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Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, Experience, Uncategorized

Family Holidays where real life wins

Family holidays that fix everyone

Too often family holidays can be billed as wall to wall fun, filled with costly excursions, adrenalin filled, kids a plenty, over stimulation, whilst shared bedrooms promise sleepless nights and little time for adulting.

As parents we know this isn't a good fit for all.  I remember turning up to coastal kids club and my son having a melt down. A Busy hotel, the prospect of social mixing along with adrenalin filled activity was just too much.  So we've curated an itinerary with a mix of active and calm, creative and inspiring, plus some quiet for parents.  Oh and a cook too, so even Mum gets a week off!

Family holidays where real life wins

We know the feeling. You've driven for two hours, the cottage is beautiful, the countryside is right outside the window — and someone's already found the WiFi password. It’s not a failure of parenting. It’s just the path of least resistance, and it takes something genuinely brilliant to pull kids (and adults) back into the room.

Worcestershire has a very good go at doing exactly that. And The Farmhouse gives you the perfect base from which to work through a summer that’s big on real experience, low on screen time, and — crucially — one where mum actually gets a break too.

Every child is different. That's the starting point.

After years welcoming families to our glamping sites, one thing became obvious very quickly: no two children are the same. Social ones and quiet ones. Kids who love a crowd and kids who need space. Those with autism, those with limited mobility, those who’d rather make something than watch something. The activities that tend to cut through for almost every child? Animals. Getting creative with their hands. Getting outdoors and moving through space.

So that’s where we’ve built the list — not one-size-fits-all, but a range that gives every member of the family something that speaks to them.

Get outdoors - the greatest distraction

Nature doesn’t need to sell itself. Rivers, forests, hills — they do the work without any help from us. The best days are usually the simplest ones.

ANIMALS  Little Owl Farm Park

Meerkats, pygmy goats, newly hatched chicks, rabbits, a zipline, go-karts and a 30m sled run. A full day out that works for almost every age and temperament — including quieter children who find the animal barns deeply calming.

WILDLIFE  West Midlands Safari Park

Drive through lions, rhinos, white tigers and elephants, then explore the walk-through exhibits and theme park rides. Properly brilliant for a full family day — one of the best safari parks in the UK.

ADRENALIN  Go Ape, Wyre Forest

High ropes, zip wires and treetop challenges set in one of England’s largest ancient woodlands. Entry-level options for younger children, serious challenges for teens and competitive parents. Bike hire and cycling trails in the forest too.

ON THE WATER  Canoeing on the Severn

Pack a picnic and see life from the riverbank rather than a road. A day in a canoe or kayak makes for proper adventure — the kind that gets talked about on the drive home. Several hire companies operate from Bewdley and along the river.

Feed curiosity

Worcestershire has more history per square mile than most counties know what to do with. The trick is finding the bits that genuinely capture young minds — and there are plenty.

ARCHITECTURE & HISTORY  Avoncroft Museum

700 years of buildings rescued, reconstructed and open to explore across a beautiful rural site. From medieval merchants’ houses to windmills and agricultural barns — room to roam, room to imagine, room to run.

STEAM & HERITAGE  Severn Valley Railway

A 16-mile steam-hauled journey through the Worcestershire countryside. Kids who wouldn’t notice a painting will stand and stare at a steam engine. Stop at the Engine House at Highley for the full locomotive experience.

LITERARY LANDSCAPE  The Malvern Hills — Narnia in real life

JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis both walked these hills. The gas lamps along the paths are deeply evocative of Narnia. Walk to the summit for a sunset that will genuinely stop everyone mid-sentence. Come home tired and ready for sleep.

MUSIC & GENIUS  Elgar Birthplace Museum

Worcestershire is the home of Edward Elgar. Explore the house where he grew up, listen to his music, glimpse into the life of a composer who changed what British music sounded like. A quieter, richer kind of afternoon.

SOCIAL HISTORY  The Black Country Living Museum

A short drive away, this open-air museum brings Victorian and Edwardian life vividly to the surface. Made famous as a filming location for Peaky Blinders. Genuinely immersive, properly interesting for all ages.

ENGINES & SPEED  Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb

The oldest motorsport venue in the world, still running on its original course since 1905 — older than Le Mans, older than Indianapolis. Watch and hear real racing cars thunder up the hill. A brilliant shared experience for families who love noise and spectacle.

Develop a generation of makers, creators and growers

Getting absorbed in making things is one of the most effective antidotes to screen time — and one of the most underrated. There’s something particular about creativity with no agenda or judgement attached. It quietens the mind, gives a sense of achievement, and doesn’t require a signal.

