Over the last couple of weeks we’ve welcomed eight new properties to Boutique and Breakfast, each and every one of them fabulous in their own unique way. You’ll be spoilt for choice, but allow us to tempt you with the following:
Longbourn 1895
Set in 11 acres of countryside, Longbourn 1895 is a beautiful, late Victorian house offering luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation. Longbourn is located just outside the village of Broad Oak in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), making it a wonderfully restful and romantic rural retreat. The B&B is a family-run business and its owners, Roland and Jane Horton, also have a smallholding specialising in rare breed livestock so you’ll see their rare breed pigs and sheep, hens, geese and ducks. If you wish, you can help to feed the animals – it’s an experience that will delight younger visitors in particular.
Jane and Roland’s warm hospitality, coupled with the classic and elegant look that they’ve created inside the house, means that you can expect an authentic English country house experience.
The Old Manor House
This idyllic, honey-coloured, 16th century manor house sits in three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens sloping down towards the River Stour. It’s a timeless and very English setting that’s just perfect for a stroll or a picnic. Boutique bed and breakfast accommodation is provided in three guest bedrooms in the main house, whilst a pretty cottage in the grounds – complete with a thatched roof – offers luxurious self-catering accommodation.
The Old Manor House is located in the village of Halford, which is surrounded by the glorious South Warwickshire countryside. As soon as you step through the front door into the restful sanctuary within, you’ll feel like you’ve left the hustle and bustle of everyday life far behind you. Yet, astonishingly, you’re within easy reach of a host of historic cities and attractions. Halford is on the edge of the Cotswolds, just ten minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon, 20 minutes from Warwick, and 40 minutes from Cheltenham and Oxford.
Your charming hosts, Jane and William Pusey, greet you on arrival with tea and homemade biscuits and this warm welcome sets the tone for the remainder of your stay.
No. 20
No. 20 is billed as the glamorous, new, chintz-free face of bed and breakfast – and we have to agree that it’s a pretty fitting description! Its owners, Catriona and Tobby Kane, have brought together all the ingredients for a truly unique boutique B&B experience, from super comfortable bedrooms where you’re guaranteed a great night’s sleep, to delicious, freshly prepared breakfasts catering for all tastes. When you add a great location (just a short hop from Loch Lomond) and thoughtful touches – such as the tea and homemade scones with strawberry jam that greet you on arrival – to the mix, you have the recipe for a truly memorable stay. Oh, and did we mention that Catriona has a great eye for interiors? The rooms are decorated and furnished in a chic, timeless style that pays homage to the period elegance of this attractive Victorian townhouse but has bags of 21st century appeal too.
No. 20 is located one mile from the centre of Helensburgh, and is just a five-minute drive from the shores of Loch Lomond and the stunning wilderness that is the Trossachs National Park. Though you’re unlikely to tire of exploring the natural beauty on your doorstep, if you’re drawn towards the bright lights of the city, Glasgow is only 40 minutes away.
Visit Scotland has awarded No. 20 a four star rating.
Loyton Lodge
Last year, The Times named Loyton Lodge ‘one of Britain’s best party houses’ and we have to agree! Billed as a ‘modern take on the English country weekend’, it’s an exclusive rural retreat for groups of up to 20 people and a great place to get together for a party or reunion. Talented chef Nick Pyle will prepare the menus of your choice using local, seasonal ingredients. Those looking for a romantic weekend for two or a family break will be pleased to hear that rooms can also be booked individually on a bed and breakfast basis.
The Barnes family have enjoyed entertaining at Loyton, their 300-acre Devonshire farm near the village of Morebath, for more than 40 years. These days, the business is run by Isobel, Sally and Angus Barnes, who have created a relaxed and comfortable lodge in the heart of the countryside.
Loyton is close to the southern edge of Exmoor National Park and is extremely popular with those who enjoy walking, cycling and riding. Loyton Lodge hosts monthly supper clubs and other events that are sure to tempt foodies, including seasonal gourmet dinners. Game and clay shooting are available for country sports enthusiasts to enjoy, and, as it’s a dog-friendly destination, your four-legged friend can join you for walks on the picturesque Loyton Estate.
