Broom Barn review: Rustic luxury tucked away in the North Yorkshire countryside

Broom Barn review

Nestled among the rolling hills and sprawling fields of North Yorkshire, just a stone's throw from the quaint village of Gilling West sits Broom Barn. Tucked away from the country lane and accessed via a private drive through the grasslands, it's easy to miss from the road. But as you draw closer, the stone-built barn soon comes into view, a rustic sanctuary sat within endless panoramic views.

There's plenty of space for parking, and even more space to run, skip or frolic, in the vast grassy expanse that surrounds the property. There is also a bubbling hot tub set on its own stone patio begging you to take a dip (but more on that later).

Excitement rises as you sneak a peak through the glass-paned front door and catch a glimpse of the stunning kitchen and dining room, set beneath beautiful exposed beams.

The barn itself, while renovated to include modern fixtures and sleek contemporary finishes, holds on to its timeless farmhouse-style features to root you firmly in the countryside.

In the winter months, the inglenook fireplace and log burner beckon, as you gaze out at the final hues of daylight. Come summer, the surrounding grounds offer the perfect spot to lay out a picnic blanket or dine al fresco on the front deck. If you're travelling with the kids in tow, the gardens are likely to be a great way to tire out little legs before bedtime.

As Broom Barn is a self-catered stay, it's a good idea to come prepared or have a car so you can pop into the nearest supermarket. We found the short 10-minute drive to Richmond the perfect option for stocking up on any forgotten bits and bobs, though there are also a couple of farm shops dotted in the local area.

The Accommodation

Rating: 4.5/5

Step through the front door into a spacious kitchen and dining room, where windows lining either side of the property fill the space with golden sunlight during the day. Natural elements, from oak countertops to a dining table made from repurposed wood, are complemented by earthy tones and blue hues throughout the property. The heart of the kitchen is marked by a vast island, perfect for preparing food with the family or perching on one of the stools for breakfast. There is plenty of storage, so you can really make yourself at home, including a spacious wine rack and a large fridge-freezer.

The kitchen comes with everything you need, from an electric hob, oven and microwave, to salt, pepper and coffee on the side. We were also pleasantly surprised to find dish soap and dishwasher tablets had been thoughtfully left for guests to use, something so many holiday rentals forget about.

There's a large, rustic dining table for everyone to gather around for dinner, looking out to the stunning countryside vistas. And once you've finished your meal, perhaps you'll want to head into the cosy living room for a movie night where two plush sofas promise plenty of room for the whole family. Meanwhile, small touches such as the rich perfume coming from an oversized reed diffuser, and two mirrors in the style of radius windows atop the sideboard, blend luxury with the traditional barn aesthetic.

Downstairs is where you'll find the bedrooms. Three double rooms, including a generously sized master suite which became our favourite of the stay thanks to beautiful views from the gothic window. If you wake up early enough, it's a great spot to throw open the shutters, perch yourself on the window sill and watch the colours of sunrise emerge above the trees.

The master suite has its own private ensuite, complete with shower and bathtub, while the two double bedrooms share a separate bathroom which also features a shower and bathtub. There is also a smaller WC upstairs.

As an extra special touch, the cottage also features its own dressing room, with wall-length storage and a mirrored dressing table, so you can look your best even if you prefer to spend the weekend in loungewear.

It's from the lower ground that you can also access the sweeping gardens and the all-important hot tub with ease. Large glass doors open out to the grassy expanse, just a few steps from the hot tub. There isn't a path between the hot tub and the house, which can be tricky to navigate on damp days, but the bubbling jacuzzi itself is located on a stone patio, surrounded by foliage.

We loved jumping in here at sunset and watching the sky turn cerise. The tub is a little harder to access as it gets darker, with minimal lighting in the area, though the hot tub itself does come with colour-changing LEDS beneath the water.

But, as the blanket of night crept in, we enjoyed nothing more than retreating back inside to the dining room, where the table makes the perfect spot to set up a classic board game or get competitive over a deck of cards.

Location

There is a bus from the lane which runs at the bottom of Broom Barn's drive that can take you into Richmond, however, you will need a car if you want to make the most of the day trips surrounding the area.

The property owners have left a handy information file in the cottage, which recommends some of the best days out from the barn, as well as some lovely walks nearby, including to the nearest pub which is located 1.5 miles away.

Value For Money

Rating: 4/5

Prices start from £1,276 for seven nights (as of March 2024), sleeping up to six people in three bedrooms. Book direct on the Holidaycottages.co.uk website.

Final Verdict

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