Brackenborough Hall Coach House Holidays, Lincolnshire
Child Friendly Holiday Cottages, Louth, Lincolnshire
We were lucky to be staying in the Granary Apartment a beautiful converted coaching house which is just one of the three apartments available that can accommodate families of 1 to 12 people hired separately or together for groups of up to 24. The Granary sleeps eight but there are also two double sofa beds (so an extra 4 people could be accommodated, with curtains to provide privacy) plus ample room for cots etc. The actual living area is enormous! There are two huge tables at either end of the room - with seating and crockery etc for 24 guests. I already imagined a Christmas feast with my extended family tucking into the turkey! Or a New Years Eve dinner party with friends!
There were just three of us staying which made the place even more spacious. Our two year old Sebastian spent the first hour doing ‘laps' around the apartment, screaming at the top of his voice with sheer excitement! Thankfully he soon found the welcome pack Paul and Flora; our lovely hosts had left him. Crayons, colouring books, etc along with a huge toy box. This was just for starters. We went on to discover a vast array of books (children's and adults - and a great selection too) as well as jigsaws, a fabulous dressing up box - not to mention the garden toys - ride on's, a sandpit, climbing frame etc. The bag of toys I had brought with me didn't get a look in.
The actual apartment was lovely, warm and comfortable - well deserving of its 5 Star rating. And it had everything - and I mean everything! Little ones really are well looked after. Flora had provided changing mats, nappy bags, children's cups, plates, cutlery etc. Even a fabulous contraction called a dream pod - a device to stop toddlers falling out of bed - very useful.
Paul (and his lovely dog Jesse) are very good hosts and on hand to show you around the pretty grounds. The actual history of Brackenborough Hall is very interesting. It sits on a deserted medieval village, and Paul gave us a tour of the fields etc where a village once stood many years ago. To be honest Sebastian was more interested in feeding the cows, or jumping in muddy puddles - but Paul didn't mind. We had a grand tour of the farm, before we returned back to the apartment to tuck into Flora's complimentary Lincolnshire Plum loaf - yum!!
After an afternoon of mucking about on the farm - and enjoying the surrounding countryside, we finally tucked up an exhausted but excited two year old into bed, and snuggled down on one of the most comfiest sofas I have sat on - for a night of wine, food and DVDs. Perfect!
The next day - after a breakfast of eggs courtesy of the farm - we headed out to Donna Nook - a thriving seal colony just 10 miles away from Brackenborough. For much of the year the seals are at sea or hauled out on distant sandbanks, but during the winter they come to breed near the dunes on the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Donna Nook. They are present on the beach in November and December. This was a real treat - you can get so close to these beautiful creatures. It was a joy to see.
On the way back we stopped off in Louth - famously described as Rick Steins ‘favourite market town in Britain'. It is a charming little town - a foodie's paradise with a fabulous market showcasing all local produce. As well as little streets packed with antique shops, boutiques etc.
We sadly only had one night at Brackenborough - but it wasn't enough. And we are already planning our next visit. We will return with friends and family, as this really is the perfect getaway for groups. Hire out the adjacent converted stable blocks and a group of 24 can easily holiday here. I already have my eye on the Granary for my 40th birthday, as it is a superb place to hold a party. Plus Paul tells me that he can arrange firework displays in the gorgeous gardens in front of the house, which must be magical.
For those of you who have twins - Brackenborough would be an ideal choice. As parents of twins Paul and Flora actively seek families with twins to come and stay - and aim to provide all you need. There is certainly the room!
In short - if you are looking to stay in high quality spacious accommodation, with everything thought of for busy parents and little ones you can't go wrong with Brackenborough.
To make it even more special a few days letter - a white envelope addressed to Sebastian dropped through the letterbox. Inside was a laminated picture of one of Sebastian's drawings he had done at the farm. He was overjoyed with it - and to me this little detail sums up just why this place is so just exceptional... We absolutely loved it - go on - give it a try!
Reviewed by Nicola Shepheard for Away with the Kids