Highcliffe House
As the name suggests, Highcliffe House occupies a lofty, cliff-top position above the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. It boasts jaw-dropping view across Lynmouth Bay and, on a clear day, along the south Wales coast all the way from Swansea to the outskirts of Cardiff. There are sea views from every room and you may just struggle to tear yourself away from the beautiful, ever changing vistas beyond. Located within the Exmoor National Park, this boutique B&B is surrounded by rugged countryside and a short hop from some of North Devon’s most magnificent beaches. Locally, you can enjoy everything from horse riding and falconry to wildlife safaris and a steam train ride along the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.
Because it’s an adults-only venue, Highcliffe House is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or for those wanting some serious rest and relaxation. The owners, Karen and Mike, do their utmost to make your stay memorable for all the right reasons, particularly if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Their B&B is licensed, so you can enjoy drinks in the lounge or your room as you soak up the scenery. You can also pre-order bottles of wine or champagne ready for your arrival.
Pauntley Court (main image)
The fact that Pauntley Court is said to be the birthplace of Dick Whittington hints at its fascinating and illustrious history. Oozing English country house appeal and set in exquisite formal gardens, this fine, rose-hued, half-timbered property was the home of the Whittington family for more than 300 years. Today, it’s owned by Mark and Melissa Hargreaves, who offer guests a choice of bed and breakfast accommodation in one of two elegantly appointed rooms; the option of booking the property for a private house party for up to eight guests; or a self-catering stay in a recently refurbished, self-contained wing.
The hamlet of Pauntley is located on the edge of the Cotswolds within easy reach of the market towns of Newent and Ledbury; the spa towns of Malvern and Cheltenham; and the cathedral cities of Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Hereford. The Malverns are a magnet for walkers, whilst garden lovers will find a wealth of gardens and country estates to visit nearby, including Hampton Court and Hergest Croft. The nearby Three Counties Showground hosts a variety of events all year round. For foodies, dinner at the Michelin-starred Butcher’s Arms in Eldersfield is a must.
Blackloch Bothy
Located at the very heart of Scotland, Blackloch is a working farm offering bed and breakfast accommodation in an old, stone bothy that has been sensitively converted into a self-contained boutique-style haven. Owned by James Cope and Anne Lonsdale, who live in the house next door, Blackloch Bothy’s stylish simplicity perfectly sums up their ethos of appreciating the good things in life. They’ve created a restful environment, where guests can relax, immerse themselves in nature, eat well, sleep well and, if they choose, take part in Anne’s yoga sessions. Anne teaches hatha yoga and meditation, offering regular classes, workshops and retreats for individuals, couples and small groups.
Situated between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie, Blackloch is less than an hour’s drive from a host of famous visitor attractions, including the beautiful village of Dunkeld; the Lock of Lowes, a world-famous osprey nesting site; Scone Palace, the ancient seat of Scottish kings; and Blair Castle. There are also countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits, from skiing at Glenshee and golf at St Andrews to world-class salmon and trout fishing on the River Tay, not to mention mountain biking and hill climbing. The nearest train station – Dunkeld and Birnam – is just 15 minutes away. If you want to arrive in style, you can take the Flying Scotsman direct from London Kings Cross.
17 Burgate
Located in the pretty market town of Pickering, this elegant Georgian townhouse offers five-star rated, multi-award winning bed and breakfast accommodation. It’s possible to book the entire house, which sleeps ten people in five bedrooms, for a memorable house party with family and friends. Your helpful hosts, Pat and William Oxley, are happy to make restaurant reservations, book activities and help tailor your stay to your exact requirements.
During the summer months, the attractive courtyard is a lovely spot to soak up the sunshine over a chilled bottle of Chablis or Champagne. Listen out for the whistle of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway steam train. During the winter months, cosy up with a pot of tea or local beer in the guest lounge. If self-catering is more your style, you’ll be pleased to hear that Pat and William also own a charming one-bedroom cottage next door, which is just perfect for couples looking for a romantic break.