Self Catering Farm Stays: (2023)

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

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

Akurholt is a small horse riding school and guesthouse on the edge of the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik with a communal, hostel type atmosphere, a shared kitchen and lounge, and very friendly, hospitable owners. The location is a plus; conveniently close to the city but just far away enough to feel the peace and tranquility of nature. The views are gorgeous too, with the lights of Reykjavik and the coast below and Mount Úlfarsfell right behind. THE ACCOMMODATION: The house has just four rooms; triples and doubles, so it’s a small, intimate place and a great place to get to know your fellow guests as well as the friendly owners.  There is lots of common space including a spacious communal kitchen and lounge area and  the rooms, though somewhat on the small side, are very clean and comfortable. The bathrooms are shared too but they are equally clean and well maintained. The Icelandic horse farm predates the guesthouse by a number of years and they do some lovely horse riding tours around the local area. There are some nice hiking routes around here too including a hike to the top of Mount Úlfarsfell just behind the farm. THE LOCATION: The farm is only 14km from the city but still feels very rural indeed, with lots of wild open scenery all around. There is bus stop just down the road too so it’s convenient to get to even if you don’t have a car at your disposal. It can also make a good stopping off point for those of you exploring Iceland’s scenic Golden Circle, the route which runs by some of the country’s most iconic scenery; the stunning Thingvellir National Park for example and Gullfoss Waterfall. A section of the route passes just a few kilometres from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place was great to stay at, close enough to the city so you can easily get to it, and far enough that when you step outside you can see the Northern Lights! The staff were lovely and I definitely recommend taking part in their horse riding experience, very beautiful….” “We’ve spent there 6 nights and it was READ MORE

In the heart of lovely Umbria, Italy, Agriturismo Istrice Innamorato has self catering accommodation in a charming, classically Italian hillside farmhouse with gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. Their traditional style apartments have a lounge with TV, a full kitchen with coffee machine, a patio and barbecue facilities available in the gardens outside. The farm produces its own olive oil of which guests are welcome to sample and their breakfast is typical Italian style with pastries, croissants and good coffee or tea. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Great location. pool, nearby towns and villages. Quiet location, very peaceful and relaxing. Beautiful setting and pool….” “Exceptional: The hosts were perfect, excellent breakfast, perfect view and sunsets, the farm produces excellent olive oil and jams!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO ISTRICE INNAMORATO:   READ MORE

Ystumgwern is a friendly organic farm stay in Snowdonia, North Wales, offering luxury self catering accommodation in converted barns around a renovated 15th-century traditional stone farmhouse. It is very near the golden beaches of the Cambrian coast and within the boundaries of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has a range of stylish self catering converted barns that can fit up to five people per unit. They are all fully central heated, all have their own private entrance, a lounge & dining area with TV and DVD player, varying numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms, and a modern kitchen. There is a children’s play area and games room at the farmhouse with a pool table, tables tennis and plenty of games for kids. THE FARM: The farm is a very large, working organic farm with flocks of sheep and some goats. It has a full 1,000 acres of farmland in a lovely setting overlooking the sandy beaches of the Cambrian coast. THE LOCATION: The location is simply wonderful; it has the Snowdonia National Park and its rugged mountains and valleys to the east and north; undoubtedly some of Britain’s best scenery, and very much a nature lovers paradise with plenty of trails of varying degrees of difficulty for hiking and mountain biking. The Rhinog mountain range is the nearest mountain range to the farmstay, there you can lose yourself in some spectacular terrain; visit Cwm Bychan with its peaceful lake and Roman Steps, or the rocky mountains around Cwm Nantcol with some beautiful waterfalls and quiet woodland full of undisturbed wildlife. The Snowdonia Mountain Railway comes highly recommended. It is a relaxing train ride that runs through some really jaw dropping scenery around the mountains and high above the valleys. To the south and west of the farmstay there is a fantastic ten mile stretch of beach that runs between the pretty towns of Harlech and Barmouth. Harlech has much history and is famous for its impressive hilltop castle and is also the site of the Royal St. David’s golf course. Barmouth has a lovely setting overlooking Cardigan Bay on the estuary of the River Mawddach and both it and Harlech READ MORE

Das Franzl is a top quality Farm Stay B&B near Lake Wolfgang and Salzburg, with some quirky on site glamping accommodation too. Their little farm has some adorable alpacas and ponies which will be a big hit with children. You’ll find the breakfast here excellent too. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of regular B&B rooms in their very lovely, classic Austrian farmhouse. All of the rooms are stylish and chic with some quirky little interior design features. You’ll find them extremely clean, and super comfortable, and they come with a flat screen TV, DVD player and private bathroom. There is also a cosy self catering apartment which can sleep up to five; two doubles and a single and in the gardens an igloo style glamping tent. The tent has plenty of space, with a double bed, a work desk, seating, a flat screen TV and air-con. Outside too there is a nice wooden deck area with some deck chairs. The farm animals are a nice attraction here, they have some friendly alpacas and miniature ponies that guests are welcome to pet, feed, bring for walks etc. THE LOCATION: The farm stay lies 800 meters from the famous Lake Wolfgang, one of Salzburg’s biggest attractions, with the town of St. Wolfgang being around 3.5 kilometers away (There is a bus stop just down the road from the farm) Water sports are of course popular here as is hiking and cycling (they rent bikes at the farm), and there are great trails right outside the farm that lead up around the hills and offer some magical views. The city of Salzburg can be reached in less than a half an hour by car. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Cutest hotel ever! Even our cat didn’t want to leave. Breakfast was great, the room was gorgeous and very clean. Also nice to see the alpacas roam around….” “My daughter and I loved the glamping dome! It was such a great place to stay, especially being able to lie in bed and look at the stars and all the quirky details that make Das Franzl unique (alpacas, coloured lights, decor). It was ideal being READ MORE

In the rolling hills south of Siena, Tuscany, Italy, pet friendly Tenuta di Corsano has a series of self-catering apartments in a classic 17th century farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and vegetable plots. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their rustic apartments are cosy and comfortable with a kitchen and a lounge area and a choice of one, two and three bedrooms. They are traditional style with terracotta floors and wood beamed ceilings and all have WiFi, satellite TV, a kitchenette and living area. Outside you’ll find a swimming pool and extensive gardens, and the whole property has really lovely views over the surrounding countryside. Though the accommodation is self catering, both breakfast and even meals can also be arranged. THE FARM: It is a working farm with a busy trade in grapes and olives as well as many vegetables that make up some of the ingredients of their excellent home made food. The food at Ville di Corsano is of a very high standard and guests are generally very impressed by their hearty, healthy Tuscan dishes. If you find yourself equally impressed you can arrange cooking classes at the farmhouse which feature some of these same Tuscan specialities. THE LOCATION: The farm stay is on a wonderfully peaceful hillside but still just steps away from the little village of Ville di Corsano. Ville di Corsano is a very cute little place with a population of just 200, and has a church, a shop, a very good restaurant and a small winery. This surrounding area is of course classic rural Tuscany and all of it is fantastic to explore. You’ll find many hiking routes and nature trails around, and there is the nearby Alto Merse Nature Reserve, about 10km from the farmstay. There are many classically beautiful Tuscan towns around too, as well as historical sights and an abundance of food and wine tourism.  The friendly farmstay owners at Tenuta di Corsano can give you lots of tips and recommendations, and they can organize tours and various other services such as car hire, bicycle hire, babysitting and transfers from the lovely city of Siena just 16km to the north. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place READ MORE

Sampson’s farm hotel is a 15th Century Tudor farmhouse in the middle of some beautiful south Devon countryside near to Dartmoor and just outside Newtown Abbott. It has a range of clean and comfortable B&B and self catering accommodation within the farmhouse and the surrounding courtyard barn conversions and also a nice common area in the main building with an open fireplace. The farm produces its own eggs, both hen’s and duck’s, and also has a few friendly goats. The eggs make up part of their very good English breakfast where you can also taste some their own homemade marmalades under the ancient oak beams of their farmhouse dining room. There’s plenty to do around the grounds, with trout and salmon fishing, clay pigeon shooting and archery lessons available as well as their well known water colour painting workshops. And outside the farm there are opportunities for horse riding, cycling and of course hiking in some of England’s most enchanting countryside; Dartmoor is just a few miles away for example, and for a more leisurely walk there is the nearby Ramblers River Walk along Templar Way and the River Teign. Sampson’s Farm Country Hotel is just five minutes from the A38 and the A380 and the cities of Exeter and Plymouth are within close reach. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Wonderful service in an enchanting setting….” “2 year old loved seeing the ducks and feeding the goats. Lovely room and great breakfast. Would definitely stay again….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SAMPSON’S 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

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

A little piece of paradise in Provence; Le Hameau de Pichovet gîte is the ultimate place to experience the beauty and tranquility of this iconic region of France. It has self catering apartments in a lovingly restored old farmhouse surrounded by fields of lavender and sunflower and is the kind of place you will really not want to leave. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are five self catering units in total, to sleep up to eight people each. The property itself is gorgeous; it dates back to 1897 but has been beautifully restored in recent years, and its modern comforts and minimalist decor blend nicely with the traditional Provençal farmhouse feel. All the accommodation is spacious and super clean with good size lounges and practical kitchens. The outside space is a real highlight though, with lovely gardens overlooking the peaceful valley below. There is plenty of space to sit and dine outside as well as barbecue facilities, sun loungers and two swimming pools. The place is surrounded the classic Provence lavender and sunflower fields and though the gîte itself doesn’t harvest its own lavender they keep bees and make a nice line of lavender honey. The accommodation is all self catering but the friendly owners are always around and for an extra fee they can prepare a very nice breakfast basket for you and some equally good evening meals too. THE LOCATION: Though Provence is full of the promise of rural idyll many parts of it can be a little busy with tourists, especially over the summer. But not around here; Le Hameau de Pichovet is in a relatively undiscovered corner of Provence and is a really superb place to get away from it all. It is about 70km north of Aix-en-Provence, just east of the famous Luberon National Park and around 30km from the town of Apt. The nearest village is Vachères, 3km away, which is a cute sleepy little place that has a grocery store where you can stock up on necessities. For more extensive shopping, dining and drinking you can head to the larger town of Celeste about twenty minutes drive away. All around the gîte the countryside is serene and very READ MORE

