Monday, December 29, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym Naomi and I hit our legs.

Within the gym at the Brittany holiday cottage is a squat rack to allow you to perform squats safely and a leg extension / leg curl machine.

There are numerous different exercises that can be performed within the gym for legs, here is a short list.

Squats
Front squats
Dumbbell squats
lunges
leg extension
leg curl
straight leg good mornings
dead lifts

Training legs at the Brittany holiday cottage



So if your having a holiday at either La Forge or La Veille maison your still able to have a good leg workout within the free weights gym.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym we were back in the gym again, this time for me was chest and triceps.

I started with: 5 sets of decline barbell bench press, followed by 3 sets of flat barbell bench press

then for triceps: 5 sets of angled triceps push downs, followed by 3 sets of rope push downs.

All in all just a 35 minute workout and then back in to La Veille Maison where we had pre-lite the wood burning stove to welcome us home to a nice and cosy cottage.

Day before 1995 ANB south east
The free weights gym has enough equipment and weight for most to enjoy a great workout while enjoying a holiday at our holiday cottages, either La forge or La Veille Maison.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with gym and private heated swimming pool

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with gym and private heated swimming pool was legs day and what a great workout was had.

I started with 7 sets of ultra deep squats - finishing with 140kg for 8 reps. then 4 sets of leg extensions then finishing with 4 sets of leg curls.

Above is a video of some of my past shows.

The gym at the holiday cottage is available for all guest use staying in La Forge and La veille Maison.




Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym we woke up to a very overcast day with 100% cloud cover. Its expected to brighten up later in the day with temperatures around 10 degrees today and for the rest of the week.

For Christmas this year it looks like its going to be a bright and sunny day here at the Brittany holiday cottage judging by the weather forecast.

Guest often ask what the weather is going to be like and I have found over the last 9 years this weather site is very accurate.

We enjoy the winter months at the Brittany holiday cottage because its so lovely having a wood burning stove to keep you warm as the nights draw in and the temperature drops or to revive the fire in the morning from the embers and have a gentle fire burning throughout the day.

Due to its micro climate the Morbihan region of southern Brittany where we are situated is milder than the UK in the winter while enjoying more bright sunny days from the spring on wards than the UK.

We very rarely see snow here, for example when the UK was covered in snow a few years ago in March - Naomi and I were sun bathing on the terrace of La veille Maison and swimming in the heated swimming pool.

enjoying the heated pool in April


La Forge is available to rent all year, where as La veille Maison is available from  June onwards until September.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

After two days rest at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym, Naomi and I hit the gym again for another workout.

I trained back and biceps while Naomi trained chest and triceps.

I'm getting really motivated again  after 2 years of just messing around with inconsistent training and eating loads of rubbish to be currently the heaviest I've ever been in my life ( 19st 4lbs) - after a solid 4 weeks in the gym with eating clean although not any lighter I feel leaner and my body shape has changed.

One thing I've decided to do is compete again in 2016 and need to loose 6 stone over the next 18 months. In addition to a strict diet  I will be mixing up my workouts by incorporating different exercises.

Today I did :

5 sets out ultra wide behind the neck pull downs ( we have a 60 inch wide bar )
5 sets of narrow pull downs to the front.

3 sets of dead lifts

In over 30 years of training I've never done dead lifts, but looking at how some of the champions are training they all incorporate this exercise in to there workouts. Ive always had the widest back on stage but one thing I seem to lack is the depth so I'm hoping this not only will be improving my lower back but assist in my leg biceps and overall thickness in my back.

1995 ANB south east

training back at the Brittany holiday cottage
For biceps I did 5 sets of  EZ bar preacher curls

The gym at the Brittany holiday cottage allows anyone to have a good workout.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Today is rest day at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym for Naomi and I after hitting the gym for the last 3 days. Legs are still sore after working out on Monday afternoon.

With the gym located at the end of the Brittany holiday cottages there really is no excuse not to train - before the gym was created I used to train in Pontivy a 20 minute drive from the cottages  so now only 20 meters away I manage to train in the time I used to spend in the car for each workout.

