Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/Honies-outside.jpg" alt="Honies-Farm-Barns-newark" class="wp-image-8776" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/Honies-outside.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/Honies-outside-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/Honies-outside-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A get-away-from-it-all escape within easy reach of Nottingham (18 miles) and Newark (five miles),<a href="https://www.honiesfarmbarns.co.uk/"> Honies Farm Barns</a> is a rustic, rural collection of four self-catering barns. There are stunning wheatfield views in every direction, each barn has been converted to a stellar standard and the layout works brilliantly if you’re looking for somewhere for group gatherings of several families. I checked into one of the larger barns, <a href="https://www.honiesfarmbarns.co.uk/vintage-store.html">The Vintage Store</a>, to give it a test drive.</p>



<p>The historic town of Newark (a Muddy <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/nottinghamshire/newark-on-trent/">Best Place to Live</a>) is only five miles away, Nottingham and Lincoln are both a 20-minute hop away,&nbsp;making it an ideal base for touring and exploring the area.</p>



<p>With a fancy farm house conversion (complete with hot tub overlooking Belvoir Castle) in the offing for autumn 2024, this place needs to be on your radar for stylish staycations and weekend escapes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-kitchen-view.jpg" alt="view from the kitchen at the Vintage Store Honies Farm Barns near Newark" class="wp-image-9251" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-kitchen-view.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-kitchen-view-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-kitchen-view-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Classy, contemporary and oh-so-relaxed. Walk in and the first thing that hits you is WOW. What a view. Vast floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch across the entire width of the huge open-plan kitchen-diner let the light flood in (even on an overcast day it was bright and beautiful) and make the absolute most of the big wheatfield vistas. Remote and rural and just gorgeous.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-hare-853x1024.jpg" alt="hare sculpture in honies farm barns notts" class="wp-image-9263" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-hare-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-hare-250x300.jpg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-hare-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-hare.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /></figure>



<p>As is the interior design. It’s clear that everything here has been done to a really high standard. Carpets are plus, muted grey walls feel luxe, fixtures and fittings are pristine and the finish on everything is exquisite. Despite being a century-old barn, it feels shiny and new inside and even the beautiful old beams feel like they’ve had new life breathed into them.</p>



<p>I&#8217;ll be honest, it&#8217;s hard to tear yourself away from the big views in the luxe kitchen/diner, but if you can, there&#8217;s also a cosy lounge (below) to curl up in.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Honies-Vintage-store-2.jpg" alt="lounge in the vintage store self-catering barn at honies farm barns notts" class="wp-image-9262" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Honies-Vintage-store-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Honies-Vintage-store-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Honies-Vintage-store-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/xHonies-Farm-bedroom-view.jpg" alt="looking out onto fields from the master bedroom at the vintage store honies farm barns elston notts" class="wp-image-9253" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/xHonies-Farm-bedroom-view.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/xHonies-Farm-bedroom-view-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/xHonies-Farm-bedroom-view-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Big views from the master bedroom</figcaption></figure>



<p>Three king-size bedrooms, that can be configured as twins, so ideal for kids, friends or escape from family snorers. All three are calm, restful and pretty spaces, but it&#8217;s the seriously-special master bedroom that sings its siren song the loudest. What a beauty.</p>



