We found Holly Meadow Farm just south of Ashbourne through the Farmstay website. We are used to being in the country and like to choose rural accommodation. Holy Meadow is just that sat on 200 odd acres and tucked away down a few back lanes. It is run by Babette, a delightful lady originally from France and her husband Tom a retired farmer. They made us feel thoroughly at home and Farmer Husband was delighted to be able to talk farming.
We were able to go for several walks around the farm either before breakfast or in the evening. Farmer husband was in fact spotted disappearing off down the road with the farmer on the first morning while the student daughter and I were still getting dressed.
A lot of attention has been taken on the farm to preserving wildlife and their natural environment. There are owl boxes, woodland and generous margins around the arable fields. The fields are now farmed by a neighbouring arable farmer.
There are a number of poppies growing alongside the crops giving a beautiful scene.
We did of course have a delicious breakfast and we chose the Full Derbyshire which set us up for the day.
Farmer Husband looks very pleased with himself but the platter above was amply enough for all three of us.
The sausages, bacon and Derbyshire Oatcakes (a new experience for me) are all from her local butcher. There were strawberries from her own garden and eggs from her hens. The apple chutney and apple jelly produced from apples from their own orchard. It is worth mentioning that being a coeliac herself Babette is used to coping with dietary requirements such as gluten free.
The ensuite rooms were comfortable and furnished with items that Tom has purchased from local auctions . It was all definitely a great experience.
We now have to find an excuse to go back to that part of the country so we can visit again.
Oh my goodness, look at that breakfast! That's a lovely place to stay and the poppies make a beautiful picture. -Jenn
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