  The Cabins and Cottages at Shale Lake is a lake-side self catering farm stay in the town of Williamson, just north of St. Louis, Illinois, with horse stables, a vineyard and a winery. They have a good range of very comfortable cabins and cottages, all with full kitchen and lounge, TV and DVD player though with no internet access and outside they all have a patio with a fire pit and barbecue facilities. There are some nice hiking and biking trails around the lake and you can arrange bike hire from the owners. The lake is of course a great place to fish (catch and release only) and guests are welcome to explore the horse stables and vineyards and taste some of their wine at the winery.   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

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

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

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

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

The Farm, Willunga, South Australia, is a working organic vineyard and olive farm with a lovely setting overlooking the sea. It has a very good on site restaurant & cafe too where you can taste some great local food and wine including some of the farm’s own produce. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have very nice B&B rooms at the farmhouse plus two equally nice self catering apartments with fully equipped kitchens, spacious comfortable lounges with flat screen TV, and lots of outdoor space with barbecue facilities. You’ll find all the accommodation to be of the highest standard in terms of cleanliness, comfort and modern facilities. Check out all on the booking page here. The apartments are self catering but the helpful owners also provide a great breakfast in the farm restaurant or it can be delivered to your apartment. They can arrange bike hire too and the surrounding area is great for cycling and of course swimming, with Aldinga beach being just down the road. The area, McLaren Vale, is also one of Australia’s most famous wine producing regions with lots of wine tourism activities to be enjoyed. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Excellent hosts, beautiful location and amazing breakfast. My wife is coeliac and the kitchen produced some very fine gluten free food for her. We felt very well looked after. Robyn has a great knowledge of the local vineyards and is more than willing to give some recommendations / suggestions on tasting itineraries. The room was very well kitted out and we will certainly return. 10 out of 10 from us!…” “With an incredibly friendly welcome, generous and flexible service, and perfect recommendations, Farm Willunga was an unforgettable experience. Perfect for romantic getaway, wine hunters and looks like an excellent wedding venue….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE FARM, WILLUNGA: READ MORE

Blueberry Hills on Comleroy has charming accommodation, both B&B and self catering, on a 14 acre farm near Sydney with alpacas, sheep, hens, fruit orchards, and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a choice of accommodation on the farm, all of which are doubles; two large B&B rooms and a suite at the farmhouse, and two one bedroom cottages nearby. The farmhouse suite is spacious, has a lounge area and a kitchen while the cottages are even more spacious with also its own lounge and kitchen plus lots of semi private outdoor space including a nice veranda to admire the views from. Though the suite and the cottages are self catering you will have a breakfast tray full of fresh bread, eggs, cereals etc. free of charge delivered to you in the morning morning plus little treats during the day like cheese platters and fruit. There is a common lounge at the property and a hot tub, BBQ facilities and an outdoor fireplace in the gardens. Beyond that you can explore the farm where sheep and alpacas roam you can get involved in some farm life if you wish, like feeding the animals or picking fruit and berries in the orchards. Note: No children and no pets allowed! PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: The farm is around an hour to the North West of Sydney in the foothills of the spectacular Blue Mountains, very much a highlight of rural NSW, and surrounded by both the Blue Mountains National Park and the Wollemi National Park. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptional: Very clean, stylish and cosy cottage with great views of nature. Large bathroom and shower, well stocked with books, board games and a selection of local ciders and gins. Spacious bedroom and living area with balcony. Great facilities – outdoor spa, seating area, alpacas nearby, a blueberry orchard and a dam. Loved our stay here and would visit again….” “This property honestly exceeded our expectations! We arrived (on an extremely hot day!) and were immediately greeted with air-conditioning, amazing views, fresh food 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

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

Set on a working farm near Kelburg, in the beautiful countryside of the Rhineland Germany, this farm stay has comfortable self-catering accommodation with private bathroom and WiFi and the farm is very interactive, with plenty of opportunities to feed the animals and ride on the farm tractor. For the kids there is a playground and pony riding in the large gardens, which also has a terrace and barbecue facilities. And in the local area there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Everything was perfect. Loved it, would totally recommend to everybody :)…” “Exceptional: Awesome hosts, always up to help. We had a great stay. Clean rooms/facilities, quiet neighborhood….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAUERNHOF MARX: READ MORE

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

Near the city of Pisa, Tuscany, and with easy access to the Florence-Pisa highway, La Lecceta has luxury self catering farmhouses to rent on the grounds of the famous Fattoria Varramista Wine Estate. The farmhouses have two, three or four bedrooms, to sleep up to eight people, with a minimum stay of three nights. All of them are beautifully decorated in rustic Tuscan farmhouse style and are spacious, comfortable and well equipped. The estate does a full program of wine tourism which guests are welcome to join and the large estate is lovely to wander around, with acres of vineyards, woodland and gardens which include a nice outdoor swimming pool. The views are pretty special too; open countryside for miles around and the city of Pisa away in the distance. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their spacious farmhouses range from two to four bedrooms to sleep up to eight people (check your options on the booking page here, and note there is a minimum stay of 3 nights). All are tastefully decorated to accentuate the rustic farmhouse ambience with contemporary facilities; WiFi, satellite TV, air con etc. alongside the wood beamed ceilings, tiled floors, antique furniture and pastel shaded walls. They have well equipped, modern kitchens plus plenty of space for dining, and drinking some of the fabulous wine that is made on the estate. All the accommodation has a semi private outdoor area too with table and chairs. The estate is vast and there is a lot to explore. There is an outdoor swimming pool in the beautifully tended lawns and all around are vineyards, olive groves and woodland. It is classic rural Tuscany; lovely to wander around and somewhere you can usually spot some local wildlife in the quiet of the evening, deers, wild pigs and rabbits for example. Whether wine is an interest of yours or not a vineyard and wine cellar tour at the fattoria is interesting and educational. You can also buy some of their excellent wines (reds from sangiovese and syrah grapes), grappa, extra virgin olive oil and nocino (walnut liqueur) to take home. The accommodation is all self catering and there is no restaurant at the READ MORE

This farm stay in the heart of the Lower Normandy countryside, with the Castle of Saint-Germain-de-Livet just 6 km away, is a working organic farm with animals that also produces its own organic apple juice and cider. Its self catering 2-bedroom loft in the upstairs of the very traditional Normandy farmhouse has exposed wooden beams and wooden floors. There is a large open plan kitchen and lounge with TV and DVD player and also a nice terrace. With the company of friendly owners you’ll find it a very enjoyable rural retreat where you can learn a bit about rural Normandy, farm life, and best of all how to make cider! WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Very clean, lovely to watch the cows being milked, yummy organic cider. Very family friendly and perfect for our family of 5. We will plan to come back and stay longer as we didn’t get much of a chance to explore the surrounding areas….” “A beautiful, peaceful, and memorable stay during our European vacation. Thank you….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FERME DE LA TUILERIE:   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

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

With spectacular views of San Gimignano, Tuscany, this lovely traditional farm stay has pet friendly B&B rooms and self-catering accommodation on an organic family farm and vineyard. It’s a homely, friendly place which produces quality wine and extra virgin olive oil, and keeps farm animals too. The food though is the real highlight at Fattoria San Donato, they have a traditional, organic, Tuscan restaurant which serves up some of the best fresh food around, much of which comes from their own farm. If you are impressed with the cooking, as you undoubtedly will, you can also arrange some excellent cooking classes with chef and owner, Federica. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have some nice self catering apartments, and B&B double rooms with private bathroom. All of them are spacious and decorated with a rustic, traditional, Tuscan style. The apartments have two double bedrooms, but there is also a sofa bed in the lounge that can be converted into another double for two extra guests. The lounge is large and comes with a kitchenette too. You can enjoy some really fantastic food and wine at the farm restaurant including a lavish buffet breakfast in the mornings and various meals throughout the day. And, as mentioned above, cooking classes can be arranged too. Outside you’ll find a swimming pool in the large gardens where you can also play table tennis and the kids can enjoy the playground. And all of this with really stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including those iconic towers of San Gimignano. There’s a lot going on in their busy organic farm, it has farm animals; goats, pigs, hens and ducks, and grows vegetables, herbs and fruits including olives and of course grapes. Around the edges of the farm there are patches of woodland that lead on into the Castelvecchio Nature Reserve which has some rugged scenery and lots of local wildlife. The family are always happy to show guests around the farm and the cellars, and to show them how they make their wines, oils and various other food products. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy some tasting sessions too. THE LOCATION: The family are also always happy to READ MORE