The market town of Baud is just 3 miles from La Forge and La veille maison and offers 3 supermarkets, over a dozen restaurants, 4 or 5 bakers yet there is not a free weights gym so having use of a gym at the Brittany holiday cottage is a real bonus.

Training legs at the Brittany holiday cottage with gym

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

We awoke today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool with a bright sunny day - warm enough to sit outside on the terrace of La veille maison to hear the surrounding bird song.

View from the terrace of  La veille Maison terrace - the larger Brittany holiday cottage 
We are looking forward to March and the start of spring when we re-open the swimming pool for the above view from the terrace of La veille Maison the second and larger Brittany holiday cottage located in Kerbourbon just 3 miles from the market town of Baud.

La Veille Maison is available from the end of June until September , where as La Forge is available throughout the year. The swimming pool is offered on a private basis from the end of March until the end of June for guest staying in La Forge - however La veille Maison can be made available for larger parties who wish to rent both holiday cottages.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym, Naomi and I hit the gym again. I trained back, biceps and traps while Naomi did chest and triceps.

training at the gym at the Brittany holiday cottage

My workout consisted of :

5 sets of wide pull downs to rear
5 sets narrow pull downs to front
3 sets dumbell bent over rowing
2 sets dumbell shrugs

4 sets Z-bar barbell curls
2 sets preacher curls


The gym is available to use for all our guest staying in La Forge and La Veille Maison holiday cottages.

Having a free weights gym is a great bonus for those keep fit fanatics or body builders who wish to continue there training while enjoying a holiday in France.

There are no public gyms in Baud the nearest one is in Pontivey and at 11 euros a workout plus travel cost - really goes to show what a bonus we offer at our Brittany holiday cottages by having our own free weights gym.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym we reflect over the last 8 months how Naomi has got back in to shape after giving birth too James in March.

The results of the gym at the Brittany holiday cottage
During the summer Naomi swam a mile per day in the heated swimming pool and also worked hard in the gym - she is now performing personal best in the gym which is a great feat.

Our Brittany holiday cottage has a free weights gym that includes a multi changeable bench press - allowing flat, incline and decline bench press, lat pull down machine, squat rack, leg extension /curl machine, preacher bench and  Swiss ball for abb work. In addition a range of dumbbells and enough weight for anyone to have a great workout.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym , Naomi and I hit the gym again for an upper body workout.

Naomi did back and biceps while I trained chest and triceps.

The gym at our Brittany holiday cottage near Baud
I started with 5 sets of decline bench press followed with 5 sets of flat bench press - then for triceps 5 sets of tricep push downs with bar followed with 2 sets of rope push downs.

The gym at our Brittany holiday cottage is available for all guest enjoying a holiday at La Forge and La Veille Maison and of course you can always enjoy a swim to unwind after the workout.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool and gym

Last night at the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool and gym, Naomi and I trained legs.

Training in the gym at our Brittany holiday cottage
Naomi did a personal best of 120 kilo squats - I guess I should buy some additional weight so I keep well ahead of her. For those serious trainers the bar can be loaded up to 200 kilos currently which should provide anyone with enough resistance during there holiday at either La Forge of La Veille Maison holiday cottages.

Late booking deal at the Brittany holiday cottage near Baud

With just 2 weeks away we have a late booking deal at the Brittany holiday cottage near Baud to enjoy Christmas or see in the new year in France.

Enjoy Christmas at the Brittany holiday cottage
Book a week at the Brittany holiday cottage for just £250 reduced from £399 starting 20th December

La forge is available to rent all year - where as La veille Maison is just available from the end of June through to September

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Our Brittany holiday cottage / gite near Baud with a private heated swimming pool

As we get ready to celebrate Christmas at our Brittany holiday cottage / gite near Baud with a private heated swimming pool - we look back over the last season and how we enjoyed the many guest who stayed with whom we have made friends with.

With both cottages available during the summer we enjoyed the company of some wonderful people enjoying there holidays here at the Brittany holiday cottage / gite near Baud.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool and gym

Over the last 2 weeks at the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool and gym, Naomi and I have stopped eating any treats - keeping to a clean diet.

