Family Friendly Farm Stays: (2023)

Just over two hours from Melbourne, near Victoria’s Great Ocean Road and just five minutes from Johanna Beach, Johanna River Farm has pet friendly, and family friendly self catering cottages with lovely ocean views. The farm is a 280 acre working farm with animals including sheep, goats, hens and ducks. THE ACCOMMODATION: The cosy cottages, which can sleep up to four, are spacious, comfortable and stylish, and all have an outside terrace with seating from where you can enjoy some great views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside. There are barbecue facilities outside too and inside you can prepare meals in the well equipped kitchens. You’ll also find spacious lounges with TV and DVD players, and one cottage has its own spa bath. Check your options out on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: There is a lot to do in the surrounding area; there is the lovely Johanna Beach just five minutes down the road while the Otway Fly Treetop Walk and the Cape Otway Lighthouse Station are both less than a half an hour away. Slightly farther away there are more attractions to be explored like the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, Apollo Bay and the iconic Twelve Apostles. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Quaint & quiet farm stay, excellent for young kids! The hospitality by Helen & Julian was awesome. The animals were so friendly. highly recommended :)…” “The hosts and farm animals were super friendly and the beach was just a short drive away! Also very accessible to major sites like 12 Apostles, Port Campbell and Apollo Bay. Overall an excellent experience I would highly recommend….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT JOHANNA RIVER FARM:   READ MORE

Oasi di Galbusera Bianca Agriturismo near Milan, Lombardy, Italy,  is in the heart of the Montevecchia Park and its beautifully wild countryside. The B&B accommodation is in a lovely old style farm villa and the rooms are beautifully styled; all pastel shades and carefully chosen furniture and art pieces, they are gorgeously rustic. The farm is organic and eco-friendly, 50 acres in total, and grows a range of traditional regional fruit and vegetables. The food here is very highly rated, from breakfast to evening meals using locally sourced, organic ingredients much of which come from their own farm. They also offer cooking, diet and nutrition classes and have a range of activities to keep children amused. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a selection of rooms to sleep up to four people. All of them are uniquely, and beautifully, styled with rustic wooden furniture and artistic flourishes everywhere. The gardens are lovely too and are surrounded by the olive trees, orchard groves and vegetable gardens of the farm. Guests are welcome to explore and you can arrange guided tours too where you can learn a little about organic farming and food production. The food is here excellent; organic of course, and as wholesome and healthy as possible. Most of it is vegetarian too and homemade; things like goat’s cheese, savoury tarts, sorbets and homemade bread. As mentioned above they also do cooking classes and can provide lots of good advice on diet and nutrition. THE LOCATION: The agriturismo is conveniently near Milan, Lombardy’s dynamic capital, just 40km in fact, but is a world away in any other terms. It is, as the name suggests a veritable oasis from the city; peaceful, tranquil and surrounded by forests and fields of green. There are a number of nice little villages in the surrounds, nature parks like Monte Barro and Adda Nord for example, and lots of hiking routes and nature trails. The friendly staff at the agriturismo can give you plenty of good advice about the nicest places to go, and they also rent bikes at the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The accommodation is one of the most beautiful I have been to. This applies to READ MORE

  Colorado Cattle Company is a hugely popular dude ranch in the Pawnee Grasslands of North East Colorado, bordering both Wyoming and Nebraska. It offers a range of western style, all inclusive, ranch accommodation packages with all food and non-alcoholic drinks as well as lots of horse back riding and cowboy skills learning at their quite famous cowboy school. All their cabin rooms and suites are comfortable and well maintained and come with private bathroom, flat screen TV, air con and WiFi as standard. There’s a sociable shared lounge and full bar at the main building, a swimming pool, a reception and a gift shop too, and the surrounding area is wild, open country that is really wonderful to explore, whether on horseback or by hiking. READ MORE

Hilltop Studios offers exclusive accommodation near Margaret River south of Perth, with gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. The self catering studios are part of a private 350 acre farm conveniently located between Margaret River town and the beach. The accommodation is beautifully appointed, super comfortable and the surrounding area is deeply rural and peaceful. All in all a perfect rural retreat. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have four luxury double studios on offer, all of which are stylish and spacious and come with every modern convenience and comfort. They have extra large beds, a full kitchen and lounge area with satellite TV and DVD player, with some free DVDs on offer. There is a nice spa bath in each bathroom with bi-folding windows opening out onto either the main studio room, or the sun deck outside which has seating and barbecue facilities. They all have beautiful views, with acres of rolling farmland around and cattle and horses grazing peacefully within. Two of them, the ‘Panoramic Studios‘, have the view enhanced by their wide, picture frame, windows. THE LOCATION: Hilltop is about two and a half hours drive from Perth, Western Australia, about ten minutes from the town of Margaret River and even less from the coast. The countryside is deeply rural in these parts and you’ll find plenty of opportunity for hiking with some particularly nice bushwalks leading on toward the coast. Margaret River is an increasingly sophisticated rural holiday destination that is a pleasure to stroll around. It has long been associated with surfing, its beaches having some of the best waves in the world, and also wine tourism; with most of its boutique wineries offering vineyard tours and wine tasting. These days it offers even more, with top class restaurants, cafes, farmers markets, yoga schools, arts & crafts galleries and plenty more. Just outside of town you have these great beaches too and of course you have the Margaret River itself flowing through. There is an endless amount of things to do around the town; you can organize leisurely boat trips along the river, picnic by the banks, hire a mountain bike to explore the magnificent Boranup Forest, hike some of the READ MORE

Criffel Station offers a fabulous farmstay experience in Wanaka, Otago, South Island New Zealand, where you can choose to stay in self catering cottages or glamping teepees on their huge, 2000 hectacre, farm with herds of red deer, alpacas and sheep. This part of Otago is wildly beautiful, serene and peaceful and the views from the farm are stunning, including views over the famous Lake Wanaka itself. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two self catering traditional cottages and a range of glamping tents to choose from. The cottages have three bedrooms, one double and two twin, and can sleep up to six people. They are modern and comfortable inside, with a good sized lounge area and a well equipped kitchen, but still retain a nice old fashioned charm. One (the Shearer’s Cottage) has a private porch outside, and with each cottage you’ll find plenty of space to be enjoyed in the gardens and the large farm. The glamping tents are teepee style and can fit up to six people. They are spacious, airy and comfortable and have seats inside as well as outside, where you’ll also find a barbecue area with picnic tables and hammocks. THE FARM: The farm is an interesting place; it’s a deer farm which has a large herd of European red deer, a fairly unusual sight in New Zealand. From their herd they produce quality venison, and they also keeps bees, alpacas and sheep. It’s also extremely large and is a wonderful place to explore. The owners are enthusiastic about farming and about the natural environment and they can organize informative farm tours for you where you’ll also get a chance to feed the animals, take photos etc.. There is also an on site farm shop from where you can buy some of their own food products to take home. THE LOCATION: The farmstay is just outside Wanaka, around six miles from the town centre in fact, and the farm has great views over Lake Wanaka itself. For those in the know, Wanaka is quite special, and sees a lot of tourists and outdoor adventure types. It is beside the South Island Alps and the Mount Aspiring National READ MORE

Just 5 minutes from the centre of Fabrica di Roma, an hour north of Rome and about 25 minutes drive from Lake Vico in Lazio, Italy, Farm Stay B&B Menica Marta Country House is a beautifully rustic Italian farmhouse offering a beautifully peaceful rural escape. Their air-conditioned studios have an outdoor patio area leading on to the garden, great for dining, and all come equipped with a TV, fridge and kitchenette. Though the accommodation is self-catering they offer a very good buffet breakfast every morning, in either the living room or the garden. Evening meals are available too, where you can choose from a selection of local recipes, with much of the ingredients coming fresh from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A wonderful surprise: Everything, from the kindness of the owner to the exquisite breakfast made with quality and genuine products, from the wonderful location to the clean, spacious and quiet studio! All great and recommended to anyone!….” “The hospitality of the hosts, the fantastic location and all the services offered have made our experience unforgettable….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO MENICA MARTA: 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

The consistently highly rated Agroturismo Vinha do Gaio is an organic, family-run, farm stay just north of Lagos & Portimao on Portugal’s western Algarve coast. It lies on the slopes of the Monchique Mountains and there are some tremendous views of the surrounding countryside and the sea in the distance from Portimão to Sagres. The farm has sheep, donkeys, fruit orchards, and vegetable and herb gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have six B&B rooms in the uniquely designed, eco-friendly, farmhouse. There are a few rustic touches but generally the interiors are that of a quality modern hotel. Their rooms are clean and comfortable and they all come with a little outside terrace from which to enjoy those lovely views. You’ll be treated to a great fresh Portuguese breakfast in the morning and you are welcome to tour the farm where the friendly owners will be on hand to show you around. Overall it is a place to relax and recharge; the surroundings are beautifully peaceful and the place has an isolated feel. There is a little village within walking distance though, called Casais, which has a couple of shops and a friendly local bar. There are no restaurants there though the bar can provide snacks and the agroturismo owners can also provide evening meals if given a bit of notice. THE LOCATION: It is just beside the above-mentioned village of Casais and north of Portimão and Lagos in the hinterland of the western Algarve. About ten minutes away by car along the winding mountain roads, there is the pretty market town of Monchique, which like the agriturismo is also in the Serra de Monchique, the forested mountain range which separates the Alentejo from the Algarve. There is some great hiking to be done around here with some great views to be enjoyed of the plains and the sea to the south, and to the west; over the peaceful, nature-filled, Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. The journey from Portimão should take less than half an hour with Lagos being a little more. The nearest international airport is Faro, just over an hour away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Antonio was READ MORE

Pa’ani Cabins farm stay in Mountain View, Hawaii, very near to Hilo international airport, is an authentic farm stay experience in cabins and bungalows with a sociable shared kitchen and surrounded by farm animals. Their cute cabins include a dinner table and chairs and in true rustic style have no electricity. The Bungalows are more modern with WiFi, flat-screen TV and DVD player. Both give you access to the shared kitchen and bathrooms and the large gardens with BBQ and terrace. The Volcanoes National Park is about twenty miles away and the surrounding countryside is beautiful to explore on horseback or bike. And all that can be arranged from the farm, and other services too, like quad bike hire, zip line tours, massage and special themed adventures for kids. 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

Beside the popular ski resort town of Formiguères, Languedoc-Roussillon, southern France, the highly rated Le Calmadou farmstay has self catering accommodation on its working sheep farm where it produces its own range of cheeses. The surrounding countryside is peaceful and serene and the views from the farm are spectacular. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their very comfortable 95 square meter self catering apartment is part of a converted barn with traditional wooden beamed ceilings and can host up to 8 people. There are three bedrooms (two doubles and a twin), a lounge area with sofa bed and flat screen TV, a modern, fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and a 15 square meter outside terrace area. THE FARM: The farm is a fully working sheep farm producing and selling a good range of home made cheeses, yoghurts and spicy merguez sausages. Being at an altitude of 1500 meters the winters here are cold and so the sheep move indoors to the barns but the hospitable farm owners are always happy to offer tours of the farm and the cheese factory whatever time of year you arrive. THE LOCATION: Formiguères is a popular ski town and the farmstay is just 4km from the nearest slopes, so the location is ideal for winter sports. When the season ends it is also a great area for hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. The wider area is part of the Parc Regional de Catalan Pyrenees which is a wonderful area to explore, full of wild scenery, mountains, lakes, including the famous glacial lake at Engolasters, and thick green forests. The borders with both Spain and Andorra are less than 20km away and so the region is also a popular stopping off point before crossing the Pyrenees. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We really enjoyed the tour around the sheep farm and the sheep’s cheese was beautiful! The gite overlooks the Pyrenees and we thoroughly enjoyed eating our breakfast on the veranda of a morning. We found the accommodation to be very homely, cosy, clean, relaxing and had a fully equipped kitchen. Thank you Francoise and Jean Pierre for our amazing stay :-)…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & READ MORE

