This year's second colour supplement from West Country cottage specialists, Helpful Holidays, is their largest ever featuring 57 self-catering properties across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset increasing the agency's portfolio to 690 special places to stay. 

Sleeping two to thirteen guests most are new to Helpful Holidays collection. Weekly prices ranging from £269 for an autumn break near Clovelly in North Devon up to £3,073 for a high season week in a large house for 10 overlooking South Sands in South Devon. Many have stunning coast or country views and over half welcome pets. 

Other highlights include two new additions to the agency's growing collection of green cottages in North Bovey and Dunsford on Dartmoor; a large house for eight with brilliant views out to sea in far West Cornwall and a 17th century beamed farmhouse sleeping nine in Exmoor National Park. Smaller new places include a barn conversion with stylish interiors for four in North Cornwall and a quirky former water tower for two in East Devon.     

Everyone taking a break with Helpful Holidays will also receive a free 'What shall we do today?' booklet containing 84 money saving vouchers for use at a huge range of leading visitor attractions throughout the West Country. It also gives information on local farmers' markets plus recommendations for the best beaches, coast and country walks, places to eat and quirky events. 

For a copy of the new supplement and the main brochure call Helpful Holidays on 01647 434063; or search, check availability and book online at www.helpfulholidays.com. 

Helpful Holidays is a recommended provider by Which? travel, having come top in their members' survey for 2012 and 2013, and won The Sunday Times 2013 travel editor's choice award. In addition it won the 2013 British Travel Award in the Best Cottage/Self Catering Booking Company with between 600 and 2,000 rental units (UK properties); this followed a Silver British Travel Award for the two preceding years in its category

Pick of the Best

Set on the hillside above South Sands beach, Lazylands has stunning views through the trees to the Salcombe estuary. Sleeping 10 the spacious, modern detached family house is built on three levels to take advantage of its elevated position. Inside both the large living room, which has an open fire, and dining room have sliding doors opening out to the sun terrace to admire that view. Graded 4 stars, prices start from £1,187 (£119 per person) for a week's stay. For details, see page 21 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref L275.

Around 2.5 miles from North Bovey in Dartmoor National Park, Puddaven is among the latest properties to be added to Helpful Holidays green cottages collection, which are assessed against strict criteria to make a lesser impact on the environment. Sleeping four, the cottage has been beautifully converted from a barn on three levels with beams, natural colours and good fabrics. A free standing bath in the window recess of the ground floor bedroom has long views to Easdon Tor, while the second ensuite bedroom is under the eaves on the top floor. A camp fire is available between July and October when guests can sleep out under the stars; there's also 32 acres of farmland to explore. Graded 4.5 stars, prices start from £343 (£86 per person) for a week's stay; pets welcome. For details, see page 23 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref A205.

Set on the hillside above Rinsey Cove in far west Cornwall is Welloe Rock, a 19th century detached farmhouse for eight with outstanding uninterrupted sea views from the house and gardens to Penzance and beyond.  The cove and South West Coast Path are a short walk away and there's a games room in a separate, small barn with storage for wetsuits and other watersports gear. Inside the spacious kitchen/dining room has a big granite open fireplace; there also a second fireplace with a woodburner in the living room. Professional catering and cookery classes available by arrangement.  Graded 3.5 stars, prices start from £1,107 (£138 per person) for a week's stay. For details, see page 37 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref T14.

Set back from a quiet country lane, near the hamlet of Waterrow on Exmoor is Grade II listed, 17th century Surridge Farmhouse, which sleeps nine. The house is surrounded by 80 acres of pasture and woodlands for guests to enjoy including an Iron Age Fort, south-facing patio, pagoda and an illuminated six-person hot tub.  Inside its full of character with ancient oak beams, some wonky floors and window seats; there's an Aga in the large farmhouse kitchen/breakfast room and woodburners in the dining and living rooms, plus a games room. Graded 4 stars, prices start from £1,022 (£114 per person) for a week's stay; pets welcome. For details, see page 11 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref F75.

Four miles from Ottery St Maryand 5½ from Sidmouth, in the tiny hamlet of Southerton is a converted 19th century water tower now a romantic holiday home for two. Rambling over three storeys, quirky Southerton Toweris entered via stable doors to an open-plan living/dining/kitchen with gas 'living flame' fire, steep stairs lead up to the bathroom with its free-standing roll-top bath then more stairs up to the top of the tower and the splendid double bedroom with viewsacross the valley. There's also a small, enclosed courtyard for sitting out. Graded 4.5 stars, prices start from £306 (£153 per person) for a week's stay. For details, see page 18 of the colour supplement or visit www.helpfulholidays.com and search for ref G67.

- Ends - 

For press enquiries, images and a copy of the new supplement please contact:

Pat Edgar, PR Matters

Tel: 01494 764932

Email: PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com