There’s nothing my husband and I love more than finding boutique accommodation and treating ourselves to a night or two away to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect. From treehouses to converted shepherd’s huts we’ve enjoyed romantic getaways throughout the UK and our stay at The Barn in Surrey Hills was no exception – a serene setting offering complete tranquillity. Nestled in the quaint English countryside, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s hard to believe you’re such a short drive from bustling towns and a train hop from the City. Upon arrival, you’re immediately blessed with sweeping views across the property’s six-acre offering of gardens and fields. Perched between two farms, with sheep and cows for neighbours, the beauty of the barn is its breathtaking landscape. Complemented by the owners’ historic, wisteria-clad country house, it’s a sight to behold and a romantic location for newlyweds. Welcomed by host Jo – whose warm and friendly personality will leave you thinking ‘have we met before?’ – her attentive service is as much of the contribution to a delightful stay as the setting itself. Separate from the main house, guests have total privacy. Accessed by a solid oak staircase with views across the fields, the barn also boasts it’s own private garden area for guests. The accommodation is pristine, loving curated with comfortable décor and accessories providing a home-from-home feel, with little luxuries to truly celebrate post-vows. The bright open studio-style space has a feature freestanding double slipper bath with a stunning baroque screen for privacy. Its beautiful oak beams and 300-year-old bathroom door channel the country manor aesthetic and highlight the owners’ reclamation passions. The large double bed, sumptuous duvet and luxurious pillows created a slumbersome sanctuary for a peaceful night’s sleep. We adored the thoughtful touches throughout, candles and bubble bath, drinks facilities and homemade biscuits, and the bottle of Prosecco on ice went down a treat ‒ we also enjoyed a glass (or two) at sunset in the private garden! Guests are lucky that, not only is Jo a remarkable host but she’s an exceptional chef and provides all the cuisine while staying at the accommodation; whether you fancy a cosy private dinner in the barn, or al fresco in the garden with stunning vistas and a firepit to keep you warm. Jo’s culinary passion The Ruby Supper Club, a pop-up supper club in the ‘secret garden’ space of the property, is a fusion of her Anglo-Indian heritage. Our evening meal – served al fresco as the sun set looking out to the fields beyond – was the aptly named ‘Ruby Murray’. An explosion of flavour and feast for the senses, from the takka dhal to the Kachumba chutney and raita, we both proclaimed it was ‘the best curry we’d ever had’. The same was said at breakfast, we indulged in a delicious full English (his) and eggs/avocado on sourdough toast (mine) and it rivalled anything we’d had in five-star hotels. It really is testament to Jo’s passion: serving food that her guests, friends and family, will love and enjoy. It was hard leaving the tranquillity of The Barn in Surrey Hills. It really is the perfect stay for newlyweds on the night of the wedding, or a romantic break after the big day. The sanctuary created here is good for the mind, body and soul ‒ topped off with food for the soul to boot! The hosts make you feel welcome in their home surroundings, and after whirlwind 24 hours, we felt we were leaving friends. We’ll be back! TREASURE A hidden Danielle Harvey enjoys a blissful stay in the Surrey Hills BOOK IT! Visit www.instagram.com/thebarnsurreyhills and head to www.airbnb.com/h/the-barn-surrey-hills Psst! Read Your Surrey Wedding next issue to find out about The Ruby Supper Club’s wedding offering. Until then, check out www.therubysupperclub.com 94
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