La Noyeraie is a cosy, charming farm stay B&B near the UNESCO World Heritage village of Rocamadour in the green hills of the Eastern Dordogne, France. THE ACCOMMODATION: It offers a nice range of suites, rooms and self catering studios all with private bathroom and every morning they serve a great French breakfast in the farmhouse dining room, or weather permitting, on the terrace. Good wholesome home cooked evening meals are available too and they offer a great selection of local organic wines to go with them. The farmhouse is surrounded by 9 peaceful acres of orchard groves, woodland and walnut trees. The owners of La Noyeraie make their own walnut products like walnut biscuits, walnut cakes and walnut oil, which you can sample at the farmhouse as well as buy to take home. They are very enthusiastic about food generally, from harvest to table, and not just their own; they are very knowledgeable about local food and wine and they have a small farm shop where you can also buy other local delicacies to take home; pâté, duck confit and much more. As mentioned previously they also offer a selection of quality locally sourced Cahors wines; reds, whites and rosé as well as the classic Malbec ‘black wine’, all of which you can also buy at the farm shop. THE LOCATION: La Noyeraie is beside the famous cliffside pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, one of the Dordogne’s and France’s most picture perfect towns, and an important place for over 1000 years. The also picturesque and historic town of Sarlat is nearby too, and there are many more beautiful and equally historic little places to explore. The countryside in between too provides constant reminders as to how the Dordogne became one of Europe’s most popular regions for rural tourism. Ramblers and hikers may know that Rocamadour was on the traditional route of the St. James’ Way or Santiago de Compostela on its long and winding way towards Galicia in Spain. There are a few different versions of the route but Le Puy Route which passes through Figeac and Rocamadour before moving onwards through Cahors is the most well known, and the most scenic. Between Cahors READ MORE

Agriturismo Casale Degli Ulivi is a top quality farmhouse B&B near Alghero, and the Coral Riviera where you’ll find some of Sardinia’s and indeed Italy’s most beautiful beaches. Their 30 acre farm grows grapes, olives and various fruits and vegetables, their accommodation is modern, clean and comfortable and outside in the well tended gardens you have a hot tub and a swimming pool at your disposal. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farmhouse dates from 1930 but has been completely renovated in 2015 and there they have a range of rooms to sleep up to four people. All of them are quite modern in style though the exposed wood beamed ceilings also give them a nicely rustic farmhouse feel. They are all super clean and comfortable and come with nice private bathrooms too. The property is eco-friendly; the renovations incorporated a photovoltaic system for hot water and heating and overall the building has a A + energy class certificate. Their breakfast is highly rated by guests and it features some of their own farm produce including their own eucalyptus honey and various home made jams. This you can take inside or outside on the lovely veranda overlooking the gardens which have a swimming pool, a hot tub and plenty of space to lounge around or sunbathe. Beyond that there are the grapevines, olive groves and orchards which you are of course free to wander around. THE LOCATION: In the heart of some lovely peaceful countryside, this agriturismo is also just minutes away from the stunning beaches of the Coral Riviera. The lovely, and ever popular, city of Alghero is just 9 km away too, with its international airport even closer at 3 km. Porto Ferro is 4 km away while the incredibly beautiful coastal park of Porto Conte is just 6 km, and there are plenty more beautiful places to see too. You’ll find the friendly owners of Agriturismo Casale Degli Ulivi will have plenty of tips and advice about this wonderful area. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The produce from this farm is high quality and INCREDIBLE! My favorite was the homemade ricotta with marmalade and honey (all grown, raised, and made on the property). Also, Anna READ MORE

In the heart of British Columbia, Canada, beside the Kettle Valley Railway and just half an hour from Kelowna city center, Myra Canyon Ranch is a cool mix of farmstay, adventure park and horse riding stable and showcases some lovely modern wooden architecture along the way. It’s very highly rated accommodation, both self-catering and B&B, is super comfortable and clean with each having a private bathroom as well as their own private entrance and patio. Wifi is standard throughout. Outside there’s a hot tub for guests to use and barbecue facilities too. And you can pick up a horse from just outside your front door to ride around the ranch, and there’s also lots of good hiking and mountain biking to be found. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A relaxing ranch with amazing views. The view from all the rooms are spectacular and the warm, friendly greeting from the hosts made it even more of an enjoyable stay. Especially loved the bathroom that overlooked the city of Kelowna!….” “Amazing views, beautiful property. Getting to see and interact with the animals were bonuses for my kids. We loved everything so much that we changed our plans and asked to extend our stay. The kitchen and BBQ were great to use. One of the best places we’ve stayed at….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MYRA CANYON GUEST RANCH: READ MORE

Surrounded by beautiful woodland and wine groves, Les Hauts De Chenas has B&B rooms on a working vineyard near Lyon in the heart of the Beaujolais/Burgundy region of Rhone-Alpes, France. It has an on-site winery for its highly rated red Chenas wines, a small wine museum, and its own restaurant which serves some great local food throughout the day. The rooms are spacious and bright with en-suite bathrooms, TV and WiFi, and minibars, with some of the larger rooms having a seating area too. There’s plenty of space outside too with a terrace and large gardens with beautiful views, a swimming pool, a children’s playground as well as a hot tub/jacuzzi. Beaujolais is world-famous wine country and the helpful owners of Les Haut de Chenas will be happy to advise on where to go and what to see in the surrounding area. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Everything! Really can’t fault this lovely place. The location on the hill above the village with views of the vineyards and the valley is superb….” “The welcome, the people, the terrific views, the general friendly atmosphere, the splendid wine made by the proprietor….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LES HAUTS DE CHENAS: READ MORE

On a hillside surrounded by fruit and olive groves just outside Buggiano Castello, and near to both Pisa and Lucca, this 13th century Tuscan agriturismo farmhouse makes for a luxurious holiday experience, with its outdoor pool (From March to November) and sun loungers, hot tub, bowling green, football pitch and playground. The interior is rustic with a variety of suites and rooms, all with mini bar and air-con and all with antique furniture, old stone walls and beautiful terracotta and wood ceilings. Breakfast at La Piana Hotel is a generous Tuscan buffet served on the terrace in summer and in the cosy fireplace breakfast room in winter. The farm produces its own extra virgin olive oil which is of course available to taste and to buy to take home. The helpful staff offer maps and advice about the local area and they can arrange entry to local museums, events and attractions, like the nearby hot springs at Montecatini Terme. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “What a lovely place: staff is super friendly and welcoming; rooms are very nice, cozy and comfortable; location is perfect; it has a great terrace and pool. We joined one of Luciano’s pizza nights and it was wonderful. Staying here felt like being at home. We loved it! Can only recommend!…” “Beautiful location, amazing views, set in wonderful surroundings. Bedroom beautifully furnished. Fabulous swimming pool. Owner very welcoming, happy and friendly staff. Really enjoyed our 4 night stay….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO LA PIANA:   READ MORE

Huerto San Antonio is a luxury agritourism farm stay B&B near Madrid, Spain, offering rest and relaxation in a protected zone of the beautiful Sierra de la Cabrera. THE ACCOMMODATION: The property is gorgeous; it has 11 stylish rooms among seven different tastefully converted old stone cottages. There are lots of rustic touches; bare stone walls and wood beamed ceilings, giving a traditional farmhouse feel to the property and all the rooms come with smart TV, WiFi & en-suite bathroom, with 3 of the rooms also having a jacuzzi. Outside there are various patio areas and a swimming pool, and the property also contains a Finnish sauna, a very good restaurant and bar, and plenty of common areas both inside and out which includes a cosy indoor fireplace. You’ll find the food excellent and they use plenty of their own fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as other locally sourced produce. They also can cater for vegetarian and other dietary restrictions and are open all day for breakfast (included in the room rate) as well as lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day. You’ll find all the staff friendly and helpful and they offer a range of services, including massage, baby sitting, airport pick up and drop off, laundry services, mountain bike hire etc., and can arrange tours and activities in the surrounding area including horse riding. THE FARM: The property has over six acres of land with a chicken coop, vegetable gardens and numerous orchard groves. There are also a number of old wells and a woodland area with oaks, pines and junipers that rises up towards the large granite outcrop known locally as “El Cancho Gordo”. Just a short walk up the road too there is also the beautiful old convent of San Antonio to be discovered. THE LOCATION: The location is ideal for those seeking a bit of peace and tranquility near Madrid. It is only about 60km from the city and about 2km from the small town of La Cabrera but offers true rural bliss. It is in the rocky wilderness of the Sierra de la Cabrera; a protected natural zone that contains a wealth of local READ MORE

In St.Mary’s just over 20 miles from the city of London, Ontario, Canada, Transvaal farm stay offers a nice 2 bedroom self catering house on its busy working farm with goats, hens and vegetable plots. The farmhouse has a lounge with a stone fireplace, TV and WiFi, a well equipped kitchen, two bedrooms (one double and one twin) and bathroom. They make their own range of quality artisan goat’s cheese, preserves and chocolate truffles which you’re welcome to try, and to buy to take home. You can also learn how to make all of the above at the culinary workshops the owners organize for their guests, and bread and pastry making lessons too. The surrounding area is popular for cycling and you can rent bikes for free from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Cosy interior, gas fireplace, animals! Also loved collecting eggs, and meeting the new baby goats. Owners very generously provided us with homemade goat cheese, and fresh baked goodies from their bakery. The farmhouse is clearly a labour of love for Cindy and Scott!…” “The house is impeccable and the owners are very gracious hosts who clearly wanted to ensure that anything we needed was provided to us! One of the owners of the property gave us a very informative tour of the farm and our kids were able to get their eggs from the hens in the morning. We also enjoyed seeing the goats and playing with the cats on the farm. This is a beautiful getaway and a unique experience for those of us who are city dwellers. I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed our stay at Transvaal Farm. I would highly recommend it….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT TRANSVAAL FARM: READ MORE

In Creemore, Ontario, Canada, this popular farm stay has a sauna, spa & wellness center, tennis courts, an outdoor salt water swimming pool, a gift shop and a restaurant on site. You’ll find the food top quality and the staff welcoming and friendly. All of their comfortable rooms come with flat screen TV and WiFi and some come with a seating area. Guests are also welcome to use their shared kitchen for cooking their own meals if they so choose. You can hire bikes from the farmstay and the staff can also organize horse back riding trips, showing you some nice trails in the surrounding area which is also good for golf, cycling, fishing and winter sports. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A great location and comfortable in and out!! The owner is lovely and cares a great deal about her property It is very pleasant as she provides the perfect amount of guest attention without being hovering. . Her private brand of body care products have a lovely slightly herbally not floral sweet aroma !!..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MOUNTAIN ASH FARM:   READ MORE

Near the town of Berga in the Berguedà region of Catalunya, Spain, Complex Rural Can Caubet has pet friendly, self catering accommodation in rustic stone cottages surrounded by gardens and green pastures. And all of it with beautiful views over the rocky slopes of the Queralt Mountains. THE ACOMMODATION: Their cottages come with a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge with a sofa and fireplace, a TV & DVD player and there is WiFi throughout the house. Outside you’ll also find plenty of space for relaxing in the garden which has barbecue facilities, a seasonal swimming pool and a hot tub. There’s also a children’s play area with a trampoline, swings and table football, amongst other things. THE LOCATION: This area of Catalunya, as it rises up into the Pyrenees, is a very popular place for outdoor sports enthusiasts; mountain biking, rock climbing, horse riding, skiing and paragliding are all notably popular. You can ask at the farm for advice and recommendations. You don’t have to be the sporty type though; the region also has peace and rural charm in abundance, and of course the landscapes are very beautiful with some great, and not so strenuous, hill walks close to the farm that offer spectacular views. The cute village of Avià is just about five kilometres away, in fact you can see it, and the nearby monastery from the farm itself. The nearest major ski centres are at Port del Compte, La Molina and Tuixen La Vansa, all not much more than a a half an hour’s drive away, while to get to the city of Barcelona takes about an hour. For a reasonable fee the farm hosts can arrange pick ups and drop offs from the airport and the city centre though, just let them know before you arrive. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “It is ideal for large groups, has 5 full rooms and 3 or 4 bathrooms with shower or bathtub. The kitchen is well equipped, with microwave, dishwasher and a large dining table. The exterior has a huge garden with barbecue and tables and a trampoline for children. The setting is beautiful, fantastic for long walks, surrounded by READ MORE

The very highly rated Agriturismo Arco di Sole has a range of self catering apartments in a converted farmhouse on its olive oil and wheat producing organic farm in the heart of Puglia/Apulia, Italy, just 10 minutes outside the town of Martina Franca. All their comfortable and clean apartments come with air conditioning and WiFi, kitchenette, and a seating area with flat screen TV. Though the accommodation is self catering a fantastic breakfast is provided every morning in the main dining room of the farmhouse. The white limestone house is surrounded by some very nice gardens and guests are welcome to wander around the farm where the friendly owners are always happy to explain about the making of the farm’s produce. They can provide other services too; child minding, laundry, airport/local town shuttle services, grocery delivery, tours etc. etc. And if you tire of the farm eventually the surrounding area is beautiful to explore and for that you can also hire bikes direct from the farmhouse. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing host, very authentic accommodation, felt more like a home, beautiful surroundings away from the crowds. Wonderful experience, will be back!!….” “We absolutely loved the place. The apartment was beautifully decorated and with everything you may need. The owner welcomed us with coffee and water and she even baked fresh focaccia and bought artisan ice-creams for our children. Even the shampoos were organic….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO ARCO DI SOLE:   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

