Family Friendly Farm Stays: (2023)

For a beautifully peaceful farm stay retreat near Christchurch, NZ, Eyre View Retreat is an excellent, and highly rated, choice. The farm sits on the Canterbury plains just west of the city, has lovely, clear, mountain views, and a slow, relaxed atmosphere that is infectious to the visitor. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation on the farm is a cosy cottage/chalet, near the main farmhouse, with two bedrooms (one with queen size bed, the other with two singles), a lounge, kitchenette, dining room and bathroom. Outside the door there is a nice veranda area with seating and views over the fields and the distant mountains. There is also WiFi at the cottage plus a flat screen satellite TV, mini HiFi & DVD player. You’ll find the owners very friendly and helpful without being intrusive. Though the accommodation is self catering they also provide a very good continental breakfast in the morning which includes some of their very own fresh home baked bread. THE FARM: The farm has a number of animals; alpacas, cattle, horses and ponies, all of which are pretty friendly and well used to strangers. You can take the alpacas and ponies for a walk around the farm if you wish, and you can arrange horse riding lessons in the local area, as well as guided horse treks. THE LOCATION: Though near to the charming city of Canterbury, the South Island’s largest city, Eyre Retreat and its surroundings are a rural idyll where the stars shine brightly at night and there is barely a sound to be heard.  You can wander the farm then maybe take a walk through the Eyrewell Forest just behind, and there are also lots of tours and trips that you can organize from the farm: Horse riding treks, as mentioned above or wine tasting tours of the nearby Waipara vineyards for example. There are a few nice historic villages around too, with the nearby village of Cust being a good place for a leisurely day out. There are beaches too, ski resorts and some fabulous hiking towards the Southern Alps; places like the Korowai-Torlesse Tussocklands Park, Cragieburn and, slightly farther afield, the very spectacular Arthur’s READ MORE

In Louis Creek Valley, near Kamloops city, British Columbia, Tod Mountain Guest Ranch offers all inclusive accommodation packages that include horseback riding lessons, all meals and plenty of drinks and snacks too. The setting is wild and beautiful, and the views are spectacular. The Accommodation: Their rooms are in the form of individual cabins and are cosy, comfortable and clean, with a country style design. They all come with private bathroom and WiFi. Some are self catering too with a kitchen, patio and seating area. Their restaurant really serves up some top quality food and they’ve got a snack bar too, plus a sociable shared TV lounge and a games room with pool table and board games. The Location: Tod Mountain Ranch is just 35 miles from Kamloops where you’ll find a lot going on, in all seasons. It’s a sort of hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts and also has a number of good restaurants, bars , cafes and a small arts scene. There are all sorts activities to be enjoyed in the area around Kamloops and around the ranch; great hiking and mountain biking, fishing and golf, and winter sports in the Sun Peaks Resort for example. For swimming, fishing canoeing etc, there’s the lovely Heffley Lake about 6 miles from the ranch, while B.C.’s capital Vancouver, with its international airport, is 250 miles to the south west.   READ MORE

Just outside Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, this farmstay is in a 19th century farmhouse on a 130 acre working farm that borders the Nenagh River and has views of the Silvermines Mountains. All of their comfortable rooms have private bathrooms, coffee and tea making facilities and free WiFi. They serve a good hearty breakfast in the morning and, if requested, evening meals too. Of course the farm here is the main attraction and guests are free to wander around the grounds, see the animals, sit by the river, take in the peace and quiet. And when you want to move on you can take a drive to Lough Derg, less than 20 minutes away, where you can go sailing, swimming and fishing, go hiking around the Silvermines Mountains or have a walk through the woodlands of the Portumna Forest Park. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Everything was lovely, the couple running the farmhouse were very friendly and chatty, loved it here just wish we could have stayed longer….” “Peace and home comfort in a beautiful rural setting with wonderful breakfast….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAYLY FARM:     READ MORE

Casa Migliaca is a delightfully rustic agriturismo in Pettineo, near the town of Cefalù, Messina, Sicily. It has B&B accommodation in its hilltop farmhouse which comes beautifully shaded with organic orchard groves and has gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean beyond. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their rooms are traditional style with wood beamed ceilings, rustic furniture and tiled floors. And all are comfortable, clean and spacious with private bathroom and WiFi. There is shared lounge at the farmhouse too, and a nice dining room. The outside space particularly has a beautifully natural feel; lots of plants and flowers running semi wild around the gardens creating an intimate atmosphere where long leisurely evening meals take place in the summer. Teresa, the owner and head chef, is very enthusiastic about Italian and Sicilian food and farming, and loves to share her knowledge with guests, through informal cooking classes and tours of the farm. The home made meals here are really excellent and many, if not most, ingredients, come straight from the farm outside. THE FARM: The farm is about 12 hectares in size and comes with its own water spring. A third area of the area is left as wild woodland where you can see plenty of local wildlife such as porcupines and foxes. The rest is cultivated using the biodynamic holistic farming principles of Demeter Bund, and has a wealth of fruits, vegetables and herbs; olives, oranges, lemons, pears, figs, almonds, plums, zucchini, aubergines, peppers and many more. Guests are welcome to pick and eat some of the produce themselves and you can also sample much of it too in their previously mentioned fantastic Sicilian meals. THE LOCATION: The views from the farm are simply beautiful, set as it is on its own hill which gets lovely cool breezes in the summer time. It is just outside the village of Pettineo, a typically small, cute Sicilian hilltop town, and within close proximity to Cefalù, a popular but still quite elegant beach town with a grand history dating back to the Norman conquest. This history is highlighted by its centre piece, the Duomo; a great cathedral that towers over Cefalù’s old town. It READ MORE

A great base for exploring the Snowdonia National Park, in beautiful North Wales, Tyddyn Du Farm Stay has a range of luxury cottage suites with hot tubs on its large organic farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: It’s B&B but all the accommodation comes with a fully equipped kitchenette, and though they are in beautifully traditional Welsh farmhouse style with exposed wooden beams and stone walls, they still have all modern comforts. They are spacious, very comfortable and come with flat screen TV and ipod docking station as standard plus a spa bath/jacuzzi in the bathroom. THE FARM: It’s an organic farm with the main business being sheep farming, but they also keep alpacas, mini goats, hens and a couple of shetland ponies. The animals are all friendly and the farm owners are always happy to show guests around, and let them feed the animals, collect eggs etc. THE LOCATION: The surrounding area , Snowdonia National Park, is famously beautiful with the U.K’s highest mountain Mt. Snowdon just about 30 miles away. Llyn Trawsfynydd Lake is close by too and the whole region is a hikers and nature lovers paradise. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “I can’t think of a single reason not to stay here! Beautiful cottage, very friendly and helpful host. Stunning location. I would absolutely love to stay here again, had the most relaxing weekend ever. Perfect stay….” “The accommodation was lovely, spacious and included little extras like fresh milk, eggs and a bath jacuzzi. The views were exquisite and the location was perfect. This was definitely the best place we stayed on our trip!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT TYDDYN DU FARM: READ MORE

This luxury farm stay & vineyard hotel has a range of self catering chalets in beautiful Robertson’s Valley, Western Cape, South Africa. The farm produces wine and olive oil which the guests are welcome to sample. Each of their very stylish and comfortable chalet comes with a full kitchen, BBQ facilities, a cosy fireplace, plunge pool and private veranda. The farm also has a wellness center where massage and spa treatments are available. They have a range of other services too, including bicycle rental, car rental, airport transfer, laundry and ironing, dry-cleaning, daily maid service, gift shop, packed lunches and grocery deliveries. The friendly staff can also advise on some of the many hiking and biking routes in the beautiful countryside around the farm and can organize tours as well as the hiring of individual guides. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Second visit to this stunning farm. Will definitely be back. Chef Christopher is the best host and his breakfast basket with home made bread and croissants are amazing! The magical night sky with stars that stretch as far as the eyes can see and endless mountain views made out stay unforgettable…..” “My family and I had a wonderful time staying in this secluded, quiet farm cottage. We had breathtaking views of the mountain and the winery, and we were able to unplug and enjoy the natural beauty. The staff was friendly, professional, and super responsive….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ORANGE GROVE GUEST FARM:   READ MORE

Agriturismo Villa Cefalà, near Palermo, Sicily, is just a stone’s throw from the beach and its hillside location allows some really stunning views over the Mediterranean and some nice sea breezes too. The farmhouse is a classic old Sicilian mansion, in this case from the 18th century, and a place where the nobility of Palermo used to spend long leisurely summers. The building has an aristocratic, elegant feel, and the grounds are gorgeous too, there is a swimming pool and some lovingly maintained garden areas surrounded by rows and rows of citrus and olive trees. They also have a great restaurant on site where you can enjoy a generous, fresh, breakfast each morning and some thoroughly enjoyable evening meals on the outdoor terrace. THE ACCOMMODATION: Agriturismo Villa Cefalà has both B&B rooms and apartments. All have a nicely traditional Sicilian feel to them, with wrought iron bed frames, tiled floors, wood beamed ceilings and antique furniture, but they are modern hotel standard in terms of comfort and facilities; en-suite bathrooms, WiFi, Satellite TV, mini bar and safe, plus some nice little touches like a complimentary beauty kit in each of the bathrooms. The rooms are all double rooms and have plenty of space with a separate seating area included. The apartments have also one double bedroom though are slightly larger with a small kitchenette and lounge area included. In the grounds there is an outdoor swimming pool and various terraces and extensive gardens where you’ll also find a small children’s playground. The food is fantastic at this agriturismo, their traditional breakfast is large and tasty, and has a very nice selection of home made delicacies for you to try; pastries, breads, cakes, cheeses and yoghurts, washed down with freshly squeezed orange juice straight from the farm and of course some great coffee. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner too, where the quality of the food & wine, and the beautiful surrounds, attract many local visitors too, which is always a good indication. They have excellent cooking classes at the agriturismo, in case you would like to try your hand at making some of their dishes yourself at home, READ MORE

Cavril Agriturismo near Milan has stunning views over Lombardy’s Po Valley, and provides B&B accommodation in an old Italian manor farmhouse that has been upgraded and updated to offer the best in modern comfort and standards. All their rooms have air conditioning, a fridge, private bathroom and a balcony, and some come with a kitchenette. Wine, olive oil, and grappa are produced on the farm, tasting sessions can be organised with the owner and every morning they serve up a great Italian style organic breakfast. Cavril Agriturismo is just outside the village of Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII. About 20 minutes outside the city of Bergamo, and about an hour from Milan. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptional. Warm hospitality, beautiful views, great price. Lovely organic breakfast with farm fresh eggs. We ate at the restaurant both nights and were impressed each time….” “Wonderful property and beautiful accommodation not far away from Bergamo! The whole property was immaculate and the view from the bedroom was stunning. We also ate in the restaurant which was very nice and tried the wine from the estate. The owner was really sweet and helpful. Highly recommended!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO CAVRIL:   READ MORE

The homely Agriturismo Fattoria La Prugnola has a great variety of accommodation, including glamping style yurts and a tree house, on an organic, eco-friendly olive farm in the gentle hills of Montescudaio, near Pisa in Tuscany’s upper Maremma/northern Maremma region. The location is idyllic; it is very much surrounded by nature and in its isolated setting you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside all the way down to the famous Etruscan Coast and the sea beyond. THE ACCOMMODATION: There really is a great choice at this agriturismo with cottages, apartments, yurts and a tree house available for up to eight people per unit. So much so that to describe them all individually would take some time but suffice to say that they are all charming in their own way. You’ll find them well equipped, comfortable, clean and cosy, and all have all a nice rustic, Tuscan farmhouse feel to them, with much antique furniture, wood beamed ceilings and soothing pastel shades. Their 5 yurts are not by any means traditional Tuscan of course but they are beautifully put together, spacious and homely. And they are also nicely furnished, blending well some of those same rustic farmhouse touches with the more colourful and exotic ‘walls and ceilings’ of the Central Asian origin yurt. Four of them can sleep up to four people, using one double bed and one double sofa bed, while the largest of them can sleep up to five people with the help of an extra sofa bed. They all too have their own external, private bathrooms. The cosy, romantic tree house is a special property too, and very much sought after, be aware that minimum stay restrictions apply over the summer; in June to September the minimum stay is three nights while in July and August it is one week, from Saturday to Saturday. The treehouse is made entirely of wood and built around a large oak tree. It is small with just a double bed, a bedside table and wardrobe but it also has a very nice outdoor terrace with table and chairs, which offers some unique views of the woods and if you’re lucky READ MORE

This organic farm stay is just outside the little village of Vorderstoder in the Upper Austrian Alps, and near to the well known Kalkalpen National Park. They have bright, clean and modern self catering apartments at the farmhouse and there’s a lot to see and do, on the farm and in the surrounding area. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a choice of very nice apartments at Familienbauernhof Grossgrub, to sleep up to two adults and three children. They are all quite newly decorated, but very much in keeping with that classic Alpine rustic style, i.e. with traditional looking wooden panels and furniture everywhere. They all also have a balcony or at least some place from where to enjoy the lovely views. The accommodation is self catering and you’ll have a good, fully equipped kitchen at your disposal, but you can also order a very fine breakfast to start the day with if you need. There are also barbecue facilities outside and the owners organize sociable barbecue evenings over the summer months. The spa area has a nice stone sauna, an infrared cabin and a steam bath. There is also a children’s playroom and a playground in the garden, so they will be well entertained, and adults too can enjoy things like volleyball, table tennis, football and even go karting in summer. While in winter; cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and tobogganing. You can also wander the farm and meet the cattle, goats and hens which call it home. Hiking and mountain bike trails are all around this area too and just steps away from the farm. If you walk in the right direction you’ll also find a nice swimming lake just half a kilometre away, the friendly farm owners can point you in the right direction for that and other sights in the area. THE LOCATION: The cross-country ski run and the toboggan run are also right outside the farm, and they have toboggans which you can use free of charge. In terms of actual ski resorts the nearest is the Hinterstoder ski area, 6 km away while the Wurzeralm ski area is around 15 km, with a ski shuttle bus READ MORE

In the midst of the beautiful Montseny Park near Arbúcies, Catalonia, and about 90km north of Barcelona, Masia El Buxaus farm stay has a range of B&B rooms in a restored 18th-century manor house surrounded by a small farm where you’ll find pigs, hens and donkeys plus various vegetables and fruit trees. There’s an outdoor swimming pool in the large gardens too from where the views over the surrounding hills and forests are wonderful. There is a shared lounge at the property with a nice fireplace, a games room and a bar and restaurant, where you can be served some really good home cooking, much of it coming from directly from the farm, including a generous buffet breakfast every morning. There is a TV in the lounge too and WiFi throughout the property. The area surrounding the farm; Montseny Natural Park is a great area for hiking, trekking and mountain biking and the farmstay owners can give plenty of good advice about where to go and what to see and they can also organize tours for you with local tour companies. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place is beautiful, run by two of the most amazing, warm and amenable people on the planet. The cooking is excellent, unpretentious, simple and so tasty, seasonal things are grown on site. The views at sunrise can make you cry with joy, not to be missed. Its hard to express how awesome this place is….” “Place is ideal for relaxation and disconnecting. The house is beautiful, the staff are sweet and animals are adorable. Hikes around the hotel are super great. Room is big and beds are comfortable…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MASIA EL BUXAUS: READ MORE

In peaceful, rural County Laois, Ireland, and near to both Kilkenny city and the town of Carlow, the award-winning Coolanowle Country House has self catering and B&B accommodation on a working organic farm, which also contains a nice 3 acres of mature woodland. All their hotel standard rooms and self catering cottages are clean and comfortable with en-suite bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi. They serve a great breakfast in the morning, you can arrange equally good evening meals too and if the food appeals you can buy some of their own organic meat products; sausages, black puddings and rashers to take home from the farm shop. The farm stay is just ten minutes outside Carlow Town, less than twenty from Kilkenny city, with the city of Dublin about an hour away to the north east. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Would have loved to stay longer. Beautiful guesthouse, friendly host. Sheer luxury, loved it….” “Clean, comfortable Beds! Excellent breakfast! Everyone was really nice!! Highly recommended!…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT COOLANOWLE COUNTRY HOUSE:   READ MORE

Just outside the city of Kastamonu, in the Black Sea region of Turkey, Sadibey Hotel has B&B accommodation in a beautiful 130-year old farmhouse mansion surrounded by acres of farmland with horses, sheep and fruit and vegetable gardens. All its rustic, atmospheric rooms come with WiFi, flat screen TV and private bathroom. There is a top quality restaurant and bar at the property too, serving a traditional Turkish buffet breakfast and other meals throughout the day with some of the ingredients coming fresh from the farm. And in the grounds you’ll find a Turkish bath/hamam and also horse stables where you arrange horse riding lessons. The surrounding area is beautiful and great for hiking and cycling, and you can hire bikes from the farm if you need. There are winter sports too at the Ilgaz Ski Centre about 50km away. READ MORE

