Studio Farrows, Langport, Somerset
Step through the doors of Studio Farrows and take in the quirky surroundings – starting with a lounge-residing pale blue Ford Anglia! Walls are splashed with eclectic art and mismatched cushions, throws and rugs add to the appealing and homely feel. The hosts couldn’t be friendlier, arranging courses from baking to glass blowing, and swims in a friend’s walled pool. The garden is a real treat, the veranda and seating area perfect for the morning’s continental feast.
Four/six people £228/£308 a night B&B or £205/£277 self-catering (two-night minimum, weekly rates available), 01458 252599, studiofarrows.com
Pottery Cottage, near Hay-on-Wye, Powys
This beautifully renovated potters’ shed boasts original oak beams that stretch across high ceilings and carefully placed beautiful objects. Snuggle up in the kingsize bed, complete with Hungarian goose down, before ambling out into the pretty south-facing garden for a breakfast basket of organic goodies. The cottage stands as the perfect base for exploring Hay-on-Wye, the Black Mountains, Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. Return to a hot bath with a well-deserved glass of wine.
Doubles £75 a night B&B, 01497 822931, potterycottageclyro.com
Hill House, Chappel Hill, Colchester, Essex
Light, airy and family-friendly, with pale beams that line the wood-panelled walls and comfy cream carpets – this listed Coach House has a lodge-like feel. The open-plan living space spans across a snug bedroom and plush en-suite bathroom, to a relaxed lounge area with cream sofas that fold into double beds, separated by the stairs. Interiors are friendly with scatter cushions and matching gingham table cloths and curtains. Take in stunning views across the Colne Valley from the balcony and play a board game or two in the evening.
Doubles from £95 B&B (sofabed extra £15pp), 01787 221561, sawdays.co.uk
Carriers Farm, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Whether in the Hare, Pheasant or Fox bedroom, sleep tight on crisp white linen and feather pillows. Bedrooms are thoughtfully decorated with choice pieces – a Roberts radio here, a framed picture of the area there … and what an area it is! Acres of organic pasture surround the converted dairies, but the bustling village of Sherston is close, offering guests the best of both worlds. At breakfast feast on local ham, sausages and eggs from the hens, smoked salmon and cream cheese as well as homemade bread and jams in the garden room.
From £85 B&B, 01666 841445, carriersfarm.co.uk
Three Glens, Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway
A wall of windows open on to spectacular views across to the three glens of Dlawhat, Castlefairn and Craigdarroch at this striking eco-friendly B&B. The roof bears the same turf of the land it was built into, walls are insulated with the wool of local Blackface sheep, and stylish leather seating bear the hides of cows from the farm. Guests can expect a full Scottish breakfast, and luxurious bedrooms – one with a private terrace. Curl up next to the biomass wood-burner and take in the remarkable surroundings.
From £85pp room-only, £110pp B&B, £145pp half-board, 01848 200589, 3glens.com
South House Alpacas, near Evesham, Worcestershire
Between the carefully tended orchard, rows of vegetables and trellised vines are a herd of alpacas … The good life awaits in this Georgian house, which is complete with a beautiful walled garden and ancient mulberry tree. Inside high-reaching original beams stretch across the ceiling, while bedrooms combine the best of old and new with contemporary, stylish en suite shower rooms overlooking stunning views, and a super-king oak bed boasts an alpaca duvet with no less than six alpaca pillows.
Doubles from £110 B&B, 01386 830848, southhousealpacas.com
Gothic House, Norwich, Norfolk
In the oldest part of central Norwich stands the Grade II listed Gothic House (ask the friendly host about the history of this splendid building), where a myriad of trinkets complement the period feel. Sup a hot drink from silver tea and coffee pots and eat a lavish, locally-sourced breakfast from traditional Portmeirion china. Beautiful windows grace the stylish and spacious bedrooms, where a good night’s sleep is guaranteed in this unexpectedly peaceful spot.
Doubles £95 B&B, 01603 631879, gothic-house-norwich.com
St Curigs Church, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy
This converted 19th-century church may have impressive architecture with marble pillars and stained glass, but the spirit of the place is the best part. Expect the unexpected – the sound of a Welsh harp or table tennis may echo from the domed mosaic ceiling. A real family home, the atmosphere is as fun as it is relaxing. For romance, book a four-poster room with underfloor heating before heading outside into the hot tub under the stars. Make friends at the communal breakfast table, marvel at views of Snowdonia’s mountains and, if you’re feeling energetic, tackle the majestic Glyder Ridge.
Doubles £70 B&B (four-poster £75) bunks £20pp B&B, 01690 720469, tcurigschurch.com
Castle of Park, Banff, Aberdeenshire
Rebecca really has brought this 16th-century pink castle to life, lovingly restoring it and inviting all to share her spectacular home. The 40 acres of grounds have rose gardens, a laburnum walk, secret tunnel through rhododendrons and waterfalls that you can spot on a woodland walk. Expect warming open fires, antique furniture, romantic art and rich colours. Crawl up the steep stairs to the Tudor Room and step back in time. Look out for the swimming elephant table, twin golden unicorns and cheetah rug!
Doubles £110 or £140 B&B, 01466 751595, castleofpark.co.uk
No 3 at Settle, Settle, Yorkshire
No 3 sits at the end of a terrace of handsome 19th-century houses. Hosts are friendly, offering to help to plan outings, as well as breakfast in bed and a paper delivery if requested. Breakfast otherwise is in the lovely kitchen, where French windows look out over the walled garden, or on the terrace on warm days. Bedrooms are elegant and luxurious bathrooms have freestanding roll-top baths. Head out to the bustling market town and return for a scrumptious dinner.
Doubles from £75 B&B, dinner by arrangement, 01729 825673, no3atsettle.co.uk
All properties can be booked at sawdays.co.uk. Sawday’s new British Bed & Breakfast guide is published on 1 September (£11.99)
Comments (…)
Sign in or create your Guardian account to join the discussion