Our group of 7 family friends (age 2-45) just spent a brilliant long weekend at the Blo Norton property (renting the hall AND two barns). The hall is grand, charming, quirky and comfortable with numerous large spaces for groups to congregate. The barns are fabulously converted with modern kitchens and cozy interiors. Suggest you can plan on four families sleeping in the hall, two in the largest barn and 1 in the small barn.
Sue McGrath (property manager) and Karen (the housekeeper) patiently answered all of my questions prior to arrival. Check in was easy and we conveniently arranged a Sainsbury's delivery to arrive shortly after we did.
Our group spent Saturday morning exploring the extensive grounds. These included open lawns at the barns (not apparent on outdated google map satellite images), the wooded drive and landscaped gardens at the hall and a meadow behind the hall. Some of us ran a local park run or visited Wyken Vineyards' farmer's market and gardens (highly recommended) where we collected eggs, fresh asparagus, breads and artisanal treats for the weekend. We walked to the White Horse in Thelnetham for lunch, which handled our large group expertly and served outstanding food. Our dinners were catered by Emma Biggs Catering (highly recommended). The kids sat down first to a family style/large dish dinner while the adults enjoyed canapes and a glass of champagne by the fire followed by a three-course meal. Superb!
Sunday, after a fry up in the well-equipped hall kitchen, we hosted Grey Goose archery (highly recommended) who set up targets for the children, and the parents enjoyed a quick go as well. We used the hall's two gas grills for a Sunday BBQ at the large,18-person table by the property's pond. Lawn games and walks on the grounds and around the village kept us entertained until Emma arrived again with another perfect dinner.
We were truly spoiled at Blo Norton and the kids are already begging to go back. Memories for a lifetime.