“Despite the UK's ever-growing population there are thankfully still places where you can get away from it all and be at one with Mother Nature. Indeed, our happy hideaway here in Ruby Country, in the very heart of beautiful Devon, offers you not only great fishing in quiet and secluded surroundings but also luxurious yet eco-friendly accommodation in our well appointed, disabled-friendly, purpose-built, three-bedroom lakeside lodge.” reads the introduction to Peace and Fish website.

Ray and Lyn Fursdon, the owners of Higher Shorston Lakes and Lodges, Staddon Road, Holsworthy are delighted to have won a gold award from the English Tourist Board to join their coveted 4 Star rating for self catering accommodation.

The recent Enjoy England Gold Award for Excellence is a great achievement for Ray and Lyn especially as only two years ago they were fighting the planners to accept their proposals. “We seemed to be getting nowhere when we were encouraged to attend a local development framework workshop organised by the Ruby Country Initiative. Here we had a chance to meet and talk to senior planners and discuss our proposals. This meeting helped open the door to more constructive discussions and the eventual successful planning approval” says Ray.

They both agree that membership of Ruby Country is well worth while as there is always somebody to help and encourage with these sort of issues as well as being linked into the ever growing and successful Ruby Country website. With over 1800 visits to the site per month over the last 9 months Ray and Lyn consider their listing on the site is being viewed and bookings have been forthcoming. 

Lyn said “We are very proud of our award and it just goes to prove that with a little help from Ruby Country and perseverance on our part goals can be achieved. With our additional two, two bedroom lodges, under construction we are striving to achieve the same high standards which will attract further visitors helping the economy in and around Ruby Country which can only be for the good”