In Gustavus, Southern Alaska near the spectacular Glacier Bay National Park, Annie Mae Lodge has a selection of comfortable B&B rooms in a beautifully remote setting surrounded by meadow fields and friendly horses. There is a very good restaurant on site too, serving some of the best local produce especially seafood, and the hospitable owners can also provide lunch boxes for hiking trips. The area is great for hiking, and all sorts of other outdoor activities can be arranged too, like fishing, whale watching, sea kayaking and mountain biking. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The location was superlative. The service was customized to meet our needs including shuttle rides from the ferry to the inn, a shuttle ride to the airfield when we left and a shuttle ride to and from the park….” “Spectacular: Breakfast was great, delicious bake goods a, home made Granola and fruits. Dinner was 5 stars. Location was breathtaking and spectacular , walking distance to the beach. Staff provide rides to all sites at Gustavus (Glacier bay park, airport, downtown, etc.)….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ANNIE MAE LODGE:   READ MORE

In the heart of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, Valle Crucis, North Carolina, this self-catering farmstay has very cute, old style wooden cabins in a woodland area perfect for hiking and horseback riding, with sledding and water tubing also possible within season. Each cabin is well heated and has a seating area with a sofa, a kitchenette, a full bathroom, an outdoor terrace/porch area, cable TV and WiFi throughout. The cabins are just about 10 minutes’ walk to Valle Crucis town centre and about 8km from the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, with the Blue Ridge Parkway scenic highway also just a short drive away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Beautiful cabin. Very clean and cozy. The owners were very kind and welcoming. They clearly thought of every little detail to make the cabin as comfortable as possible. Would definitely recommend! Also: have dinner at Over Yonder just a few minutes away. Amazing food!…” “The cabin was so cute. Very clean and comfortable Bed was comfortable. The decor was really nice. Everything you need for a couple of nights. The owner helped us with our bags to the cabin. And is really quiet and relaxing….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT VALLE CRUCIS FARM:   READ MORE

About two hours from Lisbon in the beautifully picturesque Serra de São Mamede National Park, Alentejo, Portugal, Quinta das Lavandas is a charming farm stay set on a lavender farm that also has a small orchard and an olive grove. THE ACCOMMODATION: The building itself has been designed and furnished in a tastefully colourful, modernist style. Its seven B&B rooms are comfortable and clean, with private bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi, and some come with a terrace or balcony. There’s a nice lounge and dining area as well, and outside a sun terrace and swimming pool and you’ll find kids will be well entertained with various games to play and a small playground. THE FARM: The main activity on the farm is the production of Lavender, they use over 100 varieties of lavender to make various essential oils on the property and you’ll find the friendly, enthusiastic owners a great source of information about the whole process. They grow a variety of fruits and vegetables too, as well as producing their own olive oil. THE LOCATION: The area surrounding the farm also has much to offer; the Serra de São Mamede Park is an unexpectedly wild mountain area in the otherwise flatlands of Alentejo, and has some great hiking and rock climbing almost right on the doorstep of the farm stay. Slightly farther there are many classic northern Alentejo villages also to be explored; Castelo de Vide for example, and Portalegre, or the iconic hilltop village of Marvão. If you need you can hire bikes direct from the farm owners, but the area is quite hilly so be prepared! WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Beautiful location, exceptionally friendly and helpful owners. Perfect location for walking and exploring historic hilltop towns. Easy access to town with restaurants and bars….” “Wonderful experience, exceeded our expectations…..” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT QUINTA DAS LAVANDAS: READ MORE

This luxury vineyard hotel near Narbonne, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, is in the heart of Pays Cathare and the Languedoc Region’s vineyards. It offers 3 star accommodation on a large and highly renowned Gerard Bertrand wine estate surrounded by ancient pine forest and olive groves. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has 38 extremely comfortable rooms, both doubles and four bed family rooms, all of which come with private bathroom, WiFi and flat screen TV. There is also has a lounge bar downstairs, sometimes with live jazz music, and a restaurant ‘L’Art de Vivre’, whose food and drink are of an extremely high quality. There are the extensive grounds to be explored too which include a nice courtyard, gardens and an outdoor swimming pool, along with the adjoining vineyards. THE VINEYARDS: The Château has a full package of wine tourism activities; tasting sessions, vineyards tours etc. You’ll find grape varieties typical of the Languedoc region in the Château vineyards; The whites: Marsane, Roussane, Grenache blanc, Viognier, Vermentino and Bourboulenc. And the reds, Syrah, Carignan, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. It is such a well known estate that it is something of a destination in itself, and known for the many festivals it hosts; a popular jazz festival in summer, the Art de Vivre Festival in spring and other smaller wine harvesting and truffle gathering celebrations at other times. THE LOCATION: The estate sits in the Massif de la Clape natural reserve, the largest of its kind in Languedoc-Roussillon. The reserve is a mixture of landscapes from vineyards like at Château L’Hospitalet to the garrigue scrub terrain typical of the region as well as forests of oak and pine. The scenery moves through flat plains, plateaus and rocky outcrops with some lovely hiking trails around, many with stunning views over the Mediterranean. Going south through the Massif you’ll eventually come to the coast around Narbonne plage; a well known beach resort that gets very busy in the summer. The ancient Roman city of Narbonne is about fifteen minutes drive north of the estate. It has something of an old style, elegant feel and a very interesting, multi-layered history, but though the surrounding area is quite popular with READ MORE

In Bavarian Germany‘s Eggstätt-Hemhoff Lake District this beautiful family friendly farm stay offers three and four star luxury self-catering apartments, all with private bathrooms and some with beautiful mountain views. There is a buffet breakfast with delicious food straight from the working farm. Its good for kids too, there is horse riding and a small petting zoo, and all around the farmstay you’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking and fishing in really beautiful countryside. A little farther away you’ll find skiing and and other winter sports at the Sudelfeld resort, about 60km away from the farm stay. The journey from Bavaria’s capital, Munich, will less than an hour by car. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The apartment was very comfortable and easy to relax in. Wimmerhof is also a farm, which means the grounds smell like a farm. However, within my apartment the only smell was cedar and whatever I was cooking. There are some great walking paths accessible from the location. Also there was a restaurant right next door, making it easy to grab some food and drink….” “The hosts create a very warm atmosphere and offer plenty of farm programs for the kids. The farm has a beautiful, well-maintained terrain and is located in the wonderfully hilly landscape of the Chiemgau with an Alpine panorama on the horizon….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FARMSTAY WIMMERHOF: READ MORE

Beside the village of Dalton, and not far from Lockerbie town, Scotland, this popular farm stay has a choice of self catering cottage accommodation on a busy working farm with sheep, cattle and hens. All have a full kitchen and lounge area with private bathrooms and varying numbers of bedrooms, and all come with the usual modern conveniences, TV, WiFi, central heating etc. Outside in the large gardens you’ll find a barbecue and a children’s playground, while inside there is a games room with a full sized snooker table, darts board and table tennis. On the farm there is also plenty to do, you can go quad biking, tractor driving, hiking and fishing in the nearby rivers. Or you can take a look around the farm with the owners, feed the lambs or collect your own eggs from the resident hens. You have the Westlands Activity Centre down the road too where you can try other activities such as paint-balling & go-carting. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing place, excellent hosts, highly enjoyed. The owners were extremely friendly, kind and making sure all our needs and wishes were meet. Fantastic location and magnificent land and woods. We highly recommend this place….” “A peaceful and beautiful place to get away from the business of life. The cottage was bordered by beautiful woods, a short walk from a delightful stretch of the river Annan. The cottage was quiet and peaceful. The kitchen was adequately equipped with all the crockery and utensils we needed….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT KIRKWOOD FARM COTTAGES: READ MORE

In Temecula, California, about an hour from Disneyland, this boutique hotel vineyard stay is on a 300 acre ranch with a full working winery on site. It is a gorgeous property which offers peace and relaxation in luxury surrounds and with top of the range food, wine, facilities and levels of service. It has a bar and restaurant, with some very high quality food and of course wine. There is a swimming pool and a hot tub to enjoy in the large grounds, as well as a well equipped fitness center, and they offer a range of massage services too. All their comfortable and well appointed rooms come with WiFi, flat screen TV and private bathroom as well as a patio or balcony with nice views over the nearby mountains, the gardens and the vineyards that surround. Other facilities include a guest launderette and a business centre. And the friendly staff can organize various tours and packages including of course wine tasting and wine tours, but also things like horse drawn carriage rides and picnics. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This is a beautiful hotel!! Room was great with a very comfortable bed and high end linens and toiletries. I can’t imagine that there is a better place to stay in all of Temecula!…” “Beautiful views all around – great vineyards and the balloons in the skyline were breathtaking! Exceptional property and service….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT PONTE VINEYARD INN: READ MORE

Hidden among the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, near Taos, in the north of New Mexico, this is a peaceful and charming ecological farm stay with a number of self catering cabins on its 40 acre goji berry farm which also has a number of hens, sheep and goats. The old style cabins are rustic, homely and tastefully furnished. Outside the bedroom(s) you’ll find a well equipped kitchen, a lounge area and bathroom with a bathtub. The area around the farm is beautifully quiet and peaceful, surrounded by forest and mountains it gives a feeling of solitude that is both calming and inspiring; the type of place where creative types might come on retreat. It’s only about 15 minutes drive from the little town of Taos though, while the Taos Ski Valley and Red River can be reached in about a half hour. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “I love the whole farm setting. Chickens, llamas, goats, fruits, vegetables and the incredible quietness is what we needed it. Fully rested from stress. The little cabins were awesome, slept like a baby. The quietness of everything was exactly what I was looking for. Felt very connected with Nature and God. Breakfast was awesome and coffee was delightful. I will be back, for sure….” “Fabulous. It was super fun! Never stayed on a farm before… much better experience than I was expecting….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT TAOS GOJI FARM: READ MORE

With a spectacular setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean this small Hawaiian farmstay retreat has comfortable self catering accommodation, surrounded by vegetable gardens and fruit trees, and puts a strong emphasis on rejuvenation, relaxation and healthy living. The Accommodation: The accommodation is a spacious double room with bathroom, an adjoining lounge area with cable TV, and a full kitchen. There is WiFi throughout the property, and outside you’ll find a nice garden terrace area with barbecue facilities and all around the views are spectacular. The hospitable owners can arrange all sorts of other activities for their guests during their stay; yoga and health and wellness coaching for example, and as professional chefs their cooking classes come very highly recommended. The Farm: The friendly owners are always happy to show guests around their small three acre farm which grows a lot of fruit; fifteen varieties of citrus, six varieties of avocados, and plenty more including bananas, papaya, as well as a range of vegetables and herbs. The owners are enthusiastic about small scale farming and are always happy to show guests around and give them some tips. You can also pick your own fruit and veg. for cooking with and, as mentioned previously, they also offer cooking classes where you can learn some good healthy recipes. They themselves can make meals for you too if you need, and you can be sure their food is of a very high quality. The Location: The farm stay sits 1500 feet high on the Island of Hawaii’s Maliu Ridge, near the lovely little town of Hawi, and has incredible views over the town and the vast blue ocean beyond. Because of the altitude the climate up there on the ridge is cooler and definitely makes for a more comfortable base than down below, in the heat of coast. Apart from Hawi, at Always in Season you’ll also be close to places like Kapaau Village, Mahukona Beach Park, Pololu Valley, the Lapakahi State Historical Park and Lapakahi Marine Conservation Area for example, with all of them being between ten and twenty minutes away by car. As well as the services they provide on the farm, the owners READ MORE

A slice of rural luxury near Aix-en-Provence, Domaine de Fontenille has 17 rooms in a beautifully atmospheric 18th century mansion house surrounded by its own vineyards. It is in the pretty village of Lauris, along the Durance River, which, though very near Aix-en-Provence, happily doesn’t see the same magnitude of tourists as much of the rest of the region. Domaine de Fontenille has a long reputation as a wine producing estate, with its first harvest being all the way back in 1638 but these days it is most well known for its Michelin star awarded restaurant; Le Champ des Lunes, and in general for being one of the finest boutique luxury hotels in rural Provence. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has just 17 rooms in total (check the booking page here) and so is a somewhat intimate place. They run from standard doubles, through family rooms to top of the range suites all of which you will find spacious and elegant with high ceilings, wooden floors and tastefully rustic furniture. Perks include extra large beds, music systems, sound proofing and some particularly nice bathrooms, most of which will have traditional bathtubs along with modern showers. All of the rooms and suites are B&B, or just B as the breakfast is not included in the room rate (though it is worth the extra € 21 charge), but for self caterers they also have a nice two bedroom apartment which has full kitchen facilities, a good sized lounge and its own private garden. The building itself is quite lovely with plenty of common areas to relax in; lounges, library areas and of course their two restaurants: Fine dining can be enjoyed at the Le Champ des Lunes, which won a Michelin star for its classic French & Provençal cuisine, and more casual dining at the La Cuisine d’Amélie. The restaurants are open to the public and though hotel guests will have some priority it’s generally wise to make a reservation or reservations a few days in advance especially in the summer and especially at Le Champ. The grounds of Domaine de Fontenille are equally impressive, with a full 86 acres of mostly landscaped gardens READ MORE

Le Clos du Quesnay is a truly lovely farm B&B in a restored 19th-century farmhouse near Rouen, Normandy, France, and within driving distance of both Le Harve and Calais. They have a range of accommodation in the main farmhouse as well as some glamping style gypsy caravans in the extensive gardens. You’ll find the owners helpful and friendly and they are great cooks too. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of five rooms; doubles, and suites for up to four people (one double bed & two singles), plus 4 lovely gypsy caravans in the grounds outside. All the rooms are very comfortable and come with all modern conveniences; private bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi. The gypsy caravans can fit up to three people with one double bed and one sofa bed in the lounge area. They have a nice bathroom and a small dining area inside, plus a porch and patio area outside with seating. At the main farmhouse there is a common lounge with board games, TV and fireplace plus there is a separate dining area. The accommodation is B&B but they also serve up meals throughout the day. Their multi course evening dinners are really fantastic for example and are a great way to meet other guests while enjoying some good wholesome Norman food. The gardens are really lovely, it is a former farm and there is a full 10 acres to be enjoyed, all of it beautifully landscaped with lawns, flower beds and orchard trees. There is also a large children’s playground, barbecue facilities and an area to play the traditional French game of pétanque. THE LOCATION: Le Clos du Quesnay is around 40km east of of the city of Rouen, and Monet’s favourite cathedral, less than an hour’s drive from Dieppe on the Normandy coast, and about 100km from Paris. The area is known as the Pays de Bray and it is classic Normandy countryside; green fields and pretty small towns, including the famous spa town of Forges-les-Eaux. There are a couple of very beautiful chateaux nearby too at Vascoeuil and Martainville and plenty of opportunities for cycling, horse riding and hiking, especially around the nearby Forêt READ MORE

Masseria Agnello on Sicily’s west coast, is quite simply a very special property. The grand stone building is the first thing that strikes you, an aristocratic farmhouse villa from the 19th century, it is stately and imposing from the outside, and on the inside very tastefully styled and furnished, with its modern touches at ease on the traditional Sicilian farmhouse canvas.  The grounds are something of a fertile oasis too, with the green lawns, lush palms, carob, citrus and olive groves a striking sight against the barren hills that surround. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a range of rooms and suites to sleep up to four people, some of which have their own terrace and all of which are spacious, clean and super comfortable. There is a curated mix of old and new in terms of furniture and decor, but the rooms, and the whole building in fact, retain the charm and atmosphere of a bygone era. You can expect luxury hotel standards at Agnello and all the rooms come with flat screen TV, WiFi, mini bar etc., plus some very plush en suite bathrooms. The grounds have a series of very attractive gardens with various flowers and aromatic plants and herbs, like rosemary, lavender and thyme. There is an outdoor swimming pool too and the views from all around the property are stunning, especially towards Realmonte and the sea beyond. There is a fine restaurant at the Masseria, where you will be treated to an excellent breakfast, and where you can sample some great local food for lunch and dinner too. If the food appeals so much that you may miss it at home, you can also arrange daily cooking classes with the chef! PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here.  THE LOCATION: The agriturismo is on the west coast of Sicily, the lesser known coast, quite a bit away from the major urban areas of the north and east. Therein lies its charm though, much of the west of Sicily has an isolated, almost other worldly feel to it, and the coastline can be spectacular. The one place that READ MORE

