Stay in Stoke House a 300 year old Grade II Listed Devonshire Long-House
The tradition, which dates back to at least Saxon times, witnesses villagers singing or wassailing to the oldest and best apple tree in the village orchard to ensure a good apple crop for the coming year.
The Wassail King and Queen, accompanied by the Wassail Singers, lead a procession of willow lanterns to the orchard, where cider is poured over the tree roots and toast is hung in the branches. The trees are then wassailed by candlelight, blessing them to bring fruitfulness, and saluted with a dramatic volley of shotguns that are fired to chase away evil spirits and to wake the trees from their winter slumber.
Following this intriguing and endearing ceremony the gathered crowd will be entertained by the Newton Bushel Morris Dancers, the Bovey Tracey Mummers, who will perform a medieval pantomime, local folk music and story-telling into the night. Home-made soup, pasties and cakes, a barbeque and a bar featuring warm mulled cider will also be available. Children are encouraged to bring their lanterns to participate in the ceremony, which starts at 5.30pm.
Blue Chip Vacations has a number of pretty self-catering properties available in the village, including a magnificent detached 300 year old Grade II Listed Devonshire Long-House, which sleeps twelve, and a charming and cosy former 18th Century Inn, which sleeps four.
Stoke House, Stoke Gabriel, Devon – Sleeps 12
Seven nights starting on 16th January can be booked from £84* per person - £1,018* total. A three night stay costs from £59* per person - £718* total.
Stoke House is an impressive 300 year old Grade II Listed Devonshire Long-House tucked away in the picturesque village of Stoke Gabriel. Set within secluded gardens that are enclosed by an original stone wall, this charming family house boasts six bedrooms, a dining room and three reception rooms, including a drawing room, family den and conservatory. Period features include an inglenook fireplace and exposed beams in the top-floor bedrooms. Close by are village shops, a post office, two cosy pubs, the River Dart Estuary and the stunning village Mill Pond where you can watch wildlife, fish, sail and canoe, or simply enjoy wonderful wintery walks.
Sunnyside, Stoke Gabriel, Devon – Sleeps 4
Seven nights starting on 16th January can be booked from £82* per person - £328* total.
Sunnyside is a former 18th Century Inn that has been converted into a cosy cottage featuring contemporary features and fittings. It has a rear courtyard area with furniture, and a front garden. The property is located close to Stoke Gabriel’s local range of amenities, walks and activities.
For self-catering bookings please call Blue Chip Vacations on 0844 5612001 or log on to www.bluechipvacations.com
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
