10 Top-Rated Ranches in Europe

April 18, 2023 Enriqueta Cusson

From the mighty fjords in the north to the ancient Greek ruins in the south, all the way to the volcanic Azores in the west and the monumental architecture in the east, Europe's unique blend of history, landscapes, and cultures must be seen to be believed.

1. Quinta do Rol

Ribeira de Palheiros, Lourinha 2530-442 Portugal
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 153 reviews

Quinta do Rol

Featuring accommodation in 1, 2 and 3-bedroom houses, the Quinta do Rol presents scenic accommodation in Lourinhã. The farm features an outdoor swimming and horse riding is possible, at an extra fee.All houses at the Quinta do Rol feature a private bathroom, free WiFi, TV and a view. Some of the houses also feature satellite channels, iPod Docking Stations and equipped kitchens.Guests can prepare their own meals in the equipped kitchens, which feature all the necessary utensils. The Lourinhã centre is an 11-minute drive and features plenty of local restaurants, bars and cafés for guests to choose from.The property provides free bicycles for its guests, so that they can better tour the surrounding area in a leisurely fashion. Following a game in either the tennis court or the football/basketball rink, guests can relax by taking a dip in the pool and lounge in the sunny terrace. Babysitting services are also available, at an extra cost.The historical medieval village of Óbidos is a 20-minute drive and features a number of local shops along its cobbled streets as well as the well-kept medieval walls. Peniche is 20 minutes by car, and features a harbour connection with the sunny Berlengas Island. The islands setting is ideal for hiking, camping, going to the beaches or taking the island boat tours.Lisbon international Airport is a 45-minute drive from the Quinta do Rol.

Top in all aspects! Heaven for riders and non riders!

Reviewed By Bettina F

This place is just paradise for everybody who is looking for nice accommodation in a tranquil, picturesque countryside, good food and nice people. Quinta do Rol is the best place for riders who expect excellent trained horses and the best riding instructor. Ricardo and his team give you the confidence and push you to new standards of your riding. The Lusitano stallions in the stable are all superbly schooled and the older ones to the highest dressage level. Rita and her husband are lovely hosts; they created a very special place with love to every detail. Emilie in the office was always super friendly and very helpful, when questions came up. The staff in the kitchen also always friendly. the food was very fresh, and tasty. We loved our meals spend with the other guest. I arrived one day earlier coming from Lisbon, as I couldn't t wait..I could have stayed so much longer. I ll come back! Highly recommended!

2. Santa Maria Degli Ancillotti

via Santa Tecla 42, 06086, Assisi Italy
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 263 reviews

Santa Maria Degli Ancillotti

Above all, Santa Maria degli Ancillotti is suited to couples who would like to be in a friendly family-run hotel where service is of the utmost importance. Santa Maria degli Ancillotti is set in 4 hectares of parkland, protected by trees and well-tended hedges. The buildings, which date back to 1179, were renovated by the owner with the aim of creating a peaceful retreat for guests seeking privacy and tranquility. There are 7 spacious suites fully renovated in April 2014, with every comfort: individually controlled air conditioning and heating, satellite TV, direct line telephone, free mini-bar, safe, kettle and hairdryer, beach towel for the swimming pool, and an external area with table and chairs. Originally planned as apartments, the spaces are now occupied by suites which comprise a double room with double bed or two twin beds depending on your requirements, and a spacious wardrobe. The living room is large and bright with a sofa which quickly transforms into two single beds. The bathroom has a large and modern shower.

Heaven is a place on earth ...

Reviewed By CVE072

... and it is called Santa Maria Degli Ancillotti. This was our 4th stay in Santa Maria Degli Ancillotti, and again a fantastic experience. The beautiful location, spacious and perfectly cleaned rooms (with good wifi and airconditioning !), large swimming pool with comfortable sunbeds and large umbrellas and a large garden full of olive trees create a relaxing atmosphere where you really feel at home. All of this perfectly combined with high quality service and attention to detail. And last but not least ... dinner ! Fresh quality ingredients, prepared with passion and love (thank you again Inez, Susie and "mammie" !!!) and served by Alessio with a big smile. What else would one want ? Of course, a good bottle of wine. No problem. The wine list has more than enough possibilities. A unique combination which so far we have not found anywhere else, making Santa Maria Degli Ancillotti heaven on earth.

