Where I Dwell
Got plans for the weekend? Why not let our latest chinwag with one of our favourite locals inspire you?
We’re not ones to blow our own trumpets here [parp], but we’ve struck sunshine-y gold this time around, because, when it comes to helping and inspiring, to be honest, it’s all second nature to Summer Bradshaw, who is a rather brilliant Devon-based Positive Psychology Coach.
Since launching her coaching business Your Zen Life, Summer has been supporting women and female entrepreneurs - not just locally, but globally - to create and sustain their happiest, most fulfilled life and business. And we have first-hand experience.
Spend an hour in a room with Summer and we defy you not to leave with plans for your very own version of world domination. With an already successful career in theatre, radio and TV behind her, gaining an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology is proof that pivots are totally possible and she’s your woman to help you make yours!
Summer lives in Devon with her husband, two sons and, in her words, way too many cats (is too many even a thing?!) So why not let her share a few of her local reco’s, from beaches to brunch? And then we’ll put you in touch, yes? Over to you, Summer!
Favourite place to blow away the cobwebs…
I absolutely love being in nature. I find it so restorative and often use it as a mindful practice to switch off. It is very calming and its consistency though it changes through the seasons, is very reassuring in this super busy world.
I really enjoy a long walk with the family down by the Culm river at Culmstock, and in the warmer months a paddle by the bridge, followed by lunch and a cold glass of wine at the Culm Valley Inn over the road! Glorious.
The place I like to head for coffee…
I live just outside Tiverton and one of my favourite places to go for coffee with friends is The Lost Kitchen. Its raised position means the views are lovely and it is extremely peaceful and zen like. They serve wonderful coffee, cakes, artisan pizzas from their pizza oven and I am very partial to the brioche French toast with crème fraiche…I’ve definitely had that many more times than I should have!
My go-to for gifts is…
I am a complete book nut. I listen to audio books when I’m driving and literally plan slots in my days and evenings, when I can take myself off to read for a short while whenever I can. I love to learn and so read many non-fiction books as well as fictional stories and love to give books for gifts too. I often pop in to Liznojan Books on Tiverton’s Gold street, to buy presents for friends and family. An added bonus is they also sell fabulous coffee too. Books and coffee?! I mean. My heaven.
When I want to treat myself…
If I’m in need of a treat or a pick me up close to home, I like to go to the new Spa Maroc at the Hartnoll Hotel in Bolham, which is a short drive away. Winter is not my favourite time of year and I absolutely hate being cold (I guess my name should be a clue to that!) I find regular saunas really help to support my wellbeing during the colder months when daylight is limited and getting outdoors is much less appealing to me. It definitely helps to lift my happy hormones and any mid-life achy winter body bits.
A bit further afield is the Hotel du Vin in Exeter, the bistro is a really elegant but relaxed place to have a special lunch and I often try to find a way to take clients there for my VIP days too…
Favourite beach…
One of the nearest beaches from where we live in Mid-Devon, is Exmouth. It’s pretty glorious all year round, from windy winter walks to sunshine swims. The kids love climbing on the rocks too. My sister lives in Exmouth and introduced me to the brilliant Hangtime café right next to the beach which does amazing coffee and locally sourced food.
For a restorative night away, my favourite place to stay is…
…The Harbour hotel & Spa at Salcombe, my husband first took me there for my birthday a few years ago. It is such a beautiful place to retreat to for a night or two with gorgeous views of the estuary. I absolutely love it.
Coast or moors?
Coast 100%! I grew up in Cornwall close to the beach and being by water completely soothes my soul. We are so lucky to live so close to the sea in Devon. I find as soon as I step outside the car and breathe in the air, listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach and smell that familiar seaweed beachy smell, I am home. Magic.
A local place on my list to try…
I keep meaning to get back for a grown up only evening to Ponte Vecchio, our lovely Italian restaurant in Tiverton. I went there for the first time with the children last school summer holidays before a visit to our local cinema and it was fabulous! I really want to support more local businesses this year. If we don’t use it, we lose it!
[photo credit: Flo]
Most underrated spot in Devon…
This is a tricky one…I don’t think I can pick one! I feel so lucky to live in the Westcountry and always have. I love living close to Exeter which is always a hive of cultural activity. Also being able to access different pockets of countryside, from Exmoor to the idyllic Saunton sands in North Devon, Mid Devon is central to it all, so it’s an amazing location to be with huge choice.
Last year I tried something new…
I started having Bowen therapy last year from my brilliant friend and therapist Jemma Jones. I am a big fan of trying different therapies and Bowen had been on my list for a while. It is a light touch therapy but is so powerful. My body and mind love it. A complete reset.
This year I want to…
…get to the beach more! It is my aim to drop the kids at school as soon as Springtime hits and drive straight to the beach at Exmouth for a seaside walk and maybe a cheeky dip at least a couple of times a week… It’s about half an hour drive for me but always worth every second for the instant peace I feel. The sea is my quickest soul soother, every time.
Summer by name, summer by nature - you want more Summer-time, don’t you? So let’s hook you up!
Go check out her gorgeously revamped website below. And do give her a follow over on Instagram: @yourzen_life