IN-HOUSE WORKSHOP  Screen print a T-shirt

Design and print your own screen-printed T-shirt to take home. Creative, satisfying, and something every child of every temperament tends to love. Book as an add-on to your stay.

IN-HOUSE WORKSHOP  Wood carving

Start with a block of wood, finish with something that came from your own hands. Meditative for quieter children, satisfying for everyone. We’ll set you up with everything you need.

IN-HOUSE / LOCAL  Foraging walk

Head into the valley and forage for ingredients to cook back at the house. Guided, unhurried and surprising — you will find things you didn’t expect. A brilliant way to connect with the landscape you’re staying in.

LOCAL WORKSHOP  Pottery & jewellery making

Local workshops in the area offer pottery throw-downs and jewellery making sessions — the kind of afternoon that produces something beautiful and makes you feel quietly proud. Ask us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Hops, orchards and things that taste of here.

Worcestershire is hop country. It’s orchard country. Vineyards, cider makers, micro-breweries — the whole county smells faintly of something fermenting in the best possible way. The children learn where food and drink actually comes from, and the grown-ups get to taste the results.

The local micro-brewery runs weekly live music and street food through the summer. For something bigger, Nozstock: The Hidden Valley (nozstock.com) near Bromyard is a full-on family festival set on a farm — with a dedicated kids’ area, workshops, music across multiple stages and an atmosphere that’s both wild and genuinely welcoming for all ages.

When days out feel like too much effort.

Some days the best thing is to just stay. The Farmhouse has a pool table, plenty of garden games, and enough outdoor space to run your own Olympics for the week. We can set up a scavenger hunt and pack a picnic for the valley. Sometimes the holiday you remember most is the one where you didn’t really do anything — you just were.

This is where the cook gets a break!

Because a family holiday where mum is doing all the cooking, all the planning and all the clearing up isn’t really a holiday for everyone. So we’ve built a menu of extras that take that entirely off the table.

ADD TO YOUR STAY

Private chef — Ellie

Ellie is The Farmhouse private chef and she cooks everything from proper family favourites to gourmet dinners. Arrive to a ready-to-serve dinner on your first night. Wake up to a breakfast hamper packed with everything you need. Order afternoon cake for hungry explorers returning from a day out. She takes the meal question entirely off your plate — which is the whole point.

Arrival Dinner

Arrive to a spread of meats, cheeses, dips, artisan breads and nibbles — so no one has to cook, shop or think on the first night. Everyone settles in at their own pace and grazes when they’re ready.

Breakfast hamper

After a late first night — because it always goes later than intended — wake up to a hamper of everything for a proper breakfast. Continental, full English, or somewhere in between. Your choice, zero effort.

Afternoon tea & cake

Hungry children returning from a day of real-life adventure deserve cake. We’ll have it waiting. Cakes, bakes and a proper brew — ready when you get back.

And whilst they sleep...

Once the day is done and little ones are finally out — the hot tub overlooking the lake is waiting. The fire pit is there for the adults who want to stay up a bit longer, share a glass of something and remember what it feels like to just sit together without an agenda. That’s the bit we can’t put in a package. But we make sure everything else is taken care of, so it’s there, naturally, at the end of every day.

Farmhouse Extras
Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, cottage style

How we found The Farmhouse its soul

Finding the wow factor

I was invited to visit The Farmhouse in autumn 2025. Hannah and Ellie, the sisters who ran and own it, had poured themselves into a redecoration during lockdown — and you could the effort in every room. But somewhere along the way, the house had drifted away from itself. Years of redecoration,  fittings that didn't quite belong. A kitchen that felt too polished. Pale walls that felt undefined and hushed the character of the building, which was quietly begging to be unleashed.

A house like this -  a mix of medieval bones, Georgian additions, all set within a remote wooded valley,  had a voice. It just needed someone to listen to.

The different eras of the house offered up very different living styles. Beamed lower ceilinged older parts demanded warm deep colours inviting you to snuggle up. Whilst the Georgian elevation full of light from the long windows. The challenge was to pull the style together across the whole house.

The long landings and hallways make the space curious and rambling (in a good way). Each room was spacious without being cavernous. I knew this home was calling out for a little soul. So we set about a plan.

The initial brief was to add some colour and character with furniture and paint - a fairly light touch. But the more we dug into the changes that needed to happen, and do the house justice, the bigger hte project became.  The kitchen was re-designed, beams sandblasted floorboards stripped with bathroom refits. The project has grown and expanded and with it the ambitions of the owners creating a home to welcome and host guests, offering bespoke catering packages and hampers.

