West Country cottage specialist Helpful Holidays' new 2016 brochure features nearly 600 places to stay, with a marked increase in properties across Cornwall and north Devon. There has also been a rise in the number earning higher star ratings and offering pools, demonstrating Helpful Holidays' commitment to continually upgrade their portfolio and the quality of facilities offered to guests.

There is a wide variety of holiday homes, from romantic retreats for two up to big country houses accommodating a maximum of 38 guests, most with stunning views out to sea or across rolling countryside; prices range from £179 to £7,175 for a week's stay.

All Helpful Holidays' properties are regularly inspected and star rated by its team so they can advise holidaymakers honestly through first-hand experience. For 2016 42 properties earn a top 5 star rating while 73 are rated at 4½ star and there is an increase in the number offering use of an indoor or outdoor pool, from 65 in the 2015 brochure to 74 for 2016. Others have private moorings, or fishing rights and some are on working farms. Many are within ambling distance of the beach or local pub, and more than half welcome pets.

Many Helpful Holidays properties are strikingly luxurious and the agency has a well-established reputation for providing big and beautiful houses. Sixty-nine of its houses accommodate 10 or more; many offer professional catering and maid service.

Looking forward to welcoming holidaymakers in 2016, Helpful Holidays' Managing Director Moray Bowater said: “Since Helpful Holidays began nearly 35 years ago our 'tell it like it is' approach has ensured our team provides frank and impartial advice. We recommend properties to holidaymakers only when the combination of location, property, owner and price means we can answer 'yes' to the question 'is this a good place for a happy holiday?' Holidaymakers trust us to get it right”.

Helpful Holidays has received a prestigious British Travel Award for four years in succession and has again been nominated as a finalist in two categories for the 2015 BTAs. The agency has achieved Feefo Gold Trusted Merchant Accreditation for the past two years.

For a copy of Helpful Holidays' 2016 brochure call 01647 434063, email help@helpfulholidays.com or order online at www.helpfulholidays.com. The agency's nominated charity for 2016 will be Devon Air Ambulance Trust; in 2015 Helpful Holidays raised over £10,000 for Farms for City Children. Helpful Holidays can be followed on Twitter @helpfulholidays, Facebook and Pinterest.

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29 September 2015