WHAT'S ON PETS OF THE NATION RAILWAYS ... - Aspire Magazine

The Perfect
Holiday Destination,
Any Time Of Year
Situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park and
boasting wonderful sea views, Alta Lyn Alpacas farm
is the ideal place for a relaxing break in 2010. Alta
Lyn Barns are in a glorious position, set high up above
Lynton on an alpaca stud farm, owned and run by Anne
Coombs.
The barns have been converted to provide self-catering
apartments and studios and have been completed to
an exceptionally high standard. As well as the usual
facilities such as well-equipped kitchens, Freeview
TV and DVD player, and peace and tranquillity in
abundance, Alta Lyn Barns also boast eco-friendly
features, such as hot water and underfloor heating
from solar panels, air source heat pumps and a biomethane
boiler, so they are warm and cosy even in the
coldest weather.
Anne said: “There has been lots of building work on
the farm over the past two years. One unit is 100 per
cent wheelchair friendly as there is lots of room and
wide doorways. The new studio and workshops are
also accessible for wheelchairs, which is quite an
achievement in this part of Exmoor. The oak A-frames
in the roof and the old barn stonework, which has
been carefully restored, help to retain the character of
the buildings. We’ve been open for about a year now
and truly believe that the farm is an ideal location for
a break any time of year, not only due to the stunning
countryside, but also thanks to the mild climate Devon
usually enjoys.”
Anne has dedicated many years of her life to alpacas
and holds numerous art courses, including knitting,
crochet, dyeing, felting and weaving to name just a few,
within her recently converted farm-based studio. The
far reaching views from the farm, over Exmoor and the
Bristol Channel as far as Wales are truly inspiring.
One example of the kind of course you can enjoy
is the three-day exploration into textile design and
production course, taught by Chris Gabriel. Chris is an
experienced craftswoman who will inspire you with her
enthusiasm and guide you with expertise and good
humour. Chris is on hand for the duration of the course
to help you through the exciting process of planning
and making your finished decorative or functional
textile, such as a wall hanging or small bag.
Furthermore, Anne also has a three-day painting
course with artist, Robert Cordingley, on offer for
budding artists to enjoy. Suitable for beginners
through to experts, Robert’s course will concentrate on
capturing some of the wonderful scenery and wildlife
of Exmoor and the beauty and tranquillity which
surrounds the Alta Lyn Alpacas Farm. The alpacas have
all agreed to act as models for students!
Alpacas have a calm and gentle personality, making
them perfect for holidaymakers who are looking to
relax. Anne told Aspire: “I think alpacas are amazing!
When I feel stressed, I just head into their field, stand
in the middle of them and listen to them hum; it’s
instantly calming! All visitors are welcome to come on
a farm tour and meet all my alpacas, all of which have
individual personalities.”
If art courses aren’t for you, there are plenty of other
activities that can be enjoyed in this stunning part
of Devon. Why not sample the glorious scenery via
the many footpaths and coastal walks that can be
enjoyed from the doorstep; or why not admire the
amazing array of wildlife in the area, such as red
deer, ponies and buzzards; or for a traditional family
holiday, why not spend your time on the sandy beach
at Woolacombe or visit Lorna Doone country, taking in
a cream tea on your way.
For more information, please call 01598 753654 or
visit www.altalynalpacas.co.uk
Look out for issue 149,
on the 8th February 2010