Rolling hills, thriving meadows, fruiting trees, lush gardens, happy animals — beautiful farms are made of these. But what if we coupled that with architecturally stunning farmhouses to boot? Well, venture into the United Kingdom’s countryside and you’ll find numerous estates bejewelled with jaw-dropping manors and farmhouses. The icing on the cake? You can even check into some of these properties!
Here are five of our favourite ones that you can stay at from Wales to Scotland, along with a little bonus in sunny Malaysia.
Glebe House, Devon, England
Farmhouse chic interiors, check. Scenery, check. Rolling hills, check. Happy farm animals, check. What more could you want in a farmhouse stay? Oh, how about a private chef and some amazing farm-to-table eats? You can check that off too. And the food literally can’t get any fresher.
A stay at Glebe House — situated in a 15-acre smallholding in East Devon — offers numerous experiences. From mackerel fishing and twilight dinners at the beach to pasta– or salami-making lessons, you’re sure to have a good time.
Address: Southleigh, Colyton EX24 6SD, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1404 871276
Crumplebury, Worcestershire, England
Marry, eat, sleep, explore — you really can do it all in Crumplebury. Initially the home of Green Cow — the property’s award-winning restaurant that serves produce form its own farm — Crumplebury now also offers accommodation for up to 26 people in the original farm building and a variety of surrounding cottages.
Naturally, Crumplebury’s scenic beauty and old charm make it a popular choice for couples to tie the knot. But heck, you can celebrate anything here by way of a woodland feast, where meals are served in a tree-shaded glade.
Address: Whitbourne, Worcester WR6 5SG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1886 821992
Old-Lands, Monmouthshire, Wales
Go green at Old-Lands — a 200-acre family estate in Monmouthshire run on sustainable principles such as organic cultivation where you can shop for produce from the walled garden that you can then cook yourself or have cooked for you by the in-house chef.
The stunner here is the grand gothic house — the main building that’s been in the family for over 200 years. For accommodation, there are three simple and cosy respites at Old-Lands, each with its own charm and furnished with Welsh blankets and antique furniture. Choose between a cottage, a barn, and an apartment.
Before you think it’s all quietude, there’s plenty to do on site and in the surrounding area such as wild swimming in the lake, forest school adventures for the children, and wildlife discoveries for everyone.
Address: Dingestow Court, Dingestow, Monmouth NP25 4DY, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1600 740141
Fforest Farm, Cardigan, Wales
A sprawling 200-acre estate on the stunning Cardigan coast in West Wales, this holiday retreat is spread over three sites. But we’re here for the stay. Settle in one of the cosy garden shacs, crog lofts, onsen domes, hill shac, kata cabins, or in the main farmhouse. Wherever your choice may be, you can count on having a great view.
Mosey on down to the heart and soul of the property, aptly named Heart of Fforest. The lodge is where everyone gathers for breakfast and serves as a space to make new friends, reflect, play, learn, or even watch a movie. For food, walk through the reserve or canoe downstream to make your way to an atmospheric eat spot they run beside the river known for delicious pizzas.
Address: Cwm Plysgog, Cardigan, Cilgerran SA43 2TB, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1239 623633
Monachyle Mhor, Perthshire, Scotland
A lochside hotel sitting at the foot of the Scottish mountains, you can expect to eat, sleep, and play to your heart’s content here. Spend the day frolicking around the estate on foot, bike, or even horseback and then culminate your evening at their fine dining farm-to-fork establishment or perhaps at one of their numerous yearly events — there’s always something going on.
Chef Tom Lewis started helping out on his family farm in the 1990s and works closely alongside Executive Head Chef Marysia Paszkowska in creating exceptional Scottish food. Today, the farm’s 2,000 acres continue to feed into Monachyle Mhor’s restaurant, as the in-house team pick their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs from the kitchen garden while also foraging at their favourite secret spots.
When it comes to sleep, the main farmhouse functions as an award-winning 12-room boutique hotel replete with all the bells and whistles. But if you’re yearning for a different kind of stay, consider settling into one of their converted show wagons or treehouses in the woods.
Address: Balquhidder, Lochearnhead FK19 8PQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1877 384622
BONUS
Kampung Bongsu Farmstay, Pahang, Malaysia
Want to immerse yourself in those farmhouse feels but can’t trek halfway across the globe? We got you. While there are a number of farm stays around Malaysia, this particular one stands out. While the 15-acre property is rustic, it’s beautiful in its simplicity.
During the day, chase ducks and chickens with the kids or feed the farm animals and walk along the water or go fishing. Come evening, take on their barbecue services which will be a great way for the family to bond over food and around a bonfire.
When it comes to winding down, there are two houses on the property that can be rented — either on the hill or by the lake. Whichever you choose, they’re large enough for an entire family and come with all the creature comforts you could want.
Address: LOT PT.5939, Kampung Bongsu, Lanchang, 28500 Karak, Pahang
Contact: +6017 891 2224
