Romantic cottages for two in the Peak District
Romantic cottages for two in the Peak District
Now here as promised are the latest comments from our guests, gleaned this summer from the Visitors’ Book in Douglas’s Barn.
In many ways, Douglas’s Barn is the ‘dark horse’, dwelling with quiet dignity beside the older, better-known dog-friendly holiday cottage, Tom’s Barn. It has been going just four years. Its name is not reflected in our website and as you know Douglas’s Barn does not take dogs. However, it has a loyal band of followers and has an even higher occupancy rate (99% last financial year) than its older sibling! Tom’s was 95% (still excellent!)
“Our 4th visit and just as wonderful as the previous three. Our usual good weather was the icing on the cake! Thanks so much to John, Marion, Janet and Boots and see you all in 2011.” July 2010
“What a perfect way to spend out first week of marriage! This place is a gem and we definitely want to come back! The weather, place, amenities and people have all been wonderful. Thank you John and Marion!” July 2010
“It’s great to return after six years (NB they stayed last time in Tom’s Barn!) and find everything as wonderful as we remembered. We’ve had an action week of walking and cycling and have enjoyed returning to the peace and tranquillity of Orchard Farm and the comforts of Douglas’s Barn.
Thank you John and Marion for your warm hospitality and all the ‘little extras’, especially the seriously good Bakewell Tart.” June 2010
“We have had the most wonderful stay here – beautiful surroundings, fabulous cottage and warm hospitality…” June 2010
“A wonderful stay again. I can’t contribute to the suggestions book as everything is just perfect. Many many thanks to you all.” June 2010
“Excellent accommodation, extremely well-equipped, superb location!” May 2010
“The perfect place to relax and unwind. Cakes were delicious. Thanks for all you do to make this cottage so special.” May 2010
“Wonderfully relaxing holiday in the best-equipped cottage we’ve had the pleasure of staying in. Bath is a real help in easing the aches from the delightful walks which abound.” May 2010
‘What a treat to stay here!’
Here is a selection of the latest comments made by our guests in the Tom’s Barn Guest Book. Douglas’s Barn will follow tomorrow.
All the comments are taken exactly as written, and can be seen in the relevant Visitors’ Books if anyone wonders if we spend our spare time thinking up lovely comments!
“What can you say that has not been said before – sets the standard for others to follow.” July 2010
“Fabulous cottage, perfect surroundings and wonderful weather. Thank you for the extras and Boots.” July 2010
“What a treat to stay here, we’ve loved it. Great walks – the George at Alstonefield was our favourite pub, and okay with dogs. Thank you John and Marion and Janet for everything. PS Do go to the Gate pub at Brassington- it’s wonderful, great locals and great pub grub and good beer.” July 2010
“Had a wonderful hot week, loved the Bakewell Tart and the marmalade. Great place to stay, and thanks for everything.” June 2010
“Another wonderful, relaxing week in Tom’s Barn. Everything is fabulous – especially the warm welcome and the delicious cake…see you next year.” June 2010
“As usual a very pleasant stay, weather not quite as good as we would have liked, but still a lovely part of the country to visit. Hope to be back again next year.”June 2010
“ We had a wonderful honeymoon at Tom’s Barn – the cottage is beautifully decorated, well equipped and in a gorgeous location. Best bits: treats on arrival, especially the marmalade, the artwork and impressive beams, the bath, all the books and info, and finally John and Marion for their warmth and friendliness. Thank you!” June 2010
“Tom’s Barn – what a fantastic find! Had everything we could possibly have wanted, rounded off our honeymoon perfectly. I am sure we will return in the future! June 2010
“We spent a lot of money at H. Smith in Ashbourne – a great selection, especially of wines, and they stock our favourite ones. We recommend Vina Esmeralda 2007 – such a fruity wine for a summer day; we enjoyed sitting outside the front door with a glass!” May 2010
“It’s the finishing touches that make the cottage so special, the cake (that lasted all of ten minutes I add!) the fresh flowers that smell so lovely and freshly laid eggs!” May 2010
“Tom’s Barn the best place we have ever stayed. We have had a wonderful week, always sad to be leaving.“ May 2010
“It’s all been said before, but it’s all true! Our first visit to the Peak District and we loved it…” May 2010
“Absolutely shattered!” “I feel so stressed!” Work has been a nightmare!”
