So let's talk kitchens. The heart of the home, kitchens are the family gathering place for all those wonderful drawn out evenings of delicious food, thrilling conversation and bottles upon bottles of wine... and then the whisky! We love nothing more than a big social cook-up; from Jamie O's one-tray, fun-for-all-the-family dishes, and bowls of Ottolenghi-style yoghurt dressed salads right through to Nigella's indulgent puddings. You can leave the Nutribullet and Kitchenaid at home when you stay in one of these food lovers retreats complete with fully-equipped kitchens that will dazzle and delight. Prepare to release your inner Gordon Ramsey, minus all the swearing (hopefully)!
Eirianfa is an effortlessly stylish abode that fully embraces its traditional Welsh cottage roots. The large farmhouse kitchen is well-equipped with a beautiful cream electric Aga, Smeg fridge and chunky wooden table where you can almost still picture the farmers coming in for crib. The beautiful flagstones and green garden views provide the perfect setting for all your family’s home cooked favourites.
The rustic French flourishes throughout this former hunting lodge seemingly melt together to create a snowy white colour palette, evoking an ambience of Narnia-esque magic where romance reigns. There’ll be no sign of Kendall Mint cake on the menu in this kitchen, instead you'll be serving up Escargots de Bourgogne, Coq au vin and Crepe Suzette, all washed down with an exquisite bottle of red. The stunning and well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen is a country chic dream, featuring a double oven Aga, in white of course. Send the children out to collect the free-range eggs in the morning, whilst the rest of the family lay the table, grind the coffee and rack up the toast.
From the cool, contemporary interiors to the glass-fronted deck which wraps around the entire top floor flaunting views over Studland Bay, Rockefeller boasts beachside glamour in abundance. The large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area is crying out for a sophisticated gastro affair. Champagne arrival and canapés on the balcony followed by a menu of beetroot and liquorice-cured Dorset salmon, duck breast with chicory, potato dauphinoise and freshly-picked Gooseberry fool. Guests can then retire to the seating area for nightcaps fireside. The owners have thought of it all.
Dubbed ‘the cook’s kitchen’ on the Unique Homestays portfolio, this old pilchard factory is superbly equipped to play out your wildest culinary fantasies. Stroll into the village to grab the catch of the day – pretend you caught it yourself - and invite your nearest and dearest to dine on some of the freshest seafood in the country. Try crab claws and smoked mackerel toast, followed by lemon sole with pea puree for mains. Don’t forget to leave space for endless bowls of warm, sugared raspberries and Jelbert’s ice cream – a holiday favourite of the owners’ mother (chef and Times food writer Lindsey Bareham). All whilst looking out across the ever changing seascape - now if that doesn’t inspire the chef in you, I’m not sure what will!
