We thought we could probably assist with the preparation for your journey, and help keeping your packing down to a minimum. Under the headings ‘Packing’, ‘Directions’ and ‘Food and Drink’ we provide some useful information. This is very much work in progress, so let us know if you have any questions we haven’t addressed.
Packing
In the cottages (besides all towels and linen), we provide salt and pepper, all detergents, soap, shampoo, toilet roll, kitchen roll and bin liners (the latter three will be replenished upon request). You will also find a small welcome selection of coffee, tea, sugar and milk.
We can provide the following baby and toddler equipment (free of charge): cots, high chairs, changing mats, sterilisers, baby monitors. We also have two prams you can borrow.
We have a large selection of outdoor and indoor toys available, good selection of DVD’s (children’s and adults), maps and guidebooks. We also have some books (children’s and adults) for you to borrow.
Directions (all open up as separate .pdf documents – we recommend you print the appropriate one before you set off)
- From London, Home Counties and East of England
- From the ferry ports at Dover, Folkstone and Harwich
- From South Coast
- From the North
- From South West and Exeter
You may wish to have a look here for some suggestions about an as stress free as possible journey. You can check in from 3pm (15.00 hours) on the day of arrival.
Food and drink
In our information room, we offer the following: frozen breads (croissants, baguettes, pain au chocs), meats (sausages, bacon, burgers, all from our next door neighbour) and seasonally we have fresh produce such as tomatoes, onions, potatoes, apples. We usually also have jams, chutneys and eggs.
At just a 5 minute walk from the farm, a small farm shop (East Devon Fayre) has just opened, selling various farm produce, especially home grown vegetables, some fruit, various jams, curds and chutneys, cakes, merangues, etc. Great produce and good value.
In Ottery St. Mary, we are very fortunate to still have some great local shops (bakers, 2 butchers, deli, fish monger, award winning wine shop), as well as a fantastic, large farm shop, Joshua’s Harvest Store.
All major supermarkets deliver at Mazzard Farm, and there is a Sainsbury’s in Ottery St. Mary, but isn’t the great thing about being on holiday to sample local produce? And if there is one thing East Devon isn’t short of it is fantastic local produce! So by all means get your staples / basics delivered, but you may wish to source some produce once you have arrived. And people used to drinking bottled water may like to know that Mazzard Farm’s own water (our bore hole sources water from 180 ft under East Hill) is very tasty indeed!
And finally
If you fancy a gorgeous, home cooked meal, on your night of arrival, have a look at this page, and maybe contact Anne. She can produce great pre-cooked meals, or indeed come and cook in your cottage. Fees are very reasonable.