The Farmhouse at Redcoats, Hertfordshire

Overview

Step inside and be wowed at the rambling 15th-century Farmhouse at Redcoats, an informal hotel with a magnificent barn set in four acres with stunning views across rolling Hertfordshire countryside.

The Farmhouse is now a multifaceted space - an events and wedding venue, a fabulous dining spot and a funky Cowshed Bar and Lounge and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Oozing period charm, the original farmhouse boasts characterful and stylish upstairs bedrooms and the opportunity to experience genuine farm-to-fork dining in the Old Kitchen, replete with vast fireplace, tiled floor and laden dresser. Guests can also relax in one of the former panelled sitting rooms or choose the light and airy conservatory restaurant with views across the garden.

The Cowshed Bar has become a destination bar in its own right offering a great selection of gins, whiskies and cocktails. On warm evenings, enjoy your cocktail on the terrace or at benches by the stunning barn and savour the views across fields. There's an informal bar in the farmhouse serving Adnams beer and a decent list of wines, and the atmosphere throughout is very relaxed and friendly.

Rooms from

Doubles and twin: £95

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco and private dining
Wedding venue
Parking available
Dogs allowed overnight in stable rooms

Family favourite
Families are made very welcome at the Farmhouse with smaller portions served for children.

Fine dining
The kitchen team have developed an innovative fine dining evening menu showcaseing its farm-to-table ethos.

No car needed
With so much going on at The Farmhouse and two train stations just ten minutes away, this is a great option for those wishing to leave their car at home.

Events and celebrations
Having renovated the 18th-century barns, The Farmhouse is now a dedicated wedding and events venue, with a fabulous dining area that can seat up to 120 guests.

Rooms

Rooms are split between the rambling old farmhouse, where there are four traditionally furnished rooms retaining period charm, eight rooms converted from the original stables and coach house in the courtyard, and 15 stunning contemporary rooms in the magnificent barn.

The latter, reached via a fine oak staircase, are decorated in country style with dramatic floral wallpaper, modern wooden furniture, super-comfortable beds with bespoke wooden headboards and smart tiled bathrooms with walk-in rain shower and posh Aromatherapy toiletries.

The biggest are the two suites up in the eaves, one for families, and one special room with thick oak beams and timbers, a king-size bed, and a vast bathroom with deep tub and separate walk-in shower. The Farmhouse breakfast - with cereals, juices, fruit and pastries - laid out on a big pine table in the conservatory will certainly set you up for the day.

Restaurant & bar

Chef Sherwin Jacobs is cooking up a storm offering pub classics, summer BBQs and a fine dining evening menu - all showcase his farm-to-table ethos and the best regional ingredients available.

Meats are sourced from surrounding farms, game from local shoots and the fresh seafood comes straight from the Norfolk coast - namely Brancaster oysters and mussels, and crabs from Cromer.

A typical summer menu may include beef carpaccio, truffle aioli, pickled onion and carrot salad and pecorino; duo of Woodview Farm pork (belly & pan-roasted tenderloin), hasselback potato, Norfolk asparagus and pickled rhubarb; creme caramel, honey flapjack and blueberry compote. Lighter lunchtime dishes include a sharing charcuterie board, garden salads, fishcakes or club sandwiches on toasted sourdough.

Make the most of the cottage garden to the side of the Farmhouse on sunny days - a relaxing spot for a pint of a light lunch overlooking the rose and flowerbeds.

Private dining

Following the magnificent renovation of the derelict 18th-century barns, The Farmhouse is now a wedding and events venue with a fabulous dining area that can seat up to 120 guests.

Things to do

Explore the stunning Hitchin Lavender at Cadwell Farm with about 25 miles of lavender rows. Visitors can walk around the farm and pick their own fresh flowers. There's also a 17th-century barn offering delicious lunches and homemade cakes.

History lovers should venture to Hatfield House, built by Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury in 1611. The Jacobean house has impressive architectural features, gardens, furniture and artwork on display - make sure to check its opening times and join a tour of the site.

You're not far from Cambridge here, so why not spend the day wandering the historic city or punting on the river? There's an excellent Cambridge Food Tour to take you off the beaten path, through the eyes of local foodies around the city. Either join a public date or arrange a bespoke private one.