Press & Your Comments: what you and others say about our Five Star self-catering cottages
Tom's Barn in BBC Countryfile Magazine December issue:
We knew a Countryfile reader had recommended us, because the picture editor of the magazine rang to ask for a photo. What had been said and by whom we knew not not a jot so it was all very mysterious. However, the magazine is out and all is now revealed.
In the readers' tips section on page 63 Sam recommends "Tom's Barn, two gorgeous self-catering barns on the edge of a beautiful Peak District village with walks from the door." She mentions that she andf Gary came here for their honeymoon, but what she doesn't say is that they have been back another four times since then! And we do love to see them. They don't bring a dog but have been known to bring their cat.
Latest guests' comments:
"...thank you for providing us with such a wonderful holiday cottage to stay in. The cottage itself, the location and above all the care and consideration that both of you show to your visitors is exemplary and worthy of the highest praise. You certainly know how to make sure that holiday visitors have the very best and most relaxing of times.
Jenny and I had a truly lovely relaxing holiday. In over twenty years of cottage/walking holidays we certainly felt that we had hit the jackpot and have never before found the perfect combination of property/facilities and location and the extra touches and friendly, courteous manner displayed by yourselves were the icing on the cake..excuse the pun..:)))..we didn't feel as though we were on holiday staying in a strange place, we just felt as though we were at home amongst friends and family. Rest assured, we WILL be back.
Many many thanks and our very best wishes to you both."
Jenny & Julian who stayed in Douglas's Barn mid-July
"Thank you both (and Boots!) for such a memorable and enjoyable stay. I think I said that Derbyshire has always been a place we passed through before, on the way to somewhere else, but we quickly discovered how much we'd been missing out on. Of course, I don't think we could have had a better week weather-wise, but even so the scenery and places we visited were beautiful. We'd definitely like to come back in the future and see the other places we didn't have time for.
Douglas's Barn was a lovely and very comfortable home for our week. We've self-catered for many years now and this was far and away the best equipped and most spacious kitchen I've ever had the pleasure of cooking in. It makes such a difference, as did everything else you've thought of throughout. And we loved Parwich itself: everyone was very friendly, though we do think we might have got a reputation as those strangers who kept trying out every walk going!
I've sent a few photos we took, in case any would be of interest to you on the website or future guests. We woke up to that view each morning and rather wish we could have brought it back with us."
29 June 2009 Keith and Karen who were here for a week at the end of June
"Having read both “ Tom’s Barn” and the Parwich village website for the past year we knew exactly what to expect from our stay. The complementary comments by previous guests confirm that your visit is going to be one of immense pleasure. However none of the printed words explain the recipe for Marion and John’s success, but when having spent time in their company we can confirm what everyone suspected - hard work. It’s changeover day –Friday – two more strangers on the premises. The word stranger is clearly not in Marion’s vocabulary as she skilfully welcomes you as if you are old friends. The property is immaculate. The gardens look inviting. Let time stand still and relax.
What fun nosing in cupboards – hello- “etc” includes porridge. We need not unpack ours. Power switch on behind the bed- turn it off - save energy. The beautifully equipped kitchen is ideal to allow the creation of numerous succulent offerings all of which will be taken amongst the pots of flowers on the south facing stone patio. Boots- the cat – will be in attendance throughout each meal clearly giving the impression that nobody feeds her. “How on earth does the shower work?” “ Have a look in the Emergency drawer for the instruction book.” “It seems broken to me. Fuse probably gone” “Do you think it has anything to do with the switch behind the bed !!!!! “
Saturday afternoon and the sound of leather on willow emanates from the recreation ground; Sunday morning and we join the congregation for the eleven am service. Down the hill we go again for a second game of cricket. Friday was marvellous- the weekend even better – the weather is what we have come to expect in the Peak District – hot and very dry – the wildlife happily share their sounds .
Slowly the days pass until Thursday – a day designated as inspection day. “ Shall we sleep on the floor so the sheets do not look crumpled in the morning? ” “ Let’s do without toast so the air remains fresh.” Not necessary – having spent a few days in the company of our hosts one simply knows that failure is not a possibility. As the Inspector felt that accepting one of Marion’s home made cakes could be considered to be bribery we were twice blessed and happily devoured them all out of sight of Boots. Whilst awaiting their evening guest ( the Reverend Chris Harrison) John and Marion sought our advice on the quality of a bottle of Burgundian wine. The next morning our retreat was over and we left Douglas Barn and the owners, John and Marion, in the certain knowledge that the next set of guests – and all those who follow- will heartily enjoy the experience of their visit."
10 June 2009 Jenny and Derek who were here at the time of our recent QiT Inspection)
Visit Britain Quality in Tourism Assessment
Five Stars again (for 2009-2010)!
