The Holt, The Den and now The Drey . . . . Eastfield Lodge announces that the new Drey Apartment is ready for its first guests.
It’s a special retreat for those looking for a bit of space, peace and luxury.
Originally an apple and onion store for the main Lodge many moons ago, this loft space above the Coach House was converted into living quarters long before we ever visited Yorkshire. Henry and I then lived here happily for 10 years soaking up the spectacular and far reaching views of Wensleydale each morning. We sat on the balcony with a glass of something refreshing chatting to our wonderful neighbours from a safe distance throughout the pandemic and waved farewells to groups of guests from the flat as they departed. It has many fond memories for us both but we haven’t moved far. We now have our own place still in Saint Matthews Terrace but it has freed up this spacious, airy flat to further expand our accommodation within Eastfield Lodge.
Creating the same stylish and modern design that she has throughout the property, Sarah has worked her magic to produce a place of contemporary luxury.
But how did these three apartments come to have their names – it is an amusing tale from a throw away line years ago! The Den came first. When Tom originally looked at the Lodge to purchase in 2006, the outbuildings were rammed full of rubbish and used only for storage. The stairs at the back of the house led to a dingy loft tucked away and forgotten. His words, on pushing the door back, were “this looks like a drugs den!” For some reason, this comment was not forgotten! The space, despite repair, renovation and modernisation over the years and many different uses as staff accommodation, a long term let and then a smart self-catered apartment was always known affectionately to us as “the drugs den.”
Realising this was far from appropriate or a likely selling angle for guests booking the apartment, it was changed to simply The Den and the guest book in the flat portrays a fox. When the second apartment refurbishment was completed, this then became The Holt and the guest book has an otter on it. Now that the new apartment is ready and commands the best views over Wensleydale from its position at the top of the coach house, it seemed logical to name this The Drey and to invite guests to comment in the book with a squirrel on the cover!
All arose from a random comment made all those years ago but somehow they seem to work for these three fabulous apartments all with their own characters and identity. I wonder which one you will love the most . . . I, of course, have a favourite in The Drey, which was once our home.