3. Dawn Chorus Holidays - The Pines

The Pines Hall Road Barsham, Beccles NR34 8JN England
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 363 reviews

Dawn Chorus Holidays - The Pines

Dawn Chorus Holidays offers two spacious luxury safari-style canvas lodges and 3 luxury shepherds huts (glamping at its best), the tented lodges can sleep up to 8 people and the Norfolk Horn shepherd hut can sleep up to 2 adults, South Down can sleep up to 4 adults, Texel can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 small children no bigger than 110cm. All the accommodation are of a high standard, with everything you need, including your own toilets and showers. Set on a farm near the beautiful market town of Beccles. You will delight in the space, fresh air and you will love to see all the different farm animals which includes chickens, pigs sheep and cattle. At night time why not sit out and watch the big skies and spectacular sunsets. Soon after you arrive you will be able to switch off and have a deserved break from hectic lifestyles. This is a time to get away from all things modern and resort back to nature.

Relaxing Stay

Reviewed By Sally M

Such a relaxing and refreshing experience in a beautiful setting. Clean, welcoming and charming, homemade cup cakes to welcome us. Hot tub wonderfully soothing. Definitely be back next year and recommend to others.

4. Podere dell'Arco Country Charme

Strada Signorino 3, 01100, Viterbo Italy
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 176 reviews

Podere dell'Arco Country Charme

The ancient farmhouse dating back to the 15th century was once home to a small community of friars. Here one finds hospitality and comfort in an ideal place for relaxation, for observing close up a landscape full of colors, perfumes sensations and traditions.The ancient monastery overlooks a typical Viterbese panorama with a thousand shades of green, a perfect starting point for interesting walks and rides on mountain bike trails.

Too nice to leave....

Reviewed By 15Claire15

If there was a negative to our stay here it was, as the title says, that it was too nice to leave. I had plans for our stay in the area and they almost all went out of the window in favour of wandering round the stables and lazing by the pool. We walked into Viterbo every day and took the bus once but other than that just enjoyed the place. We had a little kitchen area so in the evenings we stayed home and ate there after lunching out. This meant that the fact we were carless and a little way out of town did not matter at all, especially as Anna gave us a lift both ways when we arrived and left. The accommodation in general was great, the bed was comfy and we slept late because the room was so dark thanks to the shutters, bliss. Breakfast too was very nice. If you are looking for a place to relax after a hectic time in Rome choose here you won't be disappointed.

5. Agritur Primo Sole

Vicolo Dei Ponti n. 15, 38023 Cles Italy
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 162 reviews

Agritur Primo Sole

Holiday Farmhouse Primo Sole is located in Mechel, a typical alpine village in Val di Non in Trentino, in the hearth of the Italian Alps. The rooms are spacious, with bathrooms en suite, comfortable, quiet and bright. Windows frames, flooring and furnitures are made of larch and fir wood. Every room is characterized by one color: the blue of the sky, the green of nature, orange and pink of dawn and purple of sunset. All rooms are equipped with satellite TV and fast internet connection (ADSL). The bedding is made of hypoallergenic materials. The bathrooms are comfortable, spacious and equipped with hairdryer, toiletries and towels. Particular attention is paid to cleanliness and hygiene.

avery nice stay

Reviewed By 883ilan

We stayed three nights in this very nice property . It was a very comfortable stay with a wonderfull breakfast. only the wifi is not good enough, in the rooms we can;t get the sign. The attention of Maria was very nice , very good service

6. L'Avenc de Tavertet

Mas l'Avenc, s/n Near Rupit, 08511 Tavertet Spain
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 177 reviews

L'Avenc de Tavertet

L’Avenc is a family home with self-catering cottages, studios and rooms with wonderful views and delicious breakfasts and evening meals. We can cater for business retreats as an unique revenue that will enliven your work team. Yoga retreats, and small family celebrations are welcome. Awarded first prize in Responsible tourism in 2013, we started by restoring the 13th-16th century masia in 1997, where we lived until 2016, to its former glory, have introduced renewable energy in the form of solar panels and a wind generator, and are currently running the cattle farm and co-managing the area of outstanding natural beauty with the trust: Fundació Catalunya-La Pedrera. We finished our new wing (May 2013) and offer from that moment simple rural comfort and delicious breakfasts. We are open nearly all year round and are committed to keeping the countryside beautiful and visitable, keeping small villages alive, employing local residents and to enhancing and supporting animal welfare.

Like something out of James Bond!