We decided to strip back anything that didn't belong and lean hard into  the age, warmth, character and imperfections this house offered. The kind of home that gives you a hug the moment you walk through the door, regardless of its size.

I started with a paint palette. Warm taupes and moody, evocative tones for the snug and lounge. Accents of deep Etruscan red in the kitchen lounge areas. A pink taupes runs through the spine of the house — the hallway, staircase, landing tying everything together with a sense of warmth and continuity.

The beams were stripped. The cream kitchen came out, replaced with a softer colour. Units were removed and a dresser added - a farmhouse staple.  Open oak shelves replaced wall cupboards. Perfect for displaying kitchenalia, pictures and adding texture. Traditional pine chairs painted in a rich Entruscan red adding a pop of colour which fit the style of the rustic feel. A ladder was hung above the big oak table - newly sanded and waxed. This dressed with foliage and fairy lights provided a great focal point and perfect for year round styling.

  • Rose bedroom before renovation at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Rose bedroom renovation reveal at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Wisteria bedroom before renovation at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Wisteria bedroom renovation reveal at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Lavender bedroom before renovation at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Lavender bedroom renovation reveal at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole

Upstairs — every room with its own story.

The bedrooms is where we embraced colour. Ellie and Hannah the owners love a splash of colour and wanted a statement master with ensuite.  They ended up with two plus no bedroom left behind - because who wants to get the short straw.  Out went the pale. In came deep greens, dusky pinks, dark aubergine, and mustard yellows. Each room has its own personality now — you could stay for a week and feel like you'd slept in five different places.

I spent hours in vintage stores and flea markets, hunting for the right pieces. Not decorating a room, but building each one up; from floor rugs, to furniture, wall decor and lighting. Antiques that fitted the vibe. Lighting that was softer and more natural. Mirrors that caught the light. Textiles that made you stop and stare and reach for the feel. The mass-produced came out - the one-offs moved in.

Book the Farmhouse

"The idea behind The Farmhouse is for it to feel big enough for your tribe yet Despite its generous size, gives you a hug "

As with all our Boltholes outside as well as in are all part of the experience. After all we don't escape to the country to sit indoors, generally we want to immerse ourselves nature. So we invite you to get outdoors. Fire pits, hot tub, hammocks and outdoor dining makes it all possible.

We added a generous outdoor dining space and the owners invested in a big electric hot tub overlooking the lake. Lounge seating has a fire pit so you have plenty of places to sit and stare, and share moments with your family and friends. As with all Secret Boltholes, we never consider our houses are finished, just evolving. These are living, breathing spaces that evolve over time, so always more to do.

 

Are you an owner searching for us? An agency that isn't chasing volume over curated, where personal still matters and year round occupancy is our mantra. Well let's have a chat.

Join the collection
Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: owners, Uncategorized

Holiday homes need soul too.

Finding The Farmhouse it's soul.

because the homes we spend our holiday need soul too.

On my first visit to The Farmhouse in autumn 2025 I had mixed feelings. Secret Bolthole was all about little holiday cottages with soul, not big farmhouses, surely! Travelling through the rural rolling hills of North Worcestershire,  with remains of estate homes, hops and orchards lining the way. I turned off the 'B' road onto a lane and private track and my heart beat just a little faster - because I knew this was the kind of property treasure, that you'd have to be invited to find. As I passed through the gateway, and dropped down the drive there stood a redbrick Georgian Farmhouse, set with a lake as backdrop, surrounded by woods with lush green lawn and the hint of a medieval past - tucked away from view - who new!

I met Hannah and Ellie, the sisters who ran and owned the house with their family. They had poured themselves into a redecoration project during lockdown, driven to make something more of the house.   — The enthusiasm, effort and care in every room really did show, yet somewhere along the way the house had lost its course;  Fittings that didn't quite belong, a kitchen too polished, pale walls that felt cold. The character of the building had been hushed, yet quietly begged to be be rediscovered.

A house like this -  a mix of medieval bones, Georgian additions, set within a remote wooded valley, had a voice. It just needed someone to listen.

The different era's of the house offered up different living styles. Beamed lower ceilinged rooms demanded warm deep colours inviting you to snuggle up. Whilst the Georgian front elevation felt like a breath of air with space and light from the huge windows.

The long landings and hallways made the space curious and rambling (in a good way). Each room was spacious without being cavernous. I knew we could do something with this home. Yet something still tugged at me, in the practical part of my brain, was it a Secret Bolthole?