This very highly rated self catering farm stay is on a 300 acre farm in Byron Bay, Australia; in the heart of New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region. Being also near the historic town of Bangalow and just south of Brisbane, Queensland’s Gold Coast it has an excellent location. They have both one and two bedroom cottages and all are fully self contained with kitchen, bathroom and a lounge with TV and Dvd. They each have a lovely private verandah with views of the rainforest or the lake. You can take a canoe or rowing boat out on to the lake, or swim or fish, and there are plenty of nice hiking and mountain bike trails within the farm’s borders and beyond. The farm has animals of course, horses, hens and cows for example and guests, including children can feel welcome to help out with the feeding etc. Note: It’s recommended you come here with a vehicle as there’s no public transport between the village and the farm! WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We could not rate it any higher as a place to stay, we will definitely be back for another stay at the cottages….” “Such beautiful views, extremely friendly owners, it was a perfect relaxing getaway for our girls weekend….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BYRON BAY FARM STAY:     READ MORE

Straw Lodge is a very highly rated boutique vineyard hotel near Blenheim, at the gateway to South Island NZ’s Marlborough/Wairau Valley Wine Region. Their accommodation is in the form of luxury B&B lodges housed in a rather special, and eco friendly, straw bale building overlooking their Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc producing vineyards. THE ACCOMMODATION: The lodges are spacious, comfortable with quality finishings and custom designed furniture. There is a good size lounge/seating area with a sofa/sofa-bed, study desk, flat screen satellite TV and DVD player in each lodge, and outside you’ll find a nice courtyard with seating and views over the vineyards. There will be a barbecue at your disposal too and, even better, an lovely outdoor hot tub-jacuzzi. There is a comfortable communal lounge at the main building too with a selection of DVDs and books. The breakfast here is top class, generous and fresh, and if it inspires you to do some cooking yourself later in the day you are more than welcome to use some of the kitchen facilities. If you need some extra ingredients there is a fruit and vegetable garden outside from where you are welcome to pick you own. You can also of course sample some of the vineyard’s excellent wine; guests are gifted a bottle on arrival and you’ll find your hosts are always happy to explain a bit about wine making and the workings of a Marlborough vineyard. The whole property makes an effort to be as eco friendly as possible and, according to the owners, though not strictly organic, their vineyards and their fruit and vegetable gardens receive only the absolute minimum of chemical treatments. THE LOCATION: A real highlight of South Island NZ, Marlborough is undoubtedly the country’s premier wine region, and has an international reputation. It is also, naturally enough, a centre of wine tourism. Most of Marlborough’s wineries are open to the public where you can enjoy vineyard tours and wine tasting sessions. An increasing number will also have restaurants at the wineries; Marlborough is progressing strongly in food tourism too and you’ll standards very high. The surrounding countryside isn’t all vineyards of course just to the north READ MORE

  Ayayorgi Evleri offers high quality hotel type accommodation on a farm containing hens and ducks, olive trees and vegetable plots on the lovely island of Bozcaada, Turkey, about 3km from the ferry terminal. All their rooms have private bathroom, flat screen TV with satellite channels, air-con, WiFi, coffee machine and mini bar. And outside in the gardens they have a swimming pool plus plenty of seating and places to relax. They serve a really great buffet breakfast in the morning where you can sample some of their home produced vegetables, olive oil, eggs, pastries and jams as well as lots of other good food. READ MORE

In Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, Seaweed and Sod is a 100-acre farmstay B&B set on a beautifully peaceful spot overlooking Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The rooms are comfortable, cosy and clean, with WiFi and shared bathroom and the friendly owners serve a great breakfast including organic and locally produced ingredients. And they are always happy to show you around the farm to meet the hens, llamas and sheep. Downstairs there is a sociable shared lounge area with TV and DVD player plus board games and books while outside when the weather’s good a barbecue can be set up. Sydney is about 45 miles away from the farm while the Newfoundland Ferry can be reached in less than an hour. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Loved it and would stay again. Beautiful Victorian house. It was immaculate and the food was excellent. Terri was an excellent host and I love her dogs and the llamas were very cool….” “This was the perfect place to stay, superb location lakeside, great company, fantastic homestyle breakfast, really the perfect little farm!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SEAWOOD & SOD FARM:     READ MORE

Agriturismo Il Falco is outside the town of Velletri, in the Castelli Romani wine region of Italy, about 40km from Rome, and only about 20km from Rome Ciampino Airport. They have a range of comfortable and clean B&B accommodation surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, where they produce their own top quality olive oil and wine as well as various fruits and vegetables. All rooms come with private bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi. They have a 24 hour reception plus an on-site bar and restaurant that serves some really good local food, much of the ingredients of which come straight from the farm. The agriturismo is at the southern side of the  Castelli Romani Park, a 15,000 hectacre protected zone with much lovely scenery, interesting flora and fauna, historical sites and offers much opportunity to go hiking, fishing and horse riding, all of which the friendly staff can arrange. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptional: Wonderful hosts, great location, delicious food and very good value for money. There was absolutely nothing not to like….” “The hospitality of the hosts, the fantastic location and all the services offered have made our experience unforgettable….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO IL FALCO:   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

The Donnybrook Eco-Retreat is an off-grid property that provides luxury, safari style, glamping tents in 100 acres of gorgeously peaceful, lush Hunter Valley countryside. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are three tents in total, all of which are doubles with queen size bed. One, the Billabong tent is self-contained with its own kitchenette, and sits by itself by a dam while the other two, the Valley View & Hill View, sit near each other on a small hillside. The latter two tents are linked by raised decks and separated by a lovely cedar clad yurt which has a well equipped kitchen and dining area for the use of guests in both tents. If looking for splendid isolation some might find them a little too close to each other and so will be happier with the Billabong tent, but they do allow for some degree of socializing with other guests if you so wish. Check out your options on the booking page here. The accommodation is self catering but a farm fresh breakfast pack is included in the rate and, as the name suggests, features some organic products straight from their own farm. You’ll find the surrounds remarkably peaceful, especially if you’re coming from Sydney. Feel free to wander around the 100 acres of bush and grassland with its farm animals; sheep, ducks, miniature goats and hens, and a huge amount of local wildlife. You can take a swim in the indoor swimming pool (seasonal), borrow a bike from the retreat, go kayaking or fishing too, and of course there is lots to see in the surrounds; the iconic Hunter Valley. Note: There is no Wifi at the retreat. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: Donnybrook Eco is close to the Hunter River and within a half an hour’s drive of some of the most well known towns in the area; Maitland, Paterson and Morpeth for eg., as well as lots of its most famous wineries and restaurants. The journey by car from Sydney should take less than two hours. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Such a lovely spot with a great view, READ MORE

Along the banks of the Corgo River, Quinta do Vallado is one of the most famous winery estates in the Douro Valley with a history going all the way back to 1716. It once belonged to the pioneering port wine maker, Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, and still belongs to her descendents today. It is now a modern, luxury boutique hotel, but also with more traditional style accommodation in the old manor house, and you can expect the very best in comfort, service, and of course food and wine. It also has spa facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and a jacuzzi. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of lovely rooms and suites 5 of them in the old manor house, and 8 in a new, rather unusual looking, modern wing, built back in 2012 mainly from slate, another thing this region of Portugal is well known for. The manor house rooms are a bit more traditional though it would be a stretch to call them rustic. The emphasis is generally on comfort and modern style, something which is even more in abundance in the sleek modern wing where the rooms all come with balconies and some superb views. The pick of the bunch there is the suite; a nicely designed 43 sq m space with a living room, bedroom and a balcony looking out on the vineyards and the river. There is an excellent buffet breakfast to be enjoyed every morning plus you can treat yourself to some great evening meals, and snacks throughout the day. Food lovers will also appreciate the chef’s own cooking classes, ask at reception, or at the restaurant, for details. Not forgetting the wine; Quinta do Vallado is one of the most famous vineyard & winery in the Douro Valley with over 100 acres of vine and a long history of producing fantastic port as well as Douro Valley whites and reds. And, as an extra, they also produce their own extra virgin olive oil. All can be sampled throughout your stay and you can of course also buy some to take home. Wine tasting sessions can be had too, as well as cellar and vineyard READ MORE

In a tastefully restored 17th-century manor farmhouse, Bastide de Mazan offers old-style luxury in the heart of Provence, France. It is near the lovely town of Valensole and the spectacular Verdon River Gorge, and it can also be an excellent base for exploring the iconic lavender fields of The Luberon. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a selection of B&B rooms ranging from doubles to quadruples. All of them are top hotel standard, smart and cosy, but with some maybe divisive touches of retro chic. The quadruple is the best of all, with a cute little upstairs annex and a very nice private terrace outside. The farmhouse itself is a grand old stone building typical of old Provence and the exteriors have some lovely gardens to explore with lots of artistic flourishes, a pond, and a chlorine-free swimming pool, and there is plenty of space for lounging, sitting or dining. There is a restaurant and bar at the farm stay, the food and wine are extremely good and the service impeccable. You can start the day with a very fine gourmet breakfast and the evening meals are equally inviting. Much of the ingredients come fresh from the gardens outside; vegetables and various herbs and spices are grown all around. THE LOCATION: Though the hotel will generally be busy enough, the setting of Bastide de Mazan, about an hour northeast of Aix-en-Provence, is isolated and peaceful, and it can really make a nice break from some of the tourist villages of Provence, especially in summer. Though the lovely town of Valensole just 10km away is quite popular with tourists. The Bastide makes a great base for exploring the beautiful Verdon Natural Park and the famous Gorge of the same name, which is about 30km away, around Lac de Saint Croix to the east. Heading west you can be in the Luberon Natural Park, famous for its lavender fields, in about half an hour. Though, in season, you’ll find these iconic lavender, and sunflower, fields all around the region, and in the immediate area around the Bastide de Mazan, without ever having to look too hard. The nearest airports to the farm stay are READ MORE

Ballyboy House is located at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains, outside Clogheen Co.Tipperary. Surrounded by beautiful grounds this charming farm stay offers B&B rooms in a lovely Georgian setting. With amazing mountain views of the Galty, Comeragh and Slievenamon ranges, Ballyboy House is set in 4 acres of gardens leading onto 75 acres of woodland walkways. Each of the rooms at Ballyboy House has an elegant, traditional design. And all the rooms have an en suite bathroom. Breakfast is served in the property’s grand dining room and you can also visit the tea room throughout the day, which serves home baking, tea and coffee. You can dine outside in the converted courtyard too, which has 400-year-old stone archways and lovely views. The nearby Vee Pass offers a dramatic drive through the Knockmealdown peaks. The river Tar, famous for its brown trout, runs through the farm and there is also a lake in the grounds, as well as the ruins of Ballyboy Castle. You can also go fishing, horse riding and walking in the surrounding countryside. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Our room was beautiful & literally our best night’s sleep in Ireland. The property in its rural setting was a breath of fresh air for winding down….” “Fantastic. Will be back! Beautiful house & grounds. Lovely walk with a river and views!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BALLYBOY HOUSE:   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

Feriengut Unterhochstätt is a top quality alpine chalet farm stay with spa just outside Schwendt in the beautiful Tyrol region of Austria and makes for a particularly good farm holiday for families. THE ACCOMMODATION: The suites are spacious and luxurious and as well as the spa bath, some also contain an open fireplace in the lounge area. Their rooms, though less spacious and without some of the perks, are still also of the standard of any quality hotel. All their units, both rooms and suites, have balconies, with nice views over the surrounding countryside, flat screen cable TV and WiFi. There is a children’s playground in the gardens outside, and a swimming pond, while adults can play, amongst other things, table tennis and darts. There is a restaurant and bar here too serving some really great Tyrollean and Austrian food and drink, some of the ingredients of which come fresh from their organic farm, including beef and pork, sausages and eggs. There is a spa and wellness centre at the farm stay too. They have a steam bath, Finnish sauna, solarium and fitness room amongst other things and all their suites come with their own private whirlpool bathtubs. The organic farm is home to a number of the famous highland cattle as well as pigs and hens, and all the guests are welcome to explore, meet the animals and to join in feeding and other daily tasks. THE LOCATION: The area surrounding the farmstay is great for hiking, cycling and horse riding, all of which can be arranged by the friendly farm owners, with horses and bicycles, including electric bikes for hire. You’ll be close to the Zahmer Kaiser Walchsee and Hochkössen ski centres and there’s a free bus stop and even a cross country ski run right outside the door. It is also close to the German border with the slopes of Geigelstein mountain in Bavaria only about 30km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “An idyllic setting with ample opportunity for outdoor activity. The staff are friendly and eager to helo. Meals are hearty German/Austrian fare and certainly would be hard to go hungry. The included breakfast is excellent. Perfect for READ MORE

