Brook Meadow offers lakeside vacations on a doing the job farm. An idyllic selection of lavish lodges and exciting glamping selections supply peaceful rural escapes along the Leicestershire / Northamptonshire border. Near to the village of Sibbertoft and the city of Industry Harborough, the farm devotes 15 acres to getaway lodging.
Back again in 1645, the Roundheads’ New Model Army gathered in a field now acknowledged as Cromwell’s Corner right after the fight of Naseby all through the English Civil War. Now the volleys of musket-hearth and swords clashing are long overlooked in today’s tranquillity.
Award-profitable Brook Meadows welcomes visitors all 12 months-spherical. As perfectly as the lodges dotted all around a five-acre lake, Nuthatch is a compact heated cabin sleeping four.
Nearly a journey to the Masai Mara, Marabou captures the Out of Africa spirit of a classy tented safari with its 4-poster mattress and area to slumber 8. Sunbird, a safari bell tent and a minimal smaller sized, sleeps two grown ups and two little ones.
Not too long ago arrived is a gleaming Airstream Caravan. As the website says, the Steve McQueen of caravans, in which you can “live the stream.”
The welcome
Moving into the farm, reception and shop, are on the remaining, to gather keys.
The lodge
A placing environmentally friendly couch picks up the Woodpecker concept of the pine-timbered lodge with roomy decking overlooking the lake.
Claire Hart’s inside structure aptitude brings rural charm to the two-bedroom lodge with botanical and ornithological themed wallpapers and cosy rugs. Even the lights in the lounge are shaped like birds in flight.
That includes a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, oven and microwave, a properly-geared up kitchen flows all around a kitchen desk that seats 8.
Bedrooms, a single with a king dimensions mattress and the other with twin beds, have lots of storage. Equally have blinds and curtains to muffle the birds’ dawn chorus.
A stylish vibrant lavatory has a total-sizing bath and a stroll-in shower.
The facilities
The on-internet site store is easy for groceries, ice-product and a array of greeting playing cards built by Mary Hart, the resident textile artist. It is also the position to stock-up on marshmallows for toasting above fire pits that can be employed.
Brook Meadow is renowned for its loved ones friendly contemplating and little ones appreciate the natural playground. Furthermore there is an location exactly where canine users of the family can run around off guide.
Throughout Spring, Summer season and Autumn the Cowshed Cinema, with straw bale seating exhibits “moo-vies” on a Saturday evening. Virtually right up until the cows arrive home. After it receives far too cold in the fields the cows want their drop again. A gourmet food stuff truck delivers wooden-fired pizza for cinema-goers.
Hampers, from La Fete Fleurie, can be purchased in advance to enhance the luxury. English breakfast will come in a wicker basket like bacon, eggs, sausages and tomatoes. Alternatively, there is a bakery basket.
Or you choose for a continental breakfast hamper of granola, yogurt, compote, bread, croissants, cheeses, charcuterie, honey, butter, milk and coffee. Order a Cream Tea for the afternoons.
For a wholly indulgent evening prepare for a chef to arrive to your lodge or Marabou to cook for you. Pierre Gouramand or the spouse and spouse group of Omotenashi Personal Dining will help to structure your supreme evening meal.
The locale
Examine the place with the proposed place trails, which includes a wander by means of to Foxton Locks, for a pub and a tea shop at a junction of locks.
Other walks acquire in the Jurassic Way, the Hemploe Hills or a stroll to The Pink Lion pub in the close by village of Sibbertoft.
If you can not make a single of the Battlefield Excursions operate by the Naseby Battlefield Venture, their web-site sums up what they claim are “Arguably the two most important hours in English historical past … Breakfast Followed By War. Lunch Followed By Democracy.” Perfect preparing for a visit to the close by Naseby memorials.
This is historic struggle territory. Numerous historians argue that 1485’s Fight of Bosworth Discipline, the place Henry Vll’s Lancastrians defeated Richard lll’s Yorkists, was the beginning of modern situations. Make a decision for on your own on the battle’s importance at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.
Other wonderful touches
Youngsters can accumulate eggs from the hens with Mary, the farmer’s spouse. Or you can get free vary eggs from the shop. Regionally, Mary is acknowledged as the Hen Whisperer.
The farm has been owned by the Hart family given that 1913 and Jasper is very pleased to give guests a guided tour of the farm estate in his vintage four x four.
Anglers need to carry their fishing tackle as the lake is effectively-stocked with carp, perch and tench.
Access arrangements are superb. There is ramped or degree entry to the properties and reception, in addition large doorways for wheelchair access.
The value
A 4-evening midweek stay in a lakeside lodge at Brook Meadow, sleeping up to four, prices from £110 for each evening primarily based on two men and women sharing. Incorporate £15 for every night for each and every additional man or woman.
Or a four-evening self-catering midweek keep in Marabou, sleeping up to eight, charges from £145 for every night primarily based on two folks sharing. Incorporate £15 for each night time for just about every more human being.
A Celebration of Christmas Retreat of floristry and entertaining workshops, plus a take a look at to Chatsworth Residence, runs from 27th to thirtieth November 2023. Costing £150 for the course, lodging at the lodges commences from £110 per lodge per evening based on up to four sharing on a self-catering foundation.
The very best bit
There is loads to maintain people and adventurous souls occupied on and around the farm. For some adrenaline-fuelled Major Gear moments, Avalanche Adventure, adjoining Brook Meadow, offer quad bicycle or Land Rover safaris. Off-street racing buggies slip and slide together dirt tracks.
Driving amphibious cars more than land and drinking water seems rather uncomplicated when compared to the likely mayhem of the hand-eye coordination challenge of reverse-steered buggies.
Stepping back again to medieval expertise, channelling your inner Robin Hood, site visitors can try their hand at archery or axe-throwing. Clay-pigeon taking pictures and air rifles deliver extra modern ordeals.
The last verdict
The Hart relatives offer a heat welcome to lakeside breaks in the coronary heart of stunningly beautiful countryside. Brook Meadow qualified prospects the way in mixing peaceful rural escapes with motion-packed days.
Disclosure: Our continue to be was sponsored by Brook Meadow.
