Are you getting into the fall spirit? This month, Luxe Lavs contributors Angela Fairhurst and Natalie Compagno went in search of changing leaves, pumpkins and harvest fare, and of course, really great bathroom facilities. They found four rustic-chic farm property retreats with luxury bathrooms. Bring on the cool weather—these inns are cozy and inviting and have the bathrooms to prove it.
Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee
In 1939, while exploring the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Florida Lasier of Chicago caught her silk stocking on a wild blackberry bramble, which led to the birth of Blackberry Farm. In 1976, the Beall family bought the 4,200-acre pastoral estate and developed it into a luxury hotel and working farm. Blackberry Farm generates heirloom produce from its garden, wildflower
honey, farm-fresh eggs, and artisan cheeses from East Friesian sheep. Farm-to-Table enthusiasts will enjoy the Farmstead Tour where they meet the Master Gardner to taste freshly picked vegetables and a visit to the larder for cheese and jam sampling. A tour of the kennel is also interesting as Blackberry Farm is one of only two Truffle Dog breeders in the U.S.
There are 69 guest accommodations spread across the property, with golf carts supplied to each cottage to navigate the grounds. Designed by Blackberry Farm Designs, the cottages are decorated with the style of America’s early homes using antiques, yet still maintain ease and modern comfort. The large bathrooms continue the theme, with double vanities, walk-in showers, oversized tubs, and plush robes. The integrated sound system throughout extends into the bathroom suites. Our favorite bathroom is in the three-bedroom Farmhouse. We can’t decide what makes it homier, the wainscoting or the subway tiles. But it’s the wood flooring, the vases of fresh flowers, the massive double sinks with giant bars of soap and the old fashioned soaker tub resting underneath the farm windowscape that seals the deal.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a 6,000-acre working sheep and cattle farm in rural New Zealand located about an hour-long flight from Auckland. The Farm has 22 guest suites with private balconies and 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean in addition to a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. The Farm’s cuisine features New Zealand lamb and beef, and homegrown produce and seafood prepared by award-winning chefs. No stay is complete without a grand tour of the property to meet the sheep and cattle. Visitors can ride in Four Wheel Drives or the specially designed Can Am vehicles to get to the rugged and remote reaches of the resort for unique photo ops.
The “rustic feel” bathrooms are white on white on white with a splash of black and white with a rug added to the floor. There are his-and-her separate vanities on two sides of the bathroom. The bathtub sits beneath the white shuttered windows outlining the view. We are big fans of the radiant heating in the floor and the heated towel racks, but even bigger enthusiasts of the locally made bath oils, salts, soaps and candles provided. Our advice? Have a relaxing soak in the tub overlooking Hawkes Bay while drinking Hawke’s Bay wines supplied in the wine bar.
Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma, California
What started as a rundown farmhouse discovered by a brother/sister entrepreneurial team desiring to bring their childhood memories of hospitality and a sense of home to others, grew into a renowned handcrafted inn now known as the Farmhouse Inn. A Michelin-starred chef creates meals from the local orchards, vineyards and gardens on or near the property. Guests are encouraged to pick the herbs and fruit around the property, as well as collect freshly laid eggs. For an off-site adventure, Bartolomei Ranch grows grapes for wine, gives tours and is owned by the Farmhouse Inn proprietors.
The encouragement “to slow down, engage, and experience the extraordinary bounty of Sonoma County” is exemplified not only in the individual, unique rooms, but also in the bathrooms. The King Luxury Room is our preferred choice as the largest room at 700 square feet. The double-sided fireplace warms both the room and the private deck. A jetted tub with large windows overlooks the high deck and woods, so sliding out of the tub and into the outdoor Adirondack chair is tempting. Glass windows overlook the scene as well and open completely for easy convening with nature. Besides the luxury bath, you can enjoy a steam shower, double vanity, radiant heated marble floors, and simple yet tasteful farmhouse decor.
Royalla Luxury Farmstay in Robertson, Australia
Only in Australia can vacationers experience outback farm life with the perfect touch of comfort. Royalla Luxury Farmstay allows rentals of the complete farm so groups can truly immerse in pastoral life. Guests can pick herbs and seasonal vegetables, collect eggs for breakfast, consort with goats, cows, or rabbits, play a game of snooker, or Luxe Lavs’ choice—take a relaxing, long bath.
In the main farmhouse, the shabby chic decor shifts to Japanese sleek when you enter the bathroom. A deep square golden wood tub is the centerpiece, raised by black stone. A Japanese floral scroll adorns the wall above, and you can view the forest outside. Another option is the blue-tiled shower with a rainfall showerhead. The cabinets and mirror reflect the same simple Asian design and have open storage or sliding cabinets. The farmhouse sleeps ten people with two baths and a welcoming kitchen.
Want to discover more luxe lavs? Check out:
- Glamping Sites With Unique Bathrooms Around the World
- Luxe Lavs at Resorts on Private Islands
- Over-the-Top Hotel Suites in Asia
By Angela Fairhurst and Natalie Compagno for PeterGreenberg.com
