The Dannah Farm Diary.
New McDonalds Advert Features Dannah Farm
Imagine our surprise to wake up one Thursday morning in June to find a helicopter, wind machine, actors, extras, camera men etc etc wandering around in one of our grassfields. On closer inspection it turned out to be a film crew filming a scene for a new McDonalds advert who had inadvertently wandered into our field. They needed long grass waving in the wind and our field provided the best effect for the wind scene for their new advert. In the advert the helicopter was also used for a beautiful aerial shot with Dannah Farm star of the scene. Use the following link and look out for the wind and aerial view scenes. http://www.moving-picture.com/index.php/commercials/927-mcdonalds-weather.html
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Christening at Shottle Church
Edward Isaac Thor Slack was christened on the 20th of December 2009 at Shottle Church, just down the road from Dannah and even closer to parents James and Helen who live within the village of Shottle. Edward was perfectly behaved even though he had to wear a dress! (The same Christening dress all four Slack boys wore). Cousin Hannah in contrast, although only turned one just three days earlier, was running circles around everybody.
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Yet Another New Baby SlackOn the 19th December 2009 Frank Slack was born. After a less than trouble free labour Susie gave birth to a healthy 7lb 13oz baby Slack. Frank is pictured left with grandparents Joan and Martin. |
Dannah Farm featured in the Observer 19 July 2009
In June this year we were contacted by Farm Stay. The Sunday newspaper, The Observer , were looking to feature a farm offering luxury accommodation with spa facilities on a working farm. Dannah was chosen and a few weeks later the travel writer, Matt Carroll, arrived to sample The Studo and also The Spa Cabin. We were delighted when the article appeared, and just in case you don’t read the Observer here it is in full!
It’s Sheep and Chic on the farm.
Forget the wellies - today's farm B&Bs are all spa baths and stylish sofas. You can still make a pig of yourself though, says Matt Carroll
Having grown up in rural Gloucestershire, I've always loved the "smell of the country". Where other people smell cow dung, I smell idyllic Saturday mornings spent mucking about on my mate's family farm as a youngster - tipping cows, firing air rifles and other wholesome activities.
Imagine my disappointment, then, when I arrive at Dannah Country House Farm, just south of Matlock in Derbyshire, to find that the air is suspiciously fresh. "Where are all the animals?" I ask Joan, the farmer's wife.
"Oh, they're out in the fields," she says, nonchalantly, pointing towards the rolling hills stretching away to the horizon. This is not like any farm I've been to before. But it's not just the absence of visible livestock that distinguishes Dannah from your average smallholding; it's the standard of luxury in all the guest rooms.
Gone are the days when staying in a farmhouse B&B required wellies and a fly swat. Along with dozens of other enterprising farms across
"This button works the hot tub," says Joan, as we drop off our bags and order champagne. Every room here is individually designed, the only common features being spa baths, flat-screen televisions and iPod docks.
"We took over the farm in 1985," says Joan, "and started offering B&B rooms a year later. Back then an en suite toilet was considered 'luxurious', but tastes have changed. People expect more nowadays - not just creature comforts but a sense of style, too."
We are in the Studio Hideaway. According to the website it's "perfect for that really special occasion when only something truly different will hit the spot". It's different all right.
Spread over two floors, it has a sitting room with stylish brushed-leather sofa, and a walk-in shower room with a stone floor. Best of all, though, there's a hot tub and private chill-out area at the back.
We head out for a romantic meal at the Saracen's Head in nearby Shirley. Tucked away in a warren of country lanes, this place dates from 1791 and, despite having been recently renovated to gastro pub status by its thirty something owners, Robin and Terri Hunter, it retains an authentic country pub feel.
The first thing I notice when we walk through the door is a roaring fire, and a bar full of beer taps serving strangely named ales.
The menu is unashamed "English pub food", and I struggle to finish my enormous portion of fish and chips. Everything is prepared on site, right down to the ice cream we polish off for pudding.
Saturday begins where Friday left off: with an enormous meal that leaves me incapacitated. This time it's breakfast, with local sausages (obviously), bacon, eggs and all the trimmings.
If you really don't want to drag your groaning stomach around, there's no need to leave the farm. A vast blue sky is stretched tightly over the surrounding fields, and the lawn has just been mowed.
