THE Private Hill is maybe the most perfect country escape in the country, with all the peace and nature of camping, but with the luxury of a five-star hotel.
Founded by farmer Roddy Hamilton on a hill in north Yorkshire that has possibly the best view in the country, the site consists of five spacious domes; three that hold two adults, one which holds a family of four, and one that houses the restaurant and bar. It is possible to rent out all four tents for larger groups.
Dome Interior
The domes are fully furnished with luxury super king beds, mini kitchen, en-suite bathroom, log burning stove – for an extra cosy feel, Sonos speakers and luxury toiletries. But the piece de resistance is the floor to ceiling window that gives sweeping views of the valley below.
The property has already been awarded some of the industry’s top accolades, receiving a five- star gold award, as well as the Unique Property accolade the Quality in Tourism board. Also, at the time of writing they are finalists for Best New Business in the White Rose Awards and the SME (small and medium enterprise) National Awards.
The tiny but incredibly chic restaurant offers chef-cooked breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and a three-course set menu all using local Yorkshire produce as much as possible – even Yorkshire-pressed apple juice and local gins.
Countryside View
The working farm is mostly out of sight but you will see, and have the opportunity to meet, the chickens (who provide the delicious organic eggs for breakfast), lamas and sheep. Roddy frequently makes an appearance in the restaurant tent to check on his guests and at 5pm each day takes children who are staying on the hill in his tractor to feed the animals – a touch that made the holiday for my three-year-old.
The staff welcome you like a family member and Roddy is the quintessential English gent, rather like if James Bond retired and became a farmer – with his own international rescue stories to boot!
Dome Exterior
It’s been a difficult year for all of us but it hasn’t been without its silver linings – like remembering that we have so many wonderful places and people right here on our doorstep. If I could choose only one place to go back to this year, I would pick The Private Hill in a heartbeat. I can think of nothing better than sitting in a warm bed, with the log-fire burning, mug of hot chocolate in hand and watching the sun set over our green and pleasant land.
by Nicola Kavanagh