charlottew139
From the minute I found this property through a detailed internet search, I knew that this was a place to stay. Who could resist the 'quintessential English style accommodation' that is offered by Leylands Farm? ||||Right from the first initial contact via email with our host, Annie, there was a positive and genuine connection. I found her to be personable, warm and committed to attending to every detail to make our stay what it was - idyllic. Nothing seemed too much trouble and as we were travelling from Australia, our only contact remained via email. It seems to me that this is a business from home where the focus is to share the love of Leylands Farm with others, with no qualms whatsoever. ||||Directions to the property were accurate and this proved more than necessary as we didn't have any GPS with our hire car. The lead up to the property through deeply wooded embankments flanking winding Surrey country roads really set the tone for our 'Surrey Slice of Life.' Once through the simple self-opening metal entrance gate, we drove our car up the gravel driveway and took a deep breath. Picture perfect.||||The property itself is postcard worthy. Instructions to locate the self contained annexe were left inside a plastic sleeve on the main farmhouse doorstep; a 19th century property breathing quiet, unassuming grandeur. A mere hop and skip from the car and we were turning a key and letting ourselves into the cosy annexe. A lowly hung beamed ceiling drew us into what appeared to be more of an Aladdin's Cave of goodies and oh-my-goodness homely, eclectic and well loved furniture, bric a brac, photographs, cushions, rugs and an open fireplace that appeared to be already prepared. ||||A small table was already laid with crockery and cutlery for two and the attention to detail continued right down to the sliver rings on the linen napkins. Draped under a homely tea towel was fresh granary bread and alongside that were two generous slabs of home-made fruit cake (had to be home-made after all we were at Annie's place, Leylands Farm). Fresh water in a carafe, a wicker basket of jams and chutneys and a barrel of cookies set off a perfect cup of percolated coffee or proper English Breakfast tea. Yes, we would return again. ||||The downstairs has a small microwave and 'fridge, a well hidden TV deeply buried in a dark wood bureau and three little windows to peer out of to drink in the beautiful gardens. Heavy curtains promised to keep us warm and the rug and thoughtfully draped blankets and carefully placed slippers were enough to entice even the hardiest of travellers (late or otherwise) to take a nap on the rug in front of the open fire. ||||This is a place for couples or those seeking quiet contentment and solitude. ||||A solid staircase leads to the quaintest of bedrooms tucked beautifully away. Two bedside tables and lamps, a mirrored wardrobe, three windows and a highly effective radiator all provide a welcoming rest haven. The bed was very comfortable, plenty of bedding and the bonus of a bolster sausage cushion that provided more than enough hilarity for the former Brit and S.Australian first time travel companions... Enough said. ||||The small bathroom is also upstairs and I particularly liked the inclusion of shampoo and conditioner. A nice touch for those that travel light. ||||A polite knock on the connecting door late afternoon was the chance to meet Annie in person and she is just as personable and warm as I had hoped from our flurry of emails in the few weeks preceding. It is clear that Annie is a people lover and will take the time to chat or not, dependent upon the needs and wishes of her clients. For us, this personal interaction added nothing but further delight to our stay. ||||Late evening and carpet-napping curtailed, we found ourselves having a proper look around the cupboards and drawers. For those who care to indulge, there are jigsaw puzzles, word games and a plethora of maps and must-do publications. The fresh milk and fresh orange juice and yoghurts in the 'fridge are a bonus for the light traveller but there is room to store any other foodie bits you may bring. ||||Check out was a laid back affair with opportunity to step outside and have a good wander around the grounds of this impressive period farmhouse. The grass and hedges just go on and on. It is akin to a walk around some grounds of a National Trust property with well maintained gardens and secret pathways that lead to more. A conservatory, some greenhouses and the occasional dove cote dotted around the grounds just add more to the Surrey countryside appeal. So with one last photograph and a home-made jam and chutney stuffed in our pockets, we were off on our next adventure. ||||If you are looking for something a little bit special, a well equipped eclectic space in a slice of Surrey Countryside then this is definitely the place for you. ||||I think I hit the mark in booking this property as it really did showcase all that I love about Surrey. And this was important. After all, you can't show an Aussie a slice of your former English lifestyle without a trip here.||||And just like Alice, I was very happy to take a tumble down this rabbit hole that led me to Leylands Farm. ||||Thanks, Annie.
