Bob Simmonds review 4 Nov 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The compactness and peacefulness of the cabin, especially at night. The quietness and starry skies, the sunsets and sunrises were memorable.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take walking boots and waterproofs and enjoy the local countryside and nearby villages.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Walking to local shops at Howden was good. The experience of the cabin gave us some insight into sustainability and plenty of food for thought.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The cabin was beautifully constructed and we enjoyed a very relaxing time in an interesting part of the country.
Damian Slee review 30 Jul 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The building itself that we stayed in - a straw bale cabin. I'd never even heard of such constructions before and so I was intrigued at the prospect. I loved its comfort, location and overall kookiness.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light! Much of what you need for a self-catering holiday is provided including towels, toiletries and basic foodstuffs. There's also an honesty cupboard from which you can buy other foodstuffs.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
More than any other holiday I've ever been on. The cabin was built on a working farm and so there was regular contact with the local people there, and all pre-paid food orders were locally sourced. And the building itself was constructed using local materials and a photo album even showed how local people had contributed to its construction.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10! I am already looking forward to returning.
Amanda Skull review 21 Jul 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Knowing that we were staying in an eco-friendly cottage made of straw. All of
our electricity was produced by the solar panel and small wind turbine on site.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go ahead and book!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely minimized our impacts on the environment through re-newable energy
and the compost toilet, as well as the promotion of recycling. We visited local
attractions and ate at nearby restaurants and cafes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
Sheona Jenkinson review 14 Aug 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved the location of the straw bale cabin, right in the middle of a working farm, beautiful countryside all around. The only noises the sounds of the animals and birds. Bliss for get away from it all city dwellers.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take lots of books to read, good food and some liquid refreshment and be prepared to chill.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes there is local foodstuffs available, the cabin itself is very ecologically sound, generating its own power via wind and solar routes. Recycling is encouraged and all products are animal friendly. Bicycles are provided and use encouraged, this was a great way to explore the surrounding area and so easy with all the country lanes and lack of hills!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved our holiday and would encourage others to go too, it was fab!
Martin Rosemary Savage review 26 Mar 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Blacktofts Sands RSPB reserve, - in particular, the hen harriers. Howden an unexpected pleasure, inc. its minster. Easy (if v.wet) walking. The straw bale cottage is a delight - the owner is a sweety.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
1 Eat at Loftsome Bridge Hotel, not inexpensive, food is vg so do not be put off by florid and appallingly misspelt menu.
2 Use v. frequent local train services.
3. cycle (bikes, if a little tired, provided) as much as possible on flat roads, inc. to Lower Derwent Natinal Nature Reserve - Bubwith Ings
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We shopped locally (Howden) butchers, greengrocers & Bangladeshi takeaway, so 'yes' to benefiting, and our use of bikes, trains and feet mitigated our impact on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
V highly.
Sue Jennings review 27 Jun 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Quiet, relaxing holiday.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The cottage was very eco-friendly with solar panels, solar powered radio and a compost loo!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a lovely, relaxing holiday in a very beautiful part of the country.
Nancy Charley review 27 Feb 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I went there for time and space to write. The cabin was ideal.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make use of going by train and getting your shopping bought for you for your arrival. You get met at the station and there are bikes available for exploring the local area.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
This is an ecocabin made of straw bales with solar and wind energy and a compost loo plus other composting facilities. The owner positively encourages travelling to the destination by train including a free pickup from the station and the use of bikes for your time there. She will also buy your food in from a selection of local shops.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a great time and would like to promote the cabin and the straw bale cottage soon to be completed.
Philippa Hocking review 18 Feb 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all really lovely but I especially loved the cabin, it was so tranquil.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider going by train. The station is close by and Carol will pick you up. There are bikes available when you get to the cabin and there are some lovely (flat!) rides nearby. If you want to go to York then that is easily accessible by train. We took our car but I would definitely go by train next time. The Chinese restaurant in Howden was very good!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The nature of the cabin obviously has minimal impact on the environment. It has a little wind turbine which powers the lights and sockets and a composting loo! We spent a lot of time cycling and walking as the surrounding area is lovely. We used the shops and cafes in Howden which were mostly independent, excepting the Co-op.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I went there with my husband and 8 yr old son. We had a fantastic break and came back relaxed and rested despite having done far more exercise than we would normally during the course of a week. My son enjoyed 'fishing' in the adjacent pond (he didn't catch anything and would have been really freaked if he had!) Carol and her son showed us round the straw bale cottage they are building which looked fab and is a definite consideration for a holiday with my sister and her kids. Mostly what I will remember from this break is the complete relaxation and tranquillity.... loved it!!
David Concannon review 1 Jun 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Watching a barn owl hunting for food early evenings / mornings.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Leave all preconceptions, car and mobile phones at home!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The cottage is very very eco-friendly. All produce is locally sourced where possible.
Susan Robinson review 9 Sep 2007
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The cottage itself - it's beautiful. It's obviously been built and furnished with genuine commitment to minimising harm to the environment. And it's cosy, comfortable and very quiet.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It's a really great place to spend some time and get back into the slow lane for a while. Travel by train if you can - it means you have to walk or cycle if you want to go somewhere so it helps you stay in the slow lane.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, definitely. The cottage is a great example of environmentally friendly living, and the owner will collect you from the station if you travel by train. I also used local shops but you can pre-order local food or use the "honesty shop" in the cottage.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved the cottage and would definitely recommend it - regardless of whether or not you're into eco-living.
