After a very peaceful night, far away from light or noise pollution, we drifted in for breakfast, enticed by the smell of freshly baked bread and coffee. Yoghurts and fresh fruits were on offer, and a cooked breakfast -if we could manage it! Morning Pilates started at 9.30. The sun poured in through the the barn's floor to ceiling windows, the huge door wide open, letting in the glorious September day.

New things were learnt, and people were gently challenged, discovering that they could do exercises that they had previously struggled with. Everyone left feeling inspired, and that they had done a good thing for their body/mind!

Post class, people went off to explore the area, relax in the garden, or in their rooms.

As lunchtime approached, some of us strolled through the fields and lanes to Crackington Haven cove, while others arrived by car. We made our selves comfortable on the secluded beach, and bang on time, Gary, our very talented, self taught chef arrived with our picnic -if you can call it that -banquet more like! Like excited children, we unpacked salad after salad, home made cakes and other goodies, feeling thoroughly spoilt. This was definately the life. The beach was peaceful, with only a few others dotted around enjoying the calm sea, the low key shop and a couple of laid back cafes. A siesta helped lunch go down nicely, while some of the group went off to nearby Boscastle and Tintagel. At 5.30 everyone assembled for our third Pilates class of the weekend, eager to start again. More progress was made and new Pilates "toys" played with, birds gently twittering their approval in the background.

7pm brought further gastronomic delights, eaten in front of a crackling fire.

Some of the group went next door to the sitting room and gathered around yet another roaring log fire to watch "Strictly Come Dancing"! Strictly optional!

And so to bed.

Our Pilates weekend in Crackington Haven, Cornwall started off on the right foot -sunshine and a homemade cream tea!

Friday afternoon found us arriving at the farm, which is tucked away at the end of its own valley.

Peace descended on us as we sat outside, sinking our teeth into warm fluffy scones and homemade jam (not forgetting the cream of course - dairy free option provided!) We relaxed, drinking in the tranquillity, along with our tea. The most glossy, healthy looking hens i have ever seen, bobbed around us, clucking gently.

I couldnt believe my luck, as, being someone who avoids eating wheat and dairyproducts, our hosts baked wheat free bread, cakes and scones every day, as a matter of course. I was in heaven.

Our rooms turned out to be cosy and comfortable and fellow guests had plenty to chat about.

We had our first Pilates class of the weekend at 5.30, allowing the scones to go down first.

The group was small, so everyone benefitted from individual attention.

All our classes were held in the converted barn, which had beautiful views through its huge windows, and a large glass door which could be swung open by an ingenious pulley system.

7 pm saw us gathered round the dining table in front of the open fire, amazed by the spread that was waiting to be eaten. Our host handed round home made ciabatta, studded with fresh rosemary and sea salt -again wheat free - although you'd never know it!

Our meal was washed down with more relaxed conversation and laughs. We retired to the sitting room for a little light television watching by another open fire, before drifting off to bed.