This lovely farm house stay just outside the village of Patergassen in the Nockberge Mountains of Carthinia, Austria, has very comfortable self-catering apartments with balconies, in a beautifully renovated, 500 year old, Alpine farmhouse. The apartments are super comfortable and clean, and though quite modern inside, they retain some lovely rustic touches; traditional wooden furniture for example and traditional wooden floors and ceilings. They all have fully equipped kitchens, nice bathrooms and spacious lounge & dining areas with WiFi and satellite TV as standard. The farmhouse really is a beautifully rustic and atmospheric building; all wooden panels and hanging flower baskets in that classic Alpine style. Outside, in the large gardens you’ll find a traditional sauna with a wood heated stove, an infrared cabin, and of course there is the farm and the surrounding forest which you are welcome to explore. You’ll find the views gorgeous at almost every turn here, from the farmhouse, the gardens and the farm. This means of course that the surrounding area is fantastic for hiking, much of it being quite strenuous but with some gentler slopes too. In winter skiing and winter sports take over, and there are two popular winter sports resorts nearby; Bad Kleinkirchheim just 6km away and the Turracher Höhe Ski Area around 15 km. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place is great for family, friends and lovers of ecological aspects of life. It has an amazing reconstructed vintage alp house with many comfort features including a wonderful sauna. It is located in lovely nature with large meadows. The skiing center is close about 15 minutes. The owners are very pleasant. For the location the place is a very good price. I highly recommend!…” “Charming place! The apartments were heartwarmingly cosy, it couldn’t have been lovelier. Fantastic sauna & relax area. Claudia was very nice and helpful, she showed us the farm by the Gasthaus, we even saw a baby cow!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LEEBHOF:   READ MORE

Amongst the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia, this farm stay is a working alpaca farm with a few extra luxuries for guests: a tennis court, sauna, spa, swimming pool, barbecue and children’s playground. Accommodation is in the form of cottages with a balcony and outdoor seats, a full kitchen, and a lounge with flat-screen TV. Visitors are more than welcome to meet and feed the animals at any time. The cottages are located next to the alpaca fields with views of the animals. Guests are welcome to meet and feed the animals at any time throughout the day. There is free Wi-Fi at the reception area which also has a souvenir shop and sells a range of alpaca knitwear. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A fantastic stay. There is so much to do. Pool, tennis courts, bikes, feeding the animals etc. We stayed with friends and we each had our own place which was awesome. So close yet still your own space….” “So clean, great shower, plenty of space. All the animals on the property were super cute. We got the cabin that was brand new so was great! Loved it!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT STARLINE ALPACAS FARM STAY: 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

Near Bergerac, and the lovely village of Beaumont-du-Périgord, Aquitaine, France, Farm Stay Chambre d’Hotes Cugnac has spacious comfortable rooms with private bathrooms in a traditional French farmhouse with large gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. The farm is organic and produces a range of fruit, vegetables, and honey, as well as keeping horses, ponies, and hens. Every morning the friendly owners serve a great organic breakfast and for the rest of the day, you can go exploring the adjacent woods, cycle around the country roads (bikes can be hired from the farm), or just relax in the gardens. The farm stay is under a two-hour drive from Bordeaux, about an hour from Perigueux, half an hour from Bergerac and about ten minutes from Beaumont-du-Périgord. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “An amazing property with sensational owners- loved our 2 days there- we’ll be back!….” “Superb location. Peaceful, tranquil, loved being in touch with nature. Surrounded by beautiful trees and upcoming lavender plantation. Wonderful and friendly hosts. Stunning and Amazing property. Pictures don’t do this place justice….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT CHAMBRE D’HOTES CUGNAC:   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

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

In lovely Abruzzo, Italy, L’Orso e L’Ape B&B is a highly rated agriturismo just outside the popular seaside town of Giulianova. It has a busy working farm which produces its own wine and extra virgin olive oil and has fabulous views over the Adriatic and the surrounding countryside. All their rooms have air-con, private bathroom, satellite TV and WiFi, and the hospitable owners serve a great breakfast in the morning, full of the finest homemade food. And they’re always happy to show guests around the vineyards and olive groves and have a look at how wine and olive oil are made. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “A pearl on the way from Bologna to Bari. Excellent spot in the middle of vineyards and olive trees. A family run B&B hotel with a stunning view, comfortable, home feeling rooms and a good breakfast. You will be greeted warmly!….” “Beautiful property and wonderful staff. It is also in a fantastic location….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO L’ORSO E L’APE:   READ MORE

La Ferme De Tigny is a homely, authentic farmhouse stay in Pas de Calais, near the old battlefields of the Somme. It has just three, fairly basic but cosy, guest bedrooms. Breakfast is provided, plus evening meals can be arranged for an extra fee. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “ Location & was peaceful, a little difficult to find late at night..but perfect in every way.. 🙂 Breakfast was welcome and very fresh, loved the loose leaf tea.. 🙂 Owners/staff very friendly/welcoming and went out of their way to make us feel welcome..loved it..:)….” “Very good breakfast. Nice coffee, good boulangerie, fresh orange juice. At requested time. Super evening meal – very good value at 25 euros a head including aperitif and bottle of good wine…..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LA FERME DE TIGNY:   READ MORE

Cold Moon Farmstay has comfortable B&B rooms on its 25 acre child friendly family farm, just 3 miles from the Stratton Ski Resort, and less than 20 from the town of Manchester in the beautifully rural south of Vermont, USA. The Accommodation: There are five rooms and suites to choose from, with the largest of the the suites sleeping up to five people. They are all spacious, clean and comfortable with a homely, old style, charm. There is a sociable common lounge at the farmhouse with an open fireplace, TV and various board games, and also a well stocked library, a small gym and a billiards room. Outside in the gardens you’ll find a dining area with an outdoor fireplace and an 8 person hot tub. The food is particularly good at Cold Moon, their breakfast is legendary and they serve up very good, wholesome, evening meals for their guests too, using, much as possible, ingredients from their own farm. The Farm: The farm is only 25 acres but has a lot going on. There are over 20 goats there, plus pigs, ducks sheep, hens, vegetable gardens and a beehive. Guests are welcome to have a look around, all the animals are friendly and tame and used to interacting with both adults and children. Guests can also join in some of the daily farm chores if they like, like collecting eggs for the breakfast etc. They produce a lot of good fresh food at the farm which you can buy to take home at the farm store. Lots of duck and hen eggs, chicken and pork, sausages, various freshly baked breads, seasonal vegetables & herbs, jams, jellies and plenty more. The Location: Right by the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests of South Vermont the area is famously peaceful and scenic and is a pretty popular place with nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts in both winter and summer. The farm itself is close to plenty of good hiking and biking trails (you can hire bikes from the farm), and just three miles from the well known Stratton Ski Resort. READ MORE

Casa de Cacela is a nicely relaxed farm hotel in Vila Nova de Cacela, Portugal, just minutes from the Algarve coast, with a range of B&B rooms among the fruit orchards and vegetable gardens which produce oranges, almonds, plums, loquats, and more. THE ACCOMMODATION: The comfortable rooms all come with private bathroom, satellite TV, and WiFi. There is also room service and guests can enjoy a drink at the hotel bar and lounge. And their breakfast is terrific, full of wholesome local produce some of which, like their great homemade jams, are made with ingredients straight from their farm. It has an outdoor swimming pool too in the gardens surrounded by sun loungers or you can rest under the shade of a tree in one of the hammocks. And guests can also arrange horse riding trips around the local area or rent bikes direct from the farm. THE LOCATION: Casa de Cacela is 50 kilometers from Faro International Airport, just 15 minutes from Tavira town centre, and is close to numerous good local golf courses. There are a few good beaches very nearby too; Manta Rota Beach and Terra Estreita Beach, for example, are both just under 3 kilometers away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Charming in every way. Location, gardens and pool, architecture, decor, attention to detail. Friendly and laid back atmosphere...” “Lovely relaxing week at this beautiful peaceful location – well recommended!! ” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT CASA DE CACELA: 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 Maclear, in the beautiful Eastern Cape, South Africa, this very homely and friendly farmstay B&B has a garden with barbecue facilities and the surrounding farmland is lush, green and very beautiful, with horses, cattle and sheep grazing all around. Their rooms, some with private bathroom, are clean and comfortable and there’s a sociable shared kitchen and lounge. You’re free to cook for yourself in the kitchen, or meals can be provided for an extra charge, including packed lunches. The surrounding area is great to explore and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and fishing, ask the friendly owners for advice. There is WiFi, though it is limited in some of the rooms. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The scenery is fantastic. The ambiance of the place was special, and clean fresh air appreciated. The staff is special and made us feel at home. We will definitely return with our family and friends. Thank you….” “Great experience: Homely atmosphere, lovely host, amazing landscape…..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FAIRBAIRN GUEST FARM: 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

  Hall Farm hotel is set on acres of quiet, peaceful farmland on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. It has its own bistro-style restaurant and luxury rooms with satellite TV, WiFi, and super comfortable beds. Each luxury room is individually decorated and furnished. They have luxury bedding, soft towels and bathrobes. Every room has a large, flat-screen TV with Freesat satellite TV. The granite and stone luxury bathrooms have surround sound, large baths and toiletries from L’Occitane. A full English breakfast is available each day, plus their high quality restaurant serves the best of local food all day. READ MORE

  With a nice terrace overlooking the Greek Island of Lesbos this is an environmentally friendly boutique hotel just outside the town of Assos in Turkey‘s Çanakkale province. All their rooms are individually decorated in traditional style with some unique handmade wooden furniture, traditional rugs and hidden air-conditioning systems. All have private bathroom and there’s free WiFi throughout. There’s also a comfortable shared TV lounge and outside there’s a large colourful organic garden full of various plants and lots of fruits and vegetables many of which end up on your breakfast table. But most of all it’s home to over 100 species of chilli plants. The owners are chilli experts and they are always happy to share their knowledge with you, let you taste some of their produce, or maybe buy some of their various homemade jams, pickles and sauces to take home. And if you really get hooked and you’re around in September, down the road in Assos there’s the Turkish Chilli Festival in the first week of September each year. READ MORE

Guesthouse Steindórsstadir  is a friendly farm house B&B in a lovely setting near the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls north of Reykjavik, Iceland. The accommodation is fairly basic but lacks nothing in terms of cleanliness or comfort and there is a nice friendly atmosphere around the common areas which include an outdoor hot tub. The working farm dates back nearly two hundred years and has sheep, cows, Icelandic horses and a friendly dog and cat. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farmhouse is small and intimate with a choice of a single room, two doubles/twins and a triple room. All the rooms are spotlessly clean and have very comfortable beds. The bathrooms are shared but you will find them also spotlessly clean, and well equipped. The accommodation is B&B and you can expect a good, generous breakfast every morning. The kitchen is open to guests too so you can also cook for yourself during the day if you so choose and there’s a sociable shared lounge at the property too as well as a hot tub outside. The farm is a working farm and has been in the family for nearly two hundred years. They keep cattle and sheep as well as the ubiquitous Icelandic Horses. Horseback riding can be arranged and there are some lovely trails all around the farm and the local area to be enjoyed for riders of all abilities. THE LOCATION: Near the Hraunfossar waterfalls north east of Reykjavik the location is gorgeously peaceful and scenic, an expanse of open countryside between the ocean and the mountains that has a frontier like feel though it is only 100km from the Icelandic capital. The main attraction in this area is the aforementioned Hraunfossar waterfalls and the Langjökull Glacier, only around 15km away from the farm and very much one of Iceland’s many natural wonders. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This was our fourth stay at Steindórsstadir, this says all. This time we brought five friends with us who liked it as well. Very friendly host, the old farmhouse is very welcoming and cozy, comfy beds, the bathrooms are modern and clean. Breakfast includes all what is needed for a good start into READ MORE