We have been back in the free weights gym located at the Brittany holiday cottage and both of us have retained our strength levels that we had prior to having a few weeks off.

I'm squatting 150kg for 8 deep reps while Naomi manages 10 reps for 110 kg using a shallower squat.

For the new season at the Brittany holiday cottage our intention is to purchase additional equipment for the gym, including a pair of 20kg disk allowing any one with the strength to squat 200 kg.

My goal will be to get up to a 200 kg squat next year - my personal best was 220 kg for 3 reps but I was 30 years old then.

The gym at the Brittany holiday cottage


Having a free weights gym located at the Brittany holiday cottages is a wonderful bonus for guest wishing to take a French holiday and have access to a gym.

La Forge is available to rent all year where as La Veille Maison is available just during the summer months.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool and gym

During the low season at the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool and gym we offer short term stays.

The low season starts from the start of October through to the end of March and during this period we offer the holiday cottage at just £50 per night ( min stay 3 nights). As the holiday cottage comfortably sleeps 6 with 3 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms its a great bargain baring in mind a local hotel - the 'Auberge du Cheval Blanc' charges more than that rate for just a room.

Living room of  the Brittany holiday cottage 

Living room of the Brittany holiday cottage



Saturday, November 29, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

Whats the weather like in Brittany during November?

As we arrive at the end of November at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool - James and I spent an hour on the terrace this afternoon basking in some wonderful sunshine. It was so warm that I was just in a vest and shorts and James just in a body suit.

Terrace of La Veille Maison - Brittany holiday cottage
You would never believe it was 29th November - what a wonderful day at the Brittany holiday cottage.

We are already taking bookings for 2015 and have already broken an 8 year record of having 8 weeks booked before xmas for the following year - last year had set the old record of 6 weeks booked before xmas.

La Forge is available all year while La veille Maison is available from July through to the end of September

Friday, November 28, 2014

Our Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool

Today we popped back in to our Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool in order to take some pictures to create our Christmas cards to loved ones today.

The holiday cottage was bathed in more light today so we took more shots of the Christmas decorations.

Ready for Christmas at the Brittany holiday cottage
We still have availability for this Christmas ; book a week for just £300 or both weeks to see in the New year for just £550 in La Forge

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym we decided to put all the Christmas decorations up in the holiday cottage in order to take a few pictures.

Our Brittany holiday cottage ready for a Christmas holiday


With just 4 weeks to go now before Christmas the holiday cottage is still available to rent and as a late booking deal we are offering a week at just £300 or book 2 weeks to see in the New year also for just £550.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with heated swimming pool

As we come to the end of November at the Brittany holiday cottage with heated swimming pool Naomi and I are getting excited for Christmas.

Over the last week we have bought new decorations for the cottage and hope with 5 weeks to go we are able to let our holiday cottage for the Christmas and New year weeks.

Auray at Christmas just 25 minutes from the Brittany holiday cottage


La Forge is now being offered at just £300 per week so its a great price for up to 6 people to enjoy Christmas or to see in the new year in France.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool

During the low season at the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool not only do we get the chance to decorate the cottages but we also spend more time promoting the holiday cottages.

Please can we ask for your help and like our face book page.


Naomi & Mark your host at the Brittany holiday cottage

Monday, November 10, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

At the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool we are now thinking about Christmas and the New years celebrations.

It will be our first Christmas as a family and Naomi and I are getting very excited about sharing the experience with young James.

Our intention this year is to just have a family meal together on Christmas day and we have decided on goose this year.

For new years eve we will probably book our favorite Chinese restaurant at Lanester as it will be very lively and child friendly.

Enjoying a lovely meal out
Our Brittany holiday cottage is still available for the Christmas and new years eve weeks at a reduced price of just £300.


Sunday, November 9, 2014

Our Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool near Baud

Our Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool is just 3 miles from the market town of Baud - nestled in the wonderful hamlet of Kerbourbon.

The pool at the Brittany holiday cottage


The cottage is based in the Morbihan region of southern Brittany and offers a great base to explore the best of the region.

