Why Sunnybank Boutique Guesthouse is a MUST for Anyone Craving an Idyllic Country Escape
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| Sunnybank's Guest Lounge has that perfect "country home" aesthetic. |
When you picture a classical English countryside escape, it's pretty likely that the image you'll conjure up will be a dead ringer for Sunnybank Boutique Guesthouse. There's a reason they boast a 5/5 TripAdvisor score, with comfort embedded in the fibre of the building and friendly and attentive staff to make your stay as relaxing as possible.
I've talked before about my love for staying in buildings that are old or filled with character and Sunnybank has character in abundance. If you're seeking the exact opposite of a somewhat manufactured, high-paced city break in an impersonal ultra-sleek hotel and are craving something a little more relaxed and a lot more peaceful then Sunnybank Guesthouse is a must for you.
First Impressions & Location
The building is on a relatively steep hill which makes it a bit less accessible than other places but provides a stunning view over the village and the surrounding countryside; the exterior of the building is as pleasant and welcoming as inside, showing off the subtle charm of the country guesthouse. (I've already said "country" a lot, can you tell I'm a city gal?). |
| The building itself has plenty of charm. |
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| I wish the weather had been nicer on my visit so I could have enjoyed this gorgeous, well-maintained garden more! |
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| The views of the surrounding countryside add to Sunnybank's character and atmosphere. |
Location wise, it is perfectly situated for visiting the village in all its picturesque tranquillity or for venturing out further afield into Yorkshire or even Manchester, should you wish to.
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The guesthouse is next to this beautiful little church, which is visible from the front garden.  |
Facilities
Sunnybank has 4 rooms, as well as a lodge (which I very much want to experience on my next visit) that is separate from the main building. I stayed in the Patio View room which I found to be spacious and comfortable, as well as having a large bathroom across the hall. I confess that using a bathroom which was separate from my room was a little daunting to me at first, especially as I was concerned about waking people later at night or running into other guests in my pyjamas (and untamed hair) but it was totally fine and I got used to it pretty quickly. It is a private bathroom as the other rooms have en-suites, and it's also the largest of the 4, with the benefit of being well equipped with toiletries and stylishly decorated. I regretted not making more time for a bubble bath! |
| Patio View Bedroom |
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| Patio View Bathroom |
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The assortment of hot drinks and biscuits in the room makes the experience of Sunnybank that bit cosier. |
Breakfast & Lounge Areas
As a relatively new vegetarian / not quite vegan, the biggest concern for me is often vegetarian breakfasts when I stay somewhere new, particularly if they're a more old-fashioned establishment. I'm quite happy to skip breakfast for some coffee (I know, I know), but I do love a cooked vegetarian or vegan spread, as anyone that follows me on Twitter or Instagram will know.
I think Sunnybank did a great job with my cooked veggie breakfast; potato rostis, good old Linda McCartney sausages, cooked veg, plenty of toast and of course, my coffee. I was very pleased with it and it set me up for the day without making me feel too full or bloated.
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By the time I had thought to take a picture of the rest, my toast was half demolished and my coffee almost gone...needless to say I didn't think it would make for the most appetising of photos, so I stuck with the main part! |
I think though, that my favourite part of Sunnybank Boutique Guesthouse was the Guest Lounge (pictured at the beginning of this post), across from the dining area. It struck me as the absolute epitome of fine country living, with a cosiness that doesn't undermine the casual elegance of it. The chess board artfully placed by the window, the comfortable sofas facing the large fireplace and bookshelves. It's the kind of room that you can imagine reading in on a cold winter's day, the fire crackling, coffee freshly brewed - a perfect sanctuary. When I sent a picture to my fiancé his reply echoed my sentiments: "that's what my ideal living room would look like".
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| This has all the makings of a perfect reading spot. |
Overall, I loved Sunnybank Boutique Guesthouse and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet getaway to the countryside. I actually can't wait to back myself (especially since it means I can see my amazing friend Beth) and this time bring my fiancé so we can relax as a couple which I think with the wedding coming up is something we would really benefit from!
Have you visited Sunnybank? Let me know in the comments!
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I received no payment for this piece, all views are strictly my own.
**All photographs are my own; please don't use, edit or share without my knowledge.**
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