Il Castagnolino is a classic Tuscany agriturismo with high quality B&B accommodation, fantastic food and lovely views of San Gimignano and the Tuscan Hills. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their 6 rooms are traditional style, with terracotta floors and wood beamed ceilings. They’re clean and comfortable and come with private bathroom and WiFi. Outside you’ll find a swimming pool and gardens with plenty of place to relax looking out on to the countryside below. The breakfast is buffet style and includes, amongst many other things, a nice selection of homemade jams, yoghurts and cakes. You can also enjoy a full 4 course Tuscan meal every evening at the restaurant with much of the ingredients coming fresh from the farm. Guests are also welcome to join the daily cooking classes, where you can learn to make a range of Tuscan and Italian staple dishes. THE FARM: Organic olives, and other fruit, vegetables and spices are grown on the small farm. As mentioned previously the owners make some of their fine homemade food from the farm produce, and guests can sample some at meal times, learn to cook with it, and buy some to take home from the on-site organic shop. THE LOCATION: Agriturismo Il Castagnolino is just 3km outside San Gimignano, Tuscany, it is also less than 30km from the ancient Etruscan town of Volterra, while the cities of Siena and Florence are both about 50 to 60km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Nothing in life is perfect but this stay with Carmela was very very close. The location with its views were breathing taking and Carmela’s home local cooking & breakfast was just wonderful. Her staff were always friendly and helpful. Thank you for such a memorable holiday….” “Beautiful home cooked food, stunning location, peaceful and tranquil. A warm welcome from a lovely lady. Perfect….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO IL CASTAGNOLINO: READ MORE

On the edge of the outback in New South Wales, Australia, this pet friendly farm stay, halfway between Sydney and Adelaide, is a great way to experience an authentic Australian sheep station and large farm producing irrigated crops. THE ACCOMMODATION: All cottages have modern comforts including five star bedding, air conditioning and heating. Full kitchen and dining facilities for self catering with dinner hampers also available. Full breakfast hampers are included free of charge in the rate for the one and two bedroom cottages. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE FARM: Corynnia Station is an old working station and farm tours with your hosts are usually available. There is also a magnificent garden oasis with a swimming pool and tennis courts. You’ll find pushbikes and friendly animals, bushwalking, amazing 360 degree skies perfect for star gazing as well as paddock picnics and campfires during the cooler months. THE LOCATION: Guests can travel by car – no 4×4 vehicle required – or they can fly direct by private plane to the Corynnia Station Airstrip. Guests need to bring a full tank of fuel because there is no fuel supply available within 65 kilometres of Corynnia Station. Do not use GPS as it will not give you correct travel times and directions. Corynnia Farm Station is one hours drive from Hay and 45 minutes from Griffith. Full, detailed directions will be given after reservation. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The station was awesome. Felt relaxed and was such a beautiful place to stay the sunrise and sunset….” “Wonderful cottage stay in a beautiful setting. Can only recommend!…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT CORYNNIA STATION FARM STAY:   READ MORE

Vila Monte is a luxury farm hotel near Faro in the Algarve, Portugal. It’s only about 20 minute’s drive from Faro International Airport and around the same from the beautiful lagoons of the Ria Formosa National Park. Their restaurant is especially very highly rated, and all dishes are made with, wherever possible, the freshest local ingredients including herbs and fruits from the property’s own gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: All its elegant rooms and suites are super comfortable and inviting, with private bathroom, minibar, flat-screen cable TV, and WiFi, and the suites also come with a living room and terrace. There is plenty to occupy you in the rest of the property too, with extensive gardens, two swimming pools, a bar, a restaurant, a library, and a grocery store/farm shop. THE LOCATION: There’s a lot to see and do near the farm stay, the Algarve beaches are of course popular but there are also the stunning lagoons of Ria Formosa less than twenty minutes away. These lagoons have an enormous population of birds, including the famous pink flamingos, as well as such rare and exotic creatures as chameleons, seahorses, and the endangered Portuguese water dog. A whole range of activities can be arranged from the front desk including yoga, hydro fitness classes, visits to local markets with the chef, horse riding, fishing, trekking, boat trips, and free car and boat shuttle services to the beaches of nearby Fuseta Island. And in summer you can catch a movie at their on-site outdoor cinema. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “ The place is in the middle of nowhere, but it a very beautiful resort, with pools, restaurants. Service was very good, people caring and very kind. Food is excellent at the restaurant of the resort. And the trip to the beach by boat was awesome. We loved the place and would have really enjoyed to stay much longer. I highly recommend the place….” “The property is beautifully presented from the long gravel drive leading up to the main house to the sleeping accommodations, gardens and pools. The room was exceptionally spacious and well equipped. Service was exceptional from a team that visibly enjoyed working together. READ MORE

In Pla del Penedès, near Barcelona, and in the heart of Catalonia’s wine region, B&B wine and cooking Penedès specializes in exactly that, producing its own organic wines and cava and offering guests a variety of very good vineyard tours, wine tasting and cooking classes. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a number of B&B rooms in the nicely renovated 17th-century farmhouse, and all of them are comfortable and clean with WiFi, flat screen TV and private bathroom. And outside there is plenty of space to relax in the terrace and gardens which also have a children’s play area. THE WINE & THE FOOD: The enthusiastic owners offer very good cooking classes (In English, Spanish or Catalan) where you can learn to prepare a range of Catalan and Spanish classic dishes such as Pa amb tomàquet with jamón ibérico, gazpacho, crema catalana and a number of seasonal tapas. Though not professional chefs their food is of a very high quality and they provide a generous buffet breakfast in the morning as well as various meals and snacks throughout the day. Guests are always welcome to tour their vineyard and discover more about the process of organic wine making. They can also arrange tours and tasting sessions at the nearby organic and biodynamic winery; Parés Baltà. You’ll also find an organic shop at the farmstay where you can take home some local wines, cava and olive oil. THE LOCATION: In terms of location, the town of Puigdàlber is less than five minutes away by car, Vilafranca del Penedès around the same. Your nearest beach will be at Sitges, around 20 minutes to the south, while the nearest airport is Barcelona El Prat, at about 50km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Could not possibly have been better! It was perfect. A beautifully restored Catalonian rural home, set in the middle of the vineyards of Penedés. Marta, the host, could not possibly have done any more to make our stay more amazing. She organised all of our visits to wineries, provided bikes for us to cycle around, made recommendations for meals, booked taxis, and generally took care of our every need….” “A beautiful location, delicious READ MORE

Quinta da Pousadela is a highly recommended vineyard hotel near Porto in Portugal’s Vinho Verde-Douro Valley wine region, It’s in a beautiful setting with over 60 acres of vineyards and lots of hiking trails around the surrounding hills and forests, and the accommodation is top class. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of accommodation in renovated traditional cottages around the grounds of the farm to sleep up to six guests. All their cottages are stylish and comfortable, and all have a well-equipped kitchen and a lounge area with a flat-screen TV. Outside each, there is a patio area with outdoor seating, plus you’ll have loads of outdoor space to explore or to relax in; the large vineyard of course but also terraced areas and the well-tended lawns and gardens which also contain an outdoor swimming pool. The accommodation is self-catering but breakfast is also included in the rate. They also have a shop at the farmhouse where you can sample and buy some of their own wine as well as some local food specialties. THE VINEYARD: There is a full 60 acres of vineyard, as well as numerous marked trails for walking, running, and biking through the property and the surrounding hills and forests to be explored. They produce their own classic Vinho Verde and Douro Valley wines. They arrange tasting sessions for guests and informative tours of the vineyards. THE LOCATION: Quinta da Pousadela is less than an hour from the city of Porto and its international airport, (there is a shuttle service to and from the city and the airport direct to the Quinta), in the fertile green hills of the Vinho Verde wine region between the Douro and Olo rivers. The area is popular with more seasoned travellers, especially those with an affinity for good food & wine, nature, and relatively undiscovered destinations. The countryside is lush and peaceful and there are many lovely towns around, one of the nicest of all being Amarante on the banks of the River Tamega, about 10km from the agroturismo. The whole area is still under the radar for international tourism though that might change soon, in the meantime this very 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

In a stunning setting just over an hour from Lisbon, Alentejo, Portugal, A Serenada Enoturismo has luxury accommodation with commanding views over its own vineyards and cork plantations, and the surrounding hills of the Serra de Grândola. It is a truly lovely property. There is great attention to detail on display everywhere, in terms of style, decor, and of comfort. 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 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 into 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, but is close to some beautiful coastline and, to at least two, great beaches – Praia 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

This pet-friendly, self catering farm stay accommodation is near Pesaro, in the beautiful, and quite underrated, Le Marche region of Italy, just 6 km from Rossini Opera Festival and 30 kilometres from Federico Fellini Airport. It has a year round outdoor pool in the well kept gardens and its apartments are all comfortable and clean with WiFi and a flat screen TV with satellite channels. The farm itself produces and sells its own wine, as well as olive oil and some fruit, and the friendly owners are always happy to show guests around and teach them a little about the business. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We stayed in villa with family for a week and we really enjoyed it! The apartment was clean, plenty of space and very quiet. The swiming pool was brilliant with gorgeous view to the mountains! We enjoyed Stefan’s perfect wine!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO I CERRI:   READ MORE

Two things make Agriturismo del Sole very special; the first is the hillside location on the quaint Anacapri side of the Island of Capri, Campania, which results in some magnificent views over the island, the sea and towards the island of Ischia to the north. The second is the food; the owners are enthusiastic cooks and you will be spoiled with some fantastic, fresh and homemade, Italian food. Their evening meals particularly are worthy of any of the top restaurants in Capri but with the added pleasure of enjoying them alongside stunning views and a much more informal, homely, atmosphere. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of double rooms on offer; all of which are traditional Italian farmhouse style. One of them is a particular favourite with guests; the superior double room which has two balconies and incredible views, though to compensate, some of the others have private patios and the tremendous views are never far away. Agriturismo del Sole is a very much unassuming place that feels more family home than hotel, but you’ll have hotel perks; air-con, mini fridge, satellite TV and WiFi for example. All the rooms are B&B and the breakfast is super, with lots of sweet and savory bits and pieces including some very good jams made with fruit from the trees outside. The grow fruits and vegetables in the gardens as well a range of herbs, all of which go into food for themselves and their guests, and, as mentioned before the evening meals are especially good. THE LOCATION: Near Naples, on the famously beautiful isle of Capri, Agriturismo del Sole is on the quieter, quainter, more traditional, half of the island known as Anacapri, a place quite different in character from the more glitzy ‘main’ Capri side. In fact for anyone put off by the crowds on Capri, Anacapri can offer some respite despite being only ten or fifteen minutes away by bus or car. The agriturismo can offer more respite again, being about 800m away from the main square of Anacapri, and the walk up and down takes you along some typically beautiful, winding, narrow lanes. On the way there though if you just READ MORE

Costa di Faraggiana is a luxury agriturismo near Cinque Terre, Liguria, and a place to spoil yourself a lot. You can have the full Italian Agriturismo experience on the organic farm with vineyards, olive trees and the finest of food, while also enjoying a full range of spa and wellness treatments; Turkish bath, sauna, sensory shower, various massage and beauty treatments etc. The views are stunning from the farmhouse and there is a nice, and very well positioned to enjoy the view, infinity swimming pool and hot tub, and you’ll find the rooms and services on offer very much luxury hotel standard. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of rooms and suites to sleep up to four people. You’ll find them all very comfortable, spacious and beautifully decorated with pastel shades and nice antique pieces throughout. Every room has a seating area, study desk, and a very plush bathroom. And all of them will have access to some of the beautiful views that surround, with some of the more expensive options coming with a private terrace or balcony and outside seating. All the accommodation is B&B and there is a fantastic organic breakfast to look forward to, with lots of interesting sweet and savory options, many made with ingredients from their own gardens, and dietary restrictions will be well taken care of too. Between spending your time enjoying the infinity pool or hot tub and the fabulous food, you can also avail of some of their many spa, wellness & beauty treatments. THE LOCATION: On a hillside overlooking a lush green valley Agriturismo Costa di Faraggiana has an enviable setting. For the energetic amongst you the hills surrounding make for some wonderful hiking with, in some parts, tremendous views over the town of Levanto and the Cinque Terre coastline. The agriturismo owners can arrange horse riding trips for you in the local too and they also have mountain bikes and scooters for rent. Levanto, at the edge of the Cinque Terre, is less than 3km away from Agriturismo Costa di Faraggiana and you can avail of the free shuttle service to and from there and the beach. From there you can set READ MORE