See how Richard and Joanna enjoyed relaxing with their two Cairns last week:
“How hard it was to leave Orchard Farm, Toms Barn was everything we had hoped for and much more.
What a fantastic location, buttercup meadows, wildflowers and peace. Great walks of course and great pubs especially the Old Gate at Brassington, The George at Alstonefield, both happy to accept dogs… “.
“And now we are simply going to chill out, relax and do nothing.” When our guests arrive here they often confide how exhausted they feel, how stressed and overworked, how in need of a complete break from all outside pressures.
Their dream is to completely switch off , with time miraculously theirs to do with what they will. And this is surprisingly easy to achieve. Both our barns have a delightful aura of calm where it is all too easy to forget that any other world exists.
After a few days doing nothing much in the peace and quiet surrounding them it doesn’t take long usually before they start feeling a bit more energetic and keen to explore the area, take a few walks, sample a few local pubs.This is all part of relaxing.
We are always glad to hear from our guests about where they’ve been and what they have enjoyed – or not, as the case may be. It helps us when we are recommending to new guests before they arrive, and also, we know that many others log onto the blog to see what’s new and what people have enjoyed doing.
Even having lived in the area some time now, we are still constantly amazed how much there is to do locally and end up wishing we were permanently on holiday ourselves so we could spend more time following up some of the recommendations guests make; perhaps we’re not so keen on the gliding lessons someone recommended earlier but hiring a boat and having a picnic on Carsington sounds just the ticket!
Katie and Dan, who spent their honeymoon here in Tom’s Barn last week have just sent us these lovely photos taken while they were here, with full permission to put them up on the blog for all to see.
One evening while they were here this enormous hot air balloon hovered somewhat menacingly over Orchard Farm for several minutes: it really did feel that it might suddenly plummet down at our feet, but by the time of the photo is had found a sudden burst of wind and was on its way over the hill.
Katie writes: “We are definitely feeling more rested and relaxed after our break, and it really was the perfect honeymoon, so thank you! We encountered the horses on our walk on the way to Brassington – they were very friendly and curious!”
So, thank you very much, Katie and Dan. (And we loved meeting you.)
The weather has turned lovely again, which is wonderful. It makes it particularly sad that I should have actually chosen to be indoors at the moment, out of the sun and sitting at the computer rather than tackling the weeds or any other outdoor chore that would have justified my staying outside. And actually, the need to weed is far more urgent than the stats I’ve produced but I have been quite happily occupied for an hour or two looking at various facts and figures, including amongst others our barns occupancy stats.
Occupancy for our barns has always been well over 90%. Last financial year (2009-2010) Tom’s Barn’s was 95%, having adjusted for the 10 days withdrawn for decorating in February, with all year one weekend and one midweek unaccountably unbooked (can’t blame a cancellation or anything like that!). Douglas’s Barn occupancy was 99%, with – apart from the 5 days withdrawn for re-decorating – only one weekend, in December, not booked .
As far as visits go, Tom’s Barn had 59 during the year, Douglas’s Barn 60. Both had 35 one-week or longer bookings and 24/25 short breaks respectively. That’s a lot of changeovers! There’s a lot to be said for being such as small unit, how owners cope when they have a large complex doesn’t bear thinking of…
Finally, another figure which we find surprising: only 18% of our guests last year had been before (22% Tom’s Barn, 15% Douglas’s). I think that must be a blip: last year the overall figure was 24% and we do have such a lot of guests coming back and back; I am sure the figure will be higher again next year and certainly, looking at our wall planner/advance bookings chart can almost guarantee it.
We love having old friends return, and they seem to like the feeling of coming ‘home’ to somewhere familiar. That isn’t to say of course that we don’t also really love welcoming new faces here and it is gratifying that so many of you do keep finding us one way or the other, through the internet or through friends and family – so, do keep coming!
We have always welcomed (well-behaved) dogs in Tom’s Barn, and are more than happy to do so. From time to time we have also had other pets, such as cats and parrots but by and large it is mainly dogs. With one or two notable exceptions our dog guests are usually beautifully behaved but even so they undoubtedly create extra work and sometimes damage.
We do ask that owners keep them off the chairs and sofa, and certainly away from upstairs. For owners whose dogs are reluctant to abide by the rules we do provide dustsheets for the furniture, and until recently a nursery gate to prevent enthusiastic dogs from going upstairs, but as we know ourselves, this was a real pain to fit and use and the odd dog sneaked his way up and one can hardly blame them. (Although some of you may remember one unforgetable experience here that we’d like to forget but can’t quite, yet, and we do blame that dog.)
