Affordable chic: Luxury farm stays in the UK
Five-Star Farm Houses Offer Relaxing Alternative to City-Breaks
LOS ANGELES, August 29, 2009 - Looking for an unconventional luxury vacation destination this fall? Britain’s 5-star, chic farmhouses are the answer. What better way to unwind and leave the pressure (yet not the comfort) of modern life behind than to experience the peacefulness of bucolic Britain.
Farm breaks in the UK have come a long way, giving birth to a new generation of rural retreats offering appealing accommodations, tasty home-grown, organic produce and unique, indulging experiences for visitors who choose to escape the crowds and recharge their batteries by waking up to the “sound” of quietness, only to take in the clean country air and enjoy a serene day in the middle of nature. Britain’s farmhouses also serve as a great base to explore local sites and tourism attractions, most of them being conveniently located from National Trust properties, historic sites, and absolutely stunning scenery.
What makes a farm holiday so special is the genuine friendliness of the locals, as well as the fun filled activities available to farm guests—ranging from painting and cookery classes to trekking, riding, and simulated game shooting. For a complete experience, the elegant, beautifully-appointed rooms and state-of-the-art amenities of Britain’s luxury farmhouses offer guests a lavish, lazy, romantic, decadent and, above all, unforgettable escape from the everyday.
To help plan a chic fall vacation to rural Britain, VisitBritain has selected some of UK’s premium 5-star farmhouses (room rates are per night, based on double occupancy, including breakfast). For more information about planning a trip to Britain and travel deals and discounts, go to: www.visitbritain.us.
England
Harrop Fold Farm, Cheshire, from $140 – This 17th-century farmhouse set in 20 acres is a foodie’s dream. Its two beamed bedrooms have enormous four-poster beds, and you can book a four-course Demonstration Dinner, where resident chef Leah Stevenson will whip up a storm using local ingredients while you watch. The panoramic views of the Cheshire Plain can serve as inspiration for painting enthusiasts, who can master the technique with the help of painting classes offered in the farm’s converted barn/studio. www.harropfoldfarm.co.uk
Launceston Farm, Dorset, from $140 – This Georgian farmhouse has been lovingly restored, offering luxurious comfort and unique style in a breathtaking setting. The property offers six smart bedrooms, an acre of walled garden, a sun terrace and a swimming pool, complemented by the services of a resident cordon bleu chef. Adventure-driven guests can enjoy a ‘clay shooting’ expedition on the nearby Crichel Estate (www.crichelclayshoot.co.uk), where lessons of simulated game shooting are offered throughout the day, including a picnic lunch and 3-course dinner in the Shoot Room. www.launcestonfarm.co.uk
Dannah Farm Country House, Derbyshire, from $230 – This charming Georgian farmhouse features rooms with double spa-baths, four-poster beds and private hot-tubs. Situated on the edge of the Peak District, high above The National Heritage Corridor, this rural property is yet within easy reach of both Derby and Nottingham, ideal for touring the many attractions of Derbyshire, from Alton Towers to Chatsworth, Haddon, and other magnificent houses in the area. www.dannah.co.uk
Alkham Court, Dover, from $140 – Located in the peaceful setting with panoramic views of the Kent Downs, this award-winning farmhouse offers luxury bedrooms and ground floor rooms with fresh fruit and flowers. Close to Dover’s stunning ‘White Cliffs’ and Canterbury, Alkham Court also serves as an excellent touring base. www.alkhamcourt.co.uk
Westoe Farm, Cambridgeshire, from $165 – Tranquil views greet you on arrival at this warm and comfortable flint and brick farmhouse. Albertine and Dreaming Spires climbing roses scramble over the walls, creating a fragrant veil over the house and adjoining barn. Beyond the tennis court and swimming pool, the open garden blends seamlessly into surrounding farmland and woods, perfect for an evening stroll. Westoe Farm is ideally situated for many attractions including Duxford Imperial War Museum, Cambridge, Newmarket Racing and Sales.www.westoefarm.co.uk
The Wold Cottage, East Yorkshire, from $150 - Originally a Georgian city gentleman’s country retreat, the property sits in beautifully landscaped grounds where fruit and vegetables are grown for the table and woodland provides a haven for wildlife. Perfectly unspoilt views extend over its own 300 acre farmland to the Yorkshire Wolds beyond. www.woldcottage.co.uk
Scotland
Ashcroft Farmhouse, Edinburgh, West Lothian, from $116 – Located near the heart of Scotland, this ranch-style farmhouse is set in award-winning landscaped gardens and enjoys lovely views over surrounding countryside. Only 10 miles away from Edinburgh City Centre, the Ashcroft Farmhouse provides the perfect setting for a peaceful break or a busy golfing, sightseeing or touring holiday. The delightful Almondell Country Park, with its museum and riverside walks, is a short stroll away. www.ashcroftfarmhouse.com