I wasn't sure The Farmhouse fit for the Secret Bolthole brand? What changed my mind  - not what the house was, but what it could be. Along with owners brimming with energy to collaborate to make it happen. 

Lets be honest, Secret Bolthole conjours up little cottages tucked away in quite corners or stunning locations. So did The Farmhouse really hit the brief? It had so much to offer and owners full of energy, passion and ideas, willing to make it happen.

It made me reflect on what really hit the brief for a home to slip into our collection and fit. So I distilled my 'non-negotiables' for a bolthole in this list:

  1. A stunning location, seclusion or views are totally our vibe.
  2. A beautiful house, full of character and charm that could be re-imagined into a home that would fit our style.
  3. Owners committed to the journey, from hard graft to investment - because we can't make it happen alone.

Over the last few months I have been lucky to visit some wonderful properties in stunning locations, at times it has been hard to walk away from them.  I always keep in mind our lovely guests, who trust us to wow them. So the real magic ingredient for me is the owners.  knowing they have the same passion about their homes as I do about mine, and that every guest would matter.

The project  - operation farmhouse soul

We set to work agreeing the size and scope of the project for the Farmhouse.  Initially I suggested a light touch, but the more inspiration we found in the property, the bigger the project became. Ellie and Hannah along with their family felt they wanted to do the house justice.  So the brief expanded with a full kitchen re-design, sandblasting beams. Stripping floorboards and full bathroom refit.

We decided to strip back anything that didn't belong and lean hard into what did. Age, warmth, character, imperfection. The kind of home that gives you a hug the moment you walk through the door, regardless of its size.

 

I started with a paint palette. Warm taupes and moody, evocative tones for the snug and lounge. Accents of deep Etruscan red in the kitchen lounge areas. A warm pinky taupe (Farrow and Ball Jitney) runs through the spine of the house — the hallway, staircase, landing tying everything together with a sense of warmth and continuity.

The beams were stripped. The cream kitchen came out, replaced with a softer tone, plain iron handles replaced ornate ones. Units were removed and a dresser added - a farmhouse staple.  Open oak shelves replaced wall cupboards. Perfect for displaying kitchenalia, pictures and adding texture. Traditional pine chairs painted in a red added a pop of colour and fit the style of the new rustic feel. A ladder was hung above the big oak to display and a the twinkle of fairy lights. The big old kitchen table was newly sanded and waxed. The kitchen is now full of warmth and a place to linger, spend time together and full of soul.

The project has grown and expanded and with it the ambitions of the sisters. They now have a home they are proud of and love  hosting and sharing their love of the place, whilst offering Ellie an avenue to expand her private chef business.

  • Rose bedroom before renovation at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Rose bedroom renovation reveal at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Wisteria bedroom before renovation at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Wisteria bedroom renovation reveal at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Lavender bedroom before renovation at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole
  • Lavender bedroom renovation reveal at The Farmhouse, Secret Bolthole

"The idea behind The Farmhouse is space enough for your tribe yet homely enough for a couples retreat "

The bedrooms is where we embraced colour. Sisters, Ellie and Hannah love a splash of colour and wanted a statement master with ensuite.  Once we were finished we ended up with two, and no bedroom left behind - because who wants to get the short straw!  Out went the pale. In came deep greens, dusky pinks, dramatic aubergine and mustard yellows. Each room has its own personality now .

The bedrooms needed a few older pieces to fit the character of the house. I spent hours in vintage stores and flea markets, hunting for the right pieces. Chest of drawers, dressing tables, mirrors and bedside tables. It wasn't just about decorating a room, but building each one from floor to ceiling with rugs, paint colour, wall decor and lighting. From a mood board and scheme i went about  sourcing furniture that fitted the vibe. Lighting that was softer and more natural. Mirrors that caught the light. Textiles that made you stop and reach for the feel. The mass-produced came out - the one-offs moved in.

As with all our Boltholes the outside and setting is a crucial part of the experience. After all we don't escape our everyday lives to sit indoors, generally we want to immerse ourselves in nature  and our surroundings. So we invite guests to get outdoors with reasons to linger longer with a fire pit, hot tub, hammocks or sauna.We added a generous outdoor dining table and the owners invested in a big electric hot tub overlooking the lake. A Lounge seating area had a fire pit added with plenty of places to sit and share moments.

We never consider our houses are finished, just evolving. These are living, breathing spaces that evolve over time, so there is yet more to do. We're planning a boot room makeover - because who doesn't love a boot room! The games room will have soft lighting, magical wall decor and fun disco balls for a space to dance, play and make merry. Outside further planting and hammocks and loungers to enjoy long summer days outdoors.

