PA Life Club members enjoyed an overnight stay with New House Farm, where they got the chance to unwind and relax in the stunning Rother Valley, while checking out its exclusive facilities for corporate outings.
What a way to kick off the New Year with a stay at The Lodges at New House Farm? A group of PA Life Club members and I headed to the idyllic country farm estate in the Rother Valley, where we were given a real taste of what a country retreat can offer.
Heading down on Friday afternoon last week, we were greeted inside the Long Barn by the friendly team along with some champagne to quench our thirsts, before we embarked on our tour of the beautiful grounds and the facilities.
We first visited the Poolside Lodges; these are arranged over two floors and feature two master bedrooms, separate wet rooms, vintage cast iron roll top baths and a connecting staircase. Plus, guests here will be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the rolling countryside.
Next up was the Stable Lodges, which are located on the top edge of the venue’s private fields. Everything here, including the living areas and kitchen can be shared, making it a perfect place to take a team for an overnight getaway. But, the piste de resistance for me was the outdoor hot tub. I couldn’t wait to take a dip in there after dinner.
Last but not least was the Garden Lodges. This space overlooks the walled gardens and also boasts its very own courtyard, plus if both lodges are booked together, an internal adjoining door between them can be kept open, making it ideal for large groups.
Each of the lodges also feature log burners, making the setting feel extra cosy during these chillier months.
After our tour, the team took us for a short drive down to the local farm shop – Eggs to Apples. It’s clear that locally sourced food is a high priority here, something I am also keen to support and I know my boss would also feel the same.
After a busy afternoon, we adjourned to our rooms to freshen up for the evening’s dinner; we were treated to a two-course meal that featured plenty of local produce, and of course an obligatory glass of bubbles. I also got the chance to finally get into the hot tub. Despite the two-degree weather outside, the warm temperature of the water more than made up for it – it was 37 degrees!
It was now time to head to our rooms and enjoy a pleasant night’s sleep in the blissful country side – you couldn’t hear a pin drop. On-site, guests are also given the option to either make their own breakfasts using the kitchen facilities or enjoy a cooked breakfast by the kitchen staff. We opted to make our own, so we could enjoy making breakfast together. This would be a great way to get team members interacting who perhaps do not know one another.
Before departure, I stopped by to see some of the animals on-site – sheep, alpacas and a Shetland pony all live on-site. What a difference this makes to the atmosphere – we’re so used to staying in corporate hotels within city centres, and New House Farm takes you out of that environment.
Feeling refreshed and revitalised, I cannot recommend New house Farm enough for an away day with team members.
