The Anchorage is looking at its best for another year. It really is a Forth bridge project but if you don't keep on top of the job with the general look and also make sure that the cottage is protected against the elements, it can turn out to be costly. That's our contribution the the prettiest harbour view in the UK.

Wear and tear on the property is inevitable, there will always be scrapes and bumps against the walls - the bathroom is the one that seems to bear most of this and needs to be re-painted every year.

Things always need to be replaced too, this year we had new duvet covers and linens with some bright blue cushion covers from Gambia. Some new bedside lamps (blue of course) are on the way and maybe new bedside tables - when we find the right ones.

We now provide guests with towels and you will no longer have to find pound coins for the heating - electricity is included in the price.

We had some lovely comments in the guest book last year - they are most appreciated - the favourite occupation is sitting in the harbourside bay window seat watching the world go by - also our games cupboard is a real hit. Let's hope everone who comes to the Anchorage in 2012 has a great time, too.

Owning a property by the seaside like the Anchorage is a dream come true. However, as with any building the Anchorage, being fairly elderly and on the harbourside, needs lots of care and attention.

Every year after the beating sun of the summer and the battering of the winter weather the cottage needs an MOT.

So, what do we have to do this year?

Well, lets start with the outside. The rendering on the harbourside needed replacing and painting, an easy job you may say, but remember outside = seaside! Not only do we need quick drying render and paint we only have a few hours to complete the job when the tide is out.

Windows, windows, windows. They constantly need repainting. This year we had to replace all of the hinges on 13 windows, due to the combination of salt and the sea air many came loose.

The front of the Anchorage looks out onto the Warren, a traffic 'free' street. We say traffic 'free' because it's only about 4-5 feet wide and has a nasty bend to negotiate. The only vehicles that can get past are on two wheels or quadbikes and the occasional digger. The digger does pose a problem - many can't negotiate the corner - when 2 feet thick Cornish stone comes into contact with a digger (or anything really) there is only one winner, it does leave a nasty scrape mark though.

The woodwork needs patching up around the windows and front door and we will need to clean the guttering that constantly fills up with moss and all sorts of nasty things dropped by passing birds!!

It's all hard work, but it's our contibution to keeping one of the prettiest habour views in the land spick and span.

I'll tell you more about the inside in a later piece. Time for a cup of tea now.

Ho-Ho-Ho

Get down to Polperro this weekend for the grand switch-on of the Christmas lights and seasonal fesivities.

On Saturday December 10th the festive season comes to Polperro with a vengance - make sure you don't miss-out.

At 1.00 pm the Christmas market will officially open.

At 2.00pm we have a fun-run through the village.

At 5.00 - it's the big one - Santa is putting in a early appearence, while the elves are still at home working towards the big day.

With the excitement building and we are expecting lots of ooooh's and aaaah's - 6.00pm it's the Grand Switch-On.

Followed by festive carols accompanied by the Mount Charles band.

After all the excitement retire to the comfort of The Anchorage (if you happen to be staying there) and then maybe some mulled wine in one of the fine hostelries.

See you in Polperro to welcome the festive cheer.

Merry Christmas.

Now that the nights are drawing in our thoughts turn to magical Polperro in November. Approaching the village either via the Coombes or from the coastal path is a wonder to behold at any time of year. In the wintertime the first thing you notice is the grey wispy smoke coming from the chimneys of the properties of all sizes, then it hits you, that wonderful, comforting aroma of burning wood fires.

Sometimes it appears from above that the village is sleeping, all looks peaceful and quiet. Then there is a decision to make. Stay out in the bracing cold or make our way to one of the fine hostelries with a roaring fire for a pint of local brew and piping hot soup - I'm there already.

Like many villages across the UK the beginning of November heralds Guy Fawkes night and Polperro is certainly no exception. Weather permitting, Peak Rock is the stage for a pyrotechnic display second to none. This year November 5th conveniently falls on a Saturday, make that a date for your diary.

Originally we thought The Anchorage is approximately 300 years old, whilst chatting to a local historian one afternoon in the Three Pilchards we were told the cottage could be more like 500 years old. Imagine the tales those walls could tell! The original cottage was a lot smaller than the current lay-out, with only one room downstairs and one upstairs.

At around 1955 the harbourside of the cottage was changed considerably, with the addition of two extra rooms and the wonderful bay windows.

In the cottage we have two pictures of The Anchorage, pre and post 1955 - you can certainly notice the difference!

Many thanks to the builder who made the changes that enables us and our guests to spend many a happy hour just chilling out and watching that wonderful harbour view.

Polperro festival will be running from June 16th to the 24th, 2012 - come to The Anchorage and join in the fun! The new festival committee for next year has now been finalised - they are now looking for sponsors. Find out more click here .