Tenuta di Petriolo is a gorgeous vineyard hotel situated in Torrita di Siena, Tuscany, conveniently near to both Siena and Arezzo. The estate dates back to the 1700s and the imposing manor house has beautifully decorated interiors; wood beamed and frescoed ceilings, antique furniture and ancient wine cellars which resonate history and an old fashioned sense of class and style. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of spacious B&B rooms, ranging from doubles to quadruples. All of them are classically decorated in keeping with the historical atmosphere of the property, and offer style and opulence belonging to a different era, though with modern conveniences like flat screen TV and WiFi. All the accommodation is B&B and the buffet breakfast is generous, varied and fresh. The manor house is large and there is plenty of common space to explore with lounge and dining space and even a lovely little chapel. And also externally where you’ll find patios, well tended gardens, a swimming pool and rows of vines and olive trees. There are fifteen acres of Sangiovese grape vineyards in total that have, since 1974, been supplying Chianti DOCG Colli Senesi and Chardonnay. You are of course welcome to sample some, and to buy to take home, and you can also arrange tours of the vineyards and the wine cellars in the company of the friendly and enthusiastic staff and owners. THE LOCATION: Tenuta di Petriolo is just outside the town of Torrita di Siena in the heart of Val di Chiana. (You can read more about the area here) This is a particularly lovely part of rural Tuscany and is a convenient base for visiting some important historical towns and cities, being just 45km from the city of Siena, 18km from Pienza and just 12km from the town of Montepulciano. There are also many other historical towns in the surroundings, too many to mention really, and the whole area is a pleasure to tour around, though of course you may also be tempted to just stay put at the hotel such is the beauty of the place! The nearest airport is Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, but both Florence and Pisa airports are also READ MORE

Domaine de Piégros is a beautifully peaceful agritourism estate in a secluded location near Aix-en-Provence. It is in the heart of the Luberon National Park and its famous lavender fields and the farmhouse itself is surrounded by its own lavender fields as well as woodlands, a lake, and a full 85 acres of olive groves producing extra virgin olive oil. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is a six-bedroom self-catering farmhouse gite with a huge amount of space inside and out. It is a traditional farmhouse that has been recently renovated and has a full range of modern conveniences, while also managing to maintain plenty of rural French charm. As well as the six bedrooms (5 doubles and a twin room) there is a large, very well equipped kitchen and two dining areas. There’s also a spacious lounge area and a 250 sq. meter stone terrace outside with seating and dining furniture. A few steps away from the house you’ll also find a nice outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers. There is also a lake on the grounds, a boules pitch, and, as mentioned before, acres of olive groves, lavender fields and woods to explore. It is a working farm but outside of olive harvest time (September to November) the work is fairly low key and you can have as much or as little interaction with the farm work as you wish.  THE LOCATION: For visitors looking for a rural retreat in Provence, this location is almost unbeatable. The farmhouse is inside the Luberon National Park, possibly Provence’s most serene rural area (you can read about the area and its famous lavender fields here), and to make it even more serene it has its own, nearly two-kilometer private road leading up to the farmhouse. It, therefore, offers lots of privacy and is beautifully quiet throughout the day and night. The medieval village of Grambois is just 5km away. It is a classic Provençal commune that, as well as being a very lovely place to stroll around, has shops, cafes, and restaurants and sees a steady trickle of tourists throughout the year. The famously cultured city of Aix-en-Provence meanwhile is less than 45 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

On the borders of Austria and Bavaria, Germany, this farmstay has a spacious, very comfortable self catering apartment surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes with well tended gardens and a children’s playground. Guests are free to explore the farm and also enjoy activities like sleigh rides with the farm horses or a ride on one of their cute ponies. There is plenty of great hiking in the surrounding area too, and of course winter sports; The Hochheterich Ski Area is about 20 minutes away for example and there is the famous Lake Bodensee for water sports, about the same distance away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Simply great: Very quiet location to relax and unwind. Very nice hosts. Great apartment. Particularly suitable for children, but also for relaxation seekers and hikers….” “Those looking for peace and relaxation are in the right place here. Ideal for families with children: The quiet location in nature with wonderful views, the well-equipped spacious apartment, the delicious bread rolls for breakfast and the proximity to the hiking trails on the high plateau. The children loved the playground in the garden and the animals. The hosts are very nice and helpful. We felt comfortable all around and will be back!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FRIESENHOF BLANK:   READ MORE

La Ferme d’Angèle is a completely enchanting rural retreat near the village of Séez in the French Alps, and within driving distance of Lyon, Chambery, Chamonix and Mt. Blanc. The accommodation is in a renovated 19th century alpine style farmhouse that has a uniquely cosy, almost fairytale like atmosphere, and though not a working farm anymore it is surrounded by some gorgeously rural countryside. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have six rooms to sleep from two to four people and all are decorated in that beautifully rustic style that typifies the whole property. Downstairs there is a dining area, a library, a TV room and a lounge with a large open fire and a piano. Outside you’ll find a large terrace with an outdoor dining area plus a lovely garden with hammocks and seating and an array of plants and flowers. They also have a traditional wood fired hot tub at the property. The accommodation is B&B and the breakfast is generous and full of good fresh produce. You’ll find the owners friendly and hospitable and they are fine cooks, so make sure to order some of their evening meals and sample some of their large collection of wines. You can also try some of their home made herbal teas and liqueurs and they are always happy to cater to dietary restrictions. THE LOCATION: La Ferme d’Angele is just three kilometers from Séez village centre, with the nearest train station being at Bourg-Saint-Maurice about 7km away (You can arrange a free shuttle service to and from the farmhouse just let them know before arrival). The scenery around here is glorious, and the views from the property are stunning in winter or summer. This being the French Alps after all skiing is a big activity in the surrounding area and La Ferme d’Angele makes a good base. It is near to the funicular to Les Arcs for example with La Roserie also being close by (about 10 mins drive up the hill). Val d’Isere and Tignes can also be reached in just over a half an hour and Val Thorens  in about an hour. In summer time you have some of Europe’s best hiking 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, soundproofing, 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 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 and vineyards. There are nice walking trails around the vines and READ MORE

Just a few minutes from San Gimignano, the 17th century era Agriturismo Mormoraia is consistently among Tuscany’s most highly rated agriturismi. It is a beautiful property surrounded by organic wine and extra-virgin olive oil producing farmland, it has gorgeous views of the San Gimignano towers and surrounding countryside, elegant, luxurious accommodation, fabulous food, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa and wellness centre. Among the animals that call the farm home are horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, ducks and hens, and guests can enjoy activities such as horse riding, e-biking, hiking, cooking classes, wine and olive oil tasting. THE ACCOMMODATION: The Agriturismo has 30, very tastefully renovated, units varying in size and features from their entry level 16 m² (172 square feet) Classic Doubles to 70 m² Family Suites to sleep 4 and a 110 m² Self Catering 3 Bed Villa to sleep up to 6. Their most romantic suites, most might agree, are the Deluxe Double Rooms with Jacuzzi. None of the accommodation at Mormoraia will disappoint though: even their most basic rooms are thoroughly elegant affairs and come with all modern luxury hotel conveniences. FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO: Their breakfast is an enormous buffet with a mix of Tuscan, Italian and international, including some delectable cakes and sweet stuff. The property’s restaurant is open all day and mainly serves Tuscan traditional accompanied by a selection of the farm’s own organic wines. In the summer dining goes al-fresco on the terrace to create a quintessential Tuscan scene with the towers of San Gimignano in the distance Wine tasting, cellar and vineyard tours are available as are olive oil tastings and cooking classes. You can also go also horse riding, hiking and e-biking at Mormoraia and tour their extensive farm. Other facilities include a swimming pool in the beautifully tended gardens, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a beauty and wellness centre with a menu of various massages and health and beauty treatments. LOCATION: Mormoraia is equidistance between Siena and Florence, at a little under an hour from each, and just minutes away from the spectacular town of San Gimignano. The agriturismo is not served by public transport, but READ MORE

In the village of Straid, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, 15 minutes from the Giants Causeway and less than a half an hour from Belfast, Ballylagan guesthouse has comfortable accommodation in a 19th century farmhouse on a working organic farm. It has its own farm shop too and tea room with outside seating. All their rooms are spacious and comfortable with flat screen TV, WiFi and en-suite bathroom. They serve a great breakfast every morning, plus you can get various light lunches and snacks in the tea room later in the day.No There is a tennis court nearby and the farm owners can organize bike hire for exploring the surrounding area. READ MORE

This eco-friendly farmstay in Yilan City, Taiwan, is a peaceful oasis of lush green countryside at the edge of the city. It has spacious B&B chalet accommodation surrounded by fruit & vegetable gardens and a nice lake. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farm stay has a range of modern chalets, from one bedroom standard to superior, which can sleep up to four people. You’ll find them spacious and very comfortable, with plenty of light and all modern facilities; private bathroom, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, WiFi and room service. They also have a balcony with views over the gardens and the lake. It’s a quality place, the service is friendly, and you’ll be treated to a very good breakfast every morning. THE LOCATION: The farm stay is in the boundaries of Yilan City, but it very much feels like you are in the heart of the countryside. It’s also less than an hour from Taipei with Taipei Songshan airport even closer. Though under an hour from Taipei, the city and county of Yilan have a different, more old fashioned atmosphere. It is well known for being a centre of aboriginal Taiwanese culture and the landscapes around the city are truly gorgeous. The city itself is on the Yilan Plain and the coastline makes up the  Yilan Coast National Scenic area, over a hundred kilometers of stunning scenery; thick forests, mountains and rocky cliffs; a fabulous place for hiking and exploring nature. In the city itself two places shouldn’t be missed; Taiwan generally is well known for its night markets and Yilan does it best of all; the most famous night market in the whole country is Luodong Market, in the township of the same name. It is a raucous place mainly devoted to food and here you can taste a huge array of Yilan and Taiwanese food and drink. Old Yilan is the heart of the city and has many grand buildings dating from the early to mid 20th-century, many of which were built during the Japanese occupation, and have a unique architectural style. Buildings like the Former Taiwan Railway Administration Office and the former Rice Inspection Bureau give a glimpse READ MORE

La Bobadilla Luxury Agroturismo, near to both Granada and the Costa del Sol, Spain, looks, from a distance, like a classic, white washed village tucked away in the hills of Andalusia. Up close all is revealed; a Moorish style palace and a series of old manor farmhouse buildings converted into what is now undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in rural Andalusia. The property is gorgeous, the setting equally so, and there is a great range of activities to be enjoyed on its 1000 acre estate; there is an excellent spa, a swimming pool, a gym, a children’s playground, tennis courts, hot tubs, two bars, and three restaurants, one of which is consistently rated as one of Granada’s best. THE ACCOMMODATION: As you’ll see on the booking page, there is a huge range of rooms and suites to choose from, all of which are top of the range luxury. You can expect spacious, individually styled units with wood beamed ceilings, seating areas with plasma TVs & DVD players, and very lavish, marble bathrooms some of which have spa bath/hot tub. Outside they also all have some private space, in the form of a garden, terrace or balcony area. The grounds are beautiful, as mentioned, the entire property has the look and feel of a traditional Andalusian village and is a lovely place to wander around, both the ‘Village’ itself, and the 1000 estate on which it stands, with its lush gardens, olive groves and oak woodlands, and its lovely views of the surrounding countryside. You can hire bikes, and quad bikes, from the hotel and arrange horse riding, guided tours etc. If you have the kids in tow and you would like some freedom you can also leave them at the Mini Club, where they will be looked after with games and activities supervised by the staff. Among the three restaurants La Finca is the most famous and offers fine dining in an elegant atmosphere (Dress code alert: no shorts, tee shirts or trainers). It has won several accolades over the years for its seasonal Spanish/Andalusian, mainly organic fare and is Granada Province’s only five star restaurant. There are READ MORE

In a picture perfect, hillside setting outside the town of Castellina in Chianti near Siena, Agriturismo Querceto Di Castellina has self catering cottages on a busy, eco-friendly, working farm which produces high quality organic wines, grappa and extra virgin olive oil. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a great choice of rustic 15th-century cottages, all with kitchen, lounge and dining area, WiFi and flat screen TV with satellite channels. In the grounds you will find a nice outdoor swimming pool too and well kept gardens surrounded by the farms acres of vineyards and olive groves. It has its own boutique winery and a feature of a stay here is their excellent wine tasting sessions. The food too is highly rated, as are their popular cooking classes at the farmhouse where guests can learn how to prepare a whole host of traditional Tuscan dishes. They have various snacks and small food items available throughout the day too at their wine and cheese bar. Pets are allowed at no extra charge, they have an outdoor play area for children, and have a range of extra services like bicycle hire, breakfast delivered to your room, special diet menus etc. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE FARM & VINEYARD: This family-run is in the finest Tuscan agriturismo tradition, it offers top quality service while also keeping busy producing organic wines and olive oil. Its vineyards are high on a hilltop in ideal conditions for producing its highly rated organic Chianti Classicos; L’aura Chianti Classico and Sei Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Their vineyard and boutique winery can be visited and you can learn a lot from the owners about what goes in to producing top quality organic wines. They produce some good grappa and extra virgin olive oil too which can be sampled at the farmstay and you can of course, just like the wine, buy some to take home. THE LOCATION: The famously beautiful countryside of Tuscany and especially Chianti has been enticing visitors both domestic and foreign for generations now. Its fertile farms have been producing a lot of Italy‘s best wines for hundreds READ MORE

