While much of what occurred in the year 2020 is best consigned in history, a small number of positives also developed too. Among them was the rise of the staycation: a term that is said to have seen a 500% year-on-year growth.
Pre-pandemic, cheap airfare initiated a new jet-setting lifestyle with most Millennials having visited several countries before they’d even settled into a career. With that, however, a blind eye was perhaps turned to what was available closer to home or down a few motorways.
A quick Google search of the best places to visit across the UK will bring up an array of similar-looking lists, especially on the likes of Trip Advisor, and a constant on them is York. As somewhere I had personally never been, but always had a desire to, I jumped at the opportunity to review Next Door when the opportunity presented itself.
The fantastic hospitality that was extended during our two-night and three-day stay at Next Door began even ahead of our journey. Owner Karen contacted us in advance informing us of the various additional extras that are available to visitors including afternoon tea, their chef-made dine-at-home meals, as well as a grocery order that includes tasty local delicacies such as dale dairy butter, locally-sourced eggs, honey, jam and plenty more. The only criticism you could label towards any of them is the difficulty of then going back to the store-bought equivalents!
Elsewhere on the food front, we also took advantage of the delicious dine-at-home meals which, on top of a comprehensive breakdown of what was available in the vicinity, certainly made us feel at home. If you wish, and to further help you relax, there is also the option of hiring a fully-qualified massage therapist. As far as welcoming their guests is concerned, there really has been no stone left unturned.
Next Door is located just eight miles outside of York. It is described by its Wanderlist listing as "a super stylish barn conversion with interior design that will leave you in awe".
"Think high-end boutique hotel," it continues, "yet it is your own private and peaceful holiday home."
Our stay was for two nights and three days and the first big compliment I can give the place is that we didn’t visit York until we had checked out on our final day. Instead, our first day was spent unwinding in front of the log-burning fire, while the second was spent exploring the serene rural setting you’ll be embedded in throughout your stay.
It was little surprise to hear that most visitors came from the big cities of the UK trying to escape the hustle and bustle for a taste of a calmer way of life.
Once again upon the recommendation of owner Karen, we enjoyed breakfast on our first morning at the nearby Balloon Tree Farmshop & Cafe. The 45-minute walk through the countryside was enjoyed most by our whippet Cleo. Yes, Next Door is dog-friendly – an added bonus for anybody with a furry family member in tow.
With two double rooms – both of which contain French windows leading to the outdoor area - Next Door is ideal for one couple, two couples and families alike. While spring and summer bring with them the ability to better enjoy and explore the beautiful surrounding area, guests can also enjoy sitting around the firepit in the autumn and winter months.
If you're looking to plan your next staycation, I couldn't recommend Next Door enough. Looking for any potential negatives is futile. I felt incredibly welcome and well-looked after throughout my stay. The setting itself is picturesque. The interior barn conversion is homely. Everything you would care to wish for in terms of facilities is on hand. The supreme cleanliness is also exactly what you'd expect from a place where the small details are king.
To find out more information on Next Door , as well as the latest availability, go to https://thewanderlist.uk/properties/next-door/
