Tip Top,Tried and Tested!

English Tourism Rating of 5 DIAMONDS with a GOLD Award.

 I've just spent two nights in the most luxurious Bed and Breakfast accomodation at Stonebank, which is situated in a quiet village called Chickerell, 3 miles from Weymouth and 8 miles from Dorchester in Dorset.

 The house itself, dates back to the early 1600's, and was originally 'Bank Farm'.

Picture above was taken from garden at back of house, and the above right one is of the front of the house.

 Breakfast is served up till 9am, in the conservatory, overlooking the patio and garden.

 There is a choice of Orange or Cranberry juice, grapefruit, fresh fruit,yoghurts, mueseli,and many cereals, which is followed by the full English Breakfast of Bacon, sausage, egg, tomato, mushrooms and saute potatoes. Then there is a choice of tea or coffee and toast and marmalade.

The morning paper is also available too.

For the double room and breakfast for 2 people, each night cost £55.

 On arrival at Stonebank, Pru was busy in her beautiful garden, but came to give us a friendly welcome, and showed us to our very large bedroom with ensuite bathroom.

         The good sized double bed had traditional sheets with two blankets and a cover, and the window looked out onto the garden.

   There were two armchairs, tea and coffee making tray with a flask of fresh milk, colour T.V.,a bookcase of books plus a selection of magazines(not old ones) and a folder with local info.

 Double rails of hanging space in the two lighted wardrobes, where there was also an iron and ironing board, bathroom scales, bathrobes and a hanging rack to dry 'undies' over the bath.

 As well as the usual little soap blocks, there were Marks and Spencers luxury items in Magnolia...talc,body lotion,foam bath and hand cream; and also a bottle of Pantene shampoo. Cotton wool balls and air fresheners were also on the window ledge.

Also found in the room, was a trouser press, hairdryer, sewing kit, elastoplasts, clothes brush and shoe brush.

The lounge was also available to use to watch the T.V. in comfort, or to listen to music.

You can find full info about Stonebank at:-

http://www.stonebank-chickerell.co.uk/index.html

To conclude.....if you want to holiday in real luxury, this is the place for you.

 Not a detail has been missed in this comfortable, spotless, faultless accomodation.

DEFINITELY  TIP TOP.

    Do you want a quiet peaceful holiday with plenty of good farmhouse home cooking?.....Then this is the place to stay.

English Tourism rating of   4 Diamonds and a SILVER AWARD.

North Down Farm can be found in Pyncombe Lane, just over a mile out of Wiveliscombe, situated on the southern slopes of the Brendon Hills, near Exmoor.   Beautiful views from the farmhouse.

Bed and breakfast with evening meal is available at a very reasonable price. All the meat eaten, is produced on the farm. 

We paid £195 each for the week (September 2005)

On our arrival, we were greeted by the two very friendly farm dogs, and Jenny soon came out to help us with our bags, and showed us up to our twin room, with a private bathroom.  We were then given a tray of tea in the lounge, as dinner wasn't served until 7pm.

          Our bedroom was of a sufficient size, with a wardrobe with good drawer space, dresser and bedside tables, with a tea and coffee making tray and a hairdryer, and also a small colour T.V. high up on top of the wardrobe.  The beds were soft and very comfortable.

But the size of our private bathroom made up for the lack of space in our room, as it was huge, with a bath as well as a shower........oh, and bathrobes were also provided.  No luxury accessories, just the little block of soap on the sink.

For full info on North Down Farm accomodation, you can find their web site at :-  

  http://www.north-down-farm.co.uk/index.htm

                   Breakfast is served at 8-30am, in the dining room and/or conservatory. We were in the dining room, sharing the table with 2 other guests, and as all rooms were occupied, the conservatory was used by the other guests.

We helped ourselves to a choice of cereals, or tin grapefruit and orange juice, and made our own toast in the toaster on the dresser. 

 The full English breakfast of egg, sausage, tomato and two juicy slices of bacon, plus mushrooms, was served on platters.

Then of course there was tea or coffee.

Evening Meal menus for the week were as follows:-

Sunday:-  Roast shoulder of lamb with Roast potatoes, carrots, peas, runners beans, gravy and fresh mint sauce.

followed by

Profiteroles covered in chocolate sauce.

Monday:-  Braised beef slices in gravy, mash potatoes, cabbage, mixed courgettes, parsnips and brocolli.

followed by

Home made Rice Pudding (served in individual dishes for 2, but enough for 4 really!)

Tuesday:-  Pork Casserole, Jacket Potato, runner beans, sweet corn.

followed by

Fruity, trifle like jelly (no custard), topped with ice cream.

Wednesday:-  Roast Chicken, stuffing, gravy, riced potatoes(minced up like rosti, but not fried),carrots, peas, brocolli.

followed by

Suet Jam Roly Poly (homemade) with custard.

Thursday:-  Brocolli and Stilton Soup (homemade, and absolutely delicious!).......followed by...Ham Salad, including hard boiled eggs and saute potatoes with a few onions.

followed by

Apricot Yorkshire Pudding with clotted cream (definately NOT good if you are on a diet, but who cares when you are on holiday!!?)

Friday:-  Lamb Chops, new potatoes, gravy, carrots, cauliflower in white sauce.

followed by

Steamed Jam Sponge pudding and cream.(homemade, again served individually with enough for 4 for 2 people.)....but very light and good.

Saturday:-  Roast lamb slices, gravy, roast potatoes, french beans, cabbage.

followed by

Fresh Melon and Peaches.

We could not fault the food at all.  Generous portions and well presented on platters. 

Tea with chocolate mint (or maybe orange flavoured) sticks was served after the meal.

Jenny enjoys her cooking, and has guests all the year round, so is kept very busy, and no wonder people keep returning year after year.

North Down Farm is another TIP TOP place to visit.   

  The picture below, is a view of Wiveliscombe.