We have just had our annual QiT inspection. Both barns had guests in them which can't make it easy for the inspector but we are assured they are thoroughly experienced and trained in being able to tell what is old and what is recently lived in as far as cleanliness is concerned.
Anyway, all is well, and I must say our guests did us proud. The last thing we want to do is put them under pressure. You come here to relax, not fret about inspections, but there wasn't much evidence of any new 'dirt' at all (and, no, no old dirt either). There is no way up - one can only come down - from our 2008 100% score for cleanliness and I'm delighted to report another 100% for cleanliness all round!
We were really hoping, having done so much to Tom's Barn recently, to get as high a score as is possible. Now that Douglas' Barn has been awarded the new Gold Award on the basis of its last year overall score of 91%, we would love Tom's Barn to move up that extra point this year, which is all it needs!
However, we may be disappointed. Our very nice and we felt thoroughly fair inspector explained that because of the strict way they have to score the fact that the cooker in Tom's Barn is let down by the now higher standard of the fridge-freezer and washer means the kitchen can't be credited with any more points, even though we have done such a lot already and a new cooker is top of our agenda for next year's spending spree.
Visit Britain Quality in Tourism Five Stars really does mean something, as does belonging to Premier Cottages, see below.
The annual inspection is rigorous and includes the setting and internal and external appearance of the property, management efficiency, furniture and fittings and overall impression. Each ‘critical area’ of the property has to meet an equivalent high standard of at least 87%.
- Public areas
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Cleanliness
Our average for Tom’s Barn was 90%, and 91% for Douglas’s Barn.
Green Tourism Business Scheme:
We were daily awaiting our 'green' inspection, too but very fortuitously it has been put back to September, which gives us a welcome breathing space.
As well as the practical inspection we have to produce a very great deal of figures and supporting data. It is quite demanding, but certainly is helping us be very aware of all the green issues and what else we ought to be doing to support the environment and avoid unnecessary waste.
In fact, we have been on a 'green' spending spree, of which more later...
Visitrac Independent Survey
We registered last summer with a firm called Visitrac, which is based in Edinburgh. Vistrac conducts independent online surveys for holiday cottage owners, amongst others. The form has been designed by Visitrac so there are some questions we might not have included or might have reworded but the good thing is it the responses are completely anonymous and unattributable so there is no need for anyone to to feel inhibited.
We really want to ensure that you like what we are doing, and if not, why and what we could do to improve things? With it being anonymous we feel that our lovely invariably polite and grateful guests will really feel free to mention things that they might not like to say, face to face.
We had originally thought, mistakenly, that anyone could access the results. We realise now that it is up to us to copy and paste them which we intend to do for current and potential guests’ information. However, there seems to have been so much else happening that although from time to time we have had a look online at the responses we haven't got round to doing very much useful with them.
Happily, so far the scores and comments - hopefully to be revealed in full shortly, perhaps after our 'Green' inspection is over - have been great, really pleasing. There are one or two puzzles but more of that later!
Comments from the Press
- Observer Sunday 13 January 2008 by Annabelle Thorpe
‘20 romantic cottages for two’
Douglas’s Barn
‘Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference to a trip away, and the fresh flowers, home-made cakes, spa bath and bookshelves stacked with games, novels and maps make Douglas's Barn a really special place to stay. One of two five-star conversions of former cattle barns on a farm near the village of Parwich in the beautiful Peak District, it has a pristine Shaker-style kitchen, and a luxurious lounge with contemporary fittings - there is even a remote-control fire. There are dozens of footpaths around the farm - choose from a brief stroll into the village or some serious all-day hiking.’- Sunday Telegraph Sunday 30 March 2008 by Kate Smallwood
'The UK's Ten Best Cottages for Lovers'
Tom's Barn, Parwich, Peak District
Staying in a former cowshed might not sound romantic, but Tom's Barn has been impressively transformed into a five-star retreat. Half-an-hour's drive from Dovedale and the charming village of Tissington, this is a warm, cosy farmhouse with beams and a log burner. The galleried bedroom is lovely, and there's a two-seater whirlpool bath for smoochy evenings.
Perfect for Culture vultures. You're close to Chatsworth, Buxton Opera House and numerous other delights.
Essential items
Walking boots to explore, and plastic Champagne glasses for the bath.
Please note, we do now supply our own plastic champagne glasses for you, in both barns!
