We arrived at our clifftop barn in the late afternoon sunshine, took in the sweeping views, had a cup of tea and raced down to the beach (after all, in Cornwall in Spring, who knows when you’ll next see the sun?!)

We took a deep breath and enjoyed the last light.  Perfectly peaceful, and we’d only been there two hours.  Our open plan barn conversion had all one requires for a proper country retreat, including no phone reception.  We took one look at the TV operating instructions and gladly decided we’d be better off without.  So, without the usual time-traps, our days fell in to an easy pattern of lazy mornings, with coffee in bed looking out across the Atlantic, discussing how we should make the most of the great outdoors.

We had wind and rain, but it only added to the adventure.  I could happily spend much more of my life unplugged from the everyday distractions that stop me doing my favourite thing: playing around in the fresh air.

Oh Cornwall! Land of moody seas, dramatic cliffs, tiny fishing villages, and plenty of white sand. I may live by the sea, but that doesn’t stop me getting excited at the thought of visiting another slice of coast. We’ve booked a tiny cottage on the remote west coast through the rather delightful Classic Cottages and I can’t wait.

Cornwall and I go way back: childhood holidays, complete with sandy sandwiches, damp canvas and proper fish & chips; a ‘first’ holiday with Tom, getting pissed in pubs and lost in fields (not at the same time); and a week walking the coast path, with sore knees, dried peaches for dinner (don’t ask) and plenty of welcome tea stops.

Cornwall holds many memories, and we keep adding to its store. We won’t be visiting until April, but already we’re talking coastal paths, new exhibitions, and what books to take. This one is top of my list; who doesn’t love a stormy story by the sea?