How we work to create a home that people want to stay in

The Secret Bolthole brand is built entirely on how a house feels. Not its size. Not its postcode. Not its thread count. How it feels. And for that, the interiors have to tell a story that is authentic to the building itself.

Our process — as involved as you need us to be.

As part of bringing a new home into the collection, we will visit your property, and you. We will give you honest feedback and offer ideas on what approach would work to achieve great rentals.  If your home is a good fit for us, then we will build a proposal — including an interiors mood board sharing our vision for your property. This is a joining of minds, your wants and needs are important to building a holiday space that you want to spend time in, and guests want to book. Here is a little more about our process and how we work.

  • We visit and listen. We look at what the house is telling us, before we suggest a single change.
  • We put together a full proposal and mood board — a vision for how the home could feel at its best.
  • We work alongside you at whatever level suits. If you love trawling flea markets and poring over paint charts, we'll leave you to it. If you'd rather hand it over, we can do the leg work for you.
  • Through our own interiors shop, we can supply soft furnishings, lighting and décor — keeping prices down and the process seem-less.
  • We manage the marketing message from pre-launch, photography, sharing your story on social media, build the pricing structure, manage the messaging and launch your home to our audience, taking care to care for every guest personally.
  • We build out all the tech, landing pages, digital guides, extras and experiences bespoke to your property and of course pricing.
  • Finally we closely track the results, page views, searches, standby bookings and of course bookings revenue.
JOIN THE COLLECTION
Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, Hen party, UncategorizedTags:

The Wholesome Hen - For the bride who whispered 'nothing too crazy'

Wholesome hen party - because a sash, stripper and sore head isn't for everyone

Be honest. When the maid of honour asked about your hen party, did you utter the words  'Oh, nothing too crazy'? If you are more of a creator, enjoy connection with friends, a good long walk followed by a little pampering. Then we see you.

The Farmhouse is for the hen who pictured something different. Something slower, warmer, and a little more connected. A place where the Prosecco still flows, along with the laughter and the memories stay clear enough to actually remember.

A house made for togetherness

Here's where The Farmhouse comes into its own. Big enough to find a quiet corner as well as to gather and celebrate. From a comfy beds to plenty of bathrooms, plenty of squidgy sofas and a room for dancing and games. Inevitably you'll spend hours around the big old farmhouse table over long meals, chatting for hours with a cuppa and even making and creating in workshops.

Outside the electric hot tub overlooks the lake, the perfect spot for reflecting and relaxing. Gather around the outdoor dining table for summer feasts and share stories  around the fire pit.

The experience menu lets you build a weekend that feels curated for the bride without the stress of coordinating multiple bookings across ten different venues.

Here's a taster of the kind of experiences we can offer:

  • Floral earring workshop — Go home wearing something beautiful made by you
  • Screen printed gift bags — personalised keepsakes for every guest

For the bride who fancies something a little more outdoors:

  • Clay pigeon shooting — more popular with hen groups than you'd think, and genuinely addictive
  • Foraging in the valley — guided, unhurried and wildly good fun

For the bride who just wants to be looked after:

  • Book a masseur for the Bride
  • a pamper hamper for her or
  • guided self-facials for all

Or honestly? Do none of it. Bring your own playlist, soak in the hot tub, cook a big dinner together and stay up far too late talking. The Farmhouse holds a wonderful weekend even when the only agenda is each other.

Let someone else feed the crowd

Food, one of life's pleasure's - a wonderful meal shared with friends cooked for you and without the shopping, or pans to wash up is the perfect answer.

When it comes to organising menu's, allocating big shops and splitting the bill, herding hens can be a headache.  So here's our suggestion - let us take the stress out of it all for you.

  • Arrive to moreish grazing platter with meats, cheeses, dips, nibbles and artisan breads. that way everyone can graze, whatever time they arrive.
  • Arrival dinner- a heat and serve dinner for all, choose from family favs or a curry for a laid back settling in, without the stress of cooking, pour a tipple, test the hot tub and worry not.
  • Lazy brekkie - after a late night, because lets be honest we all go too heavy on the first night, wake up to a ready to cook or serve breakfast. Choose between a full English or continental style with yoghurt, granola, pastries and fruit.
  • Afternoon tea -after a hard few hours making or walking why not indulge in cakes, bakes and cuppa.
  • Three course private chef dinner - You want that special occasion meal, but why book taxi's or search for the place that suits all?  Instead, enjoy a slow getting ready a game of pool,  while your cook does the heavy lifting.  Take an aperitif in the garden then enjoy a gourmet meal all at home, no need for heels or best behaviour, be yourselves in your own space.

