With absolutely no apologies to the Bard of Avon;

“……Tariffs me to not scam me.                                                                                                        I’ll have the grounds, and the house                                                                                            No more relaxitive than this. The stay’s the thing                                                                      Wherein I’ll catch the relaxation of a king….”

Every so often you run across “the real deal”.   Most often when we use that expression, we mean, “the genuine article”, the superlative, the sublime, etc.    As true would be, the added quality of value.   Our recent stay at Lois Barns, near Wincanton, Somerset, UK qualifies in spades.   I’ve written an informal review of the lodging, which is a renovated swine barn of many years ago, (no trace, or smell, of a piggery now!).  In that initial missive, I included some photos of the exterior of the place and have received several requests for photos of the interior – which follow.

Here’s where the value readily manifests itself.  I’ve used Air BnB, Homeaway.com, VRBO and other lodging booking services many, many times, both domestically in the U.S. and abroad, since I greatly prefer the relaxation of a home stay, not to mention the convenience of having actual cooking and most often, clothes washing capabilities.  I pack light (most of the time) and don’t mind having a libation while the clothes are in the wash.   These items are available in almost all rental homes.  What is much less common are the qualities of the hosts.  Which is why I’m writing about Chris and Tanya, owners and operators of Lois Barns.

                                          Tanya and Chris Peatroy, owners of Lois Barns

Quietly witty, forever patient with the questions of the insanely curious – “How does your septic system work out here in the country?”, “why are there numbers painted on the sheep?”, and “is the nearby pub really not good for a meal?”  Add to this, being hospitable and friendly without being intrusive.  These qualities are actually, in my experience, rarely found in hosts/operators of rental properties.  In fact, I’ve rented several houses and have never even met a live person – just received an email telling me where the key is and please mind the new kitchen countertops!

All of that, packaged with a completely comfortable and relaxing home with thoughtful attention to what short stay tenants will need, and want – makes Lois Barns a winner!

Max’s lodging long and short of it (mostly short):

• 3 bedrooms sleeping six, all can be configured as king beds or oversized singles.  All bedrooms, (2 up, one down) feature original wooden beams with whimsical cross ties in the upstairs bedrooms.
• Full kitchen with four burner stove (cooker) and oven.  All needed table service, cooking utensils and table seating for six.
• Two baths, one up and one down.  Downstairs is 3/4 bath with a nice shower cube, upstairs has an excellent soaking tub with hand shower and plenty of hot water for that nice soak.
• Large living room with wood stove and entertainment center featuring a couple of hundred channels for the video-dependent.
• Very nice outdoor seating on the rear patio with table and seats for six under a grape-arbor. Additional benches and charcoal grill.
• Excellent rural views all around with horses, cattle and sheep-oh my!
• No noise made by anything other than soothing animal sounds – (this is a refined working farm).
• 7 minutes to Wincanton with it’s truly excellent Wincanton Fish Bar (say hello to John and Wendy, the 14 year proprietors, for us)
• Central and reasonably close location to very many desirable sites and activities
• and finally, Tanya and Chris – for all the reasons mentioned above and far more

Without further much ado about nothing –

 

You can contact Chris and Tanya – and get tariffs and availability here:   http://www.loisbarns.co.uk/