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

Near the town of Sundern, and the city of Dortmund, in the beautiful Sauerland of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, this family run farm stay has very comfortable rooms and self-catering apartments, all with TV and private bathroom and some with balcony. The surrounding area, the Sauerland, is truly beautiful and famous for its hiking trails. And in winter there is the Wildewiesse winter sports centre to be enjoyed, just 1km from the farm stay. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Most wonderful and very suitable for family and children….” “Everything was great, the area is beautiful for hiking trips. Watching the animals on the farm is also wonderfully relaxing for a big city kid. The Hoppe family is very friendly, nice and helpful if you have questions. We would love to come back…..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FERIENHOF HOPPE: 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 lovely agritourism farm stay near Valencia, Spain specializes in horse riding lessons but even if horse riding doesn’t interest you it is a really great place for a relaxing break. You’ll find spa facilities, a swimming pool, acres of gardens to explore as well as great food, great service and comfortable accommodation. The location is also very good; the farm is in a picturesque setting overlooking the Benicadell Mountains beside the small cute village of Salem. It’s also less than an hour from the city of Valencia, and just 20km from the coastal beaches of Gandia. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of double and twin B&B rooms as well as two one double bedroom self catering cottages. They are comfortable and cosy with private bathroom, air con, TV and Wifi, and the self catering cottages have their own entrance, kitchenette and lounge area. The farmhouse has all modern facilities but maintains much of its traditional style. It’s beautifully furnished and decorated, with a cosy, slightly rustic vibe. They have a bar and a fine restaurant at the property too which serves breakfast and offers a very good choice of traditional Valencian and Spanish dishes throughout the day, with some of the ingredients coming fresh from the farm. There is loads of outside space to explore, terraces with seating and hammocks, a swimming pool, an equestrian centre, gardens and the farm where they grow various fruits, vegetables and herbs. Further afield you can hike direct from the farm into the surrounding forests and hills as far as the Benicadell Mountains, or you can cycle, with bikes being available to hire at the farm. The large equestrian centre has many horses with a training track and a competition track. Even if you’re not horse riding yourself they are interesting and beautiful to watch. The friendly staff organize all sorts of horse riding lessons and can take you for long or short treks around the surrounding woodlands and hills. If you’re an experienced rider you can also take a horse out for trekking by yourself. THE LOCATION: The agroturismo is less than an hour from Valencia with its international airport (transfers can 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

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

Just outside Altenmarkt im Pongau, in the heart of Salzburg, Austria’s winter sports region,  Romantische Appartements Sinnhubbauer is a beautifully situated organic farm stay, popular with families on holidays in summer and in winter as a base for skiing, with its easy access to the Ski Amadé and Zauchensee ski areas. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have both B&B rooms and self catering apartments in their traditional Austrian farmhouse and you’ll find all of them super clean, comfortable and modern, with flat screen TV, WiFi, private bathroom and a nice range of stylish wooden furniture. The B&B guests will be treated to a great breakfast every morning which includes organic ingredients from the farm like eggs and their own home made honey, yoghurt and jams. Outside in the gardens there is a large and very fun children’s playground with a game hut, swings, a sandpit, slides, go-carts, scooters, toy tractors, table football and table tennis. The farm is a working organic farm which is mainly busy with the production of milk from its around 40 dairy cattle. It has a number of different other animals too though; pigs, goats, rabbits, ducks and hens. There are some beehives at the farm too and it grows a range of organic fruits and vegetables. THE LOCATION: The area surrounding the farm is classic Salzburg, and famously beautiful in summer or winter; skiing and other winter sports dominate in winter, with some important resorts very near by, Ski Amadé and Zauchensee, for example, as well as a cross country ski route and a winter hiking trail right next to the farm. The nearest town is Altenmarkt im Pongau, less than 3km down the road. There you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops and bars and it gets busy with tourists both summer and winter. In summer there is some really great hiking and mountain biking trails around as well as fishing and horse riding. The farm owners will have plenty of recommendations for you and can arrange fishing and cycling trips from the farm, and they let you use their bikes for free. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Beautiful place. Nature surroundings, perfectly clean, outside space for kids, animals, possibility to READ MORE

In Saint-Damien, less than an hour from Quebec City, Canada, this family friendly farm stay is on a working goat farm with its own organic cheese factory. The accommodation is a two bedroom apartment which can host up to six people and with a full kitchen is fully self catering, though the friendly owners also serve a great fresh breakfast in the morning which includes of course some of their own home made cheeses. Guests are welcome to explore the farm, meet the animals and help out with the feeding or milking. The area around the farmstay has plenty to explore too. There is the Cycloroute bike trail for example which is about 7km from the farm and is a great way to travel the Bellechasse region. The Massif du Sud park and ski resort too is nearby and all around there are good hiking opportunities. READ MORE

Tenuta Santa Tecla is a serene organic agriturismo in a wonderful location outside the town of Acireale, near to both Taormina and Catania, Sicily, and close too to the Mt. Etna National Park. It sits on a hillside just 2km from the Mediterranean and has some stunning sea views. The farm itself produces a huge range of certified organic fruits and vegetables, including mandarin oranges, lemons and grapefruit and it also makes its own very good brand of extra virgin olive oil. They also have farm animals which guests are welcome to meet including hens, geese, donkeys and a few rare, in this part of the world anyway, Tibetan goats. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice self catering apartments and B&B rooms and suites, all of which are boutique hotel standard in terms of style, comfort, cleanliness, as well as facilities which include air con, mini bar, satellite LCD TV’s, and stylish bathrooms with walk in showers. One room, the ‘deluxe room’ also comes with its own whirlpool spa bath. The apartments can sleep up to four people and have all the above plus a spacious lounge area and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also a wellness centre at the property which includes a sauna/Turkish bath, a yoga area and massage services. Out in the beautifully tended traditional Mediterranean gardens there is a swimming pool, plenty of sun loungers and seating, a children’s play area and an archery range. The breakfast at the agriturismo is top class, much of their organic ingredients come fresh from the farm, and they are always happy to cater for dietary restrictions and special requests. THE FARM: Originally the agriturismo’s main focus was their extensive lemon orchards, this they extended in later years to include many other types of citrus fruits, and vegetables. All of their produce is certified organic and being keen gardeners, as well as farmers, the owners also have a botanic garden where you can see a huge variety of native and non native plant species, all of which are carefully marked and described individually. There are animals on site too; donkeys, goats, hens and geese, with a mini petting zoo which READ MORE

Near the city of Florence and nearer still to Leonardo’s home town of Vinci, Chianti, Tuscany, Agriturismo Colle da Vinci is a classically rustic hillside farmhouse surrounded by organic olive groves and enjoys some stunning views of the Montalbano Valley, especially from the ideally placed swimming pool in the gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are five pleasantly old style self catering farmhouse apartments, which can sleep up to four with one double bedroom and one double sofa bed in the lounge and children’s cots can also be provided if needed. You can check your options on the booking page here, and be advised there is a two night minimum stay. They are all spacious and well equipped and you’ll find them bright, airy and comfortable. Though the bathrooms err on the side of modern the general feel is of a homely, rustic Tuscan farmhouse, with wood beamed or brick ceilings, tiled floors and crisp white walls. WiFi and satellite flat screen TVs feature too though and the standards of comfort and cleanliness are certainly of the modern age. Outside they all have their own semi private space with table and chairs and with the agriturismo having such a wonderful hillside location there are wonderful views of the Montalbano Valley to be enjoyed from all around. The well tended gardens have a swimming pool from where you can also admire the views and in general there is plenty of space to lounge around or dine al fresco on the terraces or around the gardens. There’s a barbecue area too, and a play area for kids. The main business of the farm is in the making of organic extra virgin olive oil which guests are welcome to sample and of course also to buy to take home. You can also learn about farm work from the friendly owners; the processes involved in the growing and pressing of the olives etc. THE LOCATION: Agriturismo Colle da Vinci  is just outside Leonardo’s home town of Vinci (which is still, for historic reasons, actually a city) and also lies within the Montalbano Natural Park, which was once named Barco Reale, a famous hunting ground created by READ MORE

This lovely, classic Austrian agritourism near Goldegg, Salzburg has self catering accommodation on an organic farm with a large garden, a children’s playground including a trampoline, and a sun terrace. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two spacious, clean apartments at the farmstay; One has one bedroom which, with the help of a sofa bed in the lounge, can fit up to four people, and then there’s the two bedroom apartment which can fit up to 6.  There is WiFi throughout, satellite TV and a fully equipped kitchen. They also both have balconies which have beautiful views over the mountains; Goldegg and St. Johann. You’ll find a herb garden outside where you are free to pick your own herbs to cook with, and you can arrange for fresh bread and pastries to be delivered daily to your accommodation. Baby care equipment can be provided at the farm stay too and guests are of course welcome to use the ski storage room and the outdoor barbecue facilities. THE LOCATION: The Goldegg Ski Lift is just over a kilometre away by road but can be reached on foot or on skis too across the fields, just 400 metres away. There’s a golf course about five minutes away from the farmstay too, and a swimming lake, while farther afield the St. Johann and Alpendorf ski resorts are about 20-minute’s drive. In winter there is actually a bob sleigh run right on front of the farmhouse, and they owners are happy to let guests borrow their sled and bob. Horse riding is available a few minutes walk from the farm and there are all sorts of other outdoor activities within maximum 20 minute’s drive like rafting & canyoning at Rafting Center Taxenbach, skiing of course, plus ski jumping, tennis, beach volleyball, swimming, paragliding and almost anything else you can think of! Be sure to ask at the farmstay for recommendations. And of course if sports are not your thing the Goldegg, Salzburg region is still a fabulous place to spend time, with some of Austria’s and Europe’s most lovely scenery, fresh, clean air and a huge amount of rural peace and tranquility. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We READ MORE

In Mary Valley, near Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Yabbaloumba Retreat Farm Stay has upscale self-catering cottages on a working cattle and sheep farm and gets consistently high ratings as a romantic rural escape. The Accommodation: All the cottages have air conditioning & ceiling fans, a well appointed kitchen & diner, flat screen TV, and a spa bath for two. While outside you have a private terrace/porch area with electric BBQ facilities and seating. Upon arrival you’ll be presented with a complimentary bottle of wine and a cheese platter and though the accommodation is self catering there is also a generous breakfast hamper on offer with a whole range of things such as bacon, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, croissants as well as fresh orange juice and milk. For evening meals too you can order a fine home cooked meal hamper from the owners at the farm if you give them just a day’s notice. Feel free to explore their working farm which contains cattle, sheep and goats and also a fishing lake which is stocked with bass that you are free to catch. The Location: The pleasant town of Kenilworth is just over four miles away and there you have several good cafes and restaurants; McGinns Restaurant, the Bellbird Cafe and the Kenilworth Hotel for example. The immediate surroundings are deeply peaceful and rural and you’ll find plenty of opportunity for hiking, swimming and fishing nearby too. The drive from Sunshine Coast should take less than an hour while the journey up from Brisbane should take not much more than an hour and a half. Note: In line with the ‘rural escape’ theme, there is no WiFi, and no children or pets are allowed! WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Came home totally refreshed. Would definitely recommend this retreat….” “This is my go-to get away, peacefulness and beauty. The peace and serenity being disconnected. Lovely aspect with privacy by very thoughtful design. Very thoughtful and welcoming arrival….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT YABBALOUMBA RETREAT: READ MORE

