Want to stay in a special British B&B? The 20th edition of Sawday’s British “B&B bible” has 80 new properties in its collection of over 600.
Alastair Sawday says: “Our team of inspectors have travelled the length and breadth of the UK looking for character originality, warmth, authenticity and above all people that make your stay special.
“If the sheer exuberance and individuality of our newest Special Places owners is a guide, then the B&B scene is indeed alive and well.”
From a house awash with flowers in Dorset and an RAF control tower in Norfolk decked out in Art Deco, to an atmospheric house said to be the inspiration for Wuthering Heights, here’s a selection of new additions – 10 special British B&Bs.
The Control Tower, Egmere, Walsingham, Norfolk
This iconic landmark on the former RAF North Creake airfield was built in the 1940s and restoration has been a labour of love. Ni and Claire’s attention to detail is remarkable, modernism and Art Deco design in full flow.
Take tea in the art-filled sitting room, sink into goose down in bright bedrooms, tour the roof terrace and lunch al fresco in the wild flower garden.
From £110 per night for a double room.
Wickton Court, Stoke Prior, Leominster, Herefordshire
At the end of a no-through road, two miles from little Stoke Prior, is a rambling old place steeped in history – a courthouse that dates from the 15th century, complete with wig room!
Be welcomed by ducks on the pond, dogs by the fire, and lovely hosts who make you feel at home. All feels authentic and atmospheric, cosseting bedrooms with generous curtains, big bathrooms, wonky floors and ancient beams.
From £95 per night for a double room.
Botelet B&B, Herodsfoot, Liskeard, Cornwall
The farmhouse at the end of the wild-flowered lane is the chicest of shabby chic. Rustic bedrooms reached by a steep stair have planked floors, antique beds and beautiful linen or you can choose a yurt in the garden.
Breakfasts are organic, home-baked, home-picked and enjoyed by the Rayburn. Drink in the pure air, walk the wooded valley; return to a therapeutic massage in the treatment room. From £70 per night for a double room.
From £65 per night for a yurt.
The Linhay, Copplestone, Crediton, Devon
Your own peaceful hideaway in an old thatched barn. Andrei and Holly have created a quirky, natural feel: jaunty red rocking chairs by a wood-burner, up spiral steps to a colourfully clad bed in the eaves, down to a little kitchen area.
They bring over a cooked breakfast with home-laid eggs and sausages from the pigs. The open valley has a running stream, views are of orchard, friendly sheep and a bright yellow vintage tractor.
From £85 per night for a suite.
Gladstone’s Library, Deeside, Flintshire
If this glorious, unusual, historic and stunning place fails you as a retreat, then look deep within yourself. You have 250,000 books, silence, space and convivial company if you need it. Eucharist is held every weekday, delicious local food is there for you in the bistro and there’s an open fire and sofas in the Gladstone room. The staff are lovely, the mood sheer old-fashioned decency, bedrooms are warm, simple and unpretentious. Come for as long as you need to recover from this mad world.
From £85 per night for a double room.
Waterlock House, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent
A stylish Georgian town house with your own airy loft apartment over two floors. Judith gives you a key to a separate entrance, so come and go as you please.
The vast bedroom/sitting room has French antique quirky pieces, a painted black and white diamond floor, a sink-into sofa and a very comfortable big bed. Hop downstairs for a fabulous continental breakfast, Provençal-style walled garden and Sophie and Judith’s antique shop next door.
From £120 per night for an apartment.
Ponden Hall, Stanbury, Jaworth, Keighley, Yorks
A house brimming with atmosphere and said to be the inspiration for Wuthering Heights. Julie’s knowledge of the history is impressive and she offers tours of her fascinating home.
Arrive for tea and home-baked cake and soak up the mullion windows, huge flagstones, period pieces and original paintings. Bedrooms have just the right balance of luxury and individuality: an amazing box bed, rocking horse, raftered ceilings and log stoves in two.
From £85 per night for a double room.
Cuil an Duin, Ballinluig, Pitlochry, Perth & Kinross
Rhododendrons form a brilliant guard of honour to escort you to the front door, and you arrive to tea and scones in the drawing room. Admire mountain views, head off into woodland, roam the gardens, chat to the horses, the 20 acres are stunning.
Inside is just as good: elegant rooms, Persian rugs, modern art, flowers, a gleaming Bechstein. Happy hens foraging in the fields lay your breakfast eggs, artisan shops provide the trimmings.
From £115 per night for a double room.
Westbourne House, Cowes, Isle of Wight
Watch the yachts go by from this elegant townhouse on the waterfront. A welcoming drink and chat with Richard in the drawing room sets you up well: antiques, oil paintings, a bevy of guitars, family photos and stunning views.
Bedrooms have WiFi, home-baked biscuits, cosy well-dressed beds. Kate gives you breakfast, with the view, a hearty spread with homemade marmalade and Bucks Fizz too.
From £110 per night for a double room.
Denhay Corner House, Broadoak, Bridport, Dorset
Charlie runs a cut flower business, so her mellow stone cottage has beautiful blooms in every corner. The garden is dreamy, awash with colour. Step inside to find fantastic fabrics and artwork, wall hangings from all over the world, kilims and antiques.
Bedrooms have down duvets, a morning tea tray if you wish, and the scent from jugs of old fashioned roses. Expect scrumptious Aga breakfasts, sausages and bacon from friends’ pigs, homemade bread, orchard compotes.
From £90 per night for a double room.
Sawday’s Special Places to Stay: British Bed & Breakfast is available from bookshops (RRP £15.99) or from Sawday’s (£11.99+ P&P). See Sawdays