Reviewed By 832beverleyp

We immediately felt like we were in a scene out of James Bond when the underground garage doors opened. L’avenc is set in a stunning location and an ideal spot if you are looking for peace and tranquility although if you are active there are some great walks. The hotel is tastefully decorated and very light and open. The food is excellent and the staff very attentive and helpful. We had a studio apartment which was fully equipped which allowed us to cook for ourselves a few times. The rooms are spotless and really my only complaint is the quality of the pillows!

7. Agritur Le Pergolette

Via a Castel Valer 15, 38019 Tassullo Italy
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 219 reviews

Agritur Le Pergolette

Situated in Tassullo (Trento), in the heart of Val di Non, the B&B Agritur Le Pergolette offers confortable, modern, fully equipped two bedroom or three bedroom apartments. Pets are welcomed. From here you can easily visit famous surrounding places like Lake Tove, Madonna di Campiglio and the whole Val di Non.Situato a Tassullo (Trento), nel cuore della Val di Non, l'azienda agrituristica Agritur Le Pergolette offre bilocali o trilocali confortevoli, moderni ed attrezzati. Gli animali sono ben accetti. Da qui potete facilmente visitare i luoghi famosi dei dintorni come il Lago di Tovel, Madonna di Campiglio e tutta la Val di Non.

Great people and great friends

Reviewed By Wander444272

We stumbled upon this place while looking for a mid morning snack. We were fed and also entertained by the family who runs the business, true locals ready to offer stories from the area and tips on what to do! Highly recommend this place and the people, who truly represent the Italian/Trentino spirit!

8. West Woolley Farm

Woolley, Bude EX23 9PP England
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 244 reviews

West Woolley Farm

In the small hamlet of Woolley near Bude in Cornwall England, West Woolley Farm is a group of six cottages accommodating up to 26 people. The Stables sleeps 6, The Mill House sleeps 6, The Parlour sleeps 4 and The Grain Store sleeps 4 - these are situated around a courtyard. Anna's Cottage sleeps 4 is separate from the rest of the cottages and has sea views. Shepherds sleeps 2 and is separate from the others with countryside views.

Lovely Family Holiday

Reviewed By cpj218

We had a lovely stay in Mill House (2 adults 2 small children). It’s a great location to explore the surrounding area which is beautiful. There are lovely beaches nearby and plenty to do. The children loved feeding the animals in the mornings and the play barn was extremely useful for keeping them busy. Christina and Richard were extremely friendly and accommodating and we’d happily return in the future.

9. St Andrews Country Lodges

Cuplahills Farm Balmullo, St. Andrews KY16 0AL Scotland
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 248 reviews

St Andrews Country Lodges

St Andrews Country Lodges offer luxury self catering accommodation on the outskirts of the historic university town of St Andrews, The Home of Golf. The lodges offer an open plan kitchen-diner-lounge, master bedroom with en-suite facilities and two twin rooms with a shared bathroom. The lodges are located on our 3rd generation family farm called Cuplahills. The site benefits form a private entrance and stunning views towards St Andrews bay. The eco-lodges offer luxury accommodation for the discerning traveller with a superb on site kids play park, acres of space to walk and explore around the farm and woodlands and a wealth of attractions in the local area. The lodges are fully equipped so all you need to bring is the family, food, possibly a favourite pet and the desire to relax.

Family trip

Reviewed By rosecB6591MY

Just returned from family break at St Andrews Country Lodges.The lodge was lovely,well equiped with stunning views.The farm tour with Stephen and Freddie was amazing and can't thank them enough for time they gave Luca,lots of memories for him and making our stay enjoyable.Would highly recommend and well worth another visit.

10. Hall Farm Holidays

Hall Farm, Hollington DE6 3GB England
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 207 reviews

Hall Farm Holidays

3 beautifully converted barns in a courtyard setting. Sleeping upto 14 people, the Mews sleeps upto 8, and has a hot tub. The Old Smithy sleeps 4 and the Retreat sleeps 2.

A real gem in beautiful surroundings

Reviewed By BarnseySJB

The retreat is a real gem - well designed and light with quality furnishings throughout. Good size for us and our two dogs, yet still felt cosy. The cottage garden is very private and beautifully planted, with the hot tub a very nice touch. Photos do not do the place justice! One of our dogs is a rescue and very nervous around people / new places - yet he was very happy from the start and we felt really relaxed in secure surroundings as a result. Lovely walks nearby; great pubs and thanks to Philippa for the recommendations, home made cake and fresh eggs! We will return...

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.