Conveniently between Paris and Dijon, France, the child friendly Ferme de Flo has B&B accommodation on its busy little animal rescue farm which hosts a huge amount of animals; pigs, ponies, goats, hens, ducks and more, most of which had been abandoned by their previous owners but then found a loving home here. It’s sure to be a hit with the kids as they can have plenty of interaction with the animals but adults too will appreciate the comfortable accommodation, friendly hosts and the educational farm workshops and tours where you can learn about such things as sustainable agriculture, bread making and even how to drive a tractor. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have four B&B guest rooms, all with private bathroom, in the farmhouse as well as a very pleasant self catering cottage with one double/twin bed, three singles and one futon bed to sleep one or two more. All of the accommodation is clean and well maintained and the homemade breakfast is excellent. Guests in the self catering cottage can also enjoy the breakfast but for an extra charge and they can buy all sorts of locally produced food products at the on site shop for cooking with later. The main attraction at La Ferme de Flo are the animals. Over two hundred in total many of them had been abandoned by their owners and then rescued by the farm. They are all very friendly and well used to visitors and guests can partake in farm tasks as much as they like as well as learn a little about farming and taking care of animals. THE LOCATION: The farm is in the little village of Evry, between Paris and Dijon, on the north western edge of Burgundy, less than 100km from Paris and around 200 from Dijon. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Such a lovely and interesting place to stay. We really enjoyed our stay, lovely accommodation, very friendly, and best of all a tour of the farm which was great for the kids and very interesting. I would recommend Ferme de Flo 100%….” “It is really comfortable, spacious, the host is very friendly and warm, the breakfast is super. My READ MORE

Beside Barrington Tops World Heritage Area and the ancient Gondwana rainforest in New South Wales, Australia, The Tops is an award winning organic farmstay on a 2,000 acre estate.  THE ACCOMMODATION: Their accommodation is in the form of self contained, self catering cabins which are super comfortable and come with a full kitchen, a lounge with fireplace, bathroom with spa bath, and flat screen TV and WiFi. In the extensive grounds outside you’ll also find an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court. The food here is another big attraction, with most of the ingredients coming direct from the farm or from other local organic farms, and they specialize in a variety of Sri-Lankan curries as well as other more mainstream Aussie food. Vegetarians will be well taken care of too, as will anyone with other dietary restrictions. It’s open for breakfast 7 days a week and for dinner on Wednesday to Saturdays. There’s a nice lounge area too at the main farmhouse with comfortable couches around an open fire and guests can play snooker, pool and table tennis or sample some of The Tops’ full range of Rosnay organic wines, Cooper ales and various home made organic juices. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE FARM: Their huge farm, all two thousand acres of it, is home to cows, goats, horses, geese, ducks and hens as well as numerous native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, potoroos and rare white tailed eagles. Running through the farm there is two miles of the Dilgry River, well known as one of the cleanest in Australia, and a great fishing river. THE LOCATION: The farm stay is 2 hours from Newcastle and 3 and a half hours from Sydney, while the town of Gloucester is about 45 minutes away.  As mentioned before it is in an enviable setting; right beside Barrington Tops World Heritage Area with the ancient Gondwana Rainforest surrounding it.  Trips around, and tours of, the surrounding area can be organized at the farmhouse where you’ll find plenty of opportunity for fishing, horse riding, kayaking and mountain bike riding. WHAT READ MORE

Daisy Cottage is a charming self catering cottage on a working farm near Perth, the Avon Valley and the historic town of Northam. The farm which has sheep, horses and hens, has a long history with the main farmhouse being a wonderfully grand old mansion dating all the way back to 1836. THE ACCOMMODATION: The rustic cottage has two comfortable double bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a large lounge and dining area. Outside you have a nice veranda with plenty of space for lounging and outdoor dining, and has lovely views over the farm, the lake and the surrounding countryside. There is an outdoor swimming pool in the gardens too, and barbecue facilities. THE LOCATION: The farm is in the lovely Avon Valley, just over an hour north east of Perth, less than 15 minutes from the historic town of Northam and just over 20 from Toodyay. The area is very picturesque and famous for its wine and food. You’ll find many wineries in the area offering a whole host of wine tourism activities, and many great restaurants too. There is also plenty of wild open countryside around with great hiking trails around the nearby Avon Valley National Park and the Julimar State Forest. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Lovely rustic location, open farmland with sheep, horses and chickens. Full featured kitchen with plenty of cookware. Whole family loved it….” “The property is very picturesque. The cottage was well presented and very comfortable. It has very thing we needed and even a laundry. The main house is gorgeous. Perfect host, perfect for a night away or even a wedding….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT DAISY COTTAGE:   READ MORE

In a beautifully secluded spot along the coastal ring road about two hours south of Reykjavík, Iceland, and with easy access to the Westmann Islands ferry, Ásólfsskáli Farm has a two bedroom cottage on its working dairy farm with views over the volcanic mountain of Eyjafjöll. THE ACCOMMODATION: The cottage, close to the main farmhouse, is cosy and comfortable and can fit up to seven people; there’s one double bedroom, one twin with bunk beds, and in the living room there are two convertible futon type sofa beds. There is a TV too, plus a terrace and plenty of space outside with a barbecue, outdoor seating and also a hot tub. THE FARM: The farm is a large working dairy farm which guests are welcome to explore, and horse riding trips around the area can be arranged from a neighbouring farm. THE LOCATION: The area around is spectacular and superbly peaceful and has some great hiking trails, and you can also arrange horse riding trips with horses from a neighbouring farm. Among the well known sights around is Seljalandsfoss Waterfall about 13 km away. Isolated as this farmstay is, having your own transport would be best. You’ll not find many nearby places to stock up on groceries for example, the nearest place for that being Hvolsvöllur about 30km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Truly wonderful place, unbelievably beautiful setting. You have your own canyon right in your back yard. Great cows….” “Beautiful location and fantastic staff. I’d go back in a heartbeat….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ASOLFSSKALI FARM COTTAGE:   READ MORE

Just outside Portimão, in the rural hinterland of the Algarve, Portugal, Burro Ville farmstay is a wonderfully peaceful escape from the region’s busy coastline, with comfortable accommodation on its working cattle and donkey farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has a number of cosy self catering cottages, all with a kitchen and a lounge and dining area with flat screen cable TV and WiFi. Outside there’s a patio and on the spacious lawns you’ll find a nice swimming pool. And though it’s self catering, a very good breakfast is provided every morning and is included in the rate. THE FARM: The farm has both cattle and donkeys,  but when it comes to agritourism the main attraction are definitely the donkeys: All of them are of the Mirandesa breed; they are native to the Terra de Miranda region of north eastern Portugal and are wonderfully placid, friendly companions. They are ideal for donkey rides and this can be arranged to explore the farm and the surrounding area. There is plenty of opportunity for hiking and cycling in the local area too, just ask at the farm for advice and recommendations, and the friendly owners can also arrange child minding services for an extra fee. THE LOCATION: The farm stay offers peace and quiet but is still within easy reach of the Algarve. It’s just 17km from Rocha Beach, one of the Algarve’s most popular, while the Algarve International Racing Track is just 4km away. Faro airport is 80km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The staff are so helpful and very knowledgeable about the area. The scenery is amazing and it is so quiet I had the best night sleep in ages….” “We loved to be immersed in the beautiful spring landscape and the possibilities to get the kids so close to all the animals. The swimming pool design, slightly lifted above the ground, was perfect to be able to relax on the lawn while the kids (1yr and 5yr) were playing safely around…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BURRO VILLE: 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

This peaceful relaxing farm stay is near Perth, at the edge of the famous Swan Valley wine route. It’s only about 45 minutes drive from the centre of Perth in fact, and less again from the airport. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in the form of an ‘executive suite’; a spacious and very comfortable self catering chalet with a private entrance, a large lounge with flat screen satellite TV and DVD player, a well equipped kitchen and a double bedroom and bathroom. There is WiFi throughout, including the patio outside which comes with a private seating area and a full size hot tub overlooking the gardens. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE FARM: It’s very much a retreat from the city you’ll find; super quiet, peaceful and slow paced. You’ll have plenty of space to wander around the gardens which have a barbecue area and around the farm where you’ll find, amongst other animals, alpacas, horses and hens. You can also hire bikes directly from the farm for exploration of the beautifully rural surrounding area. THE LOCATION: The owners can give you good recommendations about what to do and see in the area. The area being the Swan Valley, famous for being one of Australia’s finest wine producing regions. Though the owners of Brigadoon don’t make wine they can still recommend some good wine and food tours of the Swan Valley and some other attractions that can be visited farther afield. Attractions such as the Bells Rapids trail for example which is only about 15 minutes drive from the farmstay, the Caversham Wildlife Park is less than a half an hour, and there are many wineries in the area. Having a car is a good idea in these parts, it needs to be said, because though it’s close to the city it’s still quite isolated and you’ll find only limited options getting around with public transport. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Yvonne was very friendly and ensured that we enjoyed ourselves! Even brought us out to feed their horses and alpacas. The house was really cosy as well! Great for travellers READ MORE

