There’s no finer place to be right now than this overlooked English county
Cheryl reveals that Avalon derives from the ancient Welsh for apple orchard; and indeed, apple trees still grow on the Tor’s lower slopes, their branches heavy with…
How a week of screaming at a Somerset retreat improved my mental health
Our days in Somerset were filled with immersive activity. We “forest bathed” on a silent walk through woodland, training our attention on sounds, sights and scents. We…
William Sitwell reviews Holm, Somerset: ‘I was like a hippo in mud’
Wines are kept in the centre of the place, in the old vault, and there’s an air of tidy, efficient order. All the chefs wear country-check shirts…
I may have bought my home alone, but unexpected kindness means I’m not at all lonely
It is a new year, a new house and a new beginning. In some ways, I feel like a new person too, because although my house still…
Boot camp made me take stock of my new life – despite my scepticism
The last thing I wanted to do was a ‘body camp’. After 12 months spent moving and six months of waiting to get into my house, I’d…
Now I’m in my new home, nothing can dampen my festive spirit
It is compulsory to read this column while listening to Noddy Holder screaming, ‘It’s Christmaaaasss!!!!’ at the top of his lungs, because that’s been the soundtrack blaring…
I ran away from my wedding – now I’ve got cold feet about my new home
I’ve so relaxed into life in my chintzy caravan that when my solicitor calls to say we’re finally ready to exchange, I panic. I get cold feet…
I’ve finally seen my ex-fiance after a year apart – and it’s brought up unexpected emotion
The ex-fiance and I started texting occasionally. We send jokes, silly news stories, we ask each other how we are doing – although I’m not sure either…