Guests say
The Old Barn is exceptionally well located for Alton Towers, making it ideal for large groups and families seeking convenience and spacious accommodation. Guests consistently praise the generous living areas, comfortable beds in some rooms, and ample parking. The outdoor space is a highlight in warmer months. While some guests mention thoughtful touches from the owners, feedback on cleanliness and maintenance is mixed, with several noting the need for a deep clean and refurbishment. Overall, the property offers a practical and roomy base for group getaways, especially for those prioritising proximity to Alton Towers.
Reviews are mixed, with several guests highlighting issues such as dust, cobwebs, mould, and general lack of deep cleaning. However, some guests found the property clean and tidy. The overall impression is that cleanliness is inconsistent and could be improved.
The location is universally praised, with guests noting it is just a short walk to Alton Towers and convenient for local attractions. Its proximity is a standout feature for most visitors.
Guests appreciate the spaciousness and comfortable beds in some rooms, but there are repeated mentions of uncomfortable mattresses, squeaky beds, and worn furniture. The living areas are generally considered comfortable for large groups.
The property is well equipped for large groups, with ample seating, kitchenware, and bathrooms. However, maintenance issues such as broken furniture, showers, and kitchen fittings are frequently mentioned, indicating facilities are adequate but in need of attention.
Some guests mention thoughtful touches such as welcome hampers, flowers, and responsive hosts, but these are not guaranteed for every stay. Communication with the owners is generally positive.
About this property
A detached barn conversion set in beautiful grounds in the small rural village of Farley, 12 miles from Ashbourne and just a five-minute walk from the main entrance of the popular Alton Towers Theme Park. The Old Barn combines original features with contemporary facilities to provide welcoming accommodation in a quiet and peaceful location. The property has a spacious sitting room with a large TV, here you can kick back on the leather sofas as the woodburning stove creates a snug ambiance. Resting behind is a well-equipped country kitchen/diner, ideal for throwing together your best home-cooking from the range of amenities provided, to be enjoyed on the sociable dining table over a bottle of wine.
Withdraw for a refreshing night's sleep in one of the five bedrooms, comprising an accessible ground-floor triple bunk room, served by two ground-floor shower rooms, as well as two doubles, a twin and another triple bunk room on the first floor. The delightful large garden is perfectly positioned and ideal for alfresco dining. The Exciting Alton Towers Theme Park is right on the property's doorstep, offering a thrilling day of excitement throughout 500 acres of beautiful Staffordshire countryside, boasting spine-tingling rollercoasters, a luxurious waterpark and spa, as well as rides and attractions to suit all the family. The village of Alton is nearby where you'll find a handy selection of shops for you to pick up essentials during your self-catered stay, as well as a Gothic castle, Curtis Museum, and the Allen Gallery.
Adventurers will delight in the chance to explore the Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail with a wealth of walking and cycling trails, whilst the vibrant market town of Ashbourne is home to an even wider selection of amenities, shops, supermarkets and restaurants. Other attractions in the area include the Consall Valley Steam Railway, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Dovedale, and the amazing Peak District national Park further afield. The Old Barn is the perfect base for families and friends looking to enjoy the many attractions of the Peak District and the outstanding thrills and spills of Alton Towers.
Located on the Alton Towers estate, Farley is a historic village that is made up of traditional farms and cottages spread throughout the estate. The theme park has many attractions and activities for all ages. There are magnificent gardens and a boating lake as well as the exciting rides for the brave at heart. Ashbourne is a lovely town only 12 miles from Farley and has a variety of shops and restaurants. The town is full of character and has charming cobbled alleys to explore and a host of antique shops for the avid collector. The Peak District National Park is a fantastic attraction with historic houses and country parks in reach.
Accommodation
Five bedrooms: 2 x doubles, 1 x twin, 1 x triple bunk with double and single, 1 x ground-floor triple bunk with double and single.
Bathroom with roll-top bath, basin & WC.
Two ground-floor shower rooms with shower, basin & WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Utility room.
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Oil central heating and woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher.
4 x TVs with Freeview, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels provided.
Starter pack for woodburner inc in rent.
Cots, high chairs and safety gates available on request.
Ample off-road parking.
Large mature gardens with garden furniture.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop 1.7 miles & pub 0.8 miles.
Note: There are open tread stairs, please see photos.
Note: This property does not accept hen/stag parties or similar.
Note: The window in the downstairs bedroom is a floor to ceiling static window and not an opening patio door.
Note: Check-in 4pm.
Note: Property is within ten minutes walk from the pay gates of Alton Towers enabling guests to pop in and out of the park
Reviews (49)
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Elaine
10 of us stayed and so we used all of the rooms. Feedback on the beds is that they aren't comfortable. The triple beds have really poor mattresses and one of the double beds was broken underneath making it uncomfortable. The garden was very overgrown and different to the photos in the listing so this might need checking as we were expecting something much larger and accessible rather than overgrown and inaccessible. One of the chairs in the living room is also broken and has a cushion shoved it in to fill the hole. We had a nice stay overall and the location was good but the quality of the property was disappointing.
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Mike & Brenda
Totally under whelmed by the property. A once loved property that could do with a huge make over.
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Chris
So itâs perfect for visiting there, and also perfect if youâre in a big group given that it can technically accommodate 12 (5 bedrooms but the 2 bunk bed rooms can sleep 3). The house overall was nice enough, and the lounge was very spacious. Some things were in a state of disrepair though (various door handles, lamps, blinds etc), and while everything was clean, the whole place could do with a deep clean and a bit of a spruce up. Youâre either the kind of person who cares about those things, or youâre not. It didnât bother me personally, and the main reason for staying here is Alton Towers, and Iâd happily stay again.