Less than 20 minutes walk from Kérou Beach near Lorient, Brittany, France, this glamping farm stay offers cute accommodation in caravans and yurts among green fields with plenty of space for picnics and barbecues. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have three quite impressive large yurts with heating that can sleep up to four people each. They’re all nicely furnished, and decorated with a somewhat exotic pan asian style. You’ll have one double and two single beds, a small seating area there and full access to the shared bathroom, shower room and full kitchen and dining room at the main farmhouse. There is also the very cute wooden gypsy caravan at the farm. It is also heated and comes with one double and one single bed, a study desk and small seating area, and an en-suite bathroom with shower. And again just like the yurts guests here have full access to the sociable shared kitchen and dining room. There are also barbecue facilities, and outdoor furniture, at the farm that everyone is of course welcome to use. They can serve you a nice continental breakfast too for a small extra charge and they can arrange picnic hampers and packed lunches for those of you who want to get out and about. And, to help you out even more they also arrange bike rental including electric bike rental. THE LOCATION: The farm is about half an hour’s drive from Lorient in southern Brittany, and is in the middle of some lush, verdant countryside. About 13 km north you’ll come to the lovely town of Quimperlé, a tourist favourite in southern Brittany, with a lovely old town and plenty of medieval history. The nearest beach, as mentioned before, is at Kérou, a 15-20 minute walk down through some lovely country lanes. Kérou, like a lot of the beaches on Brittany’s south coast, is more favoured by surfers than swimmers with some pretty big waves rolling in from the Atlantic. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The Yurts were excellent, very clean and tidy with plenty of room for three mature gentlemen. The owners were a real delight, thank you for having us. I’ll be back with my wife….” 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

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

Just inland from the Italian Riviera in the beautiful green hills of Badalucco, Liguria, this highly rated agriturismo has stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains. It has a range of comfortable rooms, a shared lounge, and lovely gardens with outdoor seating to enjoy those views from. You can also enjoy some really terrific home made Italian food. The area is great for hiking, cycling and horse riding while the beaches of the Riviera are just a short car ride away, with Monte Carlo just 40 km along the coast. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “What a gem! This property is just outside Bardalucco with 3 rooms are all beautifully furnished with comfortable beds plenty of space, good showers. Barbara is delightful and a very accomplished chef. We ate there every night, lots of regional dishes with fresh vegetables from their farm….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO IL POGGIO DI MARO:   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

Agriturismo Antichi Granai is a scenic rural retreat between Palermo and Trapani in the depths of rural west Sicily. The hillside accommodation is that of a stylish and minimalist, traditional Sicilian farmhouse, the food is excellent, as is the homemade Nero d’Avola wine, and the hosts are enthusiastic, warm and welcoming. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a choice of rooms and suites to sleep up to in the rustic farmhouse which dates back to the early 1900s. All  of them are spacious and clean and come private bathroom, WiFi, air-con, central heating and lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Outside there are terrace and garden areas which are beautifully designed and maintained with plenty of lounging and al fresco dining space. There is a swimming pool in the gardens too and all around you can enjoy the same lovely views. There is a large working farm here too of course which you are more than welcome to take a look around, and do some horseback riding too. If you so wish, you can also join in some of the activities; harvesting the olives or wheat for example, or helping to collect some of the great array of vegetables and fruit which go in to the fine food at the farmhouse restaurant. THE LOCATION: Though just over an hour from Palermo and roughly half that from Trapani this agriturismo feels very much in the middle of nowhere. From its hilltop setting you have really tremendous views over the miles and miles of rolling hills that surround. There is barely a hint of urbanization in these parts with the exception of the picturesque little town of Calatafimi Segesta, so it will doubtless be a welcome break for many, especially if they’ve just arrived from Palermo. As a result it’s startlingly quiet and peaceful, with the stars at night appearing as bright as you can ever imagine. So it might be a place to relax but there is still a lot to do and see locally and the hospitable agriturismo owners can arrange all sorts of tours and excursions for you. You can arrange day trips to the city of Trapani, and to its surrounding, READ MORE

Is Cheas is an organic, eco-friendly agriturismo farm stay near the beautiful beaches of the Sinis on Sardinia’s west coast. It has unique accommodation in the form of traditional Sardinian shepherd’s huts known as Pinettas. The small, 12 acre, farm produces citrus fruits, mushrooms, various vegetables & herbs They also keep some horses and have a small organic vineyard too. THE ACCOMMODATION: The unique accommodation is an updated version of the ancient Sardinian shepherd’s hut, the Pinetta. In the olden days they were of course basic, and no more than functional on the inside, but the ones at Is Cheas Agriturismo are beautifully designed and furnished, and they all come with private bathrooms, air-con, WiFi and mini bar. They can fit up to four people and are both thermally and acoustically insulated, making for a wonderful nights sleep under the rustic wooden vaults and branch roofs. You can be assured of comfort inside and the gardens outside are beautifully kept with lawns, flower beds and an outdoor swimming pool. There is an excellent restaurant at the agriturismo too with a range of Sardinian and Italian dishes made from locally sourced organic ingredients including their own. THE FARM: The agriturismo owners are enthusiastic about sustainable agriculture and though the farm is small it is carefully managed using crop rotation techniques and produces a lot of the ingredients for the restaurant’s fine food. There is a vineyard from where they get their home made reds, white and rosè wine, vegetable gardens, a citrus orchard and aromatic herb gardens, and they also keep some horses too. You are welcome to tour the farm and the friendly owners are a great source of information about eco friendly farming and food production. THE LOCATION: Is Cheas Agriturismo has a tremendous location for nature and beach lovers. Some of Sardinia’s best beaches are nearby including Sa Rocca Tunda, Su Pallose, S’anea Scoada and Putzu Idu, the latter being especially popular with surfers and from where you can take a speed boat to the little island jewel of Isola de Malu Entu. The coastal nature reserve of Oasi di Seu too is not to be missed. It is an untouched READ MORE

This lovely farm stay is situated on a working, vegetable producing, farm in the heart of the Valle D’Aosta in the Italian Alps. It’s a 15-minute drive from the centre of Aosta and only about 20km from the closest lift to the Pila ski resort. Courmayeur and the Mont Blanc cable car are about 40 km away, while Châtillon is half an hour away by car. Their Italian Alpine-style apartments are tastefully furnished with TV and private bathroom and with wooden, mountain view balconies. There is a ski storage room and they also have barbecue facilities in the large gardens. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The perfect stay. Beautiful location, very warm and helpful owners , extremely clean and tidy apartment , excellent view and a really peaceful place….” “We had the most wonderful week at Plan d’Avie. Patrick and his family are kind and hospitable people. The view around the farm is magnificent and the apartment was perfect for our family with spacious kitchen and bathroom….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO PLAN D’AVIE:   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

Kimaro Farm, near Colmery has luxury glamping safari tents, for up to six people, hidden away in some of Burgundy, France’s loveliest countryside. The tents are spacious and well equipped, and all come with a small kitchen, bathroom and heating. The farmland around is completely idyllic; with woodland, meadow fields and orchards where a great assortment of things are grown; pears, plums, cherries, grapes, figs, hazelnuts, blackberries, raspberries and more. Guests can collect fresh eggs from the hen house for breakfast every morning and spend their days wandering through the meadows and the forests or just lazing with a picnic by the lake. THE ACCOMMODATION: In the meadow fields with plenty of privacy are the wooden framed, colonial style, safari tents. They have one four poster double bed, one standard double bed, two bunk beds, seating, a kitchen and dining table, a bathroom, and heating in the form of a gas stove. There is also a romantic old style claw foot bathtub in the tent and outside there is a swinging couch on the private veranda which also has space for lounging and dining. As mentioned, the accommodation has a kitchen and so is self catering but if you want to really relax, the friendly owners can sometimes cook meals for you, and can also recommend some good local restaurants and cafes. In peak season, i.e. July & August, there is a minimum stay of seven nights (Saturday to Saturday) with a minimum stay of 2 nights the rest of the year. THE LOCATION: Just outside the little town of Colmery in the Nièvre department of Burgundy, Kimaro is as idyllically peaceful and rural a place as you can ever imagine. There is much farmland around here, and vineyards too of course, but also much woodland. Burgundy in general is one of the most highly wooded regions in the country with an estimated 30% of its area covered in trees. Thus it has a slightly wilder feel than most of France’s other agricultural regions, and is also very rich in native wildlife. There is a large forest just beside the farm in fact with hiking trails running through it and much READ MORE

In Kukerin, Western Australia, on the route between Perth and Esperance, this very popular, eco-friendly farm stay has rooms and self catering accommodation and can make a great introduction to Australian outback rural life, with the extra novelty of it having a yabby (freshwater crayfish) packing plant at the farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have very comfortable B&B rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom, flat-screen TV and DVD player and some self-catering cottages which also have a lounge/seating area and full kitchen. Whether self catering or not you can arrange good meals, breakfast included, to be cooked for you at the farm, and as you might expect they do a nice range of yabbie dishes. You’ll find it a friendly sociable place and it has lots of outdoor space, with a barbecue and a children’s playground. THE FARM: The farm produces wheat, barley lupins and peas and, as mentioned above, has a large yabby packing centre. The owners started off in the nineties supplying just one restaurant in Perth, under the brand name Cambinata, but have expanded greatly since, supplying yabbies to far flung markets in Asia, Europe and the United States. The yabbies are supplied by around 700 farmers from all around Western Australia. THE LOCATION: The farm is just outside the tiny town of Kukerin (motto: Small But Strong), and just off the main road between Perth and Esperance. This is the heart of Western Australia’s wheat belt and Kukerin is a small, typically Australian farming community which is always friendly and welcoming to visitors. The distances here are large of course but there are a number of diversions relatively nearby. Drive for about a half an hour to the east and you’ll come to Lake Grace for example, with its natural salt lakes in various shades of pink and green and its wildlife filled nature reserve wildlife. And, less than an hour back to the west and you’ll come to another spectacular salt lake at Dumbleyung. You’ll find many of those iconic rocky outcrops towering over this part of Australia too, with two of Western Australia’s most well known; Bruce Rock and Wave Rock, both being within two hours of READ MORE

In the north western Lim Chu Kang district of Singapore, close to Kranji Marshes and the Kranji Sanctuary Golf Course, this farmstay has a range of modern, well equipped, villa type accommodation surrounded by lush green vegetation. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their villas range from standard to the executive, all of which come with comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, flat screen TVs and private terraces. In the executive suite you’ll also find a lounge area as well as a nice private jacuzzi and steam room, while their family villas have the added benefit of having their own kitchenette and a bit more space. There is a restaurant at the resort too with a good choice of food, seafood in particular, and also a bar and beer garden with karaoke and live entertainment most nights. There is a business meeting room too and a 24 hour front desk, bicycles for hire and a range of massage and spa treatments. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE FARM: It has a prawning pool on site, which you welcome to can take a look at, and it rents out patches of land to urban farmers to grow a variety of their own fruit, vegetables and herbs. Urban farming is quite popular around Kranji and the farmstay organizes related events such as regular farmers markets where you can buy locally grown, mainly organic, produce to take home. THE LOCATION: The farmstay is in Lim Chu Kang which is a quiet corner of Singapore tucked away between the border with Malaysia and the Kranji reservoir, and it has something of a rural atmosphere that is famously hard to find in other parts of the country. You can take a nice walk or cycle around the nearby Kranji Marshes National Park and the surrounding shoreline for example, while Singapore Zoo and its famous night safari is another great attraction a little further away, back towards the city. Getting here is very straightforward by car but if you haven’t your own transport it is quite close to the Kranji MRT station. There’s even a regular shuttle bus service to 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

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

In the town of Manoppello, Abruzzo, Italy, about a half an hour outside Pescara, this very popular B&B farm stay & vineyard is on a working farm that produces its own wine, olive oil, jam and cheese, all of which guests are of course free to sample, to buy to take home, and receive a few tips on their production. They have a range of rooms and suites, and one self catering apartment with kitchenette, all of which are clean and comfortable and come with private bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi as standard. And as well as a very good free Italian breakfast in the morning for an extra fee you can arrange evening meals too, all of which are quality and are made with the finest local ingredients. There is a shared lounge and a nice garden at the property too, and a range of services are provided by the farm owners; from packed lunches to child minding and free bike hire. Abruzzo has much to offer the visitor, with Pescara and the Adriatic coast just a half an hour from the Agriturismo, plus there are two beautifully wild national parks even closer; Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga and Parco Nazionale della Majella. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Wonderful experience. A beautiful place to stay in a beautiful setting. Perfect for a relaxing getting away. Wonderful breakfast selection and friendly staff….” “Very nice place, friendly hosts, great location the countryside, with great views towards the Abruzzo mountains….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT IL CASOLARE DI NONNO MARIO:   READ MORE