However, our latest Visit Britain Inspector last month commented very critically about evidence of scratch marks from doggy claws on the wooden stairs and hinted heavily that this was a serious blot on our Five Star/Gold Award status… So David, our wonderful joiner friend, has come to the rescue; he has designed and built for us a lovely wooden gate (it still needs varnishing but there’s only so much we can do in five hours on a Friday) permanently fixed to the foot of the stairs. The next challenge is somehow to eradicate or disguise/hide those wretched scratch marks on the steps – more news on that score later.
So far so good on the dog-friendly score. But we have had pointed out to us by a recent guest – owner of a beautiful (and beautifully trained) Rhodesian Ridgeback I would happily have kidnapped – that on our website we claimed to have an enclosed garden. Well, I am afraid she is right, and we don’t. I was in fact very surprised to discover I had claimed that the Tom’s Barn garden was enclosed; my excuse is that I wasn’t thinking of it in terms of dogs particularly – what I meant was that it was self-contained.
Happily, the owner in question was tactful enough to say she was glad they had been misled, because they simply wouldn’t have booked had they known the true facts. They had had a lovely time and they – and their dog – were very charming guests, and they hope to come back (and we hope they do).
Meanwhile, we have thrashed around how we could make the area truly self-contained without going to the expense and disruption of building stone walls etc – any suggestions gratefully received. Meanwhile, please note, our garden is not enclosed.
And here are the comments from our recent guests in Douglas’s Barn…
“The accommodation is beautiful, the setting superb. We have really enjoyed our stay here.” April 2010
“Our stay here has been truly relaxing: lovely weather, lovely cottage, perfect hosts. What more could you ask for?” April 2010
“Losing track of how many times we have been here now – beginning to feel a little possessive! Having left a little black and white cat in Birmingham, Boots made us feel even more at home. We found her patiently waiting by the door after our lie-ins! Hope the next guests aren’t allergic…” April 2010
“Our first time in Douglas’s Barn (but sixth visit overall)…enjoyed lazy walks by the Dove, north from Milldale and south from Hartington. … Excellent weather and a very peaceful and comfortable break. Thank you for all the comforts in Douglas’s Barn.” April 2010
“Had a great week, cottage was superb, cake and marmalade delicious! The village pub and shop was very accommodating. The Bluebell Inn (Tissington) was very good, the Old Gate at Brassington – very good meal, friendly staff but a bit dark and smokey (coal fire).” April 2010
“A wonderful, relaxing anniversary break. Everything we could have wanted and more! Thank you, lovely to meet you both, and Boots.” March 2010
“More than met our expectations after reading up on TripAdvisor etc! Cake and flowers lovely, as is the cottage and Peak District. We will be back, and writing our own review on TripAdvisor. Thanks to you and Janet.” March 2010
“You really have thought of everything to make Douglas’s Barn perfect. No wonder couples who want time away, choose here. Those extra touches really do make a difference. Thank you both of you.” March 2010
“Second visit to Douglas’s Barn, which is as wonderful as ever! We managed a couple of cycle rides – coming back from the cold to luxury and comfort. We loved every minute. Thank you!” March 2010
“Wonderful home away from home. Glorious weather for exploring hills and dales. Lived up to all expectation and beyond – many thanks.” March 2010
At last I’ve found the time to enter the recent comments for Tom’s Barn. Douglas’s to follow…
“At the risk of becoming repetitive another superb week here in Tom’s Barn – John and Marion, wonderful owners, nothing too much bother for them. No complaints! New cooker a doddle, Marion!!” April 2010
“Yet another fabulous week at Tom’s Barn. Thank you Janet for the warm welcome but that is what you get every time you arrive at this lovely cottage. All the little touches were the same as last time, but when i thought it couldn’t get any better you threw in homemade marmalade (do you do internet orders?) Thank you again.”April 2010
“Tom’s Barn – what can I say – you thought of everything. We thoroughly enjoyed our ‘short’ stay – it was a wonderful relaxing place. The walks were very pleasant and there is still so much more to discover – we would love to come back again! Thank you.” April 2010
“A wonderful time was had by us all. Tom’s Barn was the perfect setting for our last holiday before the arrival of our twins! Rest and relaxation was the order of the day and this was helped by the comfort and the little extras that were provided by John and Marion in the barns. We were very sad to leave. Thank you.” April 2010