Near to St. Etienne and among the high plains of Haute-Loire, Auvergne France, this unusual farmstay has very cute self-catering accommodation for up to four people in wooden caravans, surrounded by vegetable gardens and a small working farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: The caravans are more comfortable than you might imagine and they come with a kitchen, a dining area and each has their own private bathroom and shower. You can also order meals from the farmhouse; The owners are excellent cooks and and have a range of local specialities that you can try, and if you want to cook some yourself they can even offer free cooking lessons! THE FARM: The small farm has a number of dairy cows and ducks and grows potatoes and a number of other vegetables. There is also a playground on the farm and games for kids to play. And they will also entertain themselves by meeting some of the animals. THE LOCATION: Chomelix is in the Haute-Loire, Auvergne department (now amalgamated to form Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), high on the Massif Central, traditionally thought of as France’s most isolated and poor region. Much of the area is around 1,000 meters above sea level and it can get snowbound frequently in winter. Still though it can be a truly gorgeous place for nature lovers; with wild and mysterious stretches full of dark forests and rocky hills. Chomelix itself is a slight step away from much of the barrenness of the Massif Central, and is a nice, unassuming little village, surrounded by farmland and forested hills, and has a gentle, relaxed pace of life. It sits at the edge of the Livradois-Forez National Park though and so you’ll find plenty of hiking in wild scenery, and it’s also not far from the spectacular Volcans d’Auvergne Park. The village itself wouldn’t be much visited by tourists but others in the area are: The main regional town Le Puy-en-Velay is a spectacular sight with its theatrical conical hills, and about 30 km away from the farmstay. Allegre, nearer still at about 10 km away is a pretty town with much history and has a nice position on the slopes of the Baury Volcano. READ MORE

Wacky Stays is just outside Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island and has a range of cute glamping accommodation on a working farm which guests are very welcome to explore and get to know some of the animals. You can choose from a colonial wagon, a yurt, a house truck/caravan, a tipi tent, a train carriage and a conventional, less ‘wacky’, two-bedroom farmer’s cottage. THE ACCOMMODATION: The Wagon: It can can sleep up to four, with two single beds and one double which can also be converted into two singles. It also has a small kitchen with a fridge, a microwave, toaster, kettle, etc. There is a small lounge area with a comfortable sofa, a widescreen TV and Blu-Ray/DVD player, air conditioning/ heater and the canvas roof is insulated with sheep’s wool. The Yurt: The 7 meter yurt is the real thing, imported all the way from Mongolia. It sits on a raised and insulated wooden floor and the walls, if that is the right word, are insulated with thick camel hair, which makes it wonderfully cool in summer, and warm in winter. It can sleep four, with one king size bed and two single beds, and separate to the unit, its own private bathroom and shower. The House Truck: The hand-crafted house truck  has a double bed (above the drivers cab),  a compact, well equipped kitchen, a lounge area with flat-screen TV & DVD player and traditional pot bellied stove (and electric heating too), and a toilet & separate shower. The Teepee: The large, 7-metre wide, teepee has, like the yurt, one king size bed and two singles and it too sits on a raised and insulated wooden floor. The walls are made from poly-cotton, waterproof, canvas with a semi insulated second layer. It has a separate bathroom with a shower and toilet. The Carriage: The carriage is a fully restored 1889 train carriage with two bedrooms; one with a double bed and the other with two bunk beds. There is a cute, compact bathroom there too with an antique toilet, sink and shower. The lounge area and kitchen are open plan and come with a TV and DVD player. The Farmer’s Cottage: READ MORE

This small, eco-friendly farm stay, just outside the town of Cambridge, New Zealand and only 15 minutes drive from Hamilton Airport, has very comfortable self-catering villas on a working organic farm. All of their quite luxurious accommodation includes a kitchen, private bathroom, a flat-screen TV with DVD player, under-floor heating, iPod docking station and free WiFi throughout. They serve a very good organic breakfast with fruit, honey, eggs and milk straight from the farm. The surrounding area is famously great for outdoor adventures and guests can borrow their bikes and kayaks for free. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing location and loved the cottage. Amazing decor, comfort, setting and surroundings – super special place to stay….” “The décor was tasteful, comfortable and romantic and the setting was quiet and private. The hosts were very friendly and welcoming and the breakfast was delicious, homemade and healthy. A lovely revitalizing retreat….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT EARTHSTEAD VILLAS:   READ MORE

On Bowen Island, just outside Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this gorgeous little cottage farm stay on a small farm is a very popular choice. The cottage has a kitchenette, lounge with fireplace, bedroom, bathroom. Outside you have a nice little patio with outside seats and barbecue facilities and you are free to wander around the farm and meet the animals and just take in the amazing views of the surrounding forests and mountains. There’s plenty of good hiking around here as you might imagine and your hosts will be more than happy to advise you plus you’ll find good fishing, canoeing and cycling opportunities too. The farm produces some quality home made food and they serve a great breakfast every morning. They have an on-site farm shop too where you can buy more of their produce to take home. Note: there is Wifi at the main building but the signal is very weak in the cottage itself.  WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The accommodation was beautifully presented and Jules was very friendly. Great views….” “Amazing cottage and property, amazing hostess, and beautiful island – worth a visit!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ALDERWOOD FARM COZY COTTAGE: READ MORE

Less than an hour from Melbourne city centre at the gateway to Victoria’s Yarra Valley, lies Raynella Alpaca Farm. It is a gorgeously peaceful, adults only, rural retreat surrounded by miles of open fields and with its own herd of adorable alpacas. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two air conditioned, self catering cottages on the farm. Both are one bedroom but come with an extra sofa bed in the lounge. As you will see on the booking page one is described as a one bedroom house the other as a one bedroom apartment. Both are very comfortable, clean and well equipped but the ‘house’ is that bit more spacious and plush, it comes with a spa bath in the bathroom for eg. and is worth the extra money. Check out all the details on the booking page here. Both are self catering but you will be supplied with a generous, fresh breakfast pack in the morning. THE LOCATION: The setting is beautifully rural and picturesque but still an easy drive from central Melbourne. You’re also close to at the beautiful Yarra Valley, one of Victoria’s rural highlights, with plenty of bushwalking, mountain biking, winery tours, farmer’s markets and good food and wine to enjoyed. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Perfect! Very spacious, clean, well appointed and comfortable . Would have liked to stay longer. Hosts provided transport for us to and from a wedding nearby, which was greatly appreciated. Home made bread and breakfast provisions were fabulous!.…” “Exceptional: This was a beautiful location. My partner and I went for a wedding in the area and decided to stay the weekend. We enjoyed the award winning nearby wineries and loved the serenity of this location. It was quiet and clean, with great facilities. Each day we enjoyed saying hi to the friendly alpacas and enjoyed feeding them. The baby alpacas were very cute. The staff were extremely accommodating and very friendly – We would come again…..” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT RAYNELLA ALPACA FARM STAY: READ MORE

Near to the Eifel national park in North-Rhine-Westphalia Germany, this very much family friendly farmstay is loved by children with its petting zoo of goats, hens and pigs, as well as treasure hunt activities and kids disco. It has cute self catering cottages and apartments all with a fully equipped kitchen and flat screen TV. It has its own cafe too; Cafe Heidehof, which is open throughout the day and serves up a great German buffet breakfast. There is also a nice terrace with barbecue facilities and the friendly reception team can organize events in the surrounding area such as mountain biking and archery. Skiing is also available in season at the nearby Weißer Stein winter sports centre. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Comfortable spot, nice for kids, loved the animals, nice playground. Lovely setting, friendly hosts….” “In the middle of stunning forest, very remote. Lovely animals and play area for children. Very friendly staff and warm welcome….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT PENSION HEIDEHOF: READ MORE

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

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

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 the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, Domaine du Haras de Saint-Pierre has a nice self catering apartment to sleep up to five on its horse farm/equestrian center. The location is great, within walking distance of the village of Saint Pierre, and surrounded by lots of those classic Alsatian vineyards. THE ACCOMMODATION: The apartment has two bedrooms; one with a double bed and the other with one double and one single. There is a nice, well equipped kitchen and a spacious lounge with a comfortable sofa and a dining area. If the weather’s good you also dine on the outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens which also have sun loungers, seating and a small children’s playground. Fresh organic food can be bought from the farm shop down the road and you’ll find some shops within walking distance in the little village of Saint Pierre. You’ll be left to your own devices here with the main activity at Domaine du Haras de Saint-Pierre being of course horse-riding. It’s a professional equestrian center with a great reputation in the region and guests are welcome to take part in all sorts of horse related activities, riding lessons, horse and pony tours, horse drawn carriage rides etc. You are in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route here and you can wander around on foot or on horseback some of the local vineyards. Wine tours and tasting sessions etc. can also be arranged. THE LOCATION: Domaine du Haras de Saint-Pierre is beside the village of Saint-Pierre, Alsace, 3km from the A35 motorway and 10 km from the lovely town of Obernai, famous for producing some of the best beer and wine in France. The A35 leads north to Strasbourg and south to Colmar, the journey to each being around 20 minutes. As mentioned above this is the Alsace Wine Route and many local vineyards are open to the public, with a huge amount of wine related activities to be enjoyed. It’s also just a lovely area to drive around, with rolling green hills, pretty villages and medieval chateaux in every direction. Another notable and pretty unusual sight in the area is the Monkey Mountain, READ MORE

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

Near the town of Muro Leccese, Puglia, Italy and about an hour from Brindisi airport, this very popular agriturismo farm stay has a range of B&B and self catering accommodation in an 18th century farmhouse surrounded by an olive oil and corn producing farm. All their apartments and studios are spacious, clean and comfortable with private bathroom, WiFi, flat screen TV and kitchenette, and outside guests can relax in the well kept gardens which has a swimming pool and a large outdoor dining area. They have a full restaurant on site with a choice of traditional local dishes, and the food is truly superb. They also offer cooking lessons for guests, as well as horse riding excursions, bicycle hire and swimming lessons. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Lovely warm welcome, very friendly staff, excellent food, very relaxing and stunning setting. Great pool too. Lots of excellent beaches and gorgeous towns to visit within a short drive….” “A delightful oasis with spectacular pool and friendly staff- home away from home!…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT TENUTA SANT ANDREA: READ MORE

