Dave and Sarah went to The Old Dairy last weekend. This simple stay in a self-catering cottage in the Cotswalds has inspired this blog.

Why? Well, two reasons. First, the cottage itself was of a quite simply outstanding quality. It is a converted Dairy, with all mod cons, huge rooms and a stunning finish that is at once both personal and unpretentious.

The attention to detail is inspiring - the kitchen has everything, the bedding is luxurious, the lighting is clever, there are chests of games and videos and an entire bookcase to read! What make this inspiring is that it is not oppressive or done in the way in which a smart hotel does attention to detail. There is nothing to make a show of quality (á la putting a mint on your pillow), everything is perfect because that's the way the owners feel it should be, and their respect for you and the property shines through.

Secondly, the cottage is situated with amazing views in a beautiful part of the world. This got me thinking (never knowingly on holiday!) whether or not the cottage would be as wonderful with a different location.

The conclusion reached was that the impact the place had on us and our friends was a combination of the place and the experience of staying in the cottage. Both contributed and complimented the transformations we felt.

I can't speak for the others, but I myself felt liberated. I felt younger, fitter and cleaner than in the town. The Celestine Prophecy says that places of natural beauty and high-up places in particular give more energy to you. Whether you believe it's just a metaphor or take it literally I did genuinely feel as if I had more power in me.

Sarah also noticed that on the two occasions we were all on top of one of the nearby hills we all instinctively broke up into our couples and just spent some quiet time together watching the view. I am convinced that these beautiful places have some deep effect on us - in a physical sense - I'd love to know what it is that makes places have such a strong physical effect on us. Could the concept of natural energy interacting with us not just be a metaphor?

If you're stressed or feel you cannot see the larger picture, I cannot recommend highly enough just going to a place that is tranquil and beautiful. It is truly spiritually renewing. If you can have a lovely time and some fun experiences whilst you're there then so much the better.



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