Savor the Slow-Paced Charm of These 9 Luxury Farm Stays

Fields of golden wheat and pastures dotted with grazing sheep may be quaint enough for a fleeting glance in some places. These nine countryside stays, however, immerse you in a combination of bucolic beauty and world-class luxury that not only holds your attention but captures your heart. From lavish spa treatments and truffle foraging to vineyard-side picnics and feeding farm animals, each head-turning property on this list will broaden your idea of a farm stay in all the best ways.

Luxury Farm Stays Where Rustic Roots Meet Refined Style

São Lourenço do Barrocal, Alentejo, Portugal

Rural vistas give way to white-sand beaches in Portugal’s Alentejo region, beloved for its rich history and easygoing pace. The 19th-century farmstead of Sao Lourenço do Barrocal epitomizes the area’s stewardship of the land and appreciation of life’s simple pleasures. For more than 200 years, the same family has tended the flourishing vineyard, olive grove, fruit orchard, vegetable garden and livestock.

A 2-hour drive southeast of Lisbon, the Michelin-key property offers a quiet escape with luxe amenities. Treasure hunts and children’s garden tours keep young travelers entertained, while the spa and extensive activities list cater to multigenerational guests. Each cottage and suite accentuates the natural beauty all around, with terra-cotta floors, understated decor and sweeping views of the landscape by day and incredible stargazing by night. 

Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection, Gardiner, New York

Along with its namesake flower farm, this Hudson Valley retreat garners allure from the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge that stands sentinel nearby. Off-the-grid serenity meets rustic elegance across the property, which includes 65 cabins and cottages designed to blur the lines between comfortable interiors and natural beauty.

The culinary team works closely with the farmers to curate menus inspired by the seasons and ingredients harvested onsite. Guests can also enjoy the fruits of their own labor through a number of interactive experiences offered throughout the year, including bread baking, pasta making and cocktail mixing, all of which showcase the bounty of Wildflower Farms. 

Flockhill Lodge, Craigieburn Valley, New Zealand

You’ll be immersed in the shepherding and farming heritage of New Zealand’s Southern Alps at Flockhill Lodge. While the surrounding sheep station has been operating since the 1850s, guests indulge in the finest 21st-century amenities and unforgettable meals. A private chef treats large groups or families who book the Homestead, where all four luxe bedrooms and spacious gathering areas promise spectacular alpine views. Smaller yet equally well-appointed Villas open to the wild landscape that’s honored at every touchpoint. 

From fly-fishing to cave exploration to helicopter tours, the staff coordinates itineraries tailor-made for your family. Flockhill’s signature 2-hour Farm Tour takes you through a day in the life of the shepherds and trained herding dogs who care for more than 10,000 sheep and cattle. You’ll also glimpse the abundant gardens that provide for the distinctive tasting experience at Sugarloaf restaurant.

Ballymaloe House Hotel, Cork, Ireland

Nestled on 300 serene acres in East Cork, this historic country house hotel and restaurant still carries the warmth of its past as a cherished family home. The Ballymaloe story began in 1948, when Myrtle and Ivan Allen purchased the estate and worked the land as they raised their family. Myrtle’s passion for farm-to-table food blossomed into Ballymaloe House as a restaurant — one of the first in Ireland to celebrate local, seasonal ingredients in every dish. 

Six decades later, guests can experience the Allens’ beloved home and harvest that continues to inspire the restaurant’s menu of modern Irish fare. Comfy accommodations in the way of 32 rooms and suites make it effortless to unplug after a day of sightseeing around Cork or simply basking in the natural beauty of the grounds.

&Beyond Vira Vira, Araucanía, Chile

A gateway to untouched wild forests and snow-capped mountains of Chile, &Beyond Vira Vira beckons to adventure seekers of all ages. This riverside estate is located on an organic farm, and an artisan cheese factory onsite adds to the resort’s top-notch culinary program. Accommodations range from cozy suites and villas to a five-bedroom hacienda that’s ideal for multigenerational groups. 

Exciting activities for kids are offered year-round through the WILDChild Programme. Children 12 and older can participate in winter sledding excursions at the base of a volcano or fishing and horseback riding lessons in warmer months. Tours and tastings at the quesería (cheesemaking facility) remain popular for lodge guests no matter the season. 

Southall Farm & Inn, Franklin, Tennessee

Only about 20 miles south of Nashville’s hustle and honky-tonks, simple country charm awaits in Franklin. Southall Farm & Inn upholds a tradition of sustainable living, with a robust kitchen garden, greenhouse, apple orchard and apiaries. It’s easy to unplug as you take in the hand-tended farm, whether joining beekeepers for a closer look or taking in the idyllic sights and sounds while kayaking around the lake. Young travelers will find plenty to keep busy thanks to the resort’s extensive activities lineup.

Gently nodding to the textures and colors outside each window, the inn’s guest rooms and suites, along with 16 cottages, exude fuss-free elegance. Equal attention to detail, from the decor to the premiere amenities, is paid to the property’s gathering places, pool and spa, and award-winning restaurants. Partake in afternoon tea at January, a Michelin Green Star awardee, and round out your evening with live music and cocktails at Dotties speakeasy.

La Bastide de Marie, Provence, France

Ensconced in greenery and the heady scent of lavender, La Bastide de Marie elicits a feeling akin to love at first sight. Exposed stone walls, antique trappings and an airy terrace with a vineyard view — the authentic Provençal charm extends to your private quarters inside this 18th-century country estate-turned-boutique retreat. The property has curated a careful balance of modern conveniences and old-world atmosphere, plus outstanding culinary offerings.

Venture into the Luberon vineyard with a chef-prepared picnic basket in hand and then relish a candlelit dinner under the stars. Special requests for children are always welcome at mealtimes, and the staff happily helps coordinate kid-friendly activities, from electric bike rides through the countryside to poolside fun.

Babylonstoren, Western Cape, South Africa

Unwind after the excitement of a South Africa safari with a peaceful stay at Babylonstoren, one of the region’s oldest Cape Dutch farms. Set in the Franschhoek wine valley, the property is surrounded by fragrant, colorful gardens that create a storybook ambience. The hotel and adjacent cottage accommodations boast lovely whitewashed exteriors with chic interior designs that encourage utmost relaxation.

Families can peek behind the scenes of farm life through well-designed experiences: Blend your own olive oil, watch essential oils being distilled in the Scented Room, harvest herbs from the garden and more. Weekly workshops led by expert gardeners, chefs and specialists dive deeper into a variety of topics. Plus, little ones can greet and feed the donkeys daily.

Borgo dei Conti, Umbria, Italy

In the picturesque rolling hills of Italy’s Umbrian countryside, Borgo dei Conti Resort enchants travelers with its blend of new and timeless. Exquisite interior designs balance modish comforts with local craftsmanship and details that call to mind Renaissance artwork. The estate’s historic park allows for peaceful strolls across the grounds, overlooking ancient olive groves and the bountiful landscape beyond. 

Join professionals and their canine companions on a truffle-hunting adventure and then relax under a star-studded sky at the outdoor cinema. Spend the afternoon by the infinity pool after a few hours of pampering at the spa, complete with a Finnish sauna, salt room and tranquil outdoor resting spaces. Two restaurants and a chic lounge ensure you have delicious dining options throughout your stay.

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas for luxury family vacations on Ciao Bambino

Essential tips for a Tuscany farm stay with kids

5 tips for planning a family-friendly wine tour in Italy

Portugal with kids: Top Douro Valley wine tours & activities

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.