  Brúnalaug is a cosy three bedroom holiday cottage on a family farm near Iceland’s second city, Akureyri and the Eyjafjörður Fjord in its remote north. The accommodation is comfortable and clean, the location very scenic and central to many of northern Iceland’s most lovely natural landscapes. THE ACCOMMODATION: The modern cottage comes with a nice lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, one double/twin room, one with a bunk bed and one single room plus the sofa in the living room can also be pulled out to sleep two more if needed, and cots can be provided for children. The comfortable lounge has a WiFi and a TV & DVD player while outside there is a large porch area with a barbecue and, best of all, a hot tub from where to enjoy some of the lovely scenery that surrounds. The farmer’s house is nearby and you’ll find them very friendly but completely non-intrusive. They grow a large range of fruit, vegetables, herbs etc. at the farm greenhouse though and so you can buy supplies of fresh produce to cook with should you need. Otherwise there are supermarkets in Akureyri, just 13km away, plus plenty of nice cafes, bars and restaurants. THE LOCATION: The nearest town is Akureyri, Iceland’s second city which, with a population of just 18,000, is a lot more sedate than Reykjavik. It also sees a lot less tourists and is therefore, for many visitors, a much more authentic place to be. The region is generally called Eyjafjaroarsveit, or Eyjafjörður Country, after the large fjord of the same name and is a wonderful place for all sorts of outdoor activities; hiking, horse riding, skiing, golf, bird watching etc. Make sure to do some whale watching at Húsavík and admire the spectacular waterfall at Goðafoss too. You can ask the friendly farm owners at Brúnalaug for more advice and recommendations, they’ll have plenty, and they can also help organize tours and excursions. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We stayed for 2 nights and had wonderful time in this warm and cosy house. Anna was so nice and told us many stories about Iceland, it’s culture, nature and people. READ MORE

Cuevas del Pino is an agroturismo farm stay near Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain, which has some lovely quaint and rustic self catering cottages on its 60 acre organic farm. It also has the added intrigue of being set around an old stone quarry which has cave systems to explore and a cave house for overnight stays. The setting is quite unique and though just minutes from Cordoba city centre it is gorgeously peaceful. The hosts are friendly and charming and you’ll find a creative, bohemian vibe about with lots of activities to be enjoyed from yoga and meditation to photography and painting workshops, as well as various low key events; musical performances, micro theatre and film showings. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a choice of four cottages, two of them are one double bedroom and two of them two bedroom, with the latter being able to sleep up to five people. They are all charmingly rustic and traditional in style, and with some nice antique furniture and art pieces decorating the space. They are also very clean and comfortable and with modern facilities. You’ll find a well equipped kitchen, a lounge area, and outside a nice private terrace area with tables, chairs and sun loungers. The most unique of the accommodation choices is of course the cave house. A clever bit of architecture, it is, as the name suggests, a cottage built in to a cave, with solid rock for (most of) the walls and ceilings.  The design is that of an open plan loft and is super spacious and stylish. Though all the accommodation is of a high standard and thoroughly charming the cave house is understandably the most popular and so be sure to book well ahead of time. Outside there are some nicely tended gardens and an outdoor swimming pool with plenty of space for relaxing. Beyond that there is the farm, an organic, eco-friendly project that grows a variety of fruits and vegetables including beet-root and sweet corn. THE LOCATION: The farm stay is conveniently near Cordoba, a popular destination for tourists in Andalusia and one which rivals Granada for its rich Moorish history and heritage. By car the journey READ MORE

In the rural hills of Basilicata, Italy, Taverna Centomani farmstay has a range of comfortable B&B rooms on a working sheep and cattle farm near the city of Potenza. THE ACCOMMODATION: All their rooms come with private bathroom, WiFi and flat screen TV and the hospitable owners serve a very good Italian style, sweet and savoury buffet breakfast in the morning, with some of the produce direct from the farm. And for lunch and dinner there are a number of good quality restaurants in the surrounding area. THE LOCATION: Though very near the city of Potenza the area feels beautifully remote. There are quite a few really lovely hiking trails in the surrounding hills, and there is a local horse riding stable from where horse riding trips can be arranged. Or if you prefer to cycle you can rent bikes from the farm, and winter sports lovers can visit the nearby Sellata ski area. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Absolutely outstanding! The homemade food, the hospitality, the warmth of Maria…what a very special place….” “Great hostess, clean mountain air, all organic, sustainable farm, wonderful dinner offered….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO TAVERNA CENTOMANI:   READ MORE

In the heart of the beautiful Wye Valley, Wales, UK, with lovely views over the market town of Builth Wells, this very homely B&B farmstay, which is very highly rated by its guests, has a range of comfortable rooms with flat screen TV, WiFi and a private patio. They can serve a very good breakfast direct to your room in the morning with plenty of choice, from a full cooked Welsh breakfast to porridge, cereals, toasted bagels with salmon and cream cheese etc. Guests are free to wander the farm at their leisure and maybe keep an eye out for some local wildlife; Red kites, owls, foxes and buzzards are all known to visit now and again. And if you would like to explore farther afield the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, which has great hiking opportunities and famously stunning scenery, is a short drive to the south. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Absolutely everything the gracious informative hosts fabulous setting great creature comforts king size bed & topped off with a superb breakfast overlooking the magnificent scenery a must stay for people who look for luxury in a B&B….” “Can’t praise Smithfield Farm enough, had the most wonderful stay. Facilities, food, cleanliness, location and the owners were all excellent…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SMITHFIELD FARM:   READ MORE

By the black sands of Pahoa, Hawaii, The Jungle Farmhouse is a comfortable self catering holiday cottage in the middle of the Hawaiian jungle. It comes with all modern conveniences including a flat screen TV with satellite channels and WiFi, en-suite suite bathroom and a lovely peaceful terrace overlooking the garden, which has BBQ facilities. And all around the farmhouse there is some great jungle hiking and trekking to be found, and The Lava Tree State Park is only about a mile away. You can get organic eggs from the farm’s hens and ducks and fresh fruit from the farm’s trees; papaya, bananas, avocados and pineapple. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing property, amazing host, amazing location. Seeing the sky glow red at night from the volcano and the outdoor shower were great. Would 100% recommend anyone to stay here – a real escape to a true jungle farmhouse!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE JUNGLE FARMHOUSE:     READ MORE

Agriturismo I Moresani has quality accommodation on its 200 acre family-run organic farm near the lovely Cilento Coast, south of Naples, & Salerno, Campania. The farm is a busy place with cows, pigs, goats, horses and hens, and produces a huge range of organic food products including extra virgin olive oil, salami, sweet and salty sausages, goat’s cheese, pasta, liqueur, wine, tomato puree, honey, biscuits, flour, pulses and more. It’s an extraordinary selection and all are available to try at the farm restaurant and to buy at the farm shop. THE ACCOMMODATION: The range of accommodation at the agriturismo is equally broad and consists of three separate buildings with a total of 9 rooms (doubles, triples and quadruples) and three self catering apartments. You’ll find all clean and comfortable and with a nice rustic Italian farmhouse feel. In the grounds outside there is a swimming pool surrounded by gardens and of course beyond that the farm where you can wander through the olive groves, vineyards and vegetable gardens enjoying the peace and quiet, and all the time surrounded by the rolling green hills of this very lovely and very underrated area of rural Italy. Food is of course a major part of the experience of Agriturismo I Moresani; the breakfast is fantastic, organic and can be adapted to suit dietary restrictions. You’ll be well advised to try the restaurant in the evening too too where you can enjoy to the full some fantastic meals; genuine home-made, slow food, with most of the ingredients coming fresh from the farm itself. Active types will appreciate the horse riding (They have their own horse riding school) and various activities and excursions can be arranged in the surrounding area including hiking tours of the Cilento National Park,  visits to the Unesco World Heritage archaeological sites of Paestum and Elea-Velia, boat trips around the lovely Cilento coast, cooking classes and more. THE LOCATION: Though many areas of Italy may claim such a title the Cilento Coast is a firm candidate for rural Italy’s best kept secret. The world famous Amalfi Coast draws almost all of the foreign tourists in these parts but those in the know will also take the READ MORE

Just outside the beautiful hilltop town of Pienza, Tuscany, Italy, Agriturismo Casapicchiata is a very highly rated farm stay that has comfortable B&B rooms in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by acres of wheat fields, olive groves, lavender and cypress trees. The views are tremendous too and it is in a perfect location for further exploration of this fabled sub-region of Tuscany; Val ‘Orcia. THE ACCOMMODATION: All the rooms are rustically stylish, with tiled floors, antique furniture and classic bed frames, and they all come with nice private bathrooms. This farm stay comes with lots of other niceties too; a spa & wellness center with massage services, a fitness center, a small indoor swimming pool, a hot tub and a solarium. They know how to look after their guests here and they can also provide a number of other, more practical, services; babysitting, laundry and maid services for example. Their food is tremendous, and not only the breakfast; the friendly owners cook up some great locally sourced food (Much from their own farm) in the evenings too which can be shared with other guests in the farm’s ‘family and friends only’ informal restaurant. THE LOCATION: The lovely Pienza is of course very much on the Tuscan tourist trail and there are innumerable other lovely small towns nearby too; Bagno Vignoni, Montacino, Rocca d’Orcia to name just a few. In between too of course you have some classic Val d’Orcia/Southern Tuscany countryside to enjoy (you’ll find a special section on Val d’Orcia on this page). You can hire bikes from the farm to head out exploring if you wish, and/or they can also arrange some wonderful horse riding trips which take you around the local area and some of the more hidden, less touristy areas of Val d’Orcia. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing location right at the heart of Val d’Orcia, within driving distance of many central locations of Tuscany. Beautiful place with warmhearted owners….” “Excellent property, the owner was very kind and helpful. The breakfast was great and we fell in love with the location (and the dog!)….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO READ MORE

In the historic and picturesque village of Granville, not far from Columbus, Ohio, Orchard House B&B is a stylish and homely farm stay which lacks nothing in terms of comfort or hospitality and displays an eclectic mixture of contemporary and antique furniture and art. They have a variety of farm animals on their small farm including sheep, goats, llamas and hens, as well as growing various vegetables and fruits, and guests are always welcome to have a look around and meet some of the animals. The rooms and suites are spacious, clean and very comfortable, all with private bathrooms and WiFi, plus there is a very nice shared lounge/TV room and dining area downstairs where the friendly owners host evening time wine and cheese receptions. They do a great breakfast in the morning too, including eggs from the farm, and drinks and snacks are available throughout the day, all of which will be organic and locally sourced as much as possible. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptional: Beautiful farm setting with fields to explore and some farm animals. Pet friendly. Fabulous breakfast and cheese and wine in the evening….” “Great Location, very comfortable, beautiful place. Host was very attentive and helpful. Breakfast was delicious, farm fresh local ingredients in a very charming setting. Room was very comfortable….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ORCHARD HOUSE: READ MORE

The 3 star A Serenada Enoturismo is just over an hour from Lisbon, Alentejo, Portugal, and has luxury accommodation with commanding views over the surrounding, richly rural, countryside known as the Serra de Grândola. It’s a very impressive property surrounded by its own vineyards and cork plantations and consistently gets rave reviews from guests. There is great attention to detail in terms of comfort, style and decor, you’ll find the food and wine top quality and the service equally so. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a choice of 6 rooms and suites, all of which are plush, inviting and luxury hotel standard, though the more spacious ‘Balcony Suite’ steals the show with what is more like a private terrace than a balcony with nice views over the vineyards. There is an infinity type outdoor swimming pool in the gardens and lots of seating and lounging space too. All the rooms are B&B and the fresh buffet breakfast makes a great start to the day. You can also order further meals at any time, they will be consistently good and come well paired with a selection of their own wines. THE ESTATE: It’s a pretty large estate and lovely to wander around. They also have bikes at the property for guests to use and you can arrange picnic hampers to take with you on your travels. Wine is the main business at A Serenada of course and you can visit the wine cellars and take part in tasting sessions etc. The staff are known for their knowledge and enthusiasm and are always happy to impart the same to guests. It’s not all wine though, this being Alentejo, the world’s biggest supplier of cork, they also have many cork trees whose barks are stripped and harvested to make, amongst other things, the corks that go in to the tops of your bottle of wine. They keep bees on the estate too and collect and package the honey they supply. THE LOCATION: As mentioned the hotel is conveniently near Lisbon, just over an hour to the south. It’s a secluded, very rural, spot in the Serra de Grândola, and is also close to some beautiful coastline READ MORE

This very cute, pet friendly, agriturismo B&B near Catania, Sicily, Italy, grows 100% organic citrus fruits and vegetables in a beautifully rural setting with Mt. Etna towering above. All their comfortable rooms and suites have a private bathroom and a terrace or balcony, some come with a kitchenette, but guests are also free to cook in the well equipped shared kitchen. Outside they have barbecue facilities in the garden and the surrounding area is really nice to explore by hiking or biking, especially the nearby Mt. Etna National Park, and the farm can offer free bike rental to do just that. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Everything: accommodation (perfect rustic design), very friendly owner, excellent breakfast, good location (in the nature and at the same time close to the city)….” “We truly loved our stay here. Cesare was a very kind and relaxed host. The atmosphere was extremely relaxing and the whole place just beautiful. We will come again!….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LA CASA DI PIPPINITTO:   READ MORE

Near the ski slopes of the Blue Mountains and by the pine river, Ontario, Canada, this friendly B&B farmhouse is surrounded by beautiful green countryside and its own hazelnut almond, apple and walnut orchards. They have three very comfortable double rooms with shared bathroom and a shared lounge with a nice open fireplace and a library. They serve a great breakfast in the morning with all the ingredients locally sourced, and organic as much as possible. And also, with a bit of advance notice they can adapt the menu for different diets. The surrounding area is great for hiking with the Bruce trail just minutes away and for plenty of other activities too; winter sports, fishing, swimming, horse riding, golf, cycling and archery. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “I loved everything, had a wonderful time and I sure enjoyed my time with the owners, breakfast was amazing , beautiful home very quaint, will be going back to stay again soon! I would rate them a ten out of ten!…” “The place for those who want to relax and enjoy the nature! An amazing getaway from the hustle and bustle of Toronto and it’s just 1,5h drive from Downtown. The hosts are so friendly and really provide a high quality service. Btw, the dog Mansfield is adorable:)…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FOXINGHAM FARM B&B: READ MORE

Pet friendly Montana Hill Guest Ranch invites you to the gentle hills of British Columbia’s South Cariboo to enjoy some rural bliss, some old style Canadian hospitality and to do exactly as much or as little as you like. It has horseback riding, spa facilities, good food, hospitable hosts and a choice of four comfortable and cosy private log cabins each with a fireplace and an outdoor hot tub. The Accommodation: The accommodation is in classic style log cabins, all with one double bedroom, kitchenette, lounge and one bathroom. The lounge has a double sofa bed too so each cabin can sleep up to four people. They are comfortable and clean with modern facilities; flat screen TV & WiFi, and there is a nice cosy ambience throughout, more especially as they all feature those old style cast iron stove heaters. Cosy doesn’t mean small though, they have more than enough space for four people to relax comfortably both inside and out, where there is an old style porch with a hot tub, barbecue facilities and outdoor furniture. In the main ranch house there is a common lounge area to socialize with the owners and the other guests. There’s a library there and a billiards table. They have spa facilities too and can offer, amongst other things, massage therapy with organic essential oils, hot stone massage therapy and beauty treatments including manicures and pedicures. Though the accommodation is self catering, breakfast is included in the rate and it is generous and hearty, and includes some real quality coffee. You can also join one of the western themed, full three course, evening meals with other guests at the ranch house and order trail lunches and picnic baskets to be made up if you want to head out on the range. The Ranch: Outside on the ranch there is a herd of red angus cattle and of course horses. Horseback riding is a big activity here and there are some lovely trails around the ranch and the surrounding area. You can bring your own horse along with you, they have paddock areas with shelter beside each cabins just for that purpose, or you can use READ MORE

In a very charming 16th-century Umbrian farmhouse near to both Perugia and Lake Trasimeno, Umbria, Italy, La Posta agriturismo has a range of lovely, rustic style, rooms and apartments to choose from. Outside you’ll find some beautifully tended gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and all with great views over the surrounding countryside. The ancient farmhouse is surrounded by some almost equally old Dolce Agocia olive trees as well as younger Frantoio, Leccino & Moraiolo trees. They produce organic extra virgin olive oil and a range of jams at the farm, and the owners are always happy to give guests a tour and offer tasting sessions. And they can also arrange visits to local wine cellars. All their accommodation comes with a nice breakfast full of locally sourced ingredients. The owners are very good cooks, you can arrange evening meals and they can also arrange cooking classes for guests on a range of local specialities. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A great place to relax and enjoy the Umbrian summer: This place is so peaceful and has such a nice ambience and view that we ended up spending most of our time at the property…” “A relaxing and comfortable stay in a beautiful place. The apartment was comfortable and tastefully appointed and the staff were very helpful; they went out of their way to do those little things that made our stay feel very special…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LA POSTA DI CONFINE: READ MORE

