Well, this last year’s thrown us a bit of a curve ball, hasn’t it? If you’d told me last January what was about to befall us, I wouldn’t have believed you.
More than ever, I think we all deserve a holiday, some time out to recalibrate - and for most of us, that means packing up the car and heading somewhere in Britain this year. It got me thinking back over all the cool places we’ve stayed in recent years and I’ve shared some with you below (all up North, one place or another), in case you’re looking for inspiration, too. Each one is a feast for the interiors addict!
WESTFIELD FARM SHEPHERD’S HUTS, NORTHUMBERLAND
We stayed here last July (in the Demoiselle hut), grateful at the chance of a brief escape between 2 lockdowns, and it was marvellous. Equipped with a log fire, power shower and 2 double beds, this was glamping at its finest - so much so that we’re going back again next week! The owners literally couldn’t be more helpful, and our son absolutely loved the novelty of having the top bunk with a tiny little shuttered window looking out into the field. At night, we sat by the dying embers of the fire pit and watched the stars scintillate above us, unhindered by light pollution. Plus, there were more than enough gorgeous coastal towns near by to keep us happy. We ate good, old-fashioned fish and chips by the water and played crazy golf, as well as building sandcastles - wholesome family fun! I hear that each shepherd’s hut has its own wood-fired hot tub now as well…can’t wait to try it out in person!
Above images: www.canopyandstars.co.uk
DOD MILL, SCOTTISH BORDERS
Having just returned from a visit to Dod Mill at the weekend, the sense of quietude we felt here is still strongly imprinted upon me. Despite being close to a whole list of towns (not least, the stunning St Boswells with its fab shop/deli, Main Street Trading), you feel cocooned here from the outside world. It’s the array of magical huts nestled in the fields, the meandering sheep and the babbling brook that create this feeling, I think. We were lucky enough to reside in the awesome Stilt House, rising up among the trees, and we enjoyed the Scandi simplicity of the space enormously - not least of all, the luscious Laura Thomas Co. products and snacks / coffee provided from the local delis! Although it rained and rained (that’s July in Scotland for you!), we were able to sit at a picnic table underneath the Stilt House and spend the evenings chatting away with a few drinks and good friends, who were staying in the cute little Fishing Hut. As with Westfield Farm, nothing was too much trouble here, and I would go back in a heartbeat. Go try it for yourself!
Above images: www.dodmill.com
BROOMLANDS FARMHOUSE, NR MOFFAT
Broomlands caters for larger gatherings (it can sleep up to 10) - it was perfect for getting the family together to celebrate my mum’s 70th, literally just before the first lockdown began (we were really lucky!). The huge dining table and cosy yet spacious living room made it so easy to all congregate, eat, drink and be merry. Plus, despite being a farmhouse, Broomlands is only a short drive away from Moffat; we really enjoyed a mooch around local shops, as well as a delicious lunch at Brodies. We returned home feeling so well-rested!
Above images: www.planetofhotels.com