Guest information
We look forward to welcoming you to Barefolds Steading. A lot of love has been put into creating a relaxing and authentic Scottish holiday home-from-home for you to enjoy. Uniquely, the interior showcases the talents of UK-based arts craftsmen and women. The solid oak live edge dining table and benches were crafted by RusticWaveReclaimed and the iroko lamp bases were lovingly made by the host’s father, John England. Barefolds Steading also currently displays original artwork by the renowned Scottish Abstract artist, Joan Doerr. If you fall in love with her work like we have, there’s a possibility of purchase (subject to enquiry). Joan’s most recent exhibition was at the &Gallery in Edinburgh. The exterior features two garden sculptures made locally by Eve Craft using reclaimed whisky barrel hoops.
Check-in & check-out times
Check-in time is from 4.00pm onwards and check-out time is by 10.00am.
Accessibility
Unfortunately Barefolds Steading is not suitable for wheelchairs. Please see our Accessibility Guide for detailed information.
WiFi & Workcations
Wireless broadband internet is available throughout Barefolds Steading. If you do need to work whilst you’re here, the dining table makes a good workstation.
Parking & secure storage
At Barefolds Steading there is dedicated parking for up to two cars close to the private front entrance.
There are two electric vehicle charging stations in Huntly, InstaVolt and ChargeYourCar. Both are open 24 hours round the clock.
Local shops & petrol station
A range of local amenities are available in Huntly. Both supermarkets, Tesco and Asda have petrol stations. There’s a Post Office too. Also worth a visit are Orb’s Community Bookshop and Ethical Gift Shop & Refillery. Takeaway food is available from Huntly Chip Shop and Café India.
Secluded outdoor space
There is a secluded patio/ BBQ area for al fresco dining and an elevated grassed terrace. Its south-west facing aspect makes for an idyllic spot to enjoy the spectacular sunsets and night skies. We’re so lucky to enjoy limited light pollution, so keen stargazers might just spot the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).
Our Eco Ethos
Natural materials feature in respect of the choice of textiles, furnishings and fittings. As far as is possible, these derive from responsibly managed sources and produced in a socially responsible way. In line with its eco-friendly ethos, all duvets, pillows and beds are made from organic materials. The wool filled duvets and pillows are hypoallergenic and combined with the bamboo mattress and pillow protectors help to regulate body temperature to promote a restorative nights’ sleep. The bed linen and towels are organic cotton, and the throws are made from either recycled wool or recycled plastic bottles. Two wood burning stoves coupled with central and under floor heating from a Biomass boiler keep the spacious interior cosy.
Facilities
We try to make your life as easy as possible during the time you spend at Barefolds Steading. That includes providing you with all your home comforts.
Central heating, floor heating and the wood burners will keep you nice and warm whatever time of year you come to stay.
The kitchen is well equipped. It has an electric oven and hob, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee machine, refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine. Cooking utensils are provided along with a selection of condiments. There is a child’s high chair too. You’ll also have an iron and ironing board.
In addition to the child’s highchair, for safety we also have child security locks and stair gates available on request.
There is a baby crib, one double bed, one super king size bed and two single beds. Organic cotton bed linen and towels are supplied, along with bathroom essentials and a hairdryer.
For your entertainment there is a Toshiba 43 inch Smart 4K UHD HDR LED Freeview TV, a Denon Hi-Fi System and speakers and a Sony SRS-XB23 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. Along with the guitar and tuner, there’s also a selection of books, board games and CDs.
Outside there is a patio with a gas BBQ and garden furniture. So you can eat al fresco or simply relax and enjoy the view.
ABOUT BAREFOLDS
Constructed in the early 1900s, Barefolds is a traditional C-shaped farm building with solid granite stone walls and slate roof. In 2010, the west wing was sympathetically converted and became Barefolds Steading. It provides light, spacious holiday accommodation over two floors. The renovations were carefully designed to retain the original character of the building’s rustic exterior – including an impressive cheese press.
When Susan bought the property in 2020, she fully refurbished the interior and put in a new kitchen to give it a more Scot-Scandi feel.
A walled vegetable garden extends from the east wing, which is full of soft fruit bushes, seasonal vegetables, and herbs. We also have six happy hens who live in the adjacent woodland.
The owners live in Barefolds Farmhouse, which is a separate property located opposite the east wing.
MEET THE OWNER
Barefolds Steading is owned by Susan Klein.
“After working in academia for over 25 years, I took early retirement for a lifestyle change that would enable me to pursue other interests and spend more time in the great outdoors. My partner, John, and I returned to Scotland in October 2020 to live at Barefolds after falling in love with the property at first sight.
Establishing Barefolds Steading as a special place for guests to stay reflects my passion for renovating old buildings, up-cycling furniture and interior design.
I enjoy keeping fit by taking our two beloved border collies, Kodi and Charlie, on long walks in the surrounding countryside.
I am also the co-founder of Connection Retreats along with my daughter, Tara, who is an Edinburgh-based yoga teacher.
Please do email me if you have any questions about Barefolds Steading”.
Our beautiful location