In the heart of the Rhineland’s Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine region, and 20 minutes from one of Germany‘s oldest cities Trier, Weingut Weis is a 4 star vineyard hotel with an emphasis on relaxation and good food. There is a spa and wellness centre on site; a Finnish sauna, hot tubs and a whole range of services from massages to aromatherapy and facial manicures. It has a variety of comfortable modern rooms and suites, with cable TV, WiFi and private bathroom, and the food and wine at the on-site restaurant is top class; there is a fine buffet breakfast every morning and throughout the day you will find a nice selection of Rhineland and German specialities, including of course some of the famous Mosel wines from their own winery. The surrounding area is indeed popular for wine, but also for cycling; if all the relaxation gets too much there are many well known cycle routes all around and the staff can advise you on this plus the hotel also provides bikes for hire. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Superb: Overall a great stay. Staff was great and extra helpful. Room was clean and the breakfast was fantastic….” “Location was perfect, just a short bus ride into Trier. Nice big room, very clean and well equipped. Tasty breakfast buffet and helpful reception staff. Walking distance to a local restaurant….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT WEINGUT WEIS: READ MORE

In the heart of the vineyards around Greve in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy, and near to both Florence and Siena, Agriturismo Podere Campriano is a beautifully rustic, family owned organic farmstay that produces some quality wine and olive oil and offers cooking classes and winery tours. It is very much a peaceful little oasis but yet only a 5 to 10 minute walk to the town of Greve in Chianti itself. THE ACCOMMODATION: All their B&B suites and rooms (you can check your options on the booking page here), and their self catering apartment, are clean, spacious and tastefully furnished, and all have WiFi throughout. While outside in the gardens you’ll find plenty of space to relax, with a salt water swimming pool and barbecue facilities. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE FARM, THE WINE & THE FOOD: Guests are welcome to wander the hillside vineyards and olive groves, and can also arrange guided tours of both the farm and the winery, to learn a bit about the production process and partake in tasting sessions. Their winery produces some quality organic wines as well as Bolero elixir, a unique type of grape syrup that they have been making at Agriturismo Podere Campriano for generations. The farm stay also has some helpful daily cooking classes where you can learn how to make some of the local specialities that make Tuscany, and Chianti, so famous in culinary circles. THE LOCATION: Tuscany might just claim to be Italy’s most admired region and if so Chianti could easily claim to be the Tuscany of Tuscany, so to speak. It is the very heart of the region and has a rural charm that manages to defy the masses of tourists that visit it every year. It is a place of winding roads, gentle green hills and fertile land that has been producing some of the world’s best wines and olive oil since at least medieval times. Dotted among this lovely countryside you’ll also find some classically beautiful Tuscan towns, none more so perhaps than Greve in Chianti itself, the gateway to Chianti, and the location READ MORE

Kerriley Park is a homely, family friendly, self catering farm stay in Yelverton, Western Australia, between the Margaret River and Busselton rural holiday regions. It offers cosy and comfortable self catering cottages on their small friendly farm which also has 75 acres of wildlife filled native bushland to explore. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farm stay has a choice of three bedroom, air conditioned, cottages that can sleep up to 10 people. They are fully self catering with a well equipped kitchen, and an open plan dining/lounge area with a flat screen TV and ipod docking station. Outside they all have a nice little verandah area with plenty of seating and outdoor dining space, and you’ll have a communal barbecue at your disposal too. There is a small swimming pool in the gardens too, though its really more for splashing about in than actually swimming, and there is also a children’s adventure playground. THE FARM: The animals are the main attraction for most guests though, and especially children. Every morning the kids can be given a bag of food to feed the animals with, animals which include, goats, sheep, hens, emus and ponies. All of them are friendly and well used to visitors. There is plenty of wild bush around too and guests are free to head off bushwalking as they please and where they are in with a good chance of spotting some of the abundant local wildlife. THE LOCATION: The farmstay is south of Perth, W.A., between two of Australia’s best known rural holiday regions; Margaret River and Busselton. Margaret River is especially famous for two things that usually don’t go hand in hand; surfing and wine making. Its coastline has some of Australia’s best surf while inland lies some of the country’s best vineyards. Other types of farming go on here too and the area is becoming something of an agritourism hot spot. Busselton is known for its sheltered bay and beach, its humpback whale population and its coral. The beachfront has an iconic 19th century jetty, the Busselton Jetty, a mile and a half long, it ends at the Underwater Observatory where you can comfortably check out the amazing coral life READ MORE

Agriturismo Sarrabus is a lovely, traditional agriturismo, less than an hour from Cagliari, on the east coast of Sardinia. The food here is a major highlight; their on site restaurant is the perfect place to experience Sardinia’s rich food tradition with much of the ingredients for their traditional recipes coming fresh from their own, or other farms in the local area. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of cosy self catering cottages to sleep up to four people surrounding the main farmhouse & restaurant. They are basic but clean and comfortable and though, because of the quality of the food in the restaurant, you might find yourself never cooking, you will also have a well equipped kitchenette at your disposal. Outside the cottages have a little veranda with tables and chairs and there is plenty of space to lounge around in the lawns and among the lovely olive and orange trees, where you’ll also find some slides and swings for the children. The farm itself produces a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs which go in to their fresh food as well as keeping Tibetan goats, hens, ducks, rabbits, turtles and even two friendly wild boars. They have horses too and you can bring them out for some lovely horse riding trips around the nearby lagoon and along the sea shore. THE LOCATION: You’ll find the agriturismo down some country lanes near the village of San Priamo in this richly rural part of east Sardinia. The sea is just minutes away as is the Stagno dei Colustrai lagoon, which you can explore on horseback, and there are some lovely beaches around too. The journey from Cagliari should take less than an hour but if you have time on your hands you can take the longer, but more scenic coastal routes. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Brilliant. This place was an experience. Silvia met us with coffee and Sardinian cookies. It was a lovely stay on the farm with perfect hospitality. There was the sweet scent of orange trees in the air. Both dinner and breakfast was served in the large farm style dining hall. The best idea of all was: All READ MORE

Boschendal Cottages has centuries old, beautifully restored, farm cottages at its luxury farm stay/vineyard hotel near Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. Guests are given access to the entire farm,  where you can join their farm history tours and the wine cellar tours, or you can wander on foot or by bike the vineyards, orchards and semi rugged mountain trails all around. Plus you can swim freely in the dams or go trout fishing and use the picnic areas nearby. The farm stay has its own very high quality restaurant: The Werf Restaurant, its own Farm Shop & deli stocked with the finest of local food. All their stylish and clean cottages have a full kitchen, or kitchenette in the smaller cottages, and are serviced daily. You can also order meals, breakfast included, to be delivered to your cottage, and in baskets if required for picnics. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Boschendal was so good that we extended our stay by an extra 2 days! Thanks to all (especially Roxy) for such special experience we will never forget….” “Amazing location, fantastic accommodation. Great staff, careful and kind, that provided us with anything we needed to truly enjoy our Boschendal experience. Food and wine also deserve a special note as everything was organic and most of it grown directly into the estate. What an experience overall, definitely recommended!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BOSCHENDAL COTTAGES:   READ MORE

On a small farm near Pickering, North Yorkshire, U.K, this popular family run farmstay has a great selection of stylish B&B rooms in an 18th century farmhouse plus self catering cabins. They serve a great English breakfast with some of the finest local ingredients, including free-range eggs direct from their own farm, which guests are free to explore. All their rooms and cabins are clean, spacious and comfortable and come with en suite bathroom, seating area, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and flat-screen TV and DVD player while the cabins come with all the above plus a kitchen. There is a very nice garden at the property too with outside furniture and an extensive children’s playground. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Absolutely fabulous and look forward to staying again. The accommodation and surrounding area were fabulous . Beautiful lodge set on the lake. Very clean , luxurious interior and facilities. We were disappointed we weren’t staying longer….” “Lovely just lovely perfect for families with children, or a romantic get away. Close to all shops/amenities yet secluded. Would definitely recommend to anyone….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BARKER STAKES FARM: READ MORE

This very much family friendly farm stay is in Southern Germany‘s Swabia region, in the state of Baden Württemberg and near to both Lake Constance and the Black Forest. Kids will particularly love the cornfield maze, the play barn and the petting zoo. The Accommodation: Their accommodation options, eighteen in total, run from double rooms to suites and self catering apartments and you can expect plenty of space, cleanliness and comfort, satellite flat screen TV, free WiFi, and hotel standard service throughout. Their food is also a big attraction, they have a top quality restaurant that serves a diverse selection of Swabian and German dishes every day. The ingredients being locally sourced and organic as much as possible and they provide a good choice of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan choices too. The Farm: Outside there is plenty of space for children and adults to explore, with a very popular cornfield maze, a play barn, and a petting zoo with sheep and rabbits. There is a cherry orchard too where guests are welcome to join in harvesting of the fruit during June and July. The Location: The surrounding area gets plenty of visitors, the countryside is beautifully peaceful and rural with plenty of nice hiking and cycling routes, and of course the famous Lake Constance (Bodensee in German) is only about 10 km away at the city of Friedrichshafen, which has its own regional airport. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Such a fun place to stay! Family room was fantastic! The kids loved their private little loft! The whole place was really family friendly and fun! So convenient to have the restaurant on site….” “The property is very family friendly with plenty of area around for kids to wander…the cornfield maze, the cherry picking, the farm animals, the indoor bouncy cow, and plenty of toys to keep the kids busy. The restaurant onsite also serves delicious food at reasonable prices….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT GUT HUGLE ERLEBNISHOF:   READ MORE

Gracefield Farm Stay, is just a half an hour’s drive from Warragul, near Melbourne, Victoria, and has a range of self catering cottages on a large farm right beside the Neerim State Forest, a tremendous area for bush walking and horse riding. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a nice range of clean, cosy cottages that can sleep up to 6 guests. All come with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom & lounge area with flat-screen TV, DVD, WiFi and laundry facilities. Outside there are terrace areas and BBQ facilities. Check out your options on the booking page here.  It’s self catering but with true Aussie hospitality, to get the guests through the first morning, they provide a breakfast basket of eggs, bread, fresh fruit, jams and spreads, tea and coffee. The farm covers a full 97 acres of lovely green pasture land where you’ll find herds of cattle and deer, and a huge range of native wildlife. You’ll find you hosts friendly and welcoming and they are always happy to show guests around the farm. THE LOCATION: Beyond the gentle joy of wandering around the farm and the adjoining forests, Gracefield farm stay is also a good base for exploring some of Victoria’s loveliest rural areas. To the east there is the stunning Baw Baw National Park where on the sub alpine plateau you can go skiing in winter and bushwalking in summer. There is also plenty of places to go horse riding, canoeing, rafting and fishing as well as rock climbing at mushroom rock and some of Victoria’s best white water rafting on the Thompson River. To the north are the Yarra Ranges with their famous mountain ash trees and cool temperate rainforests. Be sure to visit the Rainforest Gallery with its spectacular walkway where you can walk along by the tree tops and see all sorts of wildlife. There are winter sports too in the Yarra, up on Lake Mountain, and you can find some beautiful waterfalls, particularly at Keppel and Phantom Falls. There is also the similarly interesting Bunyip Park to the west and closer to the farmstay there are plenty of smaller attractions; trout fishing at the Noojee trout READ MORE

This luxury vineyard hotel & agriturismo on the south bank of the famous Douro River in Northern Portugal, has fabulous views over the Douro Valley and has long been a popular choice in this part of the world, especially with those who appreciate more than an extra touch of luxury. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of accommodation including four plush B&B rooms in the main farmhouse; a lovingly restored manor which dates back to the 17th Century, as well as two adjacent, equally plush self catering cottages. Check your options on the booking page here.  Three of the B&B rooms are doubles and one a twin, and all are super clean, comfortable and suitably furnished in a rustic style, and they all come with en-suite bathroom with an old style bathtub, flat screen TV in the room and WiFi. The two self catering cottages are equally plush and stylish, and can fit up to eight guests. Each of them have two bedrooms and can fit an extra two extra guests in the lounge area. There is also a fully equipped modern kitchen & bathroom. Outside in the grounds you’ll find a terrace and a swimming pool, and some very well tended manor type formal gardens dating back to 1906 with a fish pond and even a historic, sanctified chapel. And the views from the property, as mentioned before, are simply stunning. THE FARM: The farm is set over 12 acres and contains a vineyard, olive groves and thousands of fruit trees, from which the owners produce their own red and white wines, olive oil, various types of fruit, and honey. Guests are welcome to tour the farm and learn how everything is done, while also getting to sample some of the fine fresh produce. THE LOCATION: Lying in the heart of the Douro Valley, just over an hour from Porto, the farm stay is an ideal base for exploring this famous agricultural region that, thanks to its special micro climate, has been producing wine, olives and various fruits and vegetables since as far back as Roman times. It is now of course mainly known as a wine region, with READ MORE

If you came to enjoy Liguria’s magnificent Cinque Terre coastline but want those amazing sea views to be just between yourself and Mother Nature, then Il Nettare Agriturismo is the place you really want to stay. The scenery right outside your door is absolutely incredible and enhanced by the natural wild feeling of the immediate surroundings, where the host family grows grapes, olives and lemons and makes their own organic limoncino, extra virgin olive oil and honey products, which include some very lovely sweet liqueurs. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in the form of very quaint and rustic cottage studios. They have one double bed in an upstairs mezzanine area and a single sofa bed downstairs so can sleep up to three people in total. The studios could never be described as spacious but they have a cosy charm, and very much give you the feeling of living in a traditional, and quite remote, Italian farmhouse. This feeling will be supported by the lack of WiFi (the nearest WiFi is in a bar/restaurant a short walk away), but you do have modernities too in the form of satellite TV, air con and central heating. There is a kitchenette with a hot plate, sink, fridge and various bits and pieces including a capsule coffee maker. There is a small lounge area too with table and chairs and a sofa, which, as mentioned, can also double up as a spare bed. The space is small but the beds are super comfortable and the bathrooms are very nice indeed. The agriturismo owners are super helpful and friendly and though not strictly a B&B they are generous enough to leave your fridge stocked with basic foodstuffs as well as some homemade treats for breakfast and snacks, and in an especially nice touch they leave fresh bread outside your door every morning. So for that we put it in both the Farm B&B and the Self Catering categories. The main thing about any stay at Il Nettare Agriturismo though is the outside space which includes your own private patio with table and chairs and from where you can watch the sun go down over the sea READ MORE

Gumleaf Cottage is a traditional Aussie farm cottage on a 12 acre farm near Swan Valley and the Perth Hills, and around 30 minutes from Perth Airport. The cottage is self catering, and private, and you can have as much time by yourself as you need or you can also explore the farm and meet all the friendly animals that call it home; goats, sheep, hens, rabbits, parrots and miniature ponies for example, and get involved in farm tasks such as collecting eggs, feeding the animals and fruit picking etc. THE ACCOMMODATION: The 100 year old original farm cottage still has a nice traditional feel but is fully renovated inside with a new modern kitchen and bathroom. There are three bedrooms, two of which are doubles with queen size beds and one children’s room with 2 sets of bunk beds, so can sleep 8 but there are also two cots available to sleep extra infants if required. The cottage is adjacent to the main farmhouse and beside the gardens, which have a trampoline, a splash pool and a playground, and of course the 12 acre farm. There you will find lots of farm animals which you are welcome to meet and you can engage in all sorts of fun and educational activities that kids especially will love from pony rides (Note: the listing is in the horseback riding category though there are only ponies here to ride!) and row boating on the dam to bug collecting and possum spotting. You can also go bush walking in the forests around the farm which have miles of trails and where you can spot all sorts of exotic wildlife. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: Gumleaf is just half an hour from Perth Airport and a little more to the city centre (shuttle services can be arranged) and some of Western Australia’s famously beautiful beaches. The Perth Hills and the John Forrest National Park are nearby as is Swan Valley, famous for its agriculture and food and where in recent years a whole food and wine tourism scene has emerged, READ MORE

La Roulotte de Manon is a very cute, family friendly, glamping farm stay near Rouen in the heart of rural Normandy, France. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is a gorgeously old fashioned gypsy caravan sitting at the edge of the farm pond. It can fit up to five people, with a double bed at the back and two sofa beds in the lounge area. It is small of course but very cosy. It has a bathroom, and a useful kitchenette including a microwave. It’s fully heated too, has a small TV, a nice little porch area and barbecue facilities outside. THE FARM: The farm has horses, ponies, hens and goats, and guests are very welcome to tour the farm and meet the animals. They grow various vegetables too and have a large garden area with a children’s playground and plenty of seating around. There is also the pond just outside the caravan which hosts a number of ducks and wildfowl. THE LOCATION: The farmstay is just a half an hour’s drive from the lovely cathedral city of Rouen, one of Normandy’s highlights and a popular stop off on the journey from Paris to the coast. The countryside around is green and fertile and the area has very strong farming traditions. There are some national parks in this part of Normandy too; the woodlands of Forêt Domaniele d’Eawy for example are only about 10km away from the farmstay. A little over a half an hour to the north is the city of Dieppe and the Normandy coastline. There are many fine sights along this part of the coast, the dramatic cliff scenery over Le Treport for example, the impressive 16th-century castle at Eu and many more. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Lots of outdoor space, even in poor weather stuff for kids to do. Very peaceful. Friendly host….” “The Roulotte was very cosy and perfect for a family stay….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LA ROULOTTE DE MANON:   READ MORE