Quinta da Tapada Agroturismo has self catering accommodation in a lovely traditional farmhouse near the old city of Evora, and the medieval village of Evoramonte, Alentejo, Portugal. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have studio, one and two double bedroom cottages, all of which are modern and clean with a lounge and kitchenette, and come with air-con, flat screen TV and WiFi. The studio has one double bed, as has the one bedroom unit but there is also a sofa bed in the lounge of the one bed unit which can fit one more person. The accommodation is self catering but also included in the price is a great buffet breakfast every morning full of fresh local produce some of it from their own farm. Outside there is a terrace area and extensive gardens where you’ll find beautifully tended lawns, ancient olive trees, a swimming pool and barbecue facilities. And there’s the farm too of course which you’re welcome to have a look around, with sheep, goats, pigs and hens, and a range of fruits, herbs and vegetables. THE LOCATION: The small, typically Alentejo, town of of Vimieiro is just down the road, about ten minutes walk away or less than two minutes drive. There you can find a supermarket, a few small shops, and nice restaurants and cafes. The land is flat in these parts and great for long walks, or for cycling and you can hire bikes for free at the farmhouse. Farther afield there is the medieval village of Evoramonte just 13km away and the famously beautiful and historic city of Évora 40km away. There you can marvel at its UNESCO protected historic centre and its many highlights such as the Roman era Temple of Diana and the 12th century Gothic Cathedral the Sé de Évora. Lisbon, and its international airport, is around an hour away directly to the west, and transfers to and from the farm stay can be arranged. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We absolutely loved our stay. The houses are traditional Alentejo style homes surrounded by beautiful scenery. Our room was more like a little apartment as it had its own kitchenette. The staff was incredibly nice and helpful. 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

Agriturismo Nurazzolas has highly rated self catering accommodation in a wonderfully peaceful location just minutes from the the east coast of Sardinia. The farm is eco-friendly and organic, producing extra virgin olive oil, various vegetables as well as keeping animals; donkeys, goats, peacocks and chickens. THE ACCOMMODATION: The main farmhouse is divided up into four apartments each with a living room, fully equipped kitchen, one or two bedrooms (to sleep up to four, ie. with one double and two single beds), and each comes with nice private terrace area with views of the surrounding countryside and the sea in the distance. The Nurazzolas farmhouse has been designed along eco- friendly principles; their electricity needs come from solar panels and they have a wastewater purification and recycling irrigation system in place. Their farm is also organic and though the accommodation is self catering they provide you with fresh organic ingredients to make your daily breakfast with. Their goats produce milk which goes into home made yoghurt which you are welcome to try, the same going for their organic extra virgin olive oil and vegetables. The views are splendid from the farmhouse, and from around the farm, and you are just minutes away from the warm, welcoming waters of the Mediterranean. THE LOCATION: This quiet, unassuming, countryside and villages around Agriturismo Nurazzolas have much historical heritage; the 700 year old hilltop Castle of Quirra and the nearby Tower of Murtas, which have stunning sea views, for example, or the sacred well of Is Pirois and the Romanesque, riverside, 13th century church of San Nicola, to name but a few. The coastal area here, around Porto Corallo, is interesting and diverse with a long sandstone interrupted by the River delta of the Flumendosa with numerous creeks where once coral fragments were found. There is some very nice hiking to be found around here, both inland and along the coast, and you are also close to some of the more well known tourist centres and beaches of Sardinia’s east coast; Costa Rei, Capo Ferrato, Arbatrax, Villasimius and Dorgali to name but a few. The owners of Agriturismo Nurazzolas know the area well and will have READ MORE

This very popular organic & eco-friendly farm stay is just outside the city of Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast, with the nearest beach, Meia Praia, just four kilometres away while Faro airport is about 60 km. The farm produces a large range of organic fruit and vegetables in the fields and gardens, which you can buy for cooking at one of their self catering cottages, all of which come with a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge area with a flat screen TV, and a double bedroom and bathroom. They also have a small terrace at the front and outdoor seating space overlooking the gardens and the surrounding countryside. Apart from the beaches of the Algarve, the area around Quinta das Seis Marias is great for exploring; you’ll find plenty of places to go hiking and cycling, and you can hire bikes for free straight from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Beautiful environment and comfortable accommodation. Able to pick herbs, tomatoes etc. right outside the front door….” “Fantastic! The hospitality, the place, the breakfast. It was amazing. They are doing everything to make it comfortable for you. Quiet place, close to the beach and the city….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT QUINTA DAS SEIS MARIAS:   READ MORE

Pietra Campana is a very highly regarded agriturismo farm stay B&B with a stunning setting; a 17th-century hillside manor farmhouse overlooking the town of Orvieto, Umbria, Italy. They have a selection of modern comfortable suites and apartments, each having a lounge area with flat screen TV and DVD players and the apartments having a full kitchen. All the accommodation options, self catering included, come with a great Italian breakfast buffet including some of their own home made organic cakes and jams. There is free WiFi throughout, and small pets can come and stay but you’re asked to let them know before you arrive. The farmhouse is surrounded by acres of olive groves which you are welcome to wander around, and from where you can also enjoy more of the lovely views. The friendly owners make their own olive oil at the agriturismo, as well as various jam and soaps, all of which you’re welcome to sample and of course to buy to take home if you so wish. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing magical place with the most accommodating, friendliest and thoughtful hosts!…” “The view of Orvieto from our room was spectacular! The space was beautiful and perfect for our family. Little extras made it feel very special. Frederica was fantastic and made sure everything was perfect for our stay. Wish it was longer, such a beautiful area….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT AGRITURISMO PIETRA CAMPANA:   READ MORE

A family run vineyard & agriturismo, Baglio Vecchio offers peace, tranquility and rustic old world charm in the wilds of North West Sicily. The property is an 18th century baglio, a traditional Sicilian farmhouse, which has been respectively restored and retains the atmosphere of a bygone era without sacrificing modern comforts. The food here is consistently excellent, you can sample some fine Sicilian traditional dishes with most of the ingredients coming from the farm, and all accompanied by the agriturismo’s very own wine. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have ten rooms in total, two quadruples, one triple, six doubles and one single, in the main farmhouse building and six self catering apartments in the nearby renovated storehouse to sleep up to four people each. They all have a rustic vibe with soothing pastel coloured walls and and some nice antique furniture, but they also have air-con, satellite TV, private bathrooms and WiFi for example, and you’ll generally find the accommodation super comfortable, and clean. The 50 seat restaurant, as mentioned above, has some terrific traditional Sicilian food & wine on offer and they are happy to cater for guests with dietary restrictions. Outside in the grounds there is a swimming pool and the whole property is surrounded by olive groves, grape vines and a beautifully peaceful, nearly 30 acre, stretch of old woodland that is lovely to wander around. You are also welcome to join in some of the activities around the farm such as, in season, harvesting the olives or grapes, and you can also try your hand at the ancient lawn bowling sport of bocce, play ping pong, go horse riding or take one of the farm’s bikes to explore the surrounding area. THE LOCATION: Tucked away near the coast of north west Sicily, the journey from Palermo should take less than an hour and a half, from Trapani less than an hour and from Marsala, less again. Rural Sicily has a wealth of ancient ruins and the area surrounding the agriturismo is no different. The ruins of the ancient Greek city of Selinunte, are just 10 km away on the coast with Segesta too being just 40km away. Both are READ MORE

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

On a 60 hectacre working organic farm producing extra virgin olive oil and award winning red and white wines, this delightful Agriturismo near San Gimignano and the cities of Siena and Florence, Tuscany, has a lovely hillside setting with tremendous views over the surrounding countryside. THE ACCOMMODATION: They offer a range of rustic style self-catering apartments, which have wood beamed ceilings and terracotta floors, a living room/lounge area and a kitchen plus their own private garden with seating. There is a lot of lovely space outside, with a swimming pool, a playground and plenty of space to dine or to relax and just take in the Tuscan sun, surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves. THE FARM, THE FOOD & THE WINE: Their farm is a full 60 acres of vineyard and olive groves and has won awards for its wine, both whites and reds as well as that Tuscan classic dessert wine, Vin Santo.  It also produces a large amount of extra virgin olive oil, with around 2500 olive trees on the farm. All of it is organic which requires an extra level of care and attention and the owners are happy to share some of the secrets with guests. They do full tours of the farm, the winery and the production lines, and their enthusiasm for the craft is infectious. Of course you are welcome to buy some of their produce to take home or you can even arrange to have it shipped home for you after your departure. THE LOCATION: Even by Tuscan standards this farmstay has an enviable location being just three kilometers from the gorgeous medieval town of San Gimignano. It is surrounded by classically beautiful Tuscan countryside, and being nearly 350 meters above sea level, the views are quite special, and make it a quite inspiring place for painters and photographers. It is also on the ancient pilgrimage route; the Via Francigena, which in medieval times ran from England, France and Switzerland all the way down through Italy to Rome. You can walk or cycle along the route and also take in some of the local historical religious sights like the Sanctuary of Madonna di Pancole, READ MORE

Just outside outside the town of Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, and very near the Jenner ski resort, this lovely working farm stay has fabulous views of the Bavarian Alps. It provides spacious 2 bedroom self-catering apartments with full kitchen, living room and bathroom. They all come with nice balconies, flat screen TV and WiFi. There is a large well kept garden with BBQ facilities, and it’s ideal for kids too, there’s a playground, and they’re more than welcome to have fun helping out on the farm. There surrounding area is great for hiking and biking, as mentioned the Jenner Ski Resort is just 8km away, with other attractions like the Berchtesgaden salt mines and Lake Königssee for example also within very short reach. Bavaria’s capital Munich is about an hour and a half to the north west while Salzburg, in neighbouring Austria, can be reached in around a half an hour. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Fantastic! The owners were very kind and the apartment was very comfortable. I loved the mountains around the area too….” “Fantastically idyllic location with easy access to beautiful hiking trails; optimal if you like it a bit out of the way. Very friendly and courteous hostess, who helped us with great excursion tips. Cozy apartment with great views from the balcony!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAUERNHOF VORDERSTIEDLER: READ MORE