The best bit?  simply add the extras to your stay and you have just one bill to split, easy.

Made for her delivered by us

Let's make this easy. From a bed to sleep in, to food, decorations and entertainment, we have it all covered in one place.  Simply add the extras you want and we'll do the rest.  You have one simple bill for all and get to turn your attention to the special personal touches for the bride.

Take a look at our Hen party extra's and build the perfect event, and don't worry it isn't one size fits all. Let us know your preferences or the hen's favourite's and we'll build the whole hen do around you.

Here are a few examples of an itinerary for your weekend:

All in

  • Accommodation for ten in 5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms
  • Add a celebration package and arrive to Sparkling wine and decorations for your hen
  • First night Dinner ready to heat and serve when you are all settled in.
  • Don your rob and enjoy a soak in the  heated hot tub
  • Awake to a breakfast hamper chosen by you.
  • settle in for a workshop choose from crafting, clay pigeon shooting, massage or paint and sip
  • Enjoy a pamper hamper before dressing for dinner
  • Sit down to a three course gourmet dinner with table set for your hen
  • Retire to the firepit, play games before another soak and bed.
  • Awake to a simple brekkie before making your departures.

Price range from £230 Mid week to £350 weekend per person (based on 10 staying) for two night stay including accommodation.

Ligthen the load

  • Room for ten hens in five bedrooms with four bathrooms
  • Book the celebration package - arrive to fizz on ice and decorations for your Hen.
  • Enjoy a grazing platter and nibbles whilst everyone settles in
  • wander down to the local brewery for pizzas and music
  • return for a soak in the tub
  • Wake to a breakfast hamper
  • Book a paint and sip workshop
  • Enjoy a three course meal created by your private chef
  • soak in the tub, dance in the basement

Price range from £165 mid week- £250 weekend per person (based on 10) for two night stay including accommodation.

Explore the Farmhouse

Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, news, UncategorizedTags: ,

New arrival - The Farmhouse

A new place to gather

We have been listening. We know we are fully booked for 2026, and this has caused a lot of frustration. So, we have been hunting out some lovely properties to add to our collection.

It's taken some time to land on just the right homes to add to Secret Bolthole. We created and own Elsie's and Anchor Cottage, so finding like-minded owners and properties that would excite our audience has been a bit of s mission.

It got me thinking about what we are all about and what makes a Secret Bolthole home.  We hear so many of you craving that connection to nature, with stunning views, and homes with soul.

We don't want to just create spaces to stay, we want to build homes that you experience. So our holiday homes have to feel welcoming and extra special.

Homes, like people are unique in their own way. So any new additions to our collection have to match up. They will never be carbon copies of our own cottages, but will have their own personalities. As with all our homes, they will have their imperfections, and will change over time, because a home is never finished but reflects us as we grow with it, and we invite you to join our journey in these homes.

So let me start by introducing you to our first, The farmhouse.

photo's of the farmhouse, bedrooms interiors and setting

Introducing - The Farmhouse

Up until now, our cottages are perfect for couples and a family or small group of friends. Yet our history running a glamping site, showed us how blooming magical it was watching groups gather and connect for hen parties, family reunions special occasions and to retreat. So it got us thinking, we needed a big bolthole.

So where better than a big old secluded farmhouse. The Farmhouse snuggled in a wooded valley next to a lake fed by natural springs and tucked away in north Worcestershire, this home is the perfect middle point for meet ups.

What to expect

The Farmhouse is begging to be filled with laughter, chatter and warmth, and for that it needs people. Open the door to a big open plan farmhouse kitchen, with a big old table to gather round, sofas to loaf on and a window seat to watch wistfully over the lake whilst wood crackles in the fire.  I think you get the picture.

The beamed snug is the perfect spot to hunker down - read a book, listen to some sultry tunes with a glass of something, enjoy a quiet game of cards or watch an old movie whilst the dog snores in the corner.

This house is built for all, a pool room for game play and kids adventures, a huge boot room for dogs and clobber. Five bedrooms and four bathrooms enough to sleep the whole clan.

We think you'll love this real country life vibe. Get lost in attics and basements. Pack your wellies and bathers, because not only are there miles of walks to explore, but there's a hot tub to soak in, a secure garden for the doggies and children with plenty of  space to breathe.

Night time gather around the firepit or dine outdoors whilst wildlife and dark skies invite you to slow down and connect with the most special people in your life.

We can't wait to throw open the doors, but we currently throwing ourselves into creating the most wonderfully warm welcoming space, so bear with us.