Agroturismo Turmaden des Capita is a top quality farm stay in a restored 19th-century traditional Menorcan farm house surrounded by limousin cattle, horses, bee hives, olive trees and vegetable plots on its 75 hectare organic, eco-friendly farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: The entire house can be rented or individual rooms, which have a flat screen TV and WiFi and access to the shared kitchen and lounge. And outside there is a nice terrace with outdoor seating, a swimming pool and barbecue facilities. THE FARM: The organic, eco-friendly farm contains limousin cattle, horses, bee hives and olive trees. Adjacent there is also a small area of protected oak forest, and, quite uniquely, is the site of the ruins of a small necropolis typical of the ancient Menorcan Pretalayotic culture, which dates back to between 3,000 and 1,600 BC. THE LOCATION: The farm lies in an area known as “Es Plans d’Alaior”, between the villages of Alaior and Mercadal in the centre of the Island and is about 20 minutes by car to Mahon city and airport, with the nearest beach being about 15 minutes away. Bikes can be hired from the farm and you can also arrange horse riding too. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Central location in the island, delicious breakfast, super comfortable room, nice swimming pool and friendly staff! I definitely recommend and would go back again!….” “An experience you can’t afford to miss. Where to begin? What an amazing experience! What a place! But more importantly what a nice couple who are running this establishment….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGROTURISMO TURMADEN DES CAPITA:   READ MORE

Surrounded by thick forests and mountains, Farm Stay Zur alten Schmiede is a beautiful self-catering 3-bedroom chalet on a working farm in the Zirbitzkogel Nature Park, Styria, Austrian Alps. The comfortable chalet comes with traditional Alpine wooden furniture, there is a fully equipped kitchenette (inc. dishwasher and washing machine) private bathroom and dining area. There is also free WiFi and cable TV. There is a playground for the kids outside and a playroom inside. They also have a ski storage room and a cosy lounge with a traditional alpine tiled oven. As you might expect the area is fabulous for hiking and winter sports. Ski area Gredenzen is just 15 minutes away by car and the likes of Lake Furtnerteich and Golf Club Mariahof, which also has tennis courts, are less than 5 minutes away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Super Location, friendly welcome, and a very nice house with comfortable beds. We can recommend Alten Schmiede and will come back!….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FERIENHAUS ZUR ALTEN SCHMIEDE:   READ MORE

La Meridiana is a top quality agriturismo resort conveniently near to the city of Rome, and to both of its airports; Ciampino & Leonardo da Vinci. The building is a classic, rustic, Italian farmhouse with ivy covered walls, and though updated for the modern age it still retains a lovely traditional feel. The grounds are lovely too with large, beautifully tended gardens & lawns, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and the farm’s own vineyards, vegetable gardens, citrus and olive groves from which they make, amongst other things, their own wine, and olive oil. Last but not least they have an excellent restaurant here which serves up some lavish traditional meals with much of the ingredients being home grown. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their hotel standard rooms all have WiFi, air-con, mini bar and en-suite bathroom and all are nicely decorated in traditional Italian farmhouse style with some nice quirky little touches here and there. The large grounds are a highlight at this agriturismo, you can spend all day wandering around the gardens and farm, relaxing on the lawns, having a dip in pool or enjoying a game of tennis. Kids can also be suitably entertained at their, well more than average, children’s playground. As mentioned above the food here is excellent, breakfast to begin with (all the rooms are B&B), and some long, leisurely, evening meals where you can also sample some of their own wine. THE LOCATION: For visitors coming from, or to going to, Rome La Meridiana can be a very nice introduction to the Italian agriturimso concept and is an oasis of calm compared to the bustle of the country’s capital city. It is less than an hour from the centre of Rome, about the same from Leonardo da Vinci Airport and less than half that from Ciampino Airport. The major highlight of the immediate area is the Parco dei Castelli Romani/ Park of the Roman Castles, a 15,000 hectare protected zone with much beautiful scenery, much animal & plant life, hiking trails, two major lakes and a wealth of historical sites including Roman ruins, old monasteries, renaissance era villas and more. Lanuvio Train Station is just 4 READ MORE

This friendly B&B farm stay is on a busy, working sheep farm in Hawarden, South Island, New Zealand, about 50 miles from Christchurch airport. They have a very spacious and comfortable suite with double bed, separate seating area plus veranda, en-suite bathroom and flat screen TV with satellite channels, and another self-catering cottage with equal facilities plus more space and a kitchen adjoining the farmhouse. There is free WiFi almost throughout, and they serve a hearty cooked breakfast or a continental option if you prefer, and they can offer other good home cooked meals for an extra charge throughout the rest of the day, even arranging packed lunches for hiking trips. The area is rightly well known for the outdoors and the friendly farm owners can advise you on hikes and cycle routes, and you can borrow their own bikes for free! There is plenty of fishing around and winter sports too, and you are of course welcome to store your ski equipment at the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A homely farm stay with touches of luxury not normally provided by a B&B….” “What a special experience. We felt like part of the family…we went on a great hike through the sheep ranch. We felt like we had our own 5000 acre ranch. Outstanding hospitality and the rooms were both uniquely great. Don’t miss this place. We are coming back!!..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT KARETU DOWNS:     READ MORE

In Paços de Gaiolo, Portugal, about 40 kilometres along the Douro Valley to the east of Porto, Quinta da Bouça is a very lovely escape to nature, with 16 hectacres of woodland, fruit orchards and vegetables gardens along with a seasonal outdoor pool and barbecue facilities. They have four spacious and comfortable self catering cottages to rent, all with kitchen and lounge with flat screen TV and WiFi. And guests are welcome to wander through the woods or gardens, pick up some fruit or vegetables and maybe meet some of the friendly Garranos horses, a rare breed of horse native to Northern Portugal and Galicia, Spain, which roam freely around the property. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “I can not recommend this place enough, it was absolutely gorgeous! We can not wait to be back there. It exceeded our expectations! Thank you!…” “The place is beautiful, peaceful, with amazing views. The owner, Paula, was super nice and helpful. I strongly recommend Quinta da Bouça if you want a completely stress free place to restore your energy….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT QUINTA DA BOUÇA:   READ MORE

Wildwood Farm Stay, is on Whidbey Island in the state of Washington, just about 90 miles north of Seattle, has been a center for breeding thoroughbred horses for over 50 years now and today is a ‘center for horsemanship’ with horseback riding lessons, horse boarding and training on the farm which includes an outdoor arena, 2 indoor arenas a covered round pen, a saddlery, a tack store and 80 acres of pastureland. Even if horseback riding is not your thing the farm and the surrounding region, Whidbey Island, make for a wonderfully peaceful rural escape with green fields and forests all around and the beautiful Pacific Ocean never far away. Hiking is popular here as is canoeing, ask at the farm for recommendations and advice. They have a range of B&B rooms and suites, all of which are cosy and comfortable with WiFi, flat screen TV and private bathroom. There is a shared lounge/TV area too where every morning the hospitable owners will serve you up a good hearty breakfast, and outside you can spend some time relaxing in the hot tub overlooking the meadow fields. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Could not have been better: Clean, comfy, really nice room 2 snuggly queen beds, very clean bathroom. Fresh baked cookies early evening, yummy! Best breakfast, so very good. Everyone was kind, friendly, and helped us relax and really take in the horse farm….” “Exceptional: It was peaceful, quiet, just serene. it you want busy and loud not the place to go.Great place to unwind. Breakfast was very good. A very good value over all….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT WILDWOOD FARM B&B: READ MORE

Very near Florence in the famous town of Vinci, Tuscany, this is an idyllic luxury agriturismo B&B set in a 16th-century Medicean Villa. It is surrounded by acres of vineyards and olive groves from which the owners produce their own award winning wines and olive oils. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two double rooms and two larger double luxury suites at the farmhouse (check the booking page here), all of which are very comfortable and elegantly decorated in classic Tuscan style. Each come with private bathroom, WiFi and satellite flat screen TV, while the larger suites also have a separate lounge area. Outside there is plenty of space to relax in the gardens and guests are free to wander the estate and the ancient wine cellars, and can of course arrange wine and olive oil tasting sessions, as well as Tuscan cooking classes, at the villa. Their wine making tradition dates back to 1700 and their wines have won numerous awards, the most well known being their Chianti Dianella which is served in many top restaurants and taverns all over Italy. Their food is fabulous too at their informal restaurant and a generous and healthy buffet breakfast will await you each morning, to be served in your room, in the dining hall or outside in the gardens. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE FARM & VINEYARD: For those of you in the know of such things, the estate is located in the western Montalbano Chianti DOCG area of Tuscany and has about 25 hectares of vineyard stretched over gentle hills with a south to south west exposure. They grow a variety of grapes here; Cabernet Sauvignon, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Colorino and quite a few more. There are also about 15 hectares of olive groves, growing varieties such as Leccino, Pendolino, Frantoio and Moraiolo which go into the making of their branded Dianella extra virgin olive oil. They are passionate about both and have even a small wine museum in the ancient cellars of the villa. Tours are offered too of course, of the farm and the cellars, as well as wine READ MORE

Toghill Farm is a family run working farm with homely bed and breakfast accommodation near Bath and Bristol, England. The farmhouse dates back to the late 17th century and though much renovated since it still has lots of historical character, and a cosy, traditional farmhouse feel. The gardens surrounding it are immaculately kept, as is the farm which has sheep, horses and hens, and both have gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside, as far as the River Severn and the Bristol Channel to the west. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a selection of double and twin rooms as well as family rooms to sleep up to five in both the farmhouse and in the adjacent converted barn buildings. Check your options out on the booking page here. All are comfortable and clean and display plenty of old English farmhouse character. The bathrooms are en-suite and all rooms come with flat-screen TV, heating and tea and coffee facilities as standard. You’ll find your hosts friendly and welcoming and you can enjoy some excellent breakfasts in the morning; full traditional English as well as continental options, to be taken in the lovely dining hall overlooking the gardens. Guests are free to wander around the farm, take in the fresh air and the lovely views of the surrounding countryside, and, if they so wish, to meet some of the animals that call Toghill home; horses, sheep, hens and some friendly dogs and cats. THE LOCATION: The farm lies high on a hill near the small village of Wick, which has a couple of shops, a pub and a restaurant, and less than ten minutes’s drive from both Bristol and Bath. It is also a few minutes from the Cotswold Way and can make a good base for exploring the Cotswolds, one of England’s loveliest rural regions. Chippenham and Malmesbury are both less than a half an hour away with Cirencester being just a little farther. Many other places of interest are also within an hour from the farm including Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stonehenge and Salisbury. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptional: Great stop. Would highly recommend it and wish I had more time here. Comfortable beds. READ MORE

Very near the historic village of Wollombi, Gypsy Willows is a secluded Hunter Valley retreat on 25 acres of peaceful farmland. It has two plush self catering cottages for nightly rent both with their own private swimming pools. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are just two cottages at Gypsy Willows, one with three double bedrooms, and the other with two, and all with King or Queen size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Both are also spacious, clean and tremendously comfortable and come with modern facilities including well equipped kitchens, WiFi, Digital TV, Bose music speakers, reverse cycle air-con, wood burning fires, gas BBQs, Nespresso coffee machines etc. etc. Check them out on the booking page here. The surroundings are gorgeous, the gardens and the small farm which is home to cattle and horses, and perfect for long meandering walks and wildlife spotting. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: The farm is walking distance from the lovely little village of Wollombi which has some very nice restaurants and cafes and there are plenty of boutique wineries in the surrounding area. You can treat yourself to wine tours, helicopter rides, boat trips and lots of the usual Hunter Valley activities from the farm. The farm owners live nearby and can be at hand with plenty of tips and advice. The journey by car from Sydney should take well under two hours. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The villa was so beautiful. It was quiet and had beautiful views. The owner was amazing and was quick to reply and help if we needed it….” “Exceptional: This property was amazing My daughter and her family stayed here for a recent family wedding. The kids had a ball watching the kangaroos and meeting the pet horses. Absolutely loved it and want to return for a break from Sydney life in the near future….” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT GYPSY WILLOWS. READ MORE

Margaret River Hideaway & Farmstay is a 57 acre bushland farm in Western Australia that has eight very comfortable self catering cottages surrounded by a host of farm animals and plenty of local wildlife too. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their dog-friendly accommodation come in various sizes with the larger cottages being able to sleep up to six people. They all have a patio with BBQ facilities, a flat screen LCD TV & DVD player. All of them have a fully equipped kitchen except the studio option, which has a smaller, but still useful, kitchenette. The accommodation is self catering though on arrival the hospitable owners greet guests with a free breakfast starter pack which includes cereal, juices, milk and fresh bread. And if the hens are hatching when you’re there you are also welcome to use their eggs any time. THE FARM: The farm covers 57 acres and is home to a number of different animals; Scottish Highland cattle, Dorper sheep, emus, guinea fowl ducks, geese, hens and peacocks. You can arrange guided tours of the farm and meet the animals, with every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday being feeding time where the guests are welcome to join in. THE LOCATION: The Farm Stay is less than 5 minutes north along Osmington Road from Margaret River township, with both Margaret River Golf Club and Prevelly Beach each being about 15 minutes away. There is lots to see and do in the Margaret River region. There are some great bush walking trails around with jarrah, karri and marri forestlands where you can see a whole range of native wildlife. A spectacular coastline that is very much a mecca for swimmers and particularly surfers, and where you can go whale watching (from Augusta and Dunsborough). You can do lots of outdoor adventure sports in the region too, like canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling and caving, as well as more conventional sports like golf and tennis. The town of Margaret River too is a lovely place to hang out, famous for its food and wine, you’ll find some of Australia’s best here; with lots of boutique wineries and vineyards to visit, restaurants, cafes, galleries and farmer’s READ MORE

This lovely Italian agriturismo is just an hour north of Rome, Italy, even less from Flumicino/Leonardo da Vinci Airport, and about 15 minutes drive from Lake Bracciano with its famous castle. It is a true working farm but with a large garden and swimming pool, and is home to many farm animals including horses, donkeys and goats. The elegant old-style rooms, most of which have en-suite bathrooms are furnished with antiques and have traditional Italian tiled floors. A breakfast of biscuits, bread and various jams is served every morning, with other options such as toast, ham and eggs available upon request. And some of fine local food can be tried for lunch and dinner. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The perfect holiday. A beautiful house in a beautiful location, and hostess Marina could not have been more lovely. We will return many times….” “So pleased we stayed there. We loved the atmosphere, it was relaxing, very quiet, lovely views, many animals and a peaceful garden, beautiful views, very homely. Marina was always helpful, and friendly. Comfy beds, a great swimming pool though small it was very clean….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO BRACCIANO:   READ MORE

Less than a half an hour from Perth city centre, this Swan Valley farmstay is very highly rated and with good reason. It is stylish and chic, akin to a boutique hotel, but with a pleasant country farmhouse vibe. You’ll find the owners hospitable and friendly and the breakfast here is particularly good. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two double rooms available, both of which have their own private entrance and outdoor terrace. They are also nicely designed and furnished, and have the usual mod-cons; air-con, WiFi, flat screen TV. The bathrooms are very nice as well with the larger of the two rooms, the ‘king room’ also having a spa bath. You’ll be treated to a very good and generous fresh breakfast at Kellers, with much of the ingredients coming from their small working farm. Guests are free to take a look around and meet some of the cows, sheep and pigs that call the place home, and, if they so wish, they can help out with farm chores, collecting eggs etc. THE LOCATION: Keller’s farm is very near Perth, at the edge of the Swan Valley. Here you’ll find lots to see and do; the Swan Valley is very popular with food and nature lovers and you’ll find some nice rural scenery, top class wineries, restaurants, food factories and farmers markets at almost every turn. Just up the road is the famous Margaret River Chocolate Factory for example and the equally famous Sandalford Winery is close by too. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Breakfast is in a world of its own, and we were shown around and participated in the daily workings of the farm. I will definitely be back and recommend anyone for it, especially those with families….” “It was a perfect farm stay experience, the hosts Philips and Marija were so friendly and helpful….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT KELLER’S FARM STAY B&B:   READ MORE

