The last couple of years have seen a resurgence in staycations, especially luxury holiday cottages, and nowhere does it better than the Devonshire Bolthole and Holiday Cottages Collection.
There is so much choice, from romantic cottages for two, to amazing properties large enough to take families or groups. You can choose to stay on the Chatsworth Estate, or on the Bolton Abbey Estate in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, as we did on a recent family trip to stay for a week at Stank House Farm. Welcome to the perfect staycation in a Devonshire Bolthole. The collection is located in some of England’s most beautiful surroundings.
Included in the collection are homes big and small, traditional and contemporary. From a historic hunting tower to renovated farmhouses, the hardest part will be choosing.
Let me tell you more.
Stank House Farm
Where do I start with Stank House Farm, there is so much to say. This traditional stone farmhouse was built in 1744, the main road to Barden and to the moor, particularly for Grouse shooting, used to go past Stank Farm. Since then, it has been exquisitely renovated to the highest standard, keeping a traditional ambience alongside plenty of modern amenities. This is the perfect bolthole to get away from everything and just enjoy everything the house and surroundings have to offer.
Two log burners takes pride of place, and there’s plenty of wood on-hand to keep them topped up.
The house sleeps six people in two large doubles and one large twin room, all with en suite bathrooms. This was the perfect size for us as we had a family break planned so needed all three bedrooms, the downstairs space was magnificent and we utilised every inch!
Ground Floor
There’s a large entrance hall with a stone-flagged floor and storage for outdoor clothing and footwear and I can’t tell you how useful this was, the rain poured for a couple of days during our stay so our walks were very muddy. The padded wooden bench came in useful for removing muddy boots too.
Although each of the three bedrooms are en suite, the large cloakroom located off the main entrance hall with toilet and basin was very useful and convenient.
The fabulously huge dining room is located off the kitchen and features a large farmhouse dining table that seats up to ten guests. Beamed wooden ceiling joists, a grand fireplace with one of those log burning stoves and an authentic farmhouse dresser. We loved this room for our family meals and spent hours eating, drinking and chatting around that beautiful table. No TV or distractions of any kind and we loved it!
The dining room is open plan with the kitchen, which is fitted to the highest quality including granite work surfaces, and features a double sink with waste disposal, fridge freezer, range cooker, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer, every possible utensil, pot, pan and variation of glass you could want is there within those kitchen cupboards. There is no need to take anything with you.
The living room is huge and has a large seating area with two very comfy sofas and two single chairs. The central focal point is the other impressive fireplace with log burning stove, we guarantee you will want a log burner in your own home after a visit here! There is also a large flat screen TV, farmhouse dresser, impressive artwork and access onto the outdoor terrace and gardens via double French doors.
The garden area is beautifully appointed with amazing views over the Bolton Abbey Estate and is the perfect setting for summer BBQ’s and al fresco dining – a great reason to come back!
One of the three bedrooms is on the ground floor and this is ideal for anyone who struggles with stairs. It’s a spacious bedroom with a very comfortable double wooden bed and storage space within the built-in wardrobe. The room has stunning panoramic views towards Bolton Abbey and beyond and the en suite bathroom has a shower over a roll top bath – which was perfect for a soak to ease those aching muscles after a long hike.
First Floor
The master bedroom is truly spectacular, with a gorgeous super king-size four-poster bed, and so comfy it was hard to leave. There is plenty of storage space and the en suite bathroom complements the bedroom perfectly with a spacious walk-in shower and another large roll top bath with even better views than the first.
Bedroom three also has a spectacular panoramic view and two single beds. There is more storage space and another spacious en suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower and separate bath.
Outside Space
The outside spaces around the cottage have been landscaped and built to enjoy the breath-taking location and stunning views. At the rear of the cottage there’s a large garden and stone-flagged terrace with a seating area.
The garden terrace also has a hot tub where you can enjoy a glass of something bubbly, with unspoilt views of Bolton Abbey and beyond. There is plenty of parking too, certainly enough for four large cars. We had three and there was more than enough space for at least one more.
Where We Ate
As we were staying at Stank House Farm all week, we booked a table one evening at The Brasserie, one of the restaurants at the Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa on the Bolton Abbey Estate. We had four family birthdays to celebrate and we did it in style at The Brasserie.
The setting is very relaxed and the menu is exceptional. We had the best evening and it meant of course that we all had a night off from cooking!
The hotel also has a second restaurant, The Burlington, a beautiful fine dining option with a superb Tasting Menu, something else we intend to go back for!
Dining Offer
When you stay at one of the Devonshire Boltholes, you also receive 10% Off Your Food Bill in either restaurant at The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa. Even more reason to treat yourselves to a lovely dining experience.
Other Devonshire Boltholes and Cottages
There are so many to choose from, each with unique features and at least one Devonshire Bolthole is perfect for you. Check them all out at https://devonshirehotels.co.uk/boltholes/
Winter Offers
There has never been a better time to stay at one of the boltholes. There is 15% off discount off all bolthole bookings. Just use the promotional code BLUE23 when making your booking. Be quick, this offer expires 1st March.
Isn’t it about time you escaped to the country?
