© Maria Stengard-Green/Brookside Lodge
Mornings had a soft quality to them; people coming and going, chatting in a low hum as they cooked sausages on the Aga, popping out to take in some deep breaths of country air with a steaming coffee in hand, taking a moment to watch the mist start to roll itself back over the hillside or meandering down to the edge of the garden to greet the horses (including one who had spent a former life competing in the Olympics) residing in the adjoining field.
While afternoons saw our group split into those keen to pull on hiking boots and head off with a map, a gaggle who wanted to paddle in or read around the pool and others (me), who found themselves accidentally-on-purpose dozing off to the background bird song.
In fact, Laverton Estate, or Brookside Lodge as it is known by the Laura and her family who have owned it for over half-a-century, manages to achieve what not many other holiday homes I’ve visited have, which is to seamlessly marry the needs of an entire family, without feeling over-the-top. Despite the treasure trove of antiques and heirlooms, the house feels accessible and down-to-earth. Yes, there’s an elevated country feel, but there’s a cosy, homely one pervading the spaces too. Have a nosey through Laura’s Instagram yourself for a dose of cottage-core.
Brookside Lodge
And though we didn’t fill the space, the property can sleep up to 14 adults and children, and you can bring your pets so they needn’t miss out either. It’s an ideal space for a reunion of friends, too, with spaces large enough to accommodate bigger get-togethers, with small breakout spaces meaning you can grab a minute or two of calm when needed.
In short, a stay at Laverton Estate offers more than just a break; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with what truly matters – family, nature, and the simple joy of unwinding in the restorative power of the English countryside.
Laverton Estate can be booked through Birch Stays, a curated collection of one-off holiday homes across England, Scotland and Wales, married together with expert advice and seamless booking service to help you create a memorable, authentic and stress-free staycation experience. The majority of their homes are pet-friendly (music to the ears of people who wouldn’t dream of holidaying without their four-legged family members) and they continually review their collection and prices to ensure they can offer the best price.