Farmer’s Guest House has self catering farm cottage accommodation near the towns of Selfoss and Hella and close to Iceland‘s famous Golden Circle tourist route. The setting is deeply peaceful and rural, with some lovely views, the cottages are well equipped, clean and cosy, and the farm owners are friendly and welcoming. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have three cosy one double bedroom cottages to rent as well as, for larger groups, a 160 sq meter farmhouse. You’ll find all of them modern, nicely furnished and very well equipped. The farmhouse has 4 bedrooms on the second floor, each with two single beds, a lounge area and a bathroom with shower. The first floor has the main living room, the kitchen and dining room and another bathroom. All in all it can sleep up to ten people with the help of two sofa beds in the downstairs living room. The cute cottages are nicely designed with a double bedroom, lounge area and kitchen. They’re just 40 sq meters but nicely designed and there is also an outside private terrace to enjoy the lovely scenery (there are views of both the Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes, and of Westman Island) and in winter to maybe catch a glimpse of those infamous Northern Lights. The farm is a working sheep and Icelandic horse farm and the friendly owners are always willing to show guests around, and they offer horse riding trips too. The accommodation is self catering and you can stock up on supplies in the little town of Hella, just 9km away, where you’ll find a a couple of grocery shops, restaurants and bars. THE LOCATION: The farm lies just 9 km west of the little town Hella in South-Iceland and 30km east from the regional capital Selfoss. This area is seen as the agricultural heart of Iceland, and is conveniently near the famous Golden Circle Route and the stunning Pingvellir/Thingvellir national park. This is original site of Iceland’s ancient parliament while also being the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. There are hot springs around this area too and dramatic waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss, and Gullfoss, the largest in Europe. The journey READ MORE

This is a top quality, very exclusive farm stay on a 10,000 acre working farm and nature reserve in the Riebeek Valley, Western Cape, South Africa. The Farmhouse has amazing views of the valley and the Elandskloof Mountains, has a very fine restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. Its rooms and self catering units are all stylish and spacious with private bathroom and WiFi throughout. A broad range of services is provided by the friendly staff, including concierge services, tour bookings, maid service, laundry/ironing service and a business meeting room is available. The farm itself contains sheep and cattle and there are great opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting in the surrounding nature reserve. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The decor, atmosphere and staff had the charming feel of an earlier era which we loved. Staff were very kind and accommodating and the food was lovely. The wild life and farming was most interesting and well demonstrated. Comfort and the ability to find a quiet corner also appealed to us….” “The staff were without exception welcoming and friendly, very approachable, and went out of their way to make you feel at home. Service was highly discreet yet attentive, with every detail seemingly anticipated….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BARTHOLOMEUS KLIP FARMHOUSE:   READ MORE

Not far from the town of  Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, this is a B&B farmstay with a difference, the animals here are husky sleigh dogs and in winter the dogs are there to take guests out on some great adventures across the snow fields of the Yukon Territory. They have a range of rooms and cottages some of which come with a kitchen and all guests have access to the very nice on-site restaurant with local food specialities including plenty of bison and caribou meat. Though they do have vegetarian options too, and also serve beer and wine. The surrounding area is beautiful to explore with both the Yukon Wildlife Preserve  and the Takhini Hot Springs within 20 minutes drive. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Unforgettable: Delicious home-cooked meals from the garden, surrounded by nature and spectacular views, cozy cottages, husky dogs, canoe trips down Tahini river, walking trails through the forested property, biking trails, mushing trails, exceptionally friendly staff, homemade desserts!!!!” “Everything was extra ordinary! Even though there are more than 100 dogs on the property, everything was sparkling clean. There was no dog hair in the room and the shared bathroom was very clean all the time. The breakfast was delicious and served on real plates. We had a little bbq every night and enjoyed being surrounded by nature….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MUKTUK ADVENTURES: READ MORE

Near the city of Parma in the lovely green countryside of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Agriturismo Alba Del Borgo is a family run B&B with pet-friendly accommodation on its 175 acre organic hillside farm. It’s a fully working farm with wheat fields, vineyards, orchards, vegetable & herb gardens, free range hens and some gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. They have a range of bright, spacious and modern rooms which all come with some lovely private bathrooms, WiFi, air con and flat screen TV. There is a shared lounge area at the farmhouse plus plenty of space to relax or dine outside, from where you can enjoy some of those lovely views. The agriturismo has its own excellent organic restaurant which uses the best of their own and other local organic ingredients. There is also a farm shop where you can buy some of their various farm products to take home; home made jams, preserves, purees, sauces and plenty more. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Unconditional recommendation: Outstanding food in the restaurant with local produce. Modern, clean and comfortable rooms. Extremely friendly and accommodating staff who make you feel very welcome….” “Dinner was exceptional-Excellent food and wine- Amazing chef! Staff was extremely welcoming and very helpful. The rooms were spotless – Absolutely loved this place….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO ALBA DEL BORGO:   READ MORE

In the village of Fügen, at the heart of the Zillertal valley, Austria, and around a half an hour from Innsbruck, Obermooshof is a fun, family friendly, Tyrol farm stay on a scenic working farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a mixture of self catering and B&B accommodation, all of which are clean and comfortable and come with balconies that have lovely views of the surrounding mountains. There is satellite TV in all the units, and private bathroom, and outside there is a nice garden where you’ll find a children’s playground, barbecue facilities and plenty of place to relax and meet the other guests. They serve a generous home made breakfast every morning too with some of the produce coming straight from the farm. The owners are always happy to have guests explore their working farm which has a number of cattle, pigs, hens as well as some pet rabbits and cats. If you wish you can always join in some of the daily tasks, like feeding the animals etc., and lend a hand at indoor activities like making traditional Austrian home made bread and jams. Note: No internet available! THE LOCATION: There are a couple of shops and restaurants in the village, just a short walk from the farmhouse, and the village and its surrounds are a lovely place to wander around and take in the gorgeous scenery. The area, and Tyrol generally, is of course very popular for winter sports and there is a free bus stop to the ski slopes just 300 metres away from the farm stay. It’s also a popular place to visit in summer too, with its spectacular scenery and clean, fresh air. You’ll find a lot of good hikes around and some more gentle walks just around the back of the farm. Swimming is popular in the Tyrol summer too with Schlitters Lake, only 4km from the farm stay, being an enjoyable day out. Another good recommendation is the well known Erlebnistherme Fügen Thermal Spa just 2.5 km away which has indoor pools, spa treatments, saunas and massage therapy, as well as a water fun park. The famous ski town of Innsbruck lies around a READ MORE

Masseria Torre Spagnola is a luxury agriturismo near Matera, Basilicata, Italy, in a unique, beautifully atmospheric 16th Century manor house. It is surrounded by a large working wheat and dairy farm and is walking distance from the city of Matera. All their very spacious and comfortable air conditioned rooms come with private bathroom, WiFi and flat screen TV and they have a unique, rustic ambience which is shared by the whole property both inside and out. There is an on-site bar with a good range of drinks and snacks and they serve a fantastic breakfast every morning. The nearest airport is Karol Wojtyla Airport about a half an hour’s drive away at Matera and a shuttle service can be arranged to and from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Italy at its finest. Superb location, stunning buildings, interesting history, this place was created with love to showcase rural Italy. Outstanding….” “Wonderful! Staying in a 16th century castle close to the beautiful city of Matera is a dream come true….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MASSERIA TORRE SPAGNOLA:   READ MORE

A peaceful rural retreat near the historic city of Evora in Alentejo Portugal, Herdade da Amendoeira Agroturismo has B&B accommodation in a lovely, old style farmhouse surrounded by its 1700 acre farm estate which produces, amongst other things, a popular range of sheep cheeses and various jams. THE ACCOMMODATION: The agroturismo has eight rooms in total, four double and four twins, all of them are spacious, comfortable and clean and come with private bathroom, TV, air-con and mini bar. There is no WiFi in the rooms but it is available in the main hall & sitting room, and around the outdoor swimming pool. The double rooms are a few yards away from the main farmhouse with their own private terrace and lovely views over the surrounding area, while the ‘twin rooms’ surround the traditional patio area which was once used to house the estate horses. There are many common areas to discover; outdoor terraces, gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. Inside there is the great ‘Hunting hall’ where you can relax in the evening and where you’ll be treated to a very fine home cooked breakfast in the morning, including fresh orange juice, traditional regional ham, honey, jam and eggs, all of which are produced on the farm. And in the summer months they serve up a buffet lunch for an extra charge. THE FARM: The huge, 1700 acre estate is a calm and beautiful place to wander around though there is lot of activity going on; they have a traditional cheese making facility which produces around 30.000 packets per month from their herd of circa 1000 pure bred “saloia” sheep that they milk twice a day. They also keep hens, ducks and Limousine cattle, and they even have a distillery where they produce some lovely traditional Portuguese liqueurs. The guests are more than welcome to walk around the farm, visit all the facilities and, if the like, enjoy guided tours and food tastings of some of their top quality cheese, hams, honey, liqueurs and jams. There is a farm shop where you buy some to take home with you and they also provide workshops for those who would like to READ MORE

Near Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, U.K., The Old Wagon House offers an excellent value, self catering, farmhouse stay in the heart of some gentle, peaceful countryside. Their beautifully maintained, rustic style, self catering cottage is on a working sheep farm close to the town of Launceston, and also to the city of Plymouth in neighbouring Devon. THE ACCOMODATION: The accommodation is a tastefully done barn conversion, dating from the 19th century, complete with traditional exposed wood beamed ceilings. It’s a one bedroom property with a four poster double bed, but also comes with two single beds in an annex off the lounge area if needed for extra guests. There’s a log burning stove in the living room/lounge area too, and a flat screen TV. You’ll also find a modern, fully equipped kitchen at the property plus a bathroom with a wet room and walk in shower. And outside there is a nice patio/decking area with a table and chairs THE FARM: Old Wagon farmhouse is on a working sheep farm which guests are welcome to explore, there is also a small vegetable garden from where you can pick a few of your own vegetables for cooking with. They have a small gift shop at the farmhouse too where you can buy some of their own wool products to take home. THE LOCATION: St. Clether is a beautifully quiet and rural part of Cornwall, about a mile in from the coast and Downderry; a picturesque little village with its own popular beach. From the farmstay you can see the sea in the distance while also enjoying some lovely views of the surrounding nearby countryside. If you’re feeling energetic they have bike hire at the farmstay as well as some great walking and hiking routes. The village centre is just a few minutes drive away, and there you’ll find a couple of cafes, pubs and small shops. There is a coastal footpath near the farmstay which runs east to Whitsand Bay and west to Looe, from where you can join sea fishing and boating trips. Another lovely day out is the Seaton Valley Countryside Park with many meandering paths through some gorgeous old woodland. READ MORE

Near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and just outside Addo Elephant national park, this lovely farmstay is a wonderful place to relax and be taken care of, with an outdoor pool and terrace among the orchards on this working fruit farm. It has a variety of very stylish and comfortable rooms and suites all with air conditioning, WiFi, flat screen TV with satellite channels, outdoor seating area, and one self catering cottage with kitchenette. The serve a great breakfast and other meals are served throughout the day too, and all their food is of a very high quality. Ask about their tours too, they organize highly rated guided tours in the surrounding area, including the Addo Elephant Park. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Lovely rooms and beautiful site! The staff were all incredibly helpful! The tour organised by the hotel to Addo Elephant Park was wonderful – highly recommend!…” “The food was amazing, definitely go eat at the restaurant! (They told us that Africanos was the best restaurant in the area, but their own food is way better! Take a walk on the property and pick some lemons which you can bring back home! The staff was really friendly and helpful….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT DE OLD DRIFT GUEST FARM: READ MORE

This great farm stay offers horse riding near Iceland’s, Golden Circle route and accommodation in the form of a comfortable, modern, self catering villa which sleeps up to six people beside the main farmhouse. It is located near the village of Hella, about 80km south of Reykjavík airport, in an area that is as peacefully rural and serene as you could ever imagine but within easy reach of a host of beautiful natural sights. THE ACCOMMODATION: The spacious villa (110 sqm) comes with three bedrooms, two doubles and a twin, a good, fully equipped kitchen and lounge with dining area with flat screen TV, & of course wifi throughout the property. There is also plenty of outdoor space with a seating area, and you’ll find lovely views over the farm and the surrounding countryside, even out to sea, as far as the Westman Islands. THE FARM: Skeiðvellir is an extensive Icelandic horse breeding farm with dozens of horses that can be rented by the hour. The ever helpful owners also offer various horse riding lessons and tours in the surrounding area for all levels of ability.  THE LOCATION: This area around Hella is the agricultural heart of Iceland, and is a really great introduction to Icelandic rural life. It is less touristic around these parts and therefore more authentic, but it also offers easy access to what is known as the Golden Circle Route, a ring road known as such due to the number of natural attractions it has around it, including the very famous Pingvellir/Thingvellir national park, site of Iceland’s and the world’s oldest parliament, and the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Around the circle there are also the hot springs at Geysir, from where the English word geyser comes from, and many spectacular waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss, and Gullfoss, Europe’s largest in terms of volume of water. There are some great hiking around too; Fimmvörðuháls in particular is a popular trail which runs from Skógar to Þórsmörk, between the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. Eyjafjallajökull famously sent an ash cloud all around Europe when it erupted in 2010. Fimmvörðuháls too erupted in less spectacular fashion READ MORE

This lovely family run agriturismo farm stay, about a half an hour north of Brindisi Apulia, sits on a peaceful hillside just outside Ostuni, one of southern Italy‘s most iconic cities, famous for its spectacular location and historical whitewashed houses. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a good selection of B&B rooms and self catering apartments, all traditionally styled, comfortable and clean with WiFi, flat screen satellite TV and private bathroom, plus the self catering apartments come with a kitchenette and lounge. While the gardens outside have a swimming pool, a children’s playground and plenty of space for outside dining or relaxing on the sun loungers and hammocks. Both the B&B and self catering accommodation comes with a fine traditional Italian breakfast every morning and you can also enjoy some great meals throughout the day at the farmhouse restaurant. THE FARM: The small farm produces olives as well as various fruits and vegetables. The owners produce their own extra virgin olive oil as well as various jams which they sell at the farm shop. You can arrange cooking classes at the farmhouse too, learn how to make olive oil, and join tasting sessions. The farm owners can also arrange tours of neighbouring vineyards and wineries, including wine tasting sessions. THE LOCATION: The gorgeous city of Ostuni is deservedly popular with tourists already but the entire surrounding area too is well worth exploring. The beautiful sandy beaches of the Adriatic are just ten minutes drive from the farm stay and a tour of the lovely, beautifully peaceful Puglian countryside is always thoroughly enjoyable, which you can also do by bike with free bicycle rental at the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptionally peaceful, relaxing. Fabulous meals. Lovely, warm family and staff. Perfecto!!!.” “Amazing! This hotel was absolutely perfect. It exceeded our expectations and more! We definitely will be going back….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MASSERIA SALINOLA:   READ MORE

15 minutes drive from Beaudesert Queensland, Australia, this family friendly, organic farm stay has very comfortable suites and cottages, both B&B and self catering, all of which have at least a kitchenette and a lounge area with flat screen TV and WiFi. They have an on site restaurant too that serves meals on request throughout the day. Besides hanging out with the animals, which include sheep, ponies, horses, cattle, peacocks and kangaroos, guests can relax on the large gardens and patio, organize a barbecue or play tennis, pool or darts while the kids entertain themselves at the children’s playground. Clandulla Farm Stay is about a half an hours drive from Tambourine Mountain Gold Club, well under an hour from the centre of Brisbane and less again from the beaches of the Gold Coast. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We loved the peace at the farm. We felt so at home from the time we set foot with the warm hospitality. The kids had an amazing time with Farmer John and the animal friends. We will love to be back again soon…..” “Delightful paradise with ‘Farmer John’ & ‘Lorna’ being perfect hosts, especially when it came to the animals. Amazing family stay!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT CLANDULLA FARM COTTAGES:   READ MORE

Just outside Franschhoek, South Africa, and about 45 km from Cape Town international airport, this luxury vineyard stay has a selection of spacious, very comfortable suites and chalets in a boutique, award winning winery. All have flat-screen TV and WiFi and private bathroom with bath. And you’ll also find a seating area and terrace or patio in certain rooms. It being a winery, the main theme is wine; red grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz), and some Chardonnay, their highly rated Blanc de Blanc MCC for example, and tours and tasting sessions can of course be arranged. The surrounding valley too is great to explore and rightly popular for golfing, hiking and cycling. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The location is beautiful with views over the vineyards and the mountains in the background. At night you can sit outside, watch the starts and have a braai (bbq). The room was clean, modern and great value for money. The bed was especially comfortable and I wish we could have stayed longer….” “You won’t want to leave! Stunning, spacious cottage with incredible views of the vineyards and mountains. Lovely to watch the sunset from the patio with a glass of wine. Would definitely visit again!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT TOPIARY WINERY:   READ MORE

