Where have I been?... It really takes a lot to get me stressed, but (& I'm sure you'll agree) there comes a point after working continuous 40 hour weeks where your brain slowly begins to frazzle. 
The pressure of buying our first house together (mainly because we don't know what we're doing) has really taken it's toll on Dan & I. And after just over two months of the buying process, we're very nearly homeowners, we can see the light & the end of the tunnel now & it's finally getting to the stage where we can get giddy about having those precious little keys in our hands!
Miraculously finances have worked in our favour & we had a little bit of left over money to treat ourselves with, which was amazing... Hence a no phones, no internet, no stress break to Griffon Forest Lodges.


The lodges are set in Griffon Forest (Duh) just outside of York, which was a perfect location for us as it's only an hours drive from home. We've stayed in a similar lodge before so we kind of had an idea on what to expect, but how this one differed massively is just how outdoorsy & close to the woodlands the lodges are. Surprisingly there are over 50 lodges on the complex, but because each lodge is privatised in its' own little woodland setting, you wouldn't have a clue. It's so peaceful & serene.
The lodges are decorated in a typical log cabin style, heaps of pine & tonnes of cosy fabrics to snuggle up with. 
Griffon Forest Lodges have everything you could ever want, basically they're the most stunning homes from home... Only with a hot tub! 
Gahh I miss that hot tub already, it was amazing.

We decided to get out & about, and explore as much countryside as possible  and even though we forgot our flask we took both our butts on an 8 mile hike. 
We walked from a teeny tinny (& pretty creepy) village called Thixendale (sorry if you live in Thixendale) right over the valleys to Wharram Percy, an aincent village with the most beautifully ruined church. 
I love finding hidden treasures like this! I think people underestimate how beautiful the UK can be.

We also spent a day at Castle Howard, which in all honesty I'm still not 100% what it is, or who it belonged to, but let me tell you something - It's bloody stunning! With over 2000 acres of surrounding woodland & gardens as well as the actual house itself you could literally spend all day there. I'm really into architecture & interior design yet it was the outside space that blew me away - It's certainly given me ideas for my own garden in the new house... Even though we have nowhere near the amount of space!



We spent an amazing, blissful five days in the lodge which is exactly what the doctor ordered. We were out exploring most days (I didn't want to bombard you with scenery photos) so it actually feels like it's been a really tiring week, especially on my little legs, but it's been fantastic. 
Perfect to get away from it all, forget about the house stress, the social media pressures & get back to basics... Not that a hot tub's a basic, but you know what I mean.


I'm sure I'll be back blogging regularly in the next week or so, but for now I'm just going to chill out and relax & more importantly wish I was still in the tub!

Claire.x

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8 comments

  • Anonymous says:

    Aww, how lovely! Bet you feel much more refreshed and chilled now! The lodge looks great - hot tub envy! And lots of lovely places to explore. It's great to get away for a while; you can forget about everything! Have a great weekend. xxx
    http://www.justemma.co.uk - natural beauty, affordable fashion, everyday life

    Reply
    • clairemac says:

      Definitely πŸ™‚ It's been a real struggle getting back to work. Ha. Sometimes I think I'd rather do holidays like this rather than go abroad, I love getting away & forgetting about it all. X

      Reply
  • Big Fashionista says:

    this looks amazing. I imagine it was so relaxing!!!! Great pics. Now I want to go. X

    Reply
    • clairemac says:

      Oh it was! It was brilliant πŸ™‚ What I wouldn't give to be back there right now! You definitely should.. They do fab last minute deals too! X

      Reply
  • Laura says:

    I've stopped here before, so lovely and relaxing! xx Laura | lauraslittleloves

    Reply
    • clairemac says:

      It's fantastic isn't it! πŸ™‚ X

      Reply
  • Tamzin Swann says:

    Ah it looks so lovely and peaceful! I went to a similar place last year and really enjoyed it, a lot more than I expected too! xx

    http://www.throughneweyesx.com

    Reply
    • clairemac says:

      It really was! It's a brilliant experience isn't it πŸ™‚ I'm certainly missing it now! X

      Reply

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