<p>Thought those vistas downstairs couldn’t be topped? Wrong. One look at the master bedroom and I was lost for words. It’s the same whopping wall-to-wall views but from an elevated position. Leaving the big, beautiful super king bed in the morning was a struggle. Sunday lie-ins have never felt better.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/xHonies-Farm-master.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9254" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/xHonies-Farm-master.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/xHonies-Farm-master-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/xHonies-Farm-master-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A solid night&#8217;s sleep is all-but-guaranteed with the comfiest beds I&#8217;ve slept in all year (and I review a LOT of hotels), Goldilocks-perfect pillows and complete rural silence. Another treat awaits come morning with the cute, big-mirrored dressing room and spacious en suite bathroom. A powerful shower, Out of Eden bath products and a great big double wardrobe if you&#8217;re staying awhile.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-bathroom.jpg" alt="bathroom at honies farm barns self catering cottage notts" class="wp-image-9256" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-bathroom.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-bathroom-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-bathroom-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The other two bedrooms may be a smidge smaller, but they are still light and lovely with all the comfort of the magical master bedroom.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-small-bed.jpg" alt="bedroom at the vintage store at honies farm barns self catering cottage notts" class="wp-image-9255" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-small-bed.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-small-bed-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-small-bed-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Honies-Vintag-Store.jpg" alt="kitchen in the vintage store self-catering barn at honies farm barn notts" class="wp-image-9258" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Honies-Vintag-Store.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Honies-Vintag-Store-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/Honies-Vintag-Store-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s easy to cook up a storm in the well-kitted-out open plan kitchen. There&#8217;s a big double oven, a wine cooler, big fridge and freezer and all the culinary tools you could wish for. There&#8217;s even a separate, and spacious, utility room with washer, dryer and lots of extras tucked away (that&#8217;s where you&#8217;ll find the microwave, toaster and scales too).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-welcome.jpg" alt="welcome tray of food at honies farm barn notts" class="wp-image-9259" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-welcome.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-welcome-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-Honies-Farm-welcome-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>No milk in the fridge, but there are teabags-a-plenty and a lovely welcome tray with posh crisps, Border biscuits and a jar Honies Farm&#8217;s own honey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-view-from-Farndon.jpg" alt="sunset by the river in Farndon Nottinghamshire" class="wp-image-9260" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-view-from-Farndon.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-view-from-Farndon-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/x-view-from-Farndon-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sunset by the river in Farndon</figcaption></figure>



<p>Rather eat out? There are some good options within very easy reach. I booked into <a href="https://www.farndonferry.co.uk/">The Farndon Ferry</a> down by the river (with tempting riverside terrace if the weather&#8217;s nice) in neighbouring Farndon which dishes up reliable fish and chips, gourmet burgers and roasts, alongside fancier à la carte options. There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.distinctiveinns.co.uk/the-riverside/">The Riverside</a> next door. You&#8217;ve also got even closer options: <a href="http://www.chequers-elston.co.uk">The Chequers</a> in&nbsp;Elston and <a href="http://www.stauntonarms.co.uk">The Staunton Arm<strong>s</strong></a>&nbsp;in Staunton. </p>



<p>It may feel remote but there’s stacks of stuff to do nearby and this is actually a great spot for week-long holidays en famille or with friends. Luxe day spa Eden Hall is just down the road, take a five-mile trip down the river to Newark-on-Trent, hop across to buzzy <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/nottinghamshire/southwell/">Southwell</a> or visit the Cathedral Quarter in nearby Lincoln. <a href="https://www.belvoircastle.com/">Belvoir Castle</a> is a great family day out as is National Trust property <a href="nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house">Belton House</a>. If it’s walks and bike rides you’re after, there are plenty on the doorstep (there’s bike storage areas here too). <a href="https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/sconceanddevon/">Sconce and Devon Park</a> is a nearby nature reserve, but there are plenty of river walks and even strolls around the farm are lovely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly-dog-friendly">KID FRIENDLY? DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Big ticks here. Yes, these self-catering barns are spacious and spot on for kids, with enclosed grassy gardens where littlies can safely toddle and, for older kids, they can safely charge around the rural grounds. Superkings can be split into twin beds and all the barns are well kitted out with cots/high chairs and the like too.</p>



<p>Dogs are  welcome in all the barns except The Archers (kept pooch-free for those with pet allergies) &#8211; and the French doors that open onto a fenced garden are ideal for pups to explore safely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Bullseye for extended family gatherings, multi-generational jaunts and groups of friends because you can have the privacy of your own pad but all come together too. Equally perfect for a getaway with the girls (hello Eden Day Spa round the corner), family escapes with the pooch and romantic retreats.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Party people and hens seeking buzzy nightlife and non-stop action. The sound of silence is what it&#8217;s all about here.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> <a href="https://www.honiesfarmbarns.co.uk/vintage-store.html">The Vintage Store</a> costs from £406 (based on 3 nights, Mon-Fri) or £605 for 7 nights. Minimum 2 night stay, fully flexible booking days.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.honiesfarmbarns.co.uk/">Honies Farm Barns</a>, Moor Lane, East Stoke, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5PZ. </p>


Muddy reviews: Honies Farm Barns, Newark

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