In Free State Province just outside the town of Fouriesburg, where South Africa meets Lesotho. Pumula Guest Farm Stay is a working farm with self-catering cottages and apartments in a wonderfully relaxing and peaceful environment. They all have a full kitchen and a lounge with an open fireplace and outside, they all have their own BBQ facilities and patio and there’s an outdoor swimming pool too. Guests are free to wander the farm and the friendly owners are always willing to show you around and advise about further travel around the area, like the Golden Gate Highlands National Park for example, about 70 kilometres away from the farm. Note: There’s no internet at this guest farm! WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A very quiet, tranquil, relaxing place, beautiful mountain setting close to the Lesotho border post, very friendly host….” “Perfect place. We really recommend. Clean, wood for fireplace, kitchen really well equipped, big flat, well furnished, private parking, lovely place, host really nice…..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT PUMULA GUEST FARM: READ MORE

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers has luxury farm stay accommodation on a 6,000 acre sheep farm near Hastings in Hawkes Bay, North Island, NZ. The setting is wonderful, with tremendous views all around, and the quality of the service and facilities on offer, which include a top restaurant, spa facilities and a golf course, make The Farm at Cape Kidnappers not just one of the best farm stay hotels in New Zealand, but one of the best hotels. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of B&B suites or a four bedroom self catering cottage at the farm. All are beautifully appointed, clean, spacious and comfortable, and come with a private balcony, flat screen TV, DVD player, WiFi, and air con. At the main farmhouse there is a lounge area with an open fire, a gourmet restaurant, excellent spa treatments and facilities, a fitness centre, an infinity pool, a hot tub and a wine cellar (where you can join wine tasting sessions). The farm is perhaps most famous for its uniquely spectacular par 71 golf course which has superb ocean views. It also comes with a range of practice facilities, putting and chipping greens, a club shop and club house. The property also includes a fully working sheep and cattle farm, of which guests can arrange tours of, which include some impressive displays of sheep herding by the farm sheepdogs. There are other tours too, a Can-Am tour around the spectacular farm and coastline for example, a visit to a local kiwi sanctuary or gannet colony, horse riding, or tours of local vineyards. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: On the east coast of North Island NZ, the larger area is known as Hawkes Bay with its two largest cities, Hastings & Napier, being just north of the farm. Hawkes Bay is known for its agriculture and agritourism, wine making and wine tourism in particular, with its full bodied reds now internationally famous. From Auckland the journey shouldn’t take more than five hours by car or less than an hour by plane to Hastings airport which is about READ MORE

Outside Marçà, in the wine-producing Priorat area of Catalonia, Mas Figueres has comfortable B&B rooms on a working vineyard just over a half an hour from Barcelona Reus Airport. They have a wine shop on site where you can buy wine to take home and the friendly owners also offer tours of the vineyards as well as wine tasting sessions. The food is excellent too with plenty of local produce including vegetables straight from their own farm. All rooms have private bathroom and WiFi and nice views over the vineyards and some also come with a private balcony. There is a swimming pool in the gardens outside and a nice comfortable lounge inside with an open fireplace and TV. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Beautiful place in the countryside, excellent access to local vineyards. Very peaceful and relaxing. Plus, excellent breakfast….” “Great visit, would stay there again! Breakfast was great, with a freshly cooked egg dish plus a good selection of cold items, including meats cheese, bread and fruit. The location was very convenient. The owner, Quima, is incredibly helpful and helps you do everything you want to do by making reservations, providing information, etc. The house itself is lovely, with nice common areas to spend time in….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MAS FIGURES:   READ MORE

Quinta Do Mel Agroturismo is a peaceful and tranquil rural retreat near Portugal’s Algarve coast, and within easy reach of the cities of Albufeira and Faro. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farmstay can offer a self catering apartment plus a range of B&B rooms. All the rooms are super comfortable and clean and come with air con, WiFi, TV, private bathroom and under-floor heating, while the the self catering two bedroom apartment has all that plus a spacious lounge and kitchen. Outside there is a swimming pool in the gardens and plenty of space to relax with a seating area and sun loungers. THE FARM: There is an extensive eco-friendly organic farm at Quinta do Mel which breeds sheep and grows cork, fruits, vegetables and herbs and is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. The owners are enthusiastic about organic and eco-friendly farming techniques and are always happy to show guests around. They serve a great breakfast which is available at any time, and other good food and snacks can also be ordered throughout the day, many of the ingredients of which come straight from the farm including their own home made herbal teas and jams. THE LOCATION: Though very near Albufeira, Faro and the tourist masses of the Algarve, the farmstay and its immediate surroundings are very much peacefully rural. Most visitors never get to see this side of the Algarve but those that do find it a rich experience. The area, between the coast and the mountains of the north, is known as the Baroccal and it is classic Portuguese farming country with small white walled villages, rocky hills, fruit orchards and rolling plains of cork, olive and almond trees. The village of Alte is a nice example, and it’s just a short drive north of the farmstay. It has a nice setting in the foothills of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains, is known for the little springs (fontes) that run through the village and makes for a nice day out with plenty of cute cafes and small shops to visit. Having a car or a bike is a good idea in this area as public transport isn’t very widespread and READ MORE

Solheimar Eco-Village is a special kind of farm stay near Reykjavik, Iceland. It is, as the name suggests, not just a farm but an entire community, with strong ecological principles and an artistic, cultured, atmosphere. In terms of farming they grow organic fruit and vegetables which you can buy in the village shop to cook with or to take home, and they also have the distinction of cultivating Iceland’s only organic forestry plantation. But that is only a small part of the story, they organize a huge range of activities and workshops at the village where you can learn about sustainability and permaculture amongst other things and create everything from ceramics and carpentry pieces to herbal shampoos and candles. Cultural events are organized too, involving music, theater or sports for example. All in all a stay at Solheimar can be a fully immersive, active experience if you so choose, or if not it is also a terrific place to unwind, and to meet some interesting, idealistic, people from around the world in a nice communal atmosphere. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of single and double rooms plus a couple of one double bedroom self catering apartments that than sleep a total of four using the sofa bed in the living room. A self service breakfast is included in all the accommodation options and there are also communal kitchen facilities which you are free to use throughout the day, a well as the sociable shared lounge. There is Wifi all over, and in the gardens you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating, BBQ facilities, and a children’s playground.Around the village there are the organic forest plantations which have many little trails down to the Ölfusá river and all around, and are a pleasure to explore. You’ll also find a host of facilities within the village too that you are welcome to use; a grocery & gift shop and a bakery & café/restaurant, where you can dine or take home some of their own homegrown and home made foods, with vegan and non-vegan options. There is also a sports hall & gym, an outdoor thermal pool, a hot tub, a church, a READ MORE

Diamond 7 Dude Ranch has self catering cabin accommodation on a 10,000 acre ranch near the town of Sundance, north east Wyoming, just 30km from the famous Devil’s Tower and close to the Black Hills National Forest in neighboring South Dakota. It offers an old style Western dude ranch experience where the owners are at hand to show guests around the ranch on horseback, and you can also get involved with moving cattle and feeding the animals, as well as fishing, hiking, swimming and visiting the local rodeo. They have a range of comfortable air conditioned cabins and cottages, all with Wi-Fi and satellite TV and outside on the grounds you’ll find a barbecue and a hot tub. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The cabin was awesome, and very nice inside. The horses and the ranch were beautiful & the deer and dogs. Well worth the money. I HIGHLY recommend it….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT DIAMOND 7 GUEST RANCH: READ MORE

This Cingjing farm stay has an ideal location near to the famous Cinjing farm, and has absolutely superb views over some of Taiwan’s most beautiful countryside. The accommodation, the food and the service are also top quality and it is very much a top choice for tourists on their way to visit Cinjing Farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in the form of European style wooden chalets or cottages, and they have a great choice of B&B rooms and suites to sleep up to 8 people. All of them have plenty of space, are clean and comfortable and also come with a seating area and cable TV. Best of all though they all come with balconies from where to enjoy those fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. All the rooms come with breakfast included and there is a restaurant onsite serving other excellent meals throughout the day, including vegetarian and dietary restricted choices. There is lots of outside space too to be explored, flower gardens and lawns with barbecue facilities, as well as organic vegetable gardens and orchard trees, from where the chefs get some of the ingredients for their great food. THE LOCATION: The location is superb, very near the famous tourist attraction of Cingjing Farm, less than 10 minutes drive in fact and there is a bus stop just down the road from the farm stay that leads directly there. Another tourist attraction, the Small Swiss Garden, is also close by; just five minute’s drive. The entire Cingjing region of central Taiwan is truly spectacular with some fantastic mountain scenery to be enjoyed. They have a tour desk at the farmstay from where you can arrange car hire, and the friendly staff can also arrange many different tours of the surrounding area. Your nearest airport will be Taichung, just over an hour away, and the staff can also arrange transfers to and from the airport. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Everything is good….the view, the staff, the location and great breakfast….” “Big room and great view from the window/balcony….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT CINGJING VIENNA PLEASANCE COTTAGE:     READ MORE

Allegro Agriturismo Argiano, near the ancient Etruscan city of Arezzo, is a wonderful place to relax and unwind in the heart of some typically gorgeous Tuscan countryside. It’s a hillside farm so the views are lovely and being surrounded by rows of olive groves, orchards and old woodlands it feels, and very much is, close to the peace of nature. It’s very much a family farm too and they make some quality food stuffs, extra virgin olive oil and various jams for example, and also Vinsanto, a traditional Tuscan sweet wine made from raisins. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in the form of  two two bed apartments just off the main farmhouse, both of which have one double room and one twin. They are cosy with well equipped kitchens and nice lounge areas with fireplace. They have central heating and air-con, and the interiors will impress all round with some beautiful design and decor on display, very much in keeping with the historic, traditional, nature of the farmhouse. The exteriors are wonderful too, nice terraces and gardens with seating, an outside dining area, and a swimming pool too. All of it is surrounded by hundreds of fruit, cypress and oak trees, and overlooked by the lovely Tuscan hills. It’s a family owned agriturismo and you’ll find the family friendly and helpful. THE FARM: The owners are enthusiastic about their busy little farm, with the main work being in the production of fruit, and a huge variety of fruit at that: Strawberries, blackberries, figs, walnuts, cherries, apricots, apples, grapes and olives. There will always be some little home made goodies to try, their fresh fruits of course, and also their previously mentioned Vinsanto wine and extra virgin olive oil. You can buy plenty of their farm produce to cook with in the apartment and to take home with you afterwards. THE LOCATION: Tuscany can get pretty busy with tourists, especially in Summertime and though the agriturismo is just 3km from historical Arezzo, within walking distance really, it is a very peaceful oasis of calm. There is 40 acres of woodland surrounding the farm and is a lovely place for a quiet READ MORE

Near to Dartmoor in Devon, England, Puddleduck Valley has fun, very much family friendly, glamping and conventional style eco-friendly accommodation in a truly lovely part of the West Country. It’s a real kid’s favourite, with so much to explore around the farm and surrounding woodland and many fun activities. For adults of a certain age too it will bring back happy memories of childhood holidays in the countryside before the era of computers and smartphones. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are four accommodation choices: -Two large glamping yurts; the larger sleeps up to 6 and comes with its own private bathroom, while the smaller of the two can sleep up to four and has access to an external bathroom. Guests at both yurts have full access to the kitchen and lounge area of the main farmhouse. -Then there is The Stables, a converted stone barn holiday cottage which can sleep up to 5 and has a lounge and a fully equipped kitchen. -And finally The King Suite, a more conventional choice upstairs in the renovated 17th-century farmhouse. It can sleep up to four and also comes with its own lounge and fully equipped kitchen. There is also plenty of outside space for all to use with plenty of seating, play areas and barbecue facilities, and well behaved pets are allowed to stay too! THE FARM: The small farm has a herd of friendly goats as well as hens and rabbits, all of which are well used to guests and children will certainly enjoy meeting them. There is a pond at the farm and there is access to the many acres of lovely woodland next door owned by the National Trust. Many activities are organized at the farm and families are welcome to partake in as much or as little as they like. Things like egg collecting, fishing, pond dipping, woodland walks, wildlife spotting, face painting etc. etc. THE LOCATION: The location is perfect for exploring the wilds of Dartmoor less than a half hour to the south by car, and there are some lovely beaches about the same distance away to the north at Bude. The Hartland Cornwall & Devon Heritage Coast is closer still and has READ MORE

Agriturismo Le Fontane has an absolutely stunning setting on the shores of Lake Iseo, near Brescia in Lombardy, northern Italy. It is very much a boutique hotel with just four rooms to choose from, and you can enjoy gorgeous views from the terrace outside your door, from the gardens or from the infinity swimming pool just in front. It is very much a place for lounging and relaxing but there are plenty of activities to enjoy too; the beach is just three minutes walk away and you can also enjoy guided tours of the farm, fruit and vegetable picking, nature walks and hikes along the Antica Strada Valeriana, and of course boat tours around the lake and to the stunning Monte Isola Island. You can also enjoy the excellence of the in-house chef who uses the best locally sourced ingredients to great effect, from breakfast to lavish evening meals and washed down with some of Brescia’s and Lombardy’s finest Franciacorta wine. THE ACCOMMODATION: The agriturismo accomodation, just four B&B rooms in total, is lake side and just away from the main farmhouse where the restaurant is located. The rooms are set around the swimming pool with the gardens just to the side, and they all have fabulous, almost uninterrupted, views over the lake and the island. The block is modern, and internally has more in common with a modern city hotel than a stereotypical rustic agriturismo. Facilities are also what you would expect from a modern hotel, WiFi, flat screen satellite TV and some nice spacious private bathrooms. All the rooms are bright, clean and super comfortable, and all are supplied with nonallergenic soft furnishing and bedding materials. They also come with a small terrace seating area outside, from where, not to press the point too much, the views are a real treat. The small farm produces various fruits, vegetables and herbs and is surrounded by hazelnut and olive trees. You’re welcome to stroll around the farm and you can also arranged guided tours with the always friendly farm owners and/or the chef. The food here, as mentioned previously is another major attraction. It is traditional but creative and beautifully READ MORE

At the edge of the beautiful Kenting National Park, Hengchun Peninsula southern Taiwan, Ever Spring Eco Farm Stay has a nice range of B&B rooms on its 120 acre eco-friendly organic farm and gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious, and all come with air con, WiFi, cable TV and private bathroom with bathtub, They have an outdoor swimming pool in the grounds as well as their artificial fish pond which also serves for soil irrigation, there are barbecue facilities too and plenty of space to both wander around and to relax. You’ll find a fairly decent restaurant and cafe there too though it doesn’t have much in the way of western food. It makes for a very relaxing place to spend a few days but it can also be quite sociable too. You’ll find the staff friendly and helpful and they can arrange plenty of activities on the farm or in the surrounding area. THE FARM: The farm is very much an ecologically friendly farm and the enthusiastic owners are also happy to teach you a little bit about ecological farming practices and such things as butterfly cultivation on the farm and their growing of a huge range of herbs, vegetables and fruit; chilli peppers, mangoes, papaya, tomatoes, garlic, basil, peppermint and tea tree being just some examples. THE LOCATION: The farm itself is large, and wonderful to explore, a highlight being a climb up its highest hill, on top of which you’ll find a traditional pavilion with a giant antique bell. The view over the Hengchun peninsula and the surrounding ocean is best enjoyed as the sun goes down. The staff can arrange like fishing, hiking and cycling trips, as well as other unique things like night time firefly discovery tours around the farm and in the surrounding area, which has some lovely, wild scenery around the Kenting National Park. Kenting is Taiwan’s oldest national park and stretches out over 180 km of both land and sea and is home to a rich amount of flora and fauna both on land and sea. Despite the peaceful rural setting the farm stay is still just a few km READ MORE

High above the Inn Valley, in the village of Fiss, Tyrol, Austria, this is a very child friendly, family run organic farm with spa, sauna, steam bath and plenty of places for the kids to play. And they can also get involved with looking after and feeding the animals. The surrounding area is great for hiking and of course winter sports with the cable car to the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski area just 5-minutes walk away. And you can also arrange horse riding from the farm too. They have a mixture of self catering and B&B accommodation; all are super comfortable and clean and include WiFi and flat screen TV with satellite channels. In the morning they serve a generous buffet breakfast with plenty of organic food that comes directly from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This was our perfect vacation! The property is very comfortable, extremely clean, very nice people. The location of the property is great, 5 minutes walking distance to the ski lifts, the ski storage is big and modern. It’s great that you can leave your skis near the ski lift and don’t carry it every day. We liked the breakfast and the coffee was great. Thank you for the great stay!…” “Lovely just lovely perfect for families with children, or a romantic get away. Close to all shops/amenities yet secluded. Would definitely recommend to anyone….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BIOBAUERNHOF POLTEHOF:   READ MORE

