Five-star luxury at the Dovecote Barns in Kelfield
CHARMING: The kitchen of the Dovecote Barns.
THERE’S luxury … and then there’s real luxury!
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside within spitting distance of the glorious city of York is the quite overwhelming serenity and style of the Dovecote Barns eco self-catering accommodation.
It’s literally green for go at this environmentally-friendly haven of a holiday destination.
Sumptuously furnished surroundings of converted 18th century barns adjacent to the working Manor Farm in Kelfield create the sort of sophisticated home living dreams are made of.
Husband-and-wife team Richard and Brigita Bramley have created a countryside paradise, offering the perfect setting for an idyllic getaway from the stresses and strains of everyday life.
There’s a choice of three equally classy buildings.
The Irishman sleeps two people, and is also rated M3A for mobility access. It’s the perfect cosy couples retreat, whether it’s snuggling up in front of the wood-burning stove or rustling up a romantic supper in the contemporary kitchen.
The Dovecote, where we stayed, sleeps four, and features its own dove nesting holes (hence the name!) and two en-suite bedrooms set over three floors of imaginatively designed living space.
And the big daddy of them all is The Hay Barn. Sleeping six, it boasts an impressive galleried staircase and an open plan oak-framed living area on the first floor – a grand setting that can accommodate up to 12 guests eating together at the large oak dining table.
All three properties have been lovingly restored and decorated throughout, with all the latest luxury mod-cons but in a quaint, almost nostalgic style. Country kitchens with granite worktops, log stoves, under-floor heating and the highest standard of fixtures and fittings are enough to take your breath away the moment you step foot inside. The Dovecote Barns really does offer that wow facter, oozing character and charm by the bucket-load.
Then there’s the facilities, which are first rate. From the king-size beds to the stripped-back wooden floorboards and relaxing showers, the comfy sofas and SMEG fridge/freezer to the sun-soaked patio table and chairs. Nothing had been left to chance, and your every whim is catered for.
And what made this holiday experience that extra bit special was the attention to detail, so often lacking in self-catering accommodation.
There was a wonderful welcome basket of locally produced goodies, including a scrumptious freshly baked loaf of bread, jam, marmalade, eggs, a bottle of wine and even some milk in the fridge for a welcome cuppa after a long drive to your destination. It was a lovely touch and much appreciated by the weary travellers.
And then there was the greeting itself from the owners, warm and genuine. You’re made to feel like one of the family rather than simply a fee-paying guest.
You can’t buy that level of care – well, actually you can, and with rates starting from under £600, with short break options also available upon request, this is one luxury that’s very much affordable.
Little wonder, then, that the Dovecote Barns team has been highly decorated with sack-full of awards and five-star ratings from the ilk of Enjoy England, Visit Britain, Green Tourism, York Tourism and many more to boot.
A quick flick through the visitors’ book confirmed our initial impressions. Glowing references poured out from every page, and it was less than surprising previous guests were already planning their return visits.
We found The Dovecote to be the perfect base for exploring this stunning section of Yorkshire, with easy access to York and its environs, and stretching all the way across to the picturesque coastline from Robin Hood’s Bay and down. And knowing you would return home after a long, satisfying day of sightseeing and shopping to the peace and tranquillity of the ultimate in pampering comfort brought a smile to our faces every night. No regrets at the end of the day for us, just sheer joy at snuggling up together in our ideal home from home.
Finding such high levels of self-catering accommodation is like uncovering a precious gem. You almost want to keep it a secret so no-one else can share in it, but when a holiday is this good, it’s almost impossible not to shout about it from the rafters! It’s a treasured experience that will linger long and lovingly in our memories.
* E-mail enquiries@dovecotebarnsyork.co.uk, log-on to www.dovecotebarnsyork.co.uk or call 01757 249332 for further information.
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Weather for Selby
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