Snippets from our Visitors’ Books
Douglas’s Barn: Recent Comments from the Visitors’ Book
“ What a pleasure to come to a ‘cottage’ which actually lives up to its 5 Star billing! Excellent.“ Aug 2009
“Another great week in our favourite hideout!” Aug 09
"We have had a lovely week in this exceptional cottage – a real home from home – but with a peacefulness and tranquillity beyond words.” Aug 09
"Relaxing week full of discoveries of the district. I have no doubt we will be coming back. The accommodation was just perfect.” July 2009
“Lovely and enjoyable week: we couldn’t have asked for nicer weather or accommodation. We’d always passed through Derbyshire before, but having time to spend here has ensured we’ll have to come back.” June 2009
“We have had a lovely relaxing week in your beautiful cottage. We really appreciated all the extra touches which made it a real home from home; enjoyed lovely walks from the doorstep, eating out at the George in Alstonefield and Ye Old gate at Brassington.” June 2009
"Excellent cottage in all respects. In this day and age (Parwich is) an outstanding village for its friendly approach to visitors." April 2009
"Fantastic place and location, first (but not last) visit to the Peak District". March 2009
"Wonderful accommodation in a stunning location... We had a fantastic stay." Feb. 2009
"Another fabulous stay in Douglas's Barn. So warm and cosy: great to come back to after walks in the snow. Many thanks to Marion and John. We'll be back again!" Feb 2009
"What a wonderful place to spend Valentine's Day! It certainly is one of the most romantic breaks. Thanks to Marion and John for the wonderful welcome and home-made cakes." Feb 2009
"Douglas’s Barn is the best self-catering we have ever stayed in! Beautiful cottage, excellently equipped and furnished. Thanks for the warm welcome and the extra touches."
"We’ve had an amazing time. The cottage (Douglas’s Barn) is true luxury – beautiful décor and quality of furnishings, and the kitchen is fantastically equipped. We realised we’d heard no traffic noise or sirens – so calming compared to London."
"From fresh herbs and a bedside posy of wild flowers to the remote control fire – everything you could possibly need: Douglas’s Barn was perfection."
"This is a truly idyllic location and we loved everything about Douglas’s Barn. The attention to detail really means it’s a home from home…"
"Award yourself another star!"
"Lovely cottage, welcome and weather."
"Our annual visits to Orchard Farm seem to be coming more frequent. This time we didn’t even get into the car once."
"Congratulations on a superb cowshed to cottage conversion!"
"The birdsong is glorious."
"Excellent cottage in a lovely area." Oct 2008
“A lovely relaxing break in a wonderful cottage.’ Oct 08
“Stunning setting, stunning cottage – perfect in every way.” Nov 2008
Tom’s Barn: Recent Comments from the Visitors’ Book
“ We've had the most perfect week, eating, walking, relaxing... We really appreciated all the thought which has obviously gone into making it a real home form home." April 2009
"Had a wonderful week here in Tom's Barn - such a perfect piece of heaven!" April 2009
"What a wonderful stay - Derbyshire is ridiculously beautiful! This is what English living is all about - friendly people, lovely countryside and great pubs. The cottage, like its hosts, is warm and inviting. The lovely extras do not go unnoticed..." April 2009
" Fabulous week so good to get so far away from the world just a short drive up. Already booked our third visit for November this year. Stock up the wood pile, Hooch (the dog) didn't want to leave!" April 2009
"How we have enjoyed our week in Tom's Barn! So cosy - wonderful accommodation - simply everything one needs..." March 2009
" For two weary people and one enthusiastic dog this weekend has been a real tonic: idyllic location and Tom's Barn is just perfect." March 2009
" A fantastic find! I want to take the log burner back with me!" Feb. 2009
" Words can't express the joy of visiting Tom's Barn: John and Marion's kindness, as well as stepping back in time with Parwich village life. A truly memorable experience - we will definitely return and tell all our friends." Feb. 2009
" A great week, made all the nicer for the snow and log burner!" Feb. 2009
" This is our first cottage holiday and i really don't think we cold have picked a better place..." Jan. 2009
We have no regrets in choosing the Dales over Sicily! This is a lovely cottage in a beautiful spot.”
“Absolutely perfect…We wanted a relaxing weekend away from our hectic lives and that is exactly what we found here.” Nov 08
“Lovely week…fantastic walking, perfect location and loved the wood fire and the lemon cake!” Nov 08
“So good we won’t tell anyone else about it!” Nov 2008
“Very comfortable, everything we could wish for. Five Star in every respect.” Sept 08
“We had a wonderful stay. Tom’s Barn exceeded our expectations.” Aug 08
“ Excellent. Great service from booking through to arrival. Everything supplied and more (including ginger cakes!...) Everything first class – what a rare treat these days!” May 08
“The area is better than advertised, great views etc, while the ‘barn’ (!!) has to be lived in to be fully appreciated….everything one could wish for.” April 08
“Have enjoyed a wonderful holiday. Over the years have stayed in many lovely cottages, this is the best.” April/May