Set within the boundaries of the the iconic North Yorkshire Moors, England, and very near both Scarborough and Whitby, this quality Yorkshire farmstay has 4-star accommodation on a full 200 acres of farmland in beautiful Harwood Dale. It is a blissfully peaceful setting ideal for a relaxing getaway. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a nice selection of comfortable rooms which all come with en suite bathroom, TV and WiFi. The farm’s tearooms and restaurant serves up great home made local food including a legendary Sunday roast. There is a games room and playground for the kids at the farm too, and they also even have a garden centre selling a good assortment of plants, seeds and flowers. Outside there are gardens and a small lake right in front of the farmhouse. THE FARM: The farm is a full 200 acres of prime Yorkshire countryside and contains a herd of rare highland cattle, even more rare curly haired pigs, sheep, ponies, hens and ducks. All the animals are friendly and well behaved and are well used to attention from guests. THE LOCATION: For those of you not yet familiar with God’s own country, and especially the vast North Yorkshire Moors, it is one of England’s most evocative and beautiful regions, and the Grainary Farmstay has a superb location sitting cosily among the green fields and woodlands of Harwood Dale between the Moors and the North Sea coast. There are a huge amount of great places for walking, hiking and cycling around the area, with one of the numerous highlights being the atmospheric Harwood Dale Forest a great place to find all sorts of native wildlife, and just a few minutes away from the farmstay. The coast is very near too and you can explore some of beautiful coastal paths with views over the North Sea. Both Scarborough and Whitby are less than 20 minutes drive away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Beautiful setting, lovely comfortable room and friendly staff. Second time I have visited and so happy to have returned. Only wish I could have stayed longer….” “The property is lovely in every way. The breakfast had lots of choice, to every taste. My children READ MORE

Abocurragh bed and breakfast is a 4-star farm stay on a dairy farm between the Cuilcagh and Benaughlin mountains in County Fermanagh, about 15 minutes from the town of Enniskillen. The bedrooms all come with private bathroom with power shower, a flat-screen TV, WiFi, tea/coffee making facilities and nice views of the surrounding countryside. They serve a very good Irish breakfast in the morning with plenty of good local ingredients, including eggs from their own farms hens, their own home made bread, muesli and jams etc. The living room has an open fireplace and plenty of comfortable sofas and chairs plus a selection of books and magazines. And guests are of course free to wander around the farm and gardens. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “My wife and I had a wonderful stay at Abocurragh Farmhouse. The home was just as lovely as the pictures we saw online, our hostess was so friendly and helpful. Our breakfasts were WONDERFUL! And it was perfect having breakfast while seeing the neighbor’s sheep and watching our host’s cows go out to pasture down the lane after milking in the morning. It was so peaceful, we would highly recommend staying here!…” “This is an incredible place to stay. The standard of this accommodation has surpassed many of the hotels we have ever stayed in. The hostess is an expert, 25 years running it and the beautiful setting, great location as well as fantastic value made it an unforgettable stay – The breakfast was freshly cooked with care and passion, absolutely delicious (make sure to try the porridge!) The room was immaculate with a big comfy bed; the pillows were so so relaxing. We’ll definitely be back….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ABOCURRAGH FARMHOUSE: READ MORE

The highly rated Hunter’s Moon Farm Stay near Dunedin, South Island NZ, has very spacious B&B rooms on a 26 acre farm with nice views over Taieri Plain. The farm has sheep, alpacas, hens and a few very cute miniature horses. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of two King Rooms and a Queen Suite. All of them are really spacious, modern and clean. Both the King Rooms have a king size bed but with the Superior King Room having that bit more space plus a sofa. The Queen Suite is larger still, with two double bedrooms, plenty of seating space and a very nice little private balcony with views over the plains and the mountains beyond. All the rooms come with en-suite bathrooms, air-con, satellite TV and there is WiFi throughout the building. There is plenty of common space around, a sociable shared lounge in the farmhouse, a terrace outside and a nicely tended garden area. You’ll find the owners very friendly and hospitable too, and they serve up a great breakfast in the morning. THE FARM: The farm has 26 acres in total, most of it farmland but with some small areas of bush and trees. They keep alpacas and sheep mainly but also some free range hens. The farm is pretty popular with children and they have plenty of opportunity to feed the sheep and alpacas, bring the horses for a walk and even collect some eggs from the hens for breakfast. As mentioned there are some lovely views from the farm and the farmhouse, and there is some forest area around too which can be nice to explore. It might be quite close to Dunedin City and much closer still to the town of Mosgiel, but it is a very much rural, countryside, retreat. THE LOCATION: The farm is just over a mile from Wingatui Railway Station and about three miles from Mosgiel town centre, where you’ll find plenty of shops and services without having to deal with the hassle of going into Dunedin centre. It’s also less than a mile to the well known Otago Racing Club/Mosgiel Racecourse. The centre of Dunedin takes about 20 READ MORE

In Middleton, near Adelaide, and Port Elliott South Australia, Wenton Farm Cottages has two homely self-catering cottages surrounded by rolling green hills of farmland where guests can watch the cattle graze peacefully from their private terrace. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of two air-conditioned cottages, one of which has two bedrooms, the other three. They are both clean and well appointed and both come with a kitchen and a dining and seating/lounge area with a flat-screen TV and DVD player. They have a nice private patio too, with barbecue facilities and outdoor seating. Check them out on the booking page here.  THE LOCATION: The Farm is just 15 minute’s away from Goolwa, which is the start of the famous River Murray and where you’ll find some good cafes, restaurants and shops. Middleton has a good surf beach just ten minutes away too and there are a number of nice other towns around too; Port Elliot for example just 10 minute’s away and Victor Harbour a little more. The idyllic Kangaroo Island is also close by while the journey south from Adelaide should take you less than an hour. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Hundreds of kangaroos greeted us on day 1 and set the tone for a wonderful girl’s weekend! The views, the silence (except the moo of the odd cow) was the perfect setting for sitting on the verandah with a quiet coffee….” “The peace and quiet and relaxed atmosphere. It was just what we needed. On returning home we were told how much better we looked health-wise and that was the idea of the stay. We felt so welcome and cared for. The cabin is really so close and convenient to other attractions within the area….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT WENTON FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGES:   READ MORE

Sunflowers Farm Stay has self catering cottages for rent on its 315 acre cattle farm in Margaret River, south of Perth, W.A. What really makes the place stand out though is the enormous amount, and variety, of animals it keeps on its ‘animal farm’, over 350 in total; kangaroos, rabbits, llamas, goats, pigs, ducks and plenty more. The farm allows guest loads of interaction with the animals as well as other activities such as tractor rides, egg collecting and pony trekking, and is certain to be an especially memorable holiday for kids. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in the form of 4 one & two bedroom self catering cottages that can, with the help of some extra bunk beds, sleep up to nine people. They are basic enough inside but comfortable and clean. You will have a lounge and fully equipped kitchen at your disposal plus things like TV & DVD player, WiFi, and either air conditioning or a log fire and ceiling fans. There is also outdoor seating, BBQ facilities and a playground in the gardens. Check out your options on the booking page here. The main attraction is the farm of course and guests have a great amount of freedom to wander around the large farm and interact with the animals including feeding and petting them. What’s especially nice is that they also have an ‘orphanage’ at the farm where they adopt and care for unwanted baby animals, with, as you can imagine, much cuteness all round. THE LOCATION: Sunflowers animal farm is in the famous Margaret River wine region south of Perth WA. Though there are vineyards aplenty in this area, and many particularly along Caves Road where the farm stay is located, it is not only the wine which draws tourists to the area. Over the years Margaret River has developed a strong reputation for nature tourism, agritourism, food tourism, surfing, art & crafts, and for just generally being a lovely, chilled out place to relax and explore for a few days or weeks. You can read more about the area here. The journey from Perth should take less than three hours down the coastal State Route READ MORE

Pet Friendly Kapor Organic Farm House has a range of B&B rooms on a certified organic farm just outside the town of Avanos in Cappadocia, Turkey. All their clean and comfortable rooms come with WiFi, private bathroom with shower or bath, and some with a spa bath. Outside, there is a swimming pool and plenty of seating in the flower filled gardens. They have a very good restaurant too, serving a generous breakfast every morning, and different local foods throughout the day with organic ingredients much of which come from the farm. Guests are also welcome to pick their own fruit and vegetables. The farm owners can arrange transport to various destinations in the surrounding area. The Göreme Open Air Museum for example is about five or ten minutes drive away, with the nearest airport being Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport 25 km away, while Kayseri Airport is 60 km. READ MORE

Surrounded by olive trees, and with beautiful views across the Italian Riviera, farmstay Natta Di Monte Tabor is a charming, rustic farmhouse with an outdoor swimming pool. Agriturismo Natta Di Monte Tabor is in the village of La Natta, between Celle Ligure and Varazze and is a short car trip from some of the Italian Riviera’s finest beaches. They serve up a great Breakfast in the flower filled garden with vegan and vegetarian options available on request. Their elegant rooms come with air conditioning, a TV and fridge. They have beautiful old style wood or terracotta floors with wood-beamed ceilings and each comes with a private entrance with a nice shared, shaded seating area of the garden. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Magnificent view! Wonderful hosts! Delicious breakfast!· After a 14 day driving trip of Europe, our family voted this as our favorite accommodations of the trip. It’s a beautiful setting overlooking the sea on a hillside covered in lush gardens and trees. The breakfast was wonderful and the hostess was very hospitable and accommodating….” “Magnificent view! Wonderful hosts! Delicious breakfast!· After a 14 day driving trip of Europe, our family voted this as our favorite accommodations of the trip. It’s a beautiful setting overlooking the sea on a hillside covered in lush gardens and trees. The breakfast was wonderful and the hostess was very hospitable and accommodating….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO NATTA DI MONTE TABOR:   READ MORE

Agriturismo Maurerhof just outside Vipiteno, Trentino in the heart of the Dolomites, is a working farm that produces cheese, eggs and jam. Their Alpine-style apartments all come with private bathroom, kitchen and seating area, and a balcony which gives lovely views of the surrounding mountains. On the farm you can meet some of the locals, including ponies, chickens, goats and horses. The surrounding area is fabulous for hiking and winter sports are very nearby; The Racines ski area is just 14 km away for example. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We (2 adults, 2 children + 1 dog) were very impressed by the Maurerhof. The landlords are warm, nice and helpful. The location was great. Absolutely recommended!!..” “Exceptional. Eggs from the farm, fresh milk every morning, perfect service….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO MAURERHOF: READ MORE

1,000 meters high in the Catalan Pyrénées-Orientales department of Languedoc-Roussillon, France, and just outside the village of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, Mas El Casal farmstay has a stunning setting for its working cattle farm and traditional stone farmhouse where guests will be welcomed with the best in hospitality and comfort. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their spacious rooms are rustically stylish and come with en suite bathroom, air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, WiFi, a seating area plus an outdoor terrace with beautiful views over the valley below. It’s B&B and you’ll be treated to a very good and generous breakfast in the morning, with fresh bread, fruit juices, homemade jams cakes, yoghurts and more. And if guests feel like cooking for themselves later during the day they can also have access to the farmhouse kitchen. The farm is a working beef cattle farm, with lush green pastures and meadows, and comes with incredible views over the surrounding valleys. THE LOCATION: As mentioned before, the main attraction of this farm stay is the location, the views are breathtaking from the farm itself and there are some great hiking trails around that go all around the mountains. You could really spend days exploring the trails around the farm, or just sitting on the grass contemplating the beauty of it all. It’s also about five kilometres from the centre of the very pretty Catalan town(s) of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste. The Prats-de-Mollo section has a lovely old town with cobblestone streets and stylish squares guarded from above by the impressive medieval walls of Fort Lagarde, and a 14th-century round tower.  The fort is a bit of a climb from the town centre but has amazing views. La Preste is the adjoining, more modern part of town as is known for its therapeutic spa waters. They have allegedly many beauty and health benefits, and your feet might enjoy an evening dip after that tough hike up to Fort Lagarde! The nearby Reserve Naturelle de Prats-de-Mollo (about 30 minutes by car from the farm house) is a stunning nature reserve with an abundance of wildlife on its rocky plateaus; vultures, eagles, wild cats and the famous pyrenean chamois (wild goats), for example. It also has a READ MORE

This lovely Georgian farmhouse is in the heart of the Kildare countryside, Ireland, near Athy and Newbridge, and just about an hour from Dublin city, and it has comfortable and clean B&B rooms surrounded by gardens, orchards and rolling green farmland. Each of their rooms comes with private bathroom, TV and WiFi as well as tea and coffee making facilities. They serve a good breakfast too with plenty of choice; full cooked Irish breakfast, omlettes, pancakes, scones, jams, cereals and fresh fruit. Much of which comes straight from their own farm and is organic where possible. They also serve some very good evening meals and snacks during the day. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Nice stay in lovely countryside surrounding. great hosts and a great breakfast. This was my second stay here and both times have had an excellent stay….” “Lovely warm welcome, comfortable room, gorgeous cooked breakfast, great value. Warmly recommended…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MOATE LODGE:     READ MORE

The very highly rated Agriturismo Renaccino near Siena, Tuscany, is well known in the local area for breeding thoroughbred riding horses, but also provides rustic self catering accommodation in traditional cottage style apartments. The owners are helpful and friendly and the countryside surrounding is typically Tuscan, but also quiet and peaceful despite being less than 10km from the much visited city of Siena. THE ACCOMMODATION: You have a choice of one and two bed apartments to sleep a maximum of four people. They are in traditional Tuscan farmhouse style, romantic and cosy with a well equipped kitchen and lounge, WiFi and TV. Outside in the gardens and lawns there is plenty of seating/outdoor dining space and a salt water swimming pool. You’ll find the owners of Agriturismo Renaccino extremely helpful and friendly, and you can quite quickly feel like you’re part of the family. Though they don’t cook a breakfast for you but every morning they do provide a daily generous selection of what a Tuscan might call ‘basic food staples’ but what for outside visitors is more like a sumptuous hamper of fresh food: eggs, cheeses, various breads, salami, some delicious homemade cakes, and more. Guests are welcome to take a look around the farm and can learn a little about horse breeding from the enthusiastic horse loving owners. It is a thoroughbred breeding farm so they are quite sensibly careful with the animals, which means they don’t allow horse riding or provide horse riding lessons, but you can get up close and admire these beautiful creatures just the same. THE LOCATION: The agriturismo is super convenient for the famously beautiful and historic city of Siena, less than 10km away, and just to the north of the equally famously beautiful Val d’Orcia, which, like Siena, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a place steeped in important medieval history. Towns like Montalcino, Castiglion d’Orcia, Pienza and many, many more live and breath that history and the countryside in between is a rural wonderland of rolling green hills and winding roads. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Location, value, owner, gardens. The place is perfection….” “Sabrina’s place is just amazing! Super beautiful and READ MORE

This cute farmstay in Mörlenbach, Hessen, between Frankfurt and Mannheim is very close to one of Germany‘s most enchanting cities, Heidelberg, and offers self catering accommodation on a working farm surrounded by beautiful meadowland and fields of horses. All rooms have a TV and free WiFi, and there’s a nice outside playground for the kids.   READ MORE

One of the most illustrious properties on FarmStayPlanet, Hacienda Zorita near Salamanca, Spain, is a luxury wine hotel & spa on a picturesque 14th century Dominican Estate that even back then served as a ‘casa hospitalaria‘, i.e. a lodging house, and an organic (no choice not to be organic in those days!) farm, exactly as it does today. It is a very much a place to spoil yourself with the finest of food, wine and spa facilities to be enjoyed. And even in medieval times it was able to attract some high profile guests with Christopher Columbus having stayed here on a fund raising tour before his voyage of discovery to the Americas. The location is fantastic too. It sits by the famous Duero River, in an area famous for having some of Spain’s best wineries, including Hacienda Zorita itself of course, and is also very near the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salamanca, a must see in central Spain. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a choice of B&B rooms and suites, all of which are beautifully appointed, spacious, clean and comfortable but with a distinct rustic style in keeping with the historical nature of the property. You will find the usual suspects in every room; air-conditioning, minibar, WiFi, satellite TV, DVD player, plus some terrific massage showers in the bathrooms. Pieces of art and antiques abound throughout the property, in both the rooms and the common areas, of which there are many, including lounges, bars and dining rooms. The grounds are lovely to wander around too; around the banks of the Duero River, and through the beautifully landscaped gardens. Pamper yourself then at the excellent spa facilities (which have some unique olive, and wine, skin treatments amongst others), retire to one of the lounges or bars, catch a movie in the film room maybe, or enjoy some fresh, top quality farm to table food, and vineyard to table wine, in one of the dining rooms. You can also enjoy wine and cheese tasting sessions and arrange yoga sessions, picnics on the lawn or even catch a movie at the open air cinema (open in summer only!). Farther afield are the vineyards READ MORE