Daviot Lodge, Daviot, from $160 – Set in 80 acres of peaceful pastureland and surrounded by beautiful Scottish countryside, Daviot Lodge is the ideal place for a romantic break, with Loch Ness, Culloden Moor and Inverness all nearby. Its spacious rooms are elegantly furnished with big, comfy sofas for guests to sink into at the end of the day, while the guest bedrooms - all named after local rivers - are immaculate, with décor that is at once fresh and traditional. Guests can enjoy a boat ride on nearby Loch Ness, visit a distillery on the famous Spey Valley Whisky Trail, shop for Scottish Woollens, and admire Highland Cattle and Red Deer. www.daviotlodge.co.uk
Auld Cummerton, Aberdeenshire, from $150 – Nestling high off the beaten track in the Cairngorms National Park, Auld Cummerton is a haven of peace and tranquility, with its own woodland, resident red squirrels and magnificent views towards the mountains of Royal Deeside. Less than 45 miles from Aberdeen, the property offers a refuge of comfort from where visitors can explore some of the historic sites and stunning scenery that make up this unique corner of Scotland. www.auldcummerton.co.uk
Violet Bank House, near Edinburgh, from $180 – A secret gem just 20 minutes away from Edinburgh, on the edge of the Pentland National Park, the bed & breakfast offers wi-fi, beds that you won't want to get out of, films to watch, short stories to read and complimentary drinks by the open fire or in the beautiful garden. Its South-facing cottage garden has seating areas where visitors can listen to the birds or watch the heron fly past to settle on the river. www.violetbankhouse.co.uk
Lonmay Old Manse, Aberdeen & Grampian, from $105 – An outstanding bed & breakfast set in its own secluded grounds amid open countryside, the Manse has been completely renovated and refurbished to provide elegant and spacious rooms for visitors seeking individuality, comfort and tranquillity. It also provides an ideal base to explore the north-east coast of Aberdeenshire and Morayshire, also called the “Forgotten” or “Hidden Corner” of Scotland. www.lonmay.co.uk
Wales
Cyfie Farm, Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire, from $180 – Just minutes away from fairytale Lake Vyrnwy, this 17th-century beautifully restored Welsh Longhouse offers stunning views best enjoyed from the hot tub and sauna spa. Cyfie Farm features a peaceful, tranquil and remote location, with all the comforts of a top hotel. Several walks are accessible from the farm, which is near the Ann Griffiths Walk and Glydwr’s Way, both in the Vyrnwy valley below. Visitors can also enjoy gentle short walks around the farm and take in the scenery with 360 degree panoramas across the width of Wales. The owners grow fruit and bake their own bread, and all the produce for breakfast and great five-course dinners is sourced locally and mainly organic. www.cyfiefarm.co.uk
Llwydiarth Fawr, Isle of Anglesey, from $116 – Superbly furnished and equipped, this secluded Georgian mansion is set in 850 acres of woodland and farmland in the centre of Anglesey. A nearby attraction is Llyn Alaw for trout fishing. The farmhouse is also an ideal touring base for the island’s coastline, Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. www.angleseyfarms.com/llwydia.htm
Poyerston Farm, Pembrokeshire, from $116 – A working dairy farm, Poyerston is set in 200 acres of picturesque, unspoilt countryside, nestled in the hearth of South Pembrokeshire. The peace and tranquility of Poyerston Farm provides a great base for a relaxing farm holiday and for touring or exploring the magnificent Pembrokeshire countryside and coastal path. Among local attractions are the famous Bosherton Lily Ponds and the lively beaches of Saundersfoot and Tenby. www.poyerstonfarm.co.uk
Tyddyn Perthi Farm, Gwynedd, from $92 – Unique scenery greets you where the mountains meet the sea. Famed for its prize-winning Welsh Black Cattle, this small family farm is ideally situated for visitors who want to relax on the sandy Welsh beaches or explore the green hills and wooded vales. Guests can also walk to the top of Snowdon mountain, visit the mighty castles of Caernarfon, Criccieth and Harlech, or take a ride on one of the many narrow gauge railways. www.tyddynperthi.co.uk
Blaencar Farm, Brecon Beacons, from $106 – This lovely 5-star Welsh B&B is situated in Sennybridge, just 15 minutes away from the historic market town of Brecon. The peace and tranquillity of this quiet but accessible location provides an ideal base whether your priority is relaxation or active exploration of the surrounding, unspoilt countryside. Visitors can also enjoy trout and salmon fishing on neighboring River Usk. www.blaencar.co.uk
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