“A lovely relaxing week away from it all – everything we could need in the cottages and lots of lovely dog walks on the doorstep. Locals very friendly and happy to chat – any problems and John and Marion are available. Attention to detail excellent – I particularly appreciated the padding on the upstairs beam on several occasions!!” April 2010
J&MF-S ”It felt strange being our own guests, and even stranger writing in the Visitors’ Book…! It made a very pleasant change to be guests, and casting aside all pretensions to modesty, we loved our short stay here. We have always tried to make our barns the kind of place we’d enjoy ourselves, so perhaps it is not surprising, but quite a relief all the same. It was useful, too. We did identify one or two things that weren’t quite up to snuff but a quick word in the owners’ ear ensured these were quickly rectified. (Couldn’t find the frying pan, the phone too crackly to use with any comfort, tatty chopping boards…). Can’t wait for the chance to try Douglas’s Barn (again) now.” March 2010
“Superb stay. Tom’s Barn is so cosy and it’s the best equipped cottage we’ve ever stayed in. The George (Alstonefield) well worth a visit, as is Ye Olde Gate Inn (Brassington) as both allow dogs in the pub. The George’s food was the best. John and Marion are great, very helpful as needed but equally, left us to enjoy the cottage. We would love to return -… a fantastic introduction to the Peak District. Thank you!” March 2010
“We had a great time. The barn is fantastic and the attention to detail is excellent. Really relaxing break. The ‘steak and stilton pie’ from the butcher’s in Tissington was fantastic, as were the walks. We look forward to returning!” March 2010
“Tom’s Barn is a haven of peace and tranquillity, where stress just slips away. Beautifully appointed and equipped to ensure a most enjoyable stay. It is those extra touches such as the welcome tea tray, flowers, information packs that set this accommodation apart, not to mention the friendly welcome from John and Marion. We would love to come back and would have no hesitation in recommending this as the perfect getaway. Thank you so much.” March 2010
(By way of explanation, Derek and Jenny stayed here last year and are returning again soon. While they were staying here they met our then vicar, Christopher Harrison, and one lazy warm evening last year the five of us shared a glass or two of wine sitting outside Tom’s Barn.
You can get an idea of the various topics of conversation. Answers to questions – where we have an answer – will follow in a later post, but to begin with Derek is commenting on the Tom’s Barn Blog.)
In many respects you have created a facility which, originally designed to allow guests to record their experiences, now allows future guests to keep their interest at a high level as they wait for their stay to arrive.
The combination of your site and the village site provides a wealth of information.
How is the new vicar settling in? What snags have arisen in the building of the new hall ? Will the road ever be repaired? What is happening in the village school?
How is the garden ( pictured in the glossy magazine in 2009 ) looking this spring ?
How are Marion’s piano lessons proceeding? What birds has John seen recently?
As a farmer’s son who grew up in a Sussex village with similar traditions to Parwich it warms one’s heart to see how what was once an agricultural society developing and blending into a 21st century –totally in touch – community.
That you have gone green is so lovely. I well recall how in our village the lavender man – he who collected elsan buckets – drove his vehicle on to our fields and spread his load accordingly. My father was very much against modern phosphates in the 1940/1950s and was very much against the arrival of a sewage system being introduced into village life.
Can I impress you as I have recently taken delivery of a green Sony mobile telephone? How such an intrusion can be considered green I do not know !
I am not a blogger by instinct but we just wanted to tell you that the cheque is in the post.
Well, we have been away for a week, visiting friends and family in Kent and East Sussex, hence the silence on the blog, but of course behind the scenes it has been business as usual.
We’ve returned to warm sunshine, evening sundowners outside the barns and talk of barbecues planned for tonight; all the tubs are gasping and suddenly it feels like the summer we have dreamed about for so long is nearly here. Having said that it is almost inevitable that the snow will return, as has been known in April before now. Let’s hope not.
While we were away we spent three nights with my sister and husband who are over from South Africa, staying in a holiday cottage they had rented. Personally, this was most enjoyable and fun as we don’t get to see each other that much; professionally, it was quite intriguing as one couldn’t help comparing.
Although it was clean, warm, comfortable and adequately equipped it felt functional and impersonal, lacking any sense of excitement or ‘magic’. It provided a convenient base for us all, rather than a soothing retreat! Describing it thus is easy; much harder is to define why…
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