Having made the decision to not travel abroad this year, like many people we had to do a quick u-turn and book a staycation. We really couldn’t have done better than the Old Hay Barn at Bibury Farm Barns.

This is one of 5 beautifully restored self-catering barns on a working farm a short walk away from the historic village of Bibury in the Cotswolds.

The instant we arrived, we were smitten.

If there’s one thing you want in a holiday rental in the U.K. it’s plenty of light (and warmth) and this barn has plenty of it.

l’m not going to lie; all 4 of us were running around the place squealing with delight. Everything is done so beautifully, you won’t want to leave.

Having been self-catering in the past and arriving to the bare necessities, I had packed extra loo roll, salt and pepper, butter (you name it) but these barns have literally everything you need.

There is nothing more welcoming than a bunch of fresh flowers and all you need for a divine (locally sourced) breakfast already stocked in the fridge.

It’s these little touches that make a place that much more special.

Ironically the kitchen was probably better equipped than our own; we particularly loved the Delonghi coffee machine (I think I’m in the minority of people who detest Nespresso coffee). I’m pretty sure we were on a caffeine-high for most of our stay.

I loved the open-plan kitchen/dining/lounging area which seemed rather vast for just the 4 of us but then again, this is a 4 bedroom barn clearly geared-up for entertaining.

This room leads out to the enclosed garden with the most dreamy outdoor furniture. It was absolute bliss sitting out in the sun with that amazing coffee and a fresh watermelon juice in the mornings.

Also downstairs is a laundry room, a lounge, TV snug, industrial-chic powder room and much to our boys’ delight, a table tennis and table football room.

I adored the constant nod to the farm and you can tell that this conversion is full of history, emotion and an absolute labour of love.

Upstairs, the four bedrooms (2 with en suites) and master bathroom were like stepping into a luxury boutique hotel with gorgeous beds, bed linen, amazing showers and showstopper sinks, not-to-mention Dyson fans, bathrobes and beautiful products by 100 Acres.

I think it’s clear by now that you can see why I’m gushing!

If, like me, you are after something luxurious but with character in all the right places and are not quite ready to venture to a hotel: this place is for you. Yes, it’s expensive but it’s an absolute treat and I for one, am already dreaming about returning in the hopefully not-too-distant future. (The fact that all 5 barns are different makes me want to return all-the-more.)

To top it all off, these barns are in an amazing location and my next travel post will be on this beautiful area of the Cotswolds.

For further info, availability and pricing visit their website here.

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