Is Mankind?

It’s been a while since I posted a blog entry on here, but after recent events I felt the need to write.

Just hours after posting my last status on Facebook at the Airbnb Open conference, we started to receive texts from family about some ‘trouble in Paris’, and messages asking ‘are we ok?’. At the time we were blissfully unaware of the atrocities that were happening just a couple of metro stops away, and started to learn about the horror via updates on Twitter from the safety of our apartment.

The theme of that day at the Airbnb Open was: trust, sharing and remembering that we are all the same no matter what part of the world we come from, or what our beliefs may be. It was truly inspiring hearing stories from every day people who open their doors to welcome strangers as guests in their own homes. They had experienced and learnt so many things – culture, language, the art of listening, to name a few, and I wondered if it was something I could do. Of course they earned some money along the way, but it somehow feels better than that money going to a faceless hotel. At Harestreet Farm, we love welcoming people to visit our barns and our local community, and although we don’t live alongside you in the property as many on Airbnb do, we still share a part of our lives with you and have met so many people along the way.

We were shown an advertising campaign which was entitled ‘Is Mankind?’, and walking away that day I felt the answer was ‘yes’. Then that evening a few people took it upon themselves to take the lives of so many innocent people, that I felt perhaps I was wrong. However, witnessing the response from the people in Paris and the world at large, of course Man is kind, and the few that have chosen the wrong path should not destroy the faith we have in our fellow man.

I would strongly urge people keep that faith and to travel without fear (whether in the UK or abroad); it is something I have had the privilege to do quite a lot of, and don’t intend to stop now!

Mother’s day bubbly!

Mother’s Day is fast approaching – why not treat your Mum to a relaxing break in the countryside? Beautiful country walks and welcoming village pubs serving delicious food are all on your doorstep, not to mention the cosy wood-burning stove inside each barn – your Mum will feel very special!

Weekend breaks are available from 13th – 16th March 2015 at either the Dairy or the Parlour – contact us for more details.

***We’ll throw in a bottle of bubbly for your Mum if you mention this post when you book.***

Do you get the January blues?

….well look no further than a stay at Harestreet Farm barns. With access to lots of country walks and close to some lovely village pubs, all you’ll need is to get cosy in front of the woodburning stove when you return to your home from home – bliss!P1030791

Snow much fun!

We took our little boy for his first ever skiing lesson this weekend at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead http://www.thesnowcentre.com/

This is a great place to visit and only 45 minutes drive from the barns – real snow on your doorstep – well worth a visit!

Feeling festive

Here at Harestreet Holidays we have been busy getting into the festive mood with some pumpkin carving to keep those ghosts and ghouls at bay…
pumpkins

If you’re feeling festive, why not book a pre-Christmas break in the Dairy. We have availability from 1st – 5th, 15th – 19th December and also for New Year.

I love Autumn!

What’s not to love? Beautiful colours, conkers, jumping in puddles and big piles of leaves and then back to home for a warm cup of tea in front of the fire. If this takes your fancy, Harestreet Farm Barns are the perfect autumnal escape for you! Contact us now for availability.Ardleyhouse8 autumn-leaves-trees-the-rays-nature

We’re back from our own ‪’‎staycation’‬ in Somerset – it’s a shame the weather was a bit wilder than recent weeks but these three little tigers didn’t seem to mind!

tigers

For your own staycation with easy access to many attractions including Paradise Wildlife Park, Hatfield House, Wimpole House and Farm, Harry Potter studios and many more, (and of course the beautiful countryside and local villages) why not come and stay at Harestreet Farm Barns? Contact us for details!