Holidays,Travel

A girls’ night away at Greenbank Barns, North Yorkshire

Living room Greenbank Barns

Living room Greenbank Barns

Beautiful countryside, a luxury barn conversion, a hot tub and friends – that’s how I spent a night away in a picturesque part of North Yorkshire last weekend.

I stayed at a place called Greenbank Barns, nestled in a village called Ravensworth halfway between Richmond and Barnard Castle. I’d had it booked in for months after Sarah asked if Karen and I wanted to go, and there was no way I was going to miss out on this girlie getaway.

It was so nice to be able to take a day to drive about an hour away from home, meet up for a pub lunch then head to our home for the evening, this spacious, wonderfully light and perfectly decorated holiday home called Shorthorn. With four double bedrooms (three of which were en suite, the fourth was next to the main bathroom), an enormous kitchen/diner and two living rooms, there was plenty of space to accommodate a few families for a big party weekend, or as a break away with friends as we did.

Shorthorn barn exterior

Lounge at Shorthorn, Greenbank Barns http://rainbeaubelle.com

View from Shorthorn, Greenback Barns

Jules looking in the mirror at Shorthorn

On the afternoon we arrived we spent a good while going from room to room and just saying ‘wow, look at this room, it is gorgeous!’ and deciding which bedroom was our favourite. I went for an upstairs one which was painted a blue/grey colour, with natural, earthy coloured cushions and throws on the bed and big oak beams up above. To say I felt at home was an understatement, it was just so lovely, chic and luxurious – great for stealing some decorating ideas too.

It had been a while since we had seen one another so we settled down in the kitchen for a drink and a catch-up, before retreating to the lounge for a few cheeky glasses of pre-dinner prosecco. When I say we went to the lounge, we had a choice of two lounges as there was the main cosy living room with a wood burning stove and rolling countryside view, and an adjoining, brighter games room with a sofa and table football game too.

When it came to making dinner, we had a Riverford organic recipe box delivered which was a great way of easily making some really tasty dishes with minimal effort. You can read more about how we got on on Karen’s blog (she has two!) Fuelled by Latte. I’ve also reviewed these boxes before if you’d like to have a look, they are such a good idea for easy entertaining and much better value than you might think.

Bedroom two at Greenback Barns

Flowers at Shorthorn

Sarah and I outside Shorthorn Greenback Barns

Outside at Shorthorn berries

After dinner, we changed into our dressing gowns and went out for a chill in the hot tub, with a glass of something cold of course. What a way to spend a Friday night, total relaxation in great company with two of my best blogger friends who never fail to make me feel motivated and inspired. One of the great things about blogging is the amazing women I have met through it, the sharing of ideas and the inspiration and support. It’s safe to say I left the next morning feeling totally refreshed and recharged, and ready to book in our next meet up.

I had such a good night’s sleep and even though I still woke up at 6, it meant I could drink tea in bed and write rather than be woken up to referee the kids! I am hoping for many more relaxing weekends away like this this year, god only knows as a single parent the break is needed and after the hectic pace of the past few years it’s great to take some time to breathe out a little.

The barn we stayed in was called Shorthorn but was joined onto a larger one called Dexter. Either would be a perfect location for a big get together or family celebration.

Can’t wait for the next one.

x Julia

Karen and Sarah

One of the bedrooms at Shorthorn

Hot tub at Greenback Barns

Riverford dinner

Wood stack

Three chairs at Shorthorn barn in Richmond http://rainbeaubelle.com

Silver bedroom Shorthorn

Me, Karen and Sarah

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13 Comments

  • Reply
    Mini Travellers
    October 7, 2016 at 7:44 am

    It was such good fun wasn’t it. I’m a little gutted not to be heading off to a lovely barn conversion to drink fizz tonight!
    Mini Travellers recently posted…Large Beautiful Barn Nr Richmond for Weekend BreakMy Profile

  • Reply
    Sarah Christie
    October 7, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Ah Julia I loved our weekend we had such a fab time, get company and lots of laughter just what we all needed, especially when life is so hectic x
    Sarah Christie recently posted…Chilling with the Girls at Greenbank BarnsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Notmyyearoff
    October 7, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    It looks like you had such a brilliant time, what a stunning little place. I think I might have to find it. a good nights sleep sounds so good!
    Notmyyearoff recently posted…Baby at the Table: Chiappas – Weaning the Italian Way. A review and giveawayMy Profile

  • Reply
    Carie
    October 8, 2016 at 7:21 am

    What a gorgeous spot! How could you not have a lovely time with awesome company and such a pretty place to stay – you’re definitely starting as you mean to go one then ?!
    Carie recently posted…Birds, Lollipops and Elephants {handmade for Kitty and Elma}My Profile

  • Reply
    Katie @mummydaddyme
    October 9, 2016 at 5:49 pm

    What a stunningly beautiful place, I can just imagine how relaxing it was even looking at the photos. And so stylish too! Glad you had a lovely weekend together. xx

  • Reply
    Kerry
    October 12, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    How beautiful is that place? I don’t think I would ever want to leave!! Glad to see you had a lovely time, shame it’s made me jealous!! xxx
    Kerry recently posted…Working From Home & Workspace InspirationMy Profile

  • Reply
    Karen Clough
    October 12, 2016 at 11:00 pm

    Oh how gorgeous is this? I’m desperate to do something similar. It’s been years since I’ve had a break away!

    #HomeEtc

  • Reply
    Tracey Williams
    October 14, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    What a beautiful location Julia and it really does look the perfect place to chill out surrounded by friends, and fizz of course. What a wonderful break you all had x
    Tracey Williams recently posted…Falling in love with shoe shopping thanks to HotterMy Profile

  • Reply
    Heledd _ Running in Lavender
    October 16, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    Oh my goodness this looks (and sounds) like so much fun! A gorgeous house and brilliant company, who can ask for more? Your pictures are stunning hon xxx
    Heledd _ Running in Lavender recently posted…10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week #6My Profile

  • Reply
    mummyofboygirltwins
    October 17, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    Looked amazing!! What a gorgeous, gorgeous location and building. Wish I could have made it! GUTTED!!!!! #HomeEtc
    mummyofboygirltwins recently posted…One rug: two waysMy Profile

  • Reply
    Nicky Kentisbeer
    October 18, 2016 at 10:40 am

    That looks like a mighty fine weekend away. Drooling over the food pictures and loving the relaxed shot of everyone in their robes. #HomeEtc
    Nicky Kentisbeer recently posted…The Friendship AgendaMy Profile

  • Reply
    Fionnuala
    October 18, 2016 at 11:37 am

    Stunning. I love your photos and I am glad you got to have a well-earned break.
    #homeetc

  • Reply
    Caro | The Twinkle Diaries
    October 18, 2016 at 12:26 pm

    It’s SO fabulous!!!!! When I saw Karen’s post I was totally blown away by the interior — such gorgeous style. I’d no idea they had a bigger cottage — this might be perfect for my mum’s 70th birthday in December — we’re looking for somewhere to go and celebrate as a family. Will look into it 🙂 CX #HomeEtc
    Caro | The Twinkle Diaries recently posted…Home Etc #72My Profile

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