La Forge is available to rent all year where as La Veille Maison is available July, August and September.

Our Brittany holiday cottage

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

Christmas and New year celebrations at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool  have now been reduced from £399 down too £300 per week ( for up to 6 people) If you fancy a heavily beamed cottage with a wood burning stove to keep you warm and fancy a break in France then let us know. The cottage will have a Christmas tree within and if you wish we can make reservations at restaurants on your behalf for New years eve.



Brittany holiday cottage La Forge


We also have week starting 11th April available for the Easter half term with the pool open, heated and offered on a private basis at the holiday cottage for just £375 having been reduced from £549. Having a private pool is a great opportunity to learn to swim.


Enjoying the heated pool during the Easter holiday

Private heated pool at the Brittany holiday cottage

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Well its the 1st November today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym and the weather is very much the same how its been throughout the majority of October with bright warm sunny days, so much so that we slept with the window open last night.



Enjoying a day out in Vannes visiting its 14th Century Cathedral
With a week at the Brittany cottage being reduced down to £225 from £299 during the low season its a great time to come visit Brittany outside the normal tourist times to explore its wonderful attractions without the crowds and traffic.

During the low season for example as foot traffic is so low your able to walk around the Carnac stones rather than observe from a boundary fence as is the case during the summer months and all the same attractions are here.

Enjoying the Carnac stones


Bridge illuminated for Christmas at Aurray


Trinity sur le mer 

Josselin castle

For more information about La Forge Brittany holiday cottage just get in touch, during the low season we also offer short term stays for weekend getaways and longer term rentals for those wishing to house hunt.




Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Our Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym makes for a perfect family holiday location to enjoy the best of southern Brittany.


La Forge is available to rent all year and offers the heated swimming pool for guest staying in the cottage on a private basis from the start of April until the end of June and from then its shared with guest staying in La Veille Maison.

Your host at the Brittany holiday cottage : Mark and Naomi

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

La Forge Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool is available to rent all year- with the swimming pool open from the start of April until the end of September.

Guest staying in the Brittany cottage have the swimming pool on a private basis from the start of April till the end of June.


Our Brittany holiday cottage
Double bedroom of  La forge

Master bedroom of the Brittany holiday cottage

La Forge

Living room and dining area

Living room in La forge

Monday, October 27, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym

Last week at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool and gym we finally put on the winter cover and closed down the swimming pool.

The procedures for closing the swimming pool are simple enough. Firstly the heater is switched off and we allow the water temperature to drop.

The pool is then cleaned and we then give it shock treatment of chlorine and that's it! - the winter cover is placed over the pool and we just wait for March to arrive before opening it all up again to find the water crystal clear.

One final point while the pool is closed I just run the pump once per week for 3 or 4 hours just to turn the water over.

I used to have the pump running every night for 2 hours during the closed season in earlier years but when switching to the weekly pump run noticed no difference in the water quality when opening the pool yet save a lot of money with the new regime in electricity costs.

The swimming pool is opened at the start of march with the heater switched on after 2 weeks so its all up and running for the start of April where guest staying in La Forge can enjoy the heated swimming pool on a private basis.

cleaning the pool at the Brittany holiday cottage
In April La Forge is currently offered at just £375 per week or book 2 weeks for £700 having being reduced from £549 per week.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool and gym

Yesterday we had one set of guest leaving the Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool and gym from Holland for a set of new guest arriving from the UK for this coming half term week.

The dutch guest leaving wrote in the guest book of La Forge " We had a lovely Autumn holiday here in Baud - unseasonably warm weather so we could enjoy the beach at Carnac and interesting visits to Lorient and Hennebont  ( submarine base and horses!) A very comfortable cottage. Thank you".

With a milder climate than the UK plus some really cheap weeks available during the low season a holiday in Brittany between October and March can be a great time to get away.

Master bedroom of the Brittany holiday cottage

The private heated swimming pool of the Brittany holiday cottage

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

Today at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool we say goodbye to our current Dutch guest who have enjoyed a week in La Forge.