In Peso da Régua, in the heart of Portugal‘s premier wine-producing region, the Douro Valley, and about 100km from Porto Airport (Airport transfers can be arranged) Quinta de Marrocos is an award-winning vineyard estate with B&B accommodation at its restored 17th-century farmhouse. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their homely, traditional-style rooms all come with air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV, WiFi, private bathroom, and a balcony with nice views of the surrounding mountains or the river Douro. You’ll also find a bar and restaurant here, and a nice shared lounge and terrace overlooking the gardens and vineyards. THE WINE: The big focus here is wine, specifically the Douro and Port wines of which the region is famous. The Quinta de Marrocos estate has produced a number of award-winning ports and they still make use of traditional granite presses where the grapes are pressed by foot, and cellars where the wine is aged in barrels, vats, and casks of wood which gives the wine its famed complexity. There is a lot to learn and the estate owners organize very interesting vineyard tours, cellar tours, and tasting sessions. THE LOCATION: Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley is well known for its wine, in fact, it is reputed to be the longest continual wine growing region in the world. But besides that, it is also beautifully rural with great stretches of rolling green hills and woodlands all around. Even if wine is not your thing you’ll still find it a very lovely place for exploring, with some nice hikes offering great views over the river below. It is also great for all sorts of outdoor activities; cycling, golfing, hiking, water sports, boat trips, and horse riding can all be easily arranged; just ask at the Quinta for advice. For more education on the region, we’d also recommend a trip to the Douro Museum, only about 4km from Quinta de Marrocos in the centre of Peso da Régua, where you can learn a lot more about this iconic region generally, with of course a major focus on the wine industry. Again not far from Quinta de Marrocos, on the south bank of the river, is the small city of Lamego, 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

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

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

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

This child friendly & pet friendly farm stay near San Sebastian in the Basque Country, has a range of comfortable, clean rooms in a classic Basque hillside farmhouse on its working sheep farm which also has a variety of other animals too. The Accommodation: All the rooms in their traditional style Basque farmhouse come with private bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi throughout. There is also a shared TV lounge and a spacious shared kitchen where you are free to cook for yourselves, and the owners can also cook you a nice breakfast each morning for a few euros extra. It’s very much child friendly too; they have a play area well stocked with toys and plenty of games and other entertainment to keep them occupied. The Farm: The farmstay has a large working sheep farm that has over 400 sheep as well as a variety of other animals, ponies, which children can ride, some cows, horses, geese and even an emu. The Location: The location is super convenient for visitors to the lively, sophisticated, city of San Sebastian, and though it’s just 15 minutes drive from the city centre but is still a quiet rural area of typically Basque green hills, small farms and forests. It is a lovely place for countryside walks and hikes around the hills, especially down towards the coast and Monte Igeldo, which has spectacular views over San Sebastian and the Bay of La Concha (Kontxako Badia). You can organize guided horse riding trips around the area too from the farmstay. San Sebastian city, as mentioned previously is just 15 minutes away and if the countryside gets too much for you you can spend the day there at its beautiful beaches and busy town centre where you can sample some of what is considered the Basque Country’s, and Spain’s, best food. A special mention too of course for its pintxos, the regions own version of tapas, which is served in almost every one of its lively bars. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The place was very cosy and everyone in the staff was great, treating us with a lovely warmth! There were also a lot to do READ MORE

In Tombstone, Arizona, just three minutes drive from the famous Ok Corral, this charming ranch stay is a great base for horseback riding and hiking the surrounding desert terrain. Their spacious, comfortable rooms are in the style of the old West but with all modern comforts such as WiFi and flat screen TV with satellite channels. And guests at Monument Guest Ranch Tombstone can enjoy some great Western food at Schieffelin’s Restaurant. Their friendly staff can help you out with tours, they’ve got a business meeting hall you can use and an outdoor pool and sun terrace. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We had a great experience at this property and intend to come back with friends in a few weeks! The activities at the property are terrific. My husband and I went on a horse ride which was our first time. The wrangler was great choosing the right horses for us, making us feel safe and comfortable during the hour long ride. The end result was we had a wonderful time!…” “Gorgeous establishment with history, breakfast was phenomenal, staff was entertaining made our stay even more welcoming and clean rooms with a bonus of having comfortable beds. High ratings all the way!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT TOMBSTONE MONUMENT GUEST RANCH: READ MORE

Ideal for a romantic getaway from Sydney, Emirates One & Only lies hidden away in the Blue Mountain’s Wolgan Valley, between Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park. It is without doubt one of the finest luxury, rural retreats in NSW and offers 40 plush and spacious, eco friendly villas each with private swimming pool. The setting too is sublime; they are part of a seven thousand acres wildlife reserve which boasts some of NSW’s most beautiful scenery. THE ACCOMMODATION: The opulent villas come with one two or three bedrooms,  all beautifully designed and furnished in rustic country chic style. They also all come with a range of luxury features, including the above mentioned private swimming pool. Check out all the details on the booking page here. It is a self-contained, all inclusive resort and most room rates include gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with a range of wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages gratis alongside them. You have a variety of dining options on the estate including the stylish Wolgan Dining Room with panoramic views, the more casual restaurant The Country Kitchen, and the Valley Bar & Terrace which includes a walk-in wine cellar. Emirates One & Only is very much a place to unwind and destress, and you can do exactly as little as you’d like, though activities are numerous, with 4-wheel drive wildlife safaris (day and night), mountain biking, horse riding, tennis, archery, yoga, bush walks, stargazing, campfire gourmet picnics and much more to be enjoyed. Two packages from their menu of organized nature based activities are complimentary for guests and the One & Only also has a high tech fitness centre, tennis courts, a swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms, and a range of highly praised spa treatments, including beauty therapy using Sodashi skin care products. The Emirates can be a great romantic getaway for couples; the place is so vast that you can have as much privacy as you need, but it also caters very well for kids with a supervised kid’s club with various activities for them, including educational ones where they can learn about nature and conservation alongside bush walking, orienteering, READ MORE

La Closerie de Fronsac is a delightful 17th century manor house-vineyard hotel in a peaceful location near Bordeaux and the Dordogne River. There is a charmingly old fashioned feel to the property; it is cosy and quaint, and has the unmistakeable elegance of a bygone era. The area, Fronsac, is very much the heart of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, one of France’s, and the world’s, premier wine producing regions and you’ll also find their own wines superb. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a choice of double and twin, en-suite, B&B rooms, all of them cosy and warm, with touches of art deco and art nouveau styles and lots of nice little bits and pieces of antique furniture and ornaments. Obvious modern touches are hard to spot, and though some may find the interiors a little quirky it does allow you to wake up in the morning and not quite know which decade, or which century, you find yourself in. Whatever about the styling, it is high level accommodation and the rooms are all extremely clean and comfortable. The house itself is imposing and grand, built of cream coloured stone and surrounded by flower beds, lawns and of course the vineyards. There is plenty of common space to enjoy inside the house, a very nice lounge area with fireplace for example and an outdoor terrace. You’ll find the breakfast excellent and the hosts charming and friendly who are very knowledgeable about the Fronsac region and its wines. They have been producing wine at La Closerie de Fronsac for three centuries now and to this day it is made in the very atmospheric cellar with ancient walls of stone and earth. Guests are free to wander the vineyards and enjoy tasting sessions and of course buy some bottles to take home. THE LOCATION: The location, just outside the town of Libourne, on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, is obviously fantastic for lovers of Bordeaux wine, with a huge amount of top vineyards and wineries around. The owners at Le Closerie de Fronsac can guide you in where to go for the best wine tourism and some other sights too. The countryside, with the famous River Dordogne just down READ MORE

Bólstaðarhlíð Farm has very nice self catering rooms in the middle of a lovely green valley in the north of Iceland. The farmhouse is in traditional style but thoroughly modern and comfortable, with three en-suite double bedrooms, and access to a sociable shared lounge and the large, well equipped, kitchen too. The area and the farm itself is beautifully quiet and serene, and makes for a wonderful place to unwind. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are three double/twin rooms to choose from all of which are simply furnished and extremely clean and comfortable. The shared lounge has plenty of seating space and a smart/satellite TV (with Netflix) and there is WiFi throughout the building. The kitchen is modern and well equipped and the bathrooms are particularly nice. THE FARM: Bólstaðarhlíð has a working farm which has been in the same family for nearly 200 years. They usually have about 100 sheep and a number of horses at the farm these days, along with a friendly dog and cat at the farmhouse.  The setting is a tidy little valley amid green hills and a winding river and with the sheep grazing peacefully it is a beautifully quiet and relaxing place to wander around. The friendly farm owners are always happy to show guests around the farm and you are free to explore yourself, take a walk around the mountains, sit by the river or visit the beautiful little church at the farm which dates all the way back to 1888. THE LOCATION: Though way up in the north of Iceland getting to the farm isn’t all that difficult, being just off the main (road no.1) ring road from Reykjavík. It’s also about 20 minutes drive from the well known town of Blönduos, something of a tourist hub in these parts. and somewhere where you can find shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, a golf course and an Icelandic handicrafts museum. This part of Iceland is also good for whale watching and inland you’ll also find some of the best trout and salmon fishing rivers in the country, many of them quite near the farm. The scenery around here can be quite extraordinary, with so much rugged terrain, READ MORE

Nell’s Farm House has self catering accommodation in a lovely 200 year old renovated farmhouse at the base of the Comeragh mountains in Co. Waterford, Ireland, about 25km from Waterford City. It’s surrounded by a working, family run, dairy farm that the guests are welcome to explore, watch the cows being milked for example or help collect the eggs from the hens. The family have been doing agritourism for years and they also organize tour and school group visits, to see the modern farm and also their heritage farm; a little look into farming practices of old, like churning butter, bread making and hand milking. The accommodation has two bedrooms, one double and one twin, with a lounge containing an open fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also free WiFi throughout, and outside, a hot tub, barbecue facilities and outdoor seating. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Very enjoyable, relaxing, we were sorry we didn’t get to spend more time there….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT NELL’S FARMHOUSE: READ MORE

In Paços de Gaiolo, Portugal, about 40 kilometers along the Douro Valley to the east of Porto, Quinta da Bouça is a very lovely escape to nature, with 16 hectares of woodland, fruit orchards, and vegetable 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: “Location is breathtaking, very special place. Items left in the fridge for making breakfast and fresh bread dropped by the door in the morning. We didn’t meet the host but they were always very quick at replying and check in and out smooth and easy. Would come back again….” “ Lovely hosts who made sure I got whatever I needed. It was restful, quiet, and peaceful with stunning views of the surrounding hills. And their estate wine was complementary. 😋 I had my own pool and washing machine and wonderful privacy…..” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT QUINTA DA BOUÇA:   READ MORE

Pago de Trascasas is an atmospheric vineyard & winery hotel near Valladolid, in Cubillas de Santa Marta, Spain, where you can enjoy some top quality wine, food, rest and relaxation. They have B&B rooms is in a classically rustic Spanish farmhouse surrounded by vineyards from which they produce red and rose Cigales wines using both modern and traditional techniques. It is a well known enotourism centre in the region and you can partake in guided vineyard and cellar tours, as well as wine & food tasting sessions. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have eight double and twin B&B rooms at the hotel, all of which are nicely decorated in traditional Castilian style and full of character. They have all the usual modern comforts too; private bathrooms, digital TV and WiFi. There is plenty of common space at the hotel too; a lounge area and a library & reading room (mainly with books about wine). They have a billiard table at the property too and of course there is the restaurant and dining room. You can expect a good and generous breakfast in the morning and later, some top quality evening meals made with some fine local produce. As mentioned, they have a full program of wine tourism on offer, with tasting sessions of their wines matched with various food stuffs like cheeses and homemade sausages, and educational vineyard and cellar tours. THE LOCATION: The vineyard hotel is conveniently near Valladolid, just 20km in fact and is in a strongly agricultural area well known for its wine and food production. You can go for hikes around the nearby Torozos Mountains or along the famous Canal de Castilla. The village itself, Cubillas de Santa Marta is a cute, classically Castilian little place with some small cafes, shops and restaurants and the 13th century Cistercian Church of Santa María at its centre point. Madrid is a little over two hours to the south. Salamanca can reached in just over an hour, Burgos in a little less than an hour and Leon in about an hour and a half. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Serious comfort and attention! Lovely private bodega providing everything someone traveling through could ask READ MORE