suite, one twin with zip-link beds and one single. The upstairs double has an en suite with a bath and there is another shared bathroom with a shower.
• For relaxation: When you're not busy painting, chill out in the comfy living room/library, or explore the lush gardens.
• For recreation: Take a seat at the easel in the artist's studio and unleash your creativity. 

Outside

Lush gardens tumble away into the valley: here your reverie will be accompanied by birdsong, the burbling stream and the occasional cry of the peacocks.

Safety Notice Due to the nature of the gardens and its surroundings - where there are ponds - we strongly advise that children are not to be left unattended at any time, and a signed safety disclaimer is required.

Food and Wine

• In-house cuisine: A simple farmhouse breakfast of tea, cereal, fresh coffee and fruit juice is included. 
• Eating out: Head to the market town of Wadebridge (about 10 minutes away) for a variety of places to eat out including the acclaimed Relish café and deli (www.relishfoodanddrink.co.uk). Further south in Padstow you'll find Rick Stein's cluster of eateries (TEL: 01841 532700). Nearby in St Merryn awaits one of Cornwall's long-standing stars on the culinary scene: Ripley's (01841 520179).If your lookin for something more tradional, there is a perfect country pub 10 minutes away:www.stkew-inn.co.uk

Getting there

• On the map: The property is situated in the lush Ruthern Valley, between the A30 and the market town of Wadebridge, and a short drive from the scenic north coast of Cornwall.
• By car: Situated about 1¹/₄ hours from Exeter and about 4¹/₂ hours from London.
• By train: The closest station is Bodmin Parkway, about 8 miles from the property.
• By air: Situated about 25 minutes from Newquay airport

About Your Hosts

Owner, tutor and artist behind the retreat is Janet Shearer, an established Trompe l'oeil artist with over 30 years experience and two published books on the subject under her belt. Trompe l'oeil literally translates to 'trick of the eye' and is the term used to describe three-dimensional paintings and murals. Having started her art career painting scenery for film sets, Janet has become famous for her spectacular life-like murals that she has created for the likes of celebrities, P&O ferries and the walls of an indoor pool in Hyde Park. Now settled in the creative and sociable ambience of her North Cornish home - with dogs, horses, and sometimes the grown-up children at her feet - Janet welcomes guests to enjoy country life and to undertake personal art tuition in her studio.

Out and About

• Visit the National Trust's Lanhydrock, just three miles away
• Cycle or walk along the Camel Trail, which follows the Camel Estuary into the valley and inland to Bodmin
• Head to Padstow and experience a sumptuous meal in one of Rick Stein's restaurants.
• Take a trip to the awe-inspiring domes of the Eden Project
• Make your break even more memorable when you hire a classic car
• For unrivalled luxury chauffeured cars, contact Trenance Executive Travel

Pricing

• From: 2010: Monday to Friday Art break from £740 to £880 inclusive of 3 days tuition. Maximum of 7 clients per course
• Weekend: 2010: Friday to Monday art breaks, from £555 to £660 inclusive of 2 days tuition. Maximum of 7 clients per course
• Single Room Supplements: Equipment, canvases is in addition to the above price and is paid direct upon arrival.Please note brushes are not provided so please bring your own

Rental inclusive of

• Accommodation in the farmhouse
• Breakfast
• Tea and coffee
• Tuition
• Linen, towels and utilities

Accommodation Details

• Personally Inspected: Yes
  
• Sleeps: 7
• Double: 1 x Double (shared bathroom),1 x Double ensuite
• Twin: 1 Twin (zip/link) (shared bathroom)
• Single: 1 x Single (shared bathroom)
• Cots: One Cot available by prior arrangement
• Highchairs: One Highchair available by prior arrangement
• BBQ: There is a pot-bellied charcoal BBQ at the property
• Pets: No,but the property is ideal for animal lovers as you are surrounded by resident dogs, horses, cats and peacocks
• Disabled Access: Limited
• Mod Cons: Large LCD TV/DVD in the shared drawing room.
• Internet & Communications: WiFi broadband access
• Arrival Day: Monday
• Arrival Time: 4pm
• Departure Time: 10am