As I head to the front garden, trying to come to terms with just how stuffed I feel, the only sounds I can hear are birds flitting about in the bushes and bees buzzing away among the flowerbeds. This is the kind of place where a day can easily drip away with nothing but a good book and copious cups of tea.
If, like me, you crave a bit of "farm" with your "house", you won't be disappointed. The sheep may be kept at arm's length but there's always Sally Longlegs and Charming Andrew - a pair of pigs that live in the yard. As I venture over to take a peek, all I can see is a pair of trotters and a bulbous pink backside poking out of the corrugated iron sty. The only testament to them being alive is the rhythmic snoring emanating from within.
If you look closely, though, there is evidence that Dannah Country House is a bona fide farm. Across the yard I spy
It's the perfect combination of luxury townie touches and homely country comforts - and it suits me down to the (muddy) ground.
Dannah Country House Farm has doubles from £140. The Saracen's Head (01335 360330) is in Shirley, near Ashbourne.
Dannah Farm chosen for the front cover of the AA best B&B guide.
An image of the Granary Suite at Dannah has been chosen by the AA to be used on the front cover of their Britain's Best B&B Guide 2009. This Guide is a collection of the finest Guest Houses, Farmhouses, Inns and Restaurants in England, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Entry into the guide is by invitation, all the establishments having achieved the highest star ratings, following a visit by the AA inspector. Dannah has been in the Guide since its inception and we are delighted to have been chosen to be used for the cover of such a prestigeous guide.
The Big Freeze Hits Dannah
Even grown up kids need to play!
Latest AA inspection
On the 15th of January we had our annual overnight AA inspection. We were delighted with the outcome and below is the inspectors summary in full.
'In terms of AA Quality Standards, Dannah Farm Country House retains a high scoring Five Star Rating with a Guest Accommodation designator within the Guest Accommodation scheme. Housekeeping diligent throughout all areas, the team are to be commended for their continued dedication. A plesent & proactive arrival delivered by Susie, offering assistance to the room & a very welcome pot of tea with scrumptious home made cakes! Bedrooms offer a wealth of comfort & luxury, the upgrade to a feature bedroom most appreciated. Similarly, bathrooms furnished with top quality fittings & a quality range of toiletries continue the luxurious offering. Pleasing to see continued improvements being made to several physical aspects. Although a formal dinner was not available, Mrs Slack created a lavish 'supper' evident of clear quality, delicious & served in the comfort of my bedroom. Breakfast again offered the high quality & range expected; freshly prepared farmhouse cooked breakfast featuring award winning produce. I am pleased to confirm that both Breakfast and Dinner Awards remain appropriate following this overnight inspection. I should like to congratulate Mrs Slack for her continued achievement.'
Another New Baby Slack!
Edward Isaac Thor born 8th January 2009, pictured with proud parents James, (our eldest son), and Helen his wife. The general opinion is that he looks like a beautiful version of his great grandad. (without the false teeth)!
New Baby Slack
On the 17th December 2008 the 1st of the new generation of Slacks was born. Hannah Jayne is the daughter of Thomas, (our third son), and his wife Michelle. The new Slack family are doing well, with Hannah already proving an expert at training her parents, sleeping all day and awake all night!!
The oldest, (Great Grandad Ike), and youngest member of the Slack clan, together at Christmas!
Jack and Chase Qualify for Crufts 2009.
Our younger setters Chase and Jack continue to enjoy their show days and both have already qualified for next years Crufts. (Cracker, the oldest, is singularly unimpressed)!
England for Excellence Awards 2008.
We were very happy at at the begining of the month to achieve the "Silver Award" in the 2008 Enjoy England Excellence Awards for Guest Accommodation - the highest award in Derbyshire in this Category!
Jacks best result to date.
At Eastwood Kennel Association open show 21st March 2008, Jack scored his highest position to date! He came 1st in open dog/bitch English Setters, went on to win best of breed, and then in the gun dog group judging he won group 2. That means he came second out of 18 different breeds of gun dogs!
Crufts 2008.
We were delighted when Jack came 4th in his class at Crufts on Friday 7th March, getting reserve, out of a strong class of 15. It is also good news for us that Jack has beat all three dogs placed ahead of him at some point, which must mean that he's up with the best!! Martin didn't take him in the ring as he's hurt his shoulder, but we were willing him on from the sidelines, and he behaved beautifully for Diane who handled him for us. Watch out next year!!