If you haven't already - join the waitlist below to be the first to find out when we have opened up the bookings calendar.

 

All the facts:

  • The Farmhouse is in Worcestershire, right in the heart of the countryside
  • It is secluded with a long drive and plenty of garden space.
  • It sleeps 10 people + cot in 5 bedrooms
  • It has 3 ensuite bathrooms and a shower room
  • There is a games room with a pool table for kids of all ages
  • There is an electric hot tub to use during your stay
  • A Real fire
  • Plenty of parking
  • A big outdoor dining area with a firepit
  • It accepts dogs and there is a secure garden and boot room for them
  • It is secluded and offers walks from the door step
  • Experiences like private chef or meal on arrival plus activities like yoga / massage / guided walks / foraging / making and creating / painting / cooking lessons and shooting tuition can all be arranged.

New arrivals on their way

The farmhouse is just the first. We have a number of special properties in the coming months and we can't wait to share them.

Meanwhile here's the link to The Farmhouse waitlist, drop your details and we'll let you know when it's ready to book.

Join The Waitlist
Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, cottage style, news

Autumn news from Secret bolthole

Autumn restyle

October has been all about an autumn restyle at Anchor cottage. For some time I;ve wanted to warm up the living space, plus there's been some redecoration needed on peeling walls in the bedrooms.

I love a restyle, but i didn't want to change everything. The furniture, blinds & some of the soft furnishings were staying. I went about finding a warmer colour to introduce, just in little pops on chairs and table legs, wall decor. A new rug and a few soft furnishings and the living space was starting to feel super cosy.

I chose a farrow and Ball colour - Red Earth which offered a pinky, terracotta apricot tone and complimented my existing colour palette of pale blues and greys. Adding this colour as an accent which pops rather than drowns the space, allowed me to keep most of the room unchanged. A new rug which picked out the terracotta, a wooden framed mirror, a few new cushions and throws and hey presto the room feels like the perfect autumn retreat. We hope you'll love it.

Want to know my colours?  I've dropped them below

Farrow and Ball - Red Earth & Strong White

Rug - Kukoonrugs

Mirror - Perch & Parrow

Cushions - Bolthole interiors / Grahame and Green /

Endless Maintenance, and more availability

This month has been all about maintenance. If it could go wrong it has. I've had to replace a kitchen tap, washing machine and boiler! The upside is I enjoyed some lovely sunsets and wave action in Porthleven so not all bad.

We redecorated all the bedrooms, with plenty of prepping of walls, specialist paints and carpentry repairs on doors and windows.  There is no doubt that the sea deals a heavy blow on coastal homes.

On the plus side, our growing social media following has led to a number of fellow owners approach us for advice and request to join our collection.  It has been hugely flattering and I've loved seeing others lovely homes and providing some feedback on how they can improve their bookings and spaces.  This, I'm hoping will lead to further availability on Secret Bolthole, which I know is extremely limited for 2026 now.

If you are an owner, looking for some advice on your holiday let, I'd love to hear from you. Just email or message me.

News from home

As you may know our glamping site is located at our home in Worcestershire, close to Elsie's cottage.

We are in the process of a revamp, so we've taken our safari tents down and are waiting on planning to be granted, so we can kick start the building project - which I like to describe as a contemporary spa cottage.

I've been busy selling furniture giving away linen and finding new owners for our tents. It is all very exciting, but a long way to go in planning and building to make it happen. We can't wait to keep you updated on progress.

On the personal front, my daughter has made the move to Cornwall to be with her boyfriend, and is settling down to village life and her new job.  Now I have an apartment in Cheltenham to clean out and sell. It never stops.

Meanwhile, my son proposed to his lovely girlfriend, (my social media manager), on a little trip to the Lakes. He's just embarking on building his own glamping site, whilst growing his business as a shooting coach.

It really is a joy watching your kids turn into adults, make their own life decisions and their way in the world.

I hope your October has gone well lovely people. A big thank you to everyone who follow us, has booked or stayed with us, we love hearing from you and always look forward to hearing from you or hosting you one day.

Author: CharlottePosted on: Format ImageCategories: Blog, Experience, Food lovers, Uncategorized

When two days is not enough

secluded cottage worcestershire from overhead

Rural experiences for a longer stay

If you crave a gorgeous secluded cottage with a hot tub, in stunning scenery, but wonder what else you could possibly do on a stay in the country, we have so many ideas, you'll be booking to stay longer, because two days is not enough.