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

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

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

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

Heggy’s Farm Cottage near to both Kangaroo Valley & Berry, NSW, is a gorgeous rural retreat on a hilltop overlooking the typically green hills that are a classic feature of this part of rural NSW. The cottage itself is quaint, charming and very well appointed, but it comes second to its fabulous surroundings; the beautifully tended gardens, the farm and bushland, and the lovely views all around. THE ACCOMMODATION: The homely little cottage can sleep a maximum of two, and is fully self catering and fully private. There is a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge area and one double bedroom and bathroom. Though modern, super clean and comfortable, the cottage, quiet refreshingly, doesn’t have any WiFi or TV; it is a place to switch off, though it does have a radio! You can choose to have as much or as little interaction with the friendly farm owners as you like. The farm itself is a fully working farm, with cattle, hens and honey bees. It has won awards for some of its food, with its home spun honey, jams and chutneys, being especially popular. To try some for yourself you will be offered a great, complimentary, gourmet breakfast basket to start the day with which includes fresh homemade bread and farm eggs, and of course their famous honey. You can also of course welcome to buy some of the farm produce to take home. The farm and the bushland that surrounds is lovely to wander around and has various walking trails that can be explored, and guests will also have facilities like the swimming pool and tennis courts at their disposal. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: Near the famous Kangaroo Valley and to the town of Berry, NSW, the farm stay is a great base for exploring both. For those not familiar with the area you can read all about it here, but to sum up; this very lovely and very fertile part of rural NSW has long been famous for its rich agricultural tradition, then graduated into being equally famous for various forms of nature and READ MORE

Just 500 metres from the shores of the North Sea in the heart of North Frisia, Germany, Familie Wulff farm stay offers lovely bright and clean self-catering apartments with balcony, full kitchen and satellite TV. There’s a bike rental place nearby and its a great area to explore by bike. It’s very close to the village of Bredstedt and the famous Wattenmeer mudflats and also near the lovely traditional Fresian town of Hüsum. Kids can enjoy the games room, and play area with swings and trampoline. There are also horse stables on the farm and horse riding can be arranged. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “It was all exceptionally great……Many thanks for everything…We look forward to the next visit….” “Top location for ornithologists and nature photographers. Very nice and helpful hosts, functional and cozy apartment, ideal for bird and nature watching located on the northern edge of the NSG Beltringharder Koog, the Wadden Sea and the Halligen and only ten minutes away from the NSG Hauke Haien Koog….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAUERNHOF FAMILIE WULFF: READ MORE

Climbing out of bed in a luxury glamping tent to the nearby chatter of friendly llamas sounds like a uniquely lovely way to start the day, and even more so when it is in the heart of one of France’s most charming rural regions, the infamous Loire Valley; the Garden of France.  The family friendly & pet friendly Loire Valley Llama Farm Stay, between Le Mans and Tours, offers visitors two Lotus Belle tents on their 17 acre farm with llamas and hens.  All of which are happily free range, and friendly to visitors; this place is not some large commercial farming venture, it is a blissfully peaceful, little rural idyll, with a mixture of pastureland, woodland, (as well as a lake and a stream), and somewhere where the welfare of the farm animals (and the farm guests of course!) comes first. Note: The llama farm is a small intimate affair, with just two tents available to rent, so booking ahead is advised! THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two clean and comfortable rooms at the farmhouse; a double and a twin (one double and one single) and outside in the gardens there are two spacious, nicely furnished, tents offer ‘back to nature’ escapism without the need to sacrifice comfort. The tents have room for up to 4 or 5 sharing, and are made up as either a double bed with a pull out day bed converting to another double, or a King size bed with two single beds. All of them are proper, framed, beds with Egyptian cotton bedding and you’ll find them reliably comfortable every night. You’ll have an insulated PVC layer on the tent windows for the winter as well as a mesh layer on the windows and doors to keep you cool and keep the mosquitoes at bay in the summer.  Plus, from late September, wood log burners are installed in the tents keeping them perfectly warm and cosy. Within 50m you’ll find the renovated barn where the shared bathroom facilities are, and include 2 separate toilets and a shower room. Outside of the tents there is a private seating area plus also, a little farther away, a large communal dining area next to READ MORE

Chateau Monteil is a stunning private chateau for rent in the beautiful Dordogne region of Aquitaine, France, near the medieval town of Sarlat la Caneda and close to the famous Lascaux Caves. THE ACCOMMODATION: It’s an extremely spacious property that can sleep up to twenty people quite happily. It has a total of six bedrooms and suites with varying number of beds (check on the booking page), five bathrooms, a large lounge which includes a snooker table and TV, a very well equipped kitchen and outside some nicely tended gardens and terraces which include a heated swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. The friendly owners of Chateau Monteil live very nearby and will always be on hand should you have any issues. Their farm is beside the chateau  and there you can admire their flock of rare and unusual Cameron Sheep, as well as their friendly free range hens. The owners are excellent cooks too and if needs be they can also supply you with some quality food. For breakfast you can order some freshly baked croissants, baguettes, pan au chocolat & pan aux raisins for example, and in the evenings treat yourself to a fantastic 6 course home cooked meal featuring local delicacies, and where dietary limitations can be cared for with a bit of advanced notice. A supply of some fine wines can be ordered too, with the latest wine list from local suppliers always at your disposal. THE LOCATION: The Dordogne Valley is a famously beautiful region, one of France’s most beautiful in fact and has long enchanted cultured tourists from around the world with its deep green countryside, charming villages and wonderful food and wine. The chateau itself is in the Eastern Dordogne, in the cute little hamlet of Calviac en Perigord which is just over a kilometer from the Dordogne River and about 15 minutes from the gorgeous medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. It will of course be very tempting to stay around the enormous comfort of the chateau for the duration of your stay but there is also so much to see and do in the surrounds. Beyond leisurely tours around the country roads or equally leisurely READ MORE

La Mezzaluna Fra Le Mura is a friendly farm stay agriturismo near Perugia, Umbria. It has self catering apartments at its hillside farmhouse with some lovely views and a swimming pool in the large gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of 3 self catering apartments in the rustic farmhouse that can sleep up to four people. All of them have a lounge/dining room and kitchenette and there is plenty of outside space to explore, with nice gardens, a swimming pool and views over the farm and the surrounding hills. The friendly owners also offer cooking classes where you can learn how to make various traditional recipes. The food is excellent; they serve up a great buffet breakfast in the morning and you can order meals throughout the day at their informal farm restaurant. THE FARM: It is a working farm with various animals including cows, pigs and hens. They also grow olives on the farm and make their own olive oil, and some nice traditional home made jams too, which you are of course welcome to sample, and to learn how to make. THE LOCATION: The location is a major attraction with this agriturismo, it is surrounded by the typically Umbrian rolling green hills, with olive trees and orchards all around. It’s about 5km from the shores of Lake Trasimeno and its natural park, which is a popular weekend day trip from Perugia. Perugia is about 45 minutes by car and there are many small villages and town around that are worth a visit. Less than 3 km down the road in fact is the lovely hilltop town of Panicale; it’s small place, with a population of only about 500, but it has a rich medieval history and a grand 17th-century theatre that is still going strong; Teatro Caporali. Another similar town about 20km to the south west is Città della Pieve, It too has a nice hilltop setting and is also famous for being the birthplace of the renowned Renaissance era painter Pietro Perugino. Castiglione del Lago, on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, is just about 13km from the agriturismo, and is yet another beautiful little town. There are many more, 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

Minimbah is a lovely, very family friendly, Kangaroo Valley retreat with three spacious self catering cottages on its 150 acre working farm, which is surrounded by rainforest and has a number of friendly animals including cows, goats, alpacas, sheep and hens. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is one 6 bedroom cottage, one three bedroom and one two bedroom cottage to choose from. All of which are spacious, comfortable and well equipped, and with the help of some sofa beds and bunk beds have a maximum occupancy of 16, 11 and 8 respectively. Check them all out on the booking page here. They lie on one side of the farm, roughly 80 metres from each other, but are nicely set to ensure enough privacy for each. There is much to see and do around the farm, especially, but certainly not exclusively, for kids, though they do have a ‘kid’s fort’ playground with plenty of fun games to keep them occupied. Guests are free to wander the farm as they please and help feed the friendly alpacas and goats, collect eggs, paddle in the creek, have a picnic or go wildlife spotting where, with a bit of patience, you can see a remarkable amount of wildlife; kookaburras, lyre birds, wedge tailed eagles, echidnas, kangaroos, wombats and more. Note: there is  no WiFi. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: Minimbah Farm is just a kilometre and a half from the quaint Kangaroo Valley village, which makes for a pleasant walk through some lovely verdant countryside. There you’ll find some nice cafes, restaurants and shops and from where you can organize all sorts of the outdoor activities which are a typical feature of a holiday in Kangaroo Valley; boat trips down the river, hot air ballooning, horse riding, visits to wineries etc. You are also close to NSW’s south coast and some great beaches, with Shoalhaven Heads (half an hour) and Jervis Bay (one hour) within driving distance. The journey from Sydney should take less than two hours. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Our kids, ages ranging from 2-7 had the most amazing time READ MORE

