Lady Susan Howard knew what she was doing when she decorated a classic farmhouse on the grounds of Castle Howard, deep in North Yorkshire. On the weekend of May 31, along with my family, I was given the honour of my first-ever farmhouse stay. Having never been to York before, some frantic googling of what to expect at the Lime Kiln Farmhouse had me excited to live out my lady-of-the-house dreams.
I could tell my dream was about to come true in grand style, as soon as I pulled up outside the serene-looking cottage. (Image: NQ) Inside, it’s like the daughter of the eleventh Earl of Carlisle, the late Lady Susan Howard, never left it, with soft vintage sofas in both downstairs sitting rooms, ornate mirrors dotted around, and wood burners adding the final touch. My party of five constantly felt drawn to the kitchen, and we sat at the dining table both nights with cups of hot chocolate in hand.
It’s a spacious room with every kitchen gadget you could possibly need for any time of the year, so you can cook elaborate meals, and feel like you have all the mod cons of an IKEA kitchen but rooted in the 1800s. After spending almost the entire night in the cosy kitchen, we finally retreated to one of the lounges, and sank into the sofas, with the perfect view to talk all night long. (Image: Castle Howard) But sleep took hold so easily at the farmhouse, as it just feels so snug that you cannot help but feel like you’re in a home away from home.
Each bedroom has a viewpoint window wi.
