Inspired by their off-the-beaten-track travels in far-flung corners of the world, Mick and Sue Harrison are adamant that guests should feel at home as soon as they arrive. “We can't stand B&Bs where you are given the key, are not allowed in any other room of the house and have to leave by 10am sharp,” Mick confides rather passionately. As avid travellers who concern themselves with experiencing the true colours of every country they visit, Mick and Sue will always do home-stays with local families wherever possible. It was therefore vital to them that they brought this concept alive in their own lovingly restored property.
Barn Conversion
And lovingly restored it certainly is. The Harrisons have photo albums upon photo albums charting the progress at each stage of their barn conversion, starting from a derelict building with its roof dangling into the river running alongside the property. It's hard to believe that was ever the state of affairs for The Old Chaff Barn, which now sits up with pride in a corner of the Nottinghamshire countryside. It's been sensitively decorated too, avoiding the antiquated clichés those who have converted barns often feel compelled towards.
The Old Chaff Barn - Interior
The focal point of the living room is the robust fireplace, surrounded by comfortable modern sofas that guests can lose themselves in while wending away evenings chatting with the Harrisons. Off to the left is the modern granite-coloured kitchen, where the couple cook up a storm of a breakfast, while off to the right of the living room is an airy breakfast room overlooking the garden. The door off the back of the room is a real surprise. A tiny suntrap of a patio area directly on the river meandering its way past – apparently the ideal spot for a summertime gin and tonic.
Upstairs are the two guest bedrooms and maritime-style bathroom complete with a goldfish keeping a watchful eye on the bath. Both bedrooms are bright and modern, without being embarrassingly trendy. One bedroom (the old chicken shed) harbours its own secret, as a ladder-like stairway topped by a Japanese screen makes way for another double bedroom beyond. With plump pillows and a thick duvet, this is the real retreat of the property.
The Future of the Tourism Industry
There are too many reasons why The Old Chaff Barn is a tremendous place to stay. There is no check-in or check-out time and breakfast is served at a time that suits the visitors. There is even a tea-in-bed service – guests will get a knock at the door at a specified time to find a pot of tea waiting to help ease them into the day. What's more, Mick and Sue will even drive guests anywhere they want in the local area, so transport issues will never be a problem from the rural location.
The Old Chaff Barn, or rather the Harrisons' way of doing things, should be a wake-up call for the tourism industry in the UK. Tourists have become accustomed to conforming to the strict timetables and rules of hoteliers across the globe. Is that really a vacation? “No!” the Harrisons say, and they are right. One night at The Old Chaff Barn is all it will take for tourists to demand similar standards elsewhere in the future. But even more heart-warming than teaching the tourism industry a lesson or two, is that on leaving The Old Chaff Barn, guests feel like they are old friends with the couple. That may be just what they are set to be too, if the number of repeat bookings they enjoy is anything to go by. Would-be guests should get in quickly if they want to secure their booking at The Old Chaff Barn.
Sasha Arms - After graduating from university with a degree in Geography, Sasha became Managing Editor and Travel Editor of Futurespace Magazine. She ...