This peaceful, friendly farm stay near Sydney NSW, overlooks the Kangaroo Valley and has lodge style accommodation on a working horse & cattle farm with some really gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Horse riding is a big feature at the farmstay; you can arrange lessons and trail rides that are among Australia‘s most beautiful, into the Morton National Park right next door for example, through rainforests and even right up to the top of Mt. Moollootoo. Kids too can enjoy a ride on one of their ponies. THE ACCOMMODATION: The self catering accommodation is in the form of old style timber lodges; the bigger lodge can accommodate up to eight people, with two separate double bedrooms and four single bunk beds in the lounge area. There are also two bathrooms, a fully equipped open plan kitchen and lounge with an open log fire, and there’s a barbecue area just outside the door. The smaller mini lodge has an open plan lounge & kitchen, bathroom and a mezzanine level above with a queen size bed. The sofa in the lounge area also opens out into a double bed so it can a fit a total of four people. There’s a barbecue area just outside the door too. Note: For a digital detox there is no WiFi! PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE FARM: It’s a working farm with a herd of cattle and dozens of horses. The owners are horse experts and enthusiasts, and have years of experience of horse riding, teaching and exploring the local area on horseback. The farm itself leads on to Mt. Moollootoo and has sections of open pasture land, rainforest and open bush that leads into Morton National Park. All of which makes it a really special place for horse riding and there are dozens of fantastic trails that the owners are always happy to guide you around. You can head up through the rainforest to the top of Mt Moollootoo from where the views are simply spectacular, taking in Morton Park, the Kangaroo River & Lake Yurunga. They have a few friendly READ MORE

The eco-friendly Crystal Creek Meadows has four very private, luxury guest cottages on their small farm in the midst of some typically gorgeous Kangaroo Valley countryside, just 3km from Kangaroo Valley village itself. It’s very much a place to relax and recuperate and guests can treat themselves to yoga classes and various day spa and massage packages in the privacy of their cottage or in a secluded spot in the grounds. THE ACCOMMODATION: You have a choice between the one double bedroom cottages; the Billabong and the Jolly Jumbuck, and the two double bedroom; the Fleur Farm and Rose Garden. Check them out on the booking page here. All are spacious and super clean and comfortable with King and Queen size beds and particularly plush bathrooms with free standing bathtubs and stocked with the owners’s own organic, handmade aromatherapy products. Other facilities include WiFi, satellite TV & DVD, cosy log fires and top of the range kitchens. The accommodation is self catering but you can enjoy a generous deluxe breakfast hamper in the mornings supplied by the farm owners, which include some free range farm eggs, home-baked scones and a range of herbal teas. Evening meals too can be arranged with a little advanced notice and if cooking your own you can feel free to pick some of the ingredients; organic fruit, vegetables and herbs straight from the gardens. You can while away the time at Crystal Creek just relaxing and detoxing from the city, but you can also go wildlife spotting, fruit or flower picking, picnicking or night time star gazing. If you want to tour further afield, around the enchanting Kangaroo Valley, you can borrow one of the farm’s bikes. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: Kangaroo Valley village is just 3km away from the farm and so you are very central to all that the Valley has to offer. There is much to do and see in the surrounding area, much of it food and wine based, but lots of outdoor sports, hot air ballooning, boat trips and the like can be arranged too. READ MORE

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

This 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 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

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 in 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 gite. 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 READ MORE

Near Perugia and just outside the town of Collazzone, Umbria, Italy, San Giovanni al Monte farm stay has stunning views from its rustic, classic old Italian farm house surrounded by olive trees and woodland. They have a mixture of self catering and B&B accommodation in rustic, stylish rooms and apartments, all with private bathroom and TV, while the apartments also have a full kitchen, lounge with fireplace and a patio, and there are barbecue facilities for guests to use in the gardens. They serve a really good Italian breakfast including some home-made marmalade and cakes. They make olive oil on the farm too and the owners are always happy to explain the processes to guests and can organize tasting sessions. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The two bedroom apartment was very comfortable for the two couples. The outside space was perfect and what a view. Host was very sweet. Setting on the top of a ridge and the valley view was spectacular, especially the sunsets. Loved the olive groves, gardens and chickens on the property. …” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AND TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SAN GIOVANNI AL MONTE: READ MORE

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

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

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

A classic West Country retreat between Taunton and Bridgwater in the heart of beautiful Somerset; Hunstile Organic Farm has a mixture of B&B and self catering accommodation in a wonderfully atmospheric 15th-century farmhouse surrounded by green fields where the friendly owners keep a number of dairy cattle, pigs and around the farmhouse, hens. They also grow vegetables and medicinal herbs on their fully organic farm, and they serve an award winning breakfast each morning with much of the ingredients coming straight from the farm. All their rooms and self catering apartments are cosy, clean and tastefully furnished, all with private bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi, and there’s a nice shared lounge at the property too, where you can get drinks and snacks all day. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “100% would stay again…in fact, I have just booked again! Beautiful scenery, very friendly staff, room was spacious and the shower was absolutely to die for. Wish I could’ve stayed a bit longer and seen the pigs/chickens/animals, but had to rush off for work….” “Amazing!! The whole place has a lovely wholesome feel to it, will come back again!…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE HUNSTILE ORGANIC FARM: 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

This historic western style dude ranch in Big Sky, Montana, near the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, scores top marks for horseback riding and fishing (The Gallatin river runs right through the farm) and the impressive scenery that surrounds it. They have a variety of very smart apartments and cottages all with cable TV and WiFi and some cottages contain a full kitchen or at least a kitchenette.Their highly rated seasonal restaurant (from June to the end of October and mid-December to the end of March) has Western style food and an extensive wine list. They organize horse riding tours around the nearby mountains and in winter, sleigh rides, and the friendly staff can also arrange things like babysitting, laundry and concierge services. They’ve got a business meeting hall too and in summer the garden is always good for a BBQ. READ MORE

This lovely, North Island, family friendly, farm stay has great views over the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel mountain ranges and is home to many animals; sheep, horses, hens, pigs and a goat. You’re more than welcome to watch or help out with looking after the animals. The friendly owners have ponies too that can be ridden, and there are several lovely hiking and walking trails in and around the farm. Accommodation is in the form of very comfortable self-catering cottages with full kitchen and WiFi and there’s also a communal lounge area which offers a 3D TV, and an great outdoor barbecue area. The surrounding area is beautifully scenic, nearby the Coromandel mountains and Tararu Bay only about 8 minutes away by car. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Absolutely stunning views from the farm down to Thames bay over the lush forest. A very quiet and secluded place like nothing we have seen before….” “A slice of paradise….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FOR NIGHTINGALE FALLS RETREAT:   READ MORE

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

This popular dude ranch is just outside Sandpoint Idaho, U.S.A., in the middle of beautiful surroundings with great trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, sleighing and winter sports, especially cross country skiing. There’s plenty to do at the farmhouse too with evening entertainment, a cosy shared lounge, a recreation room, an outdoor hot tub, a library, a children’s playground as well as meeting and banquest facilities. All of their cosy comfortable rooms have private bathroom and WiFi as standard and come with free breakfast, while their western style self-catering log cabins come with the same plus full kitchen and lounge but minus the breakfast. READ MORE

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

Kimaro, near Colmery, is a gorgeously rustic little farmhouse hidden away in some of Burgundy, France’s loveliest countryside. The self catering cottage date back to the 19th century and though it is been fully renovated and very well equipped, it still oozes old style charm, and is tastefully and stylishly furnished throughout. The farmland around is 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: The cottage is self catering and can sleep up to four over 2 bedrooms. The main bedroom has a double bed, with the second having a pair of bunk beds. Babies/very small children can also be accommodated with an extra cot. It also has a bathroom with shower, a separate toilet, a well furnished kitchen, and a cosy lounge and dining area with a traditional wood heater. Outside there is a grapevine covered terrace with some lovely views over the gorgeously peaceful countryside that surrounds. As mentioned, the accommodation 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 READ MORE

A 17th-century house next to a 15th-century castle in the peaceful countryside of Wexford, Ireland, Killiane Castle offers very highly rated self catering and B&B accommodation. They have a range of spacious, comfortable rooms with private bathroom and TV plus one and two bedroom self catering apartments. Freshly cooked each morning, their great breakfasts include home made bread, eggs from the farm’s free range hens, fruit and home-made yoghurt. In the castle gardens they have a tennis court, croquet lawn, pitch-and-putt course and a golf driving range. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “There is nothing I would fault. I never sit in a communal area in a hotel or guesthouse but this whole house had such character I sat by the fire and relaxed soaking up the atmosphere….” “A brilliant place to stay. Fabulous property. Great room. Lots of facilities, golf, croquet, good walks….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT KILLIANE CASTLE:   READ MORE

This organic farm stay B&B, near Brisbane, Queensland, on Australia’s Sunshine Coast and just 10 minutes from Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, has a large spacious suite on its small (by Australian standards!) farm with cows, alpacas, pigs and hens. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have three accommodation choices. There is the sleek, modern and spacious, suite which has its own separate lounge area with flat screen TV, DVD player and ipod docking station. It also comes with a kitchenette, plus an en-suite bathroom with a nice old style claw foot bathtub. Then there is the cosy ‘tiny house on wheels’ which has 2 bedrooms, 1 of which has a queen-sized bed, the other 2 single beds. There is a TV, reverse-cycle air-conditioning, a full kitchenette and a large terrace outside where you’ll find a BBQ. Finally it has a small bathroom with a shower and compost (no smell!) toilet. Note: the ‘tiny house on wheels’ accommodation involves stairs and a climbing ladder and is not suitable for children under the age of 7. Finally there is the bungalow which has two bedrooms, one with a king size bed and the other with two king size singles. It has a nice bathroom with a claw foot bath tub, and a kitchen and lounge. Outside there is a large outdoor terrace area with seating and a barbecue. Check out all your options on the booking page here. Guests have access to the entire farm and are welcome to help out with farm tasks such as feeding the animals, collecting fresh eggs etc. They also have an organic vegetable garden and the friendly owners give kitchen garden workshops where you can learn how to create your own organic garden at home. There is a common lounge at the farm with books and board games, and there is WiFi throughout. The accommodation is self catering but you’ll also be treated to a great organic breakfast in the morning, included in the rate, and breakfast and BBQ dinner hampers can be provided on request. THE LOCATION: As mentioned the farm is conveniently just 10 minutes away from the world famous Australia Zoo, a definite must visit in the READ MORE

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