During the low season: start of October through to the end of March ( not including the 2 weeks at Christmas) we offer the cottage at just £225 or 300 euros reduced down from £299.

We also offer the holiday cottage on a short term basis at £50 or 60 euro per night ( min stay 3 nights) to allow guest to enjoy weekends away in Brittany.

If your looking for a longer stay we can negotiate on the rates depending on the length of stay to provide a base for house hunting or simply for people to try a trial run living in Brittany before making the big move of moving to France.

With a wonderful log burner within La Forge and all the exposed beams its a great place to enjoy the winter months.

living room of our Brittany holiday cottage La Forge
For those wishing to enjoy Christmas or the New year at the holiday cottage we are currently running a great deal of book 1 week for £375 or 2 weeks for £700 and the cottage will be decorated for the festive season.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym

Just 25 minutes away from the Brittany holiday cottage with private pool and gym is Lorient.


Last week Naomi and I watched the above documentary on the Lorient U-boat base and were flabbergasted with the sheer size of the structure and the importance of the submarine base during world war 2. 

We recommended our guest currently staying in La Forge a visit to the base and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and its now on our must list of places to visit. 






















Thursday, October 23, 2014

Our Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool and gym

Having a rugged coast line with stunning beaches - Brittany not only offers great days out for everyone but its also famous for its bounty of fresh sea food to enjoy and the coast is just 25 minutes from our Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool and gym.

From fresh oysters, mussels and chips to a full sea food platter there is plenty to choose from.

Brittany holiday cottage

Guest staying at either La Forge or La Veille maison have an abundant choice of great restaurants to choose from and Naomi and I are always at hand to make recommendations.


Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Special deal at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

With just over a week left of the special deal at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool - I thought it prudent to post the deal again.

Right up to close of business 31st October -  guests can get 25% off car and passenger fares for all travel on remaining 2014 dates and throughout 2015 via Brittany Ferries when booking either holiday cottage.

In addition all weeks for both holiday cottages are currently discounted.

We have some smashing low season deals for La Forge : Book any week between now and the end of March for just £225 per week reduced down from £299 ( offer excludes Christmas and New years eve weeks)

Weeks starting 20th December until 3rd January at just £375 per week or book both weeks for £700 when staying in La Forge.

La Forge Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

With the swimming pool offered on a private basis during April, May and June why not enjoy the Easter holidays in France for just £399 per week reduced down from £549 or book 2 weeks for just £750
enjoying the pool during the Easter holidays at the Brittany holiday cottage


Sunday, October 19, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool

Yesterday at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool we welcomed the arrival of our guest from Holland.

Every year guest from the UK, Holland and Belgium enjoy a family holiday at our Brittany holiday cottage.

To cater for family holidays we not only have the heated swimming pool but also within the garden is a boule court, BBQ, swings, badminton set and play area to entertain children of all ages.


Brittany holiday cottage

Brittany holiday cottage

Monday, October 13, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool for the Easter holiday

Our Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool is available to rent for the Easter holidays to enjoy.

With the swimming pool opened in March and ready to enjoy at the start of April why not enjoy the delights of southern Brittany at La Forge.

The normal price per week is £549 but as an early booking discount book a week at La Forge for just £399 or book 2 weeks for £750.

Brittany holiday cottage with private swimming pool

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Brittany holiday cottage with privatr heated swimming pool

With guest staying at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated swimming pool enjoying some great weather, one group of guest decided to spend a few mornings fishing the local lake.

The guest had booked both La Forge and La Veille Maison to enjoy a large family holiday in France having 3 adult generations of the family stay to enjoy the pool and garden on a private basis.

The father took his son fishing to the lake and on one morning caught his first Zander on his oldest piece of fishing equipment within his bag, an old spinning spoon.

He was actually just demonstrating on how to retrieve the spoon to his son when all of a sudden the line raced across the lake for him to catch this lovely fish 5 minutes later.

Fishing at the Brittany holiday cottage

fishing at the Brittany holiday cottage with private heated pool

From the private lake, to fishing the river Blavet there is some great fresh water fishing to be had less than 10 minutes from the Brittany holiday cottages La Forge and La Veille Maison.