Beyond the stunning views, soaking under the stars in the hot tub in utter seclusion, snuggling up by the wood fire in a cozy snug, after a long walk on the Malvern Hills. A few days at Elsie's cottage is the perfect retreat. But what if you want to stay a little longer?  Is there enough to do? Well, the heartlands of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire are rich in artisans from crafting and making to outdoorsy adventures and country pursuits as well as plenty of foodie workshops  and thats before you add a few of our pampering and home cooking kits you can add to to your stay. You'll be wishing you were staying longer.

Explore your inner creative

What better way to save the memories of a stay away than making a momento to return home with.  The three counties is full of creative makers who love to share their skills and spread the love for their craft. Here are a few of our recommendations:

  1. Eastnor Pottery - just a few minutes down the road, is set in a gorgeous little village with the castle as it's neighbour. The loveliest of people Sarah and Jon, will have you throwing your own pot with confidence. Losing yourself in the clay, giggling at your collapses, and feel proud at your successes. Book in for a 'potters wheel' experience at Eastnor Pottery
  2. Screen Printing - The lovely Rachel will walk you through the process of creating your block or using items in nature and printing your very own poster or bag to take away with you.  Plus she can come to you at Elsie's!  Rachel Johnson Textiles
  3. Jewellery Making -  Maybe its a unique gift with very personal memories you'd like to create. Why not create your very own piece of jewellery with a master. Join James Deakin at Wagtail, in his workshop set in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, surrounded by their own vines and swimming lake.  James is an amazing host. Take your unloved or broken hallmarked jewellery and re-imagine it, the very definition of sustainability.  Or start from scratch to create a stunning and unique piece of wearable art. Wagtail Jewellery Workshop 

Outdoor sporting pursuits

Why not emmerse yourself in rural life with a few country pursuits.  Try your hand at clay shooting or archery, take a cold water dip in swimming lakes,  or paddle down stream.

Here are a few of a our favourite things to get outside for.

  1. Shooting - Try your hand at Clay pigeon or rifle shooting, with your very own coach, Haydn Coley. With over a decade of experience in clay shooting rising to represent England in the sport. He will walk you through  safety, gun handling and get you smashing clays. Book at Haydn Coley Coaching
  2. Cold water swimming - there are a few wonderful spots to give this a try locally. Many offer cold water immersion workshops. As well as saunas and sound baths coffees & cake . Choose between Escape to the Lake or Waters Edge
  3. Paddleboarding - The three counties are criss crossed with epic rivers, so why not try your hand at paddling downstream. Choose between canoes, kayaks or paddle boards. Paddleboarding Adventures offer lovely tours on the Wye for novices or more experienced paddlers.  Or if you fancy sitting rather than standing there's Canoe the Wye
food experiences around worcestershire

For the foodies

There are many artisan food and drink producers in the region.  If its cider or cheese making, gin distilling or bread baking - you can return home with a new culinary arsenal of skills.

  1. Learn how to make your own Sourdough bread with Peter Cook, whose bakery is renowned in the area.  Watch the master at work, and then get your hands deep in the dough making a range of loaves, enjoy a sumptuous lunch and take home all your delicious bakes along with a sourdough starter to make at home. Peter Cook Bread
  1. Cider making - The three counties are the heart of Cider making. There are a number of festivals through the year which celebrate this tradition, from Wasailling events to Apple week during harvesting time. Enjoy a tour at Westons Cider - home of Stowford press, or try making your own at Dunkertons, based in Cheltenham.
  2. Gin making If you are more of a spirits person, then Piston Gin is a wonderful setting down on the marina in Worcester. You get to mix your own flavours, and distill your own recipe to take home, whilst being served copious amounts of gin and a cheese platter to soak it all up - but be advised you'll need a taxi! Piston Gin
  3. Vineyard tour - If its wine that tickles your fancy, then head over to Deerpark Wines, set on a hill near the Avon with wonderful views and a stunning barn.  Deer Park Wines
  4. Cheese making has a strong history in the region. With the famous stinking Bishop being created here.  Head over to Monkland in Herefordshire for cheese tasting, and making.
  5. Cookery school - If you just want to master cooking, from Indian, to Italian, entertaining to tapas, then head over to Eckington Cookery School.
retreat at Elsies secluded cottage

Pampering at your Cottage

If you prefer to enjoy hiding away at Elsie's and just relaxing. Then we can bring the experiences to you.

We have a few massage and beauty providers who can deliver back, neck and head massage in your home.

We provide a little crafting box, to journal, draw or for flower pressing, food packages to pimp up your stay as well as pamper packages to help you relax and indulge